Brain fog update

@jodeej Your husband's body had a major trauma, going through the transplant. The body and mind are miracle machines but they still need time to adjust to a new way of being. In this case the transplant, meds and all of the surrounding issues those can cause. Anyways that is my thought on the matter, after hearing that the doctor has ruled out tumor or dementia. That is great news isn't it! I had a sleep study a couple of years ago but it was a problem. Being so uncomfortable [sleep on my back due to probes everywhere] I could not get any sleep and could not get into a deep sleep. It was exhausting. We will look forward to hearing the results of the sleep study!
Ginger

Great to hear from you @jodeej and even better to read the good news about your husband! WOOT! WOOT!

I imagine his being back to work has been a major achievement and wonderful to read! What a terrific accomplishment!

Wishing you happy holidays and good news on the sleep study front!
Cheers to you both!

JoDee, there have been times when my meds (prograf) has been out of the prescribed range, and it has affected my brain. When this has occurred, I have an extremely difficult time focusing, am easily distracted, easily frustrated and moody. A few years ago at Christmas time, I could not tolerate the noise and commotion in the stores, and couldn't even pull my car into a parking space where I had 3 in a row to choose from. When I almost ignored a red light while out with husband, I decided to call my coordinator. She told me to get labs and prograf level checked, and sure enough my level had gone too high. My dosage was lowered, and the symptoms diminished. Of course, more labs followed.

I have learned to live with lists. I have learned to not even think about multitasking. I have learned that I must not make a quick decision because I need time to process the information. I have come to accept that I am easily confused when in a new situation. I don't risk driving in heavy traffic, or have music on, or carry on a conversation when I drive. My med levels have remain unchanged for 4 years.

I am happy that your husband is feeling ready to start back to work. I will be watching for updates .

@gingerw @jodeej hello there! Just a note regarding the brain fog and sleep. I had my livef transplant Nov 28th 2018 and have been lucky enough to have not suffered from any brain fog. It pretty much lifted after surgery. Sleep though has been another matter. I cant get comfortable and sleep in only short spurts at a time. My surgery was 8 and a half hours and being on my back so long has caused a great deal of back pain. I am told this will subside in a week or two. I hope that your husbands brain fog lifts soon.

Ginger, he was covered in wires! Thankfully, it was after his first day back at work so he was exhausted, plus her was able to do it at home. He said he slept good. 🙂

@rosemarya thank you so much for sharing your prograf med experiences. I have already had my prograf med bumped up. I found out today i may have a blocked duct and had an ultrasound and a CT Scan today . A stent may be required. I am so nervous and upset. I have been ubable to decorate this Christmas and i usually have the house done by end of Nov. I cant tolerate conversations and feel like such a Grinch. Maybe it is the prograf increase? Christmas shopping has been restricted to online. But...i havd a liver!!!

@gaylea1
So good to hear from You! Merry Christmas.
Don't worry about the decorations...its just a present having your family and friends around you. Good luck with your tests on the stent! I pray you will get stronger each day...

Take care of you! Going out to stores to shop and decorating arrange the "reason for the season" though they are fun. Celebrate this second chance on life with family and friends.
Prayers for healing and that you don't need the stint.
Blessings,
JoDee

@jodeej I am so happy that his return to work went well, that must have been a hurdle. I am also very encouraged for him by the responses of others like @rosemarya who have suffered from some degree of brain fog from the immunosuppressants. That must be a relief for you. Hopefully if that's the problem they will be able to put him on a lesser amount.
Right now I am pretty much at the minimum dose of immunosuppressants that they feel comfortable with. They are keeping it low (but within range of course) because it was having an effect on my kidneys, but things seem great now, and I am sure they will be for you husband too. It will be certainly be a much better Christmas for you now that you can rest assured that it is not dementia or a brain tumor.
JK

Gaylea, Yes! You have a liver! 🎄
Pour yourself a cup of tea, and sit back, prop your feet up. This is the time for you to relax. Put aside your notion of creating a picture perfect Christmas with all the bell, ribbons, and foods. This is not a 'normal' year for you! You don't need to add any stress to your Miraculous New Life right now. Your body has been through a serious major surgery, and it needs time to heal and recover, something only you can provide.
Christmas comes every year, so save the decorations for next November. - Remember that you have been on a long journey - a miserable journey, as you approached your transplant. Even times when it seemed like it wouldn't happen.

Place a pointsettia in a prominent place to enjoy, or ask a friend or loved one to put up a few special decorations (Remember to ask them to return to take them down, too) The delis, restaurants, even grocery stores have fabulous takeouts that will ease the burden of holiday treats.

My experience was that the medicines changed often in the beginning as my body adjusted. This should level off over time, though. That is why we transplant people have so many blood draws. I assume that you are in contact with your transplant team about your level of stress and nervousness. They need to know because many peopls have had similar experiences post surgery.

Let me know what you find out about the stents. I send you my love.
PS - When things calm down for you, I hope you will get back to doing your diamond painting.