Connect
← Return to Incisional hernia after transplant: Anyone else?
Discussion
Incisional hernia after transplant: Anyone else?
Transplants | Last Active: Oct 28, 2023 | Replies (173)Comment receiving replies
@kathycaudle, I am smiling because I understand your concern about being 73 in July because I just turned 73 last week! During my 10th year follow-up for my liver/kidney transplant at Mayo, I asked about what I need to do to live another 10 years and the doctor responded; "Get your routine labs, take your meds, and no alcohol". It sounds pretty easy, but like you, I have my concerns about complications. I think that what he was really telling me was to remain alert and active in adherence to post transplant protocol.
Kathy, I am sorry that that you might have to live with this 'thing', and at least the modern fashions allow for loose flowing tops. Seriously, I commend you for getting it checked out. It sounds to me like a risk vs benefit situation, and that is not always a comfortable thing. I don't remember where you got your transplant or the cause of your liver failure. Does your PCP have any communication with them? Do they have an opinion on this approach?
When is your appointment with PCP?
Replies to "@kathycaudle, I am smiling because I understand your concern about being 73 in July because I..."
Connect
Hi Rosemary...thanks for your concern. I was diagnosed in 2014 with non alcoholic cirrhosis, after years of being treated for GERD, stomach issues, etc. In 2016 I developed liver cancer. In January 2019 the tumor had grown enough to do something...the only answer for me to live was a transplant. I live in California and have Kaiser insurance. Kaiser doesn't do transplants so they sent me to Mayo Jacksonville...which was a true blessing. Other than many MRI'S, CT'S ,labs and nearly 30 ED'S I was basically asymptomatic. I received my transplant 11/19...all went great.
I came back home in January 2020. Three weeks after coming home I got very sick..bronchitis ,sinusitis, laryngitis...coughing day & night for several weeks,which was the start of my hernia. Because of all the antibiotics I developed C-def, later severe constipation... that's where I'm at with the hernia.
26 months post and I still have some issues, but overall feel good and very blessed to be alive. My appt with my PCP is next week...I really want his opinion. I'm hoping he can gaze into a crystal ball and advise me to go with surgery or just live my life as best I can.
Back in January 2019, the choice was simple..I wanted to live, the only way was a transplant. Now is somewhat different, can I live as I am with this growth inside & outside my body or as I get older will my chances of survival get less. I'm open for any advise.