Liver transplant: My finger joints locked on my left hand

Posted by grateful76 @grateful76, Aug 21 12:05pm

Hello everyone,

I’m now about 3½ years post liver transplant, and I’m incredibly grateful for my transplant and for the gift of a second chance at life.

Around 10 months after my transplant surgery, the middle joints of four fingers on my left hand became locked. Since then, I have not been able to bend those fingers or make a fist with my left hand.

I have been going to Occupational Therapy for my hand. I have also had X-rays and an ultrasound, but so far, they have not shown a clear cause for the problem.

I’m wondering if anyone else who has had a liver transplant has experienced something similar?

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

craigcraig | @craigcraig | Aug 21 2:32pm

Hi Grateful. I had a liver transplant 2.5 years ago at Mayo Scottsdale. And am also doing about as well as can be expected. I have not had your hand issue nor have heard of that amongst other liver transplant patients I know or talked with. While your hand issue has to be difficult and impactful for life. I am so glad it is not life threatening and that you are still standing . Glad you seem otherwise well and am grateful (as I am ) for your second chance for life and that you have the opportunity to have this challenge and difficult issue. Very best of luck with your hand and in every way ! (----:

jimb43581921 | @jimb43581921 | Aug 22 10:22am

I am a little over 2 years post liver transplant. I don't have locking of joints but I do occasionally get hand and leg cramps. I attribute the cramps to overworking and/or electrolyte issues which can be exacerbated by Tacrolimus. Staying hydrated and keeping my magnesium, potassium and sodium levels where they need to be has helped me mitigate the cramping issue.

Hope that helps,
Jim

michael219 | @michael219 | Aug 24 8:54pm

Hmm, an interesting post. I say that as I am three weeks post a living kidney transplant, and I am experiencing fingers locking on both hands. It usually only lasts several seconds to about a minute as I "gently" try to release them. It has impacted my right hand several times as I opened a water bottle, no fun! This has also happened with my right lower leg as I was trying to get it through shorts. Before my transplant, I was taking Curcumin for severe thumb arthritis, magnesium, and had been on TRT for decades. Both were stopped due to transplant restrictions. The consensus (including AI) is that the stoppage of these, plus the now daily Tacrolimus, has caused a "perfect storm" exacerbating these issues. I am waiting for approval to resume testosterone injections with the hope it helps, since Curcumin is off the table due to its interaction with the Tacrolimus. Here's to continued good health, and finding a solution for your hands/fingers!

PS: My kidney transplant was 8/5/26 at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
There are not enough words to describe how fortunate we are to be here and receiving such outstanding care!! I am grateful...!

michael219 | @michael219 | 1 day ago

Just a quick follow up: two TRT injections (.5ml) ~14 days apart has helped immensely. That, combined with my body adjusting to the transplant medications, has significantly reduced the negative side effects!