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Liver transplant - Let's support each other
What topics do people who are waiting for a liver transplant want to talk about? Who has had a liver transplant and wants to talk about?
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@frankw54 @rosemarya Of course, Frank is also blessedly beyond this, but I am happy to answer any questions that anyone may have about HE episodes. For me, it was the most horrible part of cirrhosis, other than when I was having one I was entirely lucid and cognizant, but when I had those episodes it was beyond horrible.
JK
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1 Reaction@jodeej I am so relieved to hear that Tim is improving. I was going to PM you if I hadn't heard in the next day or two. Praying that the improvements continue.
JK
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2 ReactionsSue, I did not find any information about Psoriatic Cirrhosis. I did see some references that mention that autoimmune diseases like psoriatic arthritis can affect other organs, including liver. Also, there are many diseases that are non alcoholic. This could be a rare condition, or a combination of conditions. Either way, I want you to share this link to Mayo Liver Transplant Department with them. They can read about the Mayo Liver transplant Dept, and use the Contact information to speak to someone in the liver transplant dept about a second opinion.
Liver Transplant Program
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/liver-transplant/home/orc-20211818
I am a patient, and from my own experience, every liver patient has a journey that is as unique as that individual. I do not know, nor am I qualified to answer your questions about specific treatment, consequences, outcomes. Those questions should be addressed only by your friends liver specialist. I am willing, and available to provide any support, resources, and information from my own experiences that could be helpful. I received my own combined liver and kidney transplant at Mayo in 2009.
Let me know how I, or any of our members can be of support. We are always eager to talk with fellow patients on our health journeys.
@suecreader, Will you send an update? Or better, yet, Invite your friend to join the conversation here on Mayo Connect.
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1 Reaction@banzai Jim. I am so sorry to hear about your situation. Medicine is so individualized, and everybody reacts to it differently. The unfortunate part, as you are experiencing is that medical science has not yet reached the point of satisfaction and healing.
Sleeping can be a difficulty with liver disease. I am guessing that you doze a lot during the day. What do you do to pass the time?
How can I support you during this difficult time?
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1 Reaction@suecreader @rosemarya I googled "Psoriatic Cirrhosis" (slightly different spelling) and did see a number of things that might be applicable. Sue, you could try that if you have not already. I found it interesting that psoriasis can be related to many other things, I never knew that. What I did know from having cirrhosis that our livers have an influence on so much within our bodies - it's amazing.
JK
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1 ReactionI try doze but with lactulose n rixfamin n side effects n stomach I can’t rest. Trying alt Meds but docs use meds n side effects r diarrhea n eat n but all matter is trying get transplant. I was Military aircre b combat vet n learned fly after n dive etc. also writer n photography but now too I’ll n tired. If I do one thing day that’s it. I went from 205-135 in year. So I’m cold all time. I gotta get comforter n electric blanket. Thanks for caring. I’m n Facebook but opinionated ha.
@banzai When I had cirrhosis, prior to my transplant, I too was cold and tired all of the time. I would wear flannel pajamas to bed with a fleece jacket on. Those are both symptoms of cirrhosis. Also, diabetes is pretty common with cirrhosis. I was diagnosed with diabetes long before I was diagnosed with cirrhosis. When I was finally was diagnosed with cirrhosis I was told by a hepatologist that I probably had it for about 10 years, it takes a while to announce itself. If you are not seeing a hepatologist you should try to.
Lactulose always upset my stomach too. Diluting it with some flavored soda water helped it to go down easier. I was on just xifaxan for a while and that had no bad effects for me. As my cirrhosis progressed I had to resume taking lactulose along with xifaxan. It's a necessary evil and the diarrhea is actually an intended effect to get the toxins out of your system to prevent hepatic encephalopathy episodes (HE). It is one of the very few drugs that the patient has to titrate themselves to achieve 3 - 4 soft bowel movements a day. If you are having more diarrhea than that ask your doctor -- he or she will probably tell you to decrease the amount you are taking.
JK
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1 ReactionThank you so much for your research and support @rosemarya. I very much appreciate this info. Turns out I had the term wrong since when I was encouraging and reiterating your message about joining the Connect group, I was informed that the condition was Psoriatic Arthritis, and it turns out that this is also affecting his liver. I guess by the time I got home, I was thinking cirrhosis due to the impact on the liver. Would I possibly find info about the Psoriatic Arthritis under Auto Immune Diseases? I am encouraging him to joint this group.
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1 ReactionBelly swollen. Hurt to tears. What to do
@banzai,
Jim, Have you called your doctor?
When my belly got swollen and hurt, it was time for a paracenthesis which is a procedure to drain the excess fluids off your abdomen. I had many of the other symptoms that you have alrady described.
Get it checked. Make the call to your doctor.
Hugs to you. I know what you are feeling. Keep me updated.