I had liver transplant 5/30/20 and all went extremely well and even left hospital 2 days early. In Nov., I mention I had gained 5 lbs. and did this until I successfully had gained 45 lbs. Not until Feb., did I start having pain in lower R side and near belly button. Three trips to ER, many tests and no sign or indication that anything was wrong. By then, I became extremely discouraged, exhausted and at this point angry. Finally, in May this year a baby size belly popped out my front right side. NOW, I couldn’t get enough help. No scientific evidence or test detected it, but seeing is believing. I was told by a Trauma surgeon that, I needed a complete abdominal was reconstruction. Operation would require him as the Trauma Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon doing a tag team match sort of thing. I was just about ready to be scheduled for surgery when it was put on hold due to COVID.
Needless to say I am currently waiting as patiently as I can, due to the situation. (I hope I don’t deliver in the meantime). Had to add a little humor. Has anyone else had this type of dilemma?
Hi...my liver transplant was 11/10/19. Everything exceptionally well. In June 2020 I started to develope a lemon on the left side...I now have a large honeydew! I'm female and it sticks out further than my breasts. All my Dr's say if it doesn't hurt or bother you physically leave it alone as the surgery to repair is worse than transplant. With covid only my primary Dr as actually seen it, transplant Dr only phone or video appts. I've sent him pictures,but he doesn't seem to worry. I have little pain now and then, but that's all. Good luck to us🤗💚
Hi...my liver transplant was 11/10/19. Everything exceptionally well. In June 2020 I started to develope a lemon on the left side...I now have a large honeydew! I'm female and it sticks out further than my breasts. All my Dr's say if it doesn't hurt or bother you physically leave it alone as the surgery to repair is worse than transplant. With covid only my primary Dr as actually seen it, transplant Dr only phone or video appts. I've sent him pictures,but he doesn't seem to worry. I have little pain now and then, but that's all. Good luck to us🤗💚
Sorry for your “honey dew” and COVID is definitely my 1st concern. My baby is weighing in much larger and is going to be a big baby boy. Starts under breast’s, goes down the length to under belly and wraps around my whole side to back area. I have a waist line on my left side, but have to wear a 2X for my other side. With all this, they wanted me to lose 30 lbs., prior to surgery. Very hard as exercising was a challenge. Finally reached goal and was proud and anxious to get operation over. Yes, very lengthy surgery (extensive, per Dr.) and recovery will be another challenge, grateful for the weight loss. I am still seeing my Trauma Surgeon and transplant team to be sure my lab levels stay stable.
Best of luck and We’ll Wishes to all those who are awaiting some type of surgery or procedure
Hi...my liver transplant was 11/10/19. Everything exceptionally well. In June 2020 I started to develope a lemon on the left side...I now have a large honeydew! I'm female and it sticks out further than my breasts. All my Dr's say if it doesn't hurt or bother you physically leave it alone as the surgery to repair is worse than transplant. With covid only my primary Dr as actually seen it, transplant Dr only phone or video appts. I've sent him pictures,but he doesn't seem to worry. I have little pain now and then, but that's all. Good luck to us🤗💚
I just realized how ironic it is that I was in the hospital recovering from Liver Transplant and also my 1st hernia (1 day post-op) and you at that same time found your “Lemon” size Hernia, that now is a “Honey Dew”. Mine is now a “Pumpkin”, just in time for Fall! We are quite the Bunch!
Got a call last week from Shand’s Trauma/Plastics Team and I have appt. next week to revisit surgery dates.
I just realized how ironic it is that I was in the hospital recovering from Liver Transplant and also my 1st hernia (1 day post-op) and you at that same time found your “Lemon” size Hernia, that now is a “Honey Dew”. Mine is now a “Pumpkin”, just in time for Fall! We are quite the Bunch!
Got a call last week from Shand’s Trauma/Plastics Team and I have appt. next week to revisit surgery dates.
@melody12, I am happy to hear that you have been called for an appointment. I know how dreadfully disappointed you were when the surgery had to be delayed. I cannot imagine the discomfort that you must be experiencing.
Are you still looking at a complete abdominal wall reconstruction? Did you have the opportunity to get your concerns and questions answered by the surgeon before the delay due to hospital restrictions? What kind of a recovery have you been told to expect?
Now a fun question - Will you be looking at some clothes shopping after surgery and recovery?
@melody12, I am happy to hear that you have been called for an appointment. I know how dreadfully disappointed you were when the surgery had to be delayed. I cannot imagine the discomfort that you must be experiencing.
Are you still looking at a complete abdominal wall reconstruction? Did you have the opportunity to get your concerns and questions answered by the surgeon before the delay due to hospital restrictions? What kind of a recovery have you been told to expect?
Now a fun question - Will you be looking at some clothes shopping after surgery and recovery?
Hi Rosemary, Thank you for your concern and your questions. Yes, it’s still going to be a complete abdominal wall reconstruction (wish it included my butt)!! I am real close to the BMI that they wanted prior to surgery. I need to make a list of questions to include Post-Op Recovery Instructions after delivering a “Pumpkin”. My insurance allows for Home Health Visits up to 3 mos., so that is really a blessing for me & my family of Caregivers ❤️. Rosemary, I never need a reason to shop, but the answer is YES I will!!!
Hi...my liver transplant was 11/10/19. Everything exceptionally well. In June 2020 I started to develope a lemon on the left side...I now have a large honeydew! I'm female and it sticks out further than my breasts. All my Dr's say if it doesn't hurt or bother you physically leave it alone as the surgery to repair is worse than transplant. With covid only my primary Dr as actually seen it, transplant Dr only phone or video appts. I've sent him pictures,but he doesn't seem to worry. I have little pain now and then, but that's all. Good luck to us🤗💚
@kathycaudle, I see that you will be celebrating your 2nd liver transplant anniversary in November. That is a big event and I hope that you will do something special - even a little something - to celebrate the day.
My transplant team (Mayo) schedules an annual evaluation that includes labs, scans, and physical exams to monitor my ongoing health and the health of my transplanted liver and kidney. If your transplant department requires that, it would be a perfect time for you to get answers about your swelling abdomen.
What has your transplant doctor said about your abdominal swelling? What kind of tests or scans have you had to monitor your current liver health while living with this thing?
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@melody12, Good morning. I am confused and so I want to ask you - Did you already have your abdominal wall reconstruction? Or is it still delayed?
It is still on delay.
Hi...my liver transplant was 11/10/19. Everything exceptionally well. In June 2020 I started to develope a lemon on the left side...I now have a large honeydew! I'm female and it sticks out further than my breasts. All my Dr's say if it doesn't hurt or bother you physically leave it alone as the surgery to repair is worse than transplant. With covid only my primary Dr as actually seen it, transplant Dr only phone or video appts. I've sent him pictures,but he doesn't seem to worry. I have little pain now and then, but that's all. Good luck to us🤗💚
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1 ReactionSorry for your “honey dew” and COVID is definitely my 1st concern. My baby is weighing in much larger and is going to be a big baby boy. Starts under breast’s, goes down the length to under belly and wraps around my whole side to back area. I have a waist line on my left side, but have to wear a 2X for my other side. With all this, they wanted me to lose 30 lbs., prior to surgery. Very hard as exercising was a challenge. Finally reached goal and was proud and anxious to get operation over. Yes, very lengthy surgery (extensive, per Dr.) and recovery will be another challenge, grateful for the weight loss. I am still seeing my Trauma Surgeon and transplant team to be sure my lab levels stay stable.
Best of luck and We’ll Wishes to all those who are awaiting some type of surgery or procedure
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1 ReactionIt was Shand’s in Gainsville
I just realized how ironic it is that I was in the hospital recovering from Liver Transplant and also my 1st hernia (1 day post-op) and you at that same time found your “Lemon” size Hernia, that now is a “Honey Dew”. Mine is now a “Pumpkin”, just in time for Fall! We are quite the Bunch!
Got a call last week from Shand’s Trauma/Plastics Team and I have appt. next week to revisit surgery dates.
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2 ReactionsHi...what a coincidence 🤔 prayers and wishes that everything goes well at your appt...please keep me in touch💕
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4 Reactions@melody12, I am happy to hear that you have been called for an appointment. I know how dreadfully disappointed you were when the surgery had to be delayed. I cannot imagine the discomfort that you must be experiencing.
Are you still looking at a complete abdominal wall reconstruction? Did you have the opportunity to get your concerns and questions answered by the surgeon before the delay due to hospital restrictions? What kind of a recovery have you been told to expect?
Now a fun question - Will you be looking at some clothes shopping after surgery and recovery?
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Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi Rosemary, Thank you for your concern and your questions. Yes, it’s still going to be a complete abdominal wall reconstruction (wish it included my butt)!! I am real close to the BMI that they wanted prior to surgery. I need to make a list of questions to include Post-Op Recovery Instructions after delivering a “Pumpkin”. My insurance allows for Home Health Visits up to 3 mos., so that is really a blessing for me & my family of Caregivers ❤️. Rosemary, I never need a reason to shop, but the answer is YES I will!!!
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Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@kathycaudle, I see that you will be celebrating your 2nd liver transplant anniversary in November. That is a big event and I hope that you will do something special - even a little something - to celebrate the day.
My transplant team (Mayo) schedules an annual evaluation that includes labs, scans, and physical exams to monitor my ongoing health and the health of my transplanted liver and kidney. If your transplant department requires that, it would be a perfect time for you to get answers about your swelling abdomen.
What has your transplant doctor said about your abdominal swelling? What kind of tests or scans have you had to monitor your current liver health while living with this thing?
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Hug
3 Reactions