Incisional hernia after transplant: Anyone else?

@gaylea1, It has been a while since I've had the opportunity to sit down and send you a "Thinking of You 💐" greeting and to catch up with what's happening with you.
Are you still scheduled to have your procedure on Mar 30? Do you know how long you will be in hospital? Or what to expect with your recovery?

@rosemarya hi Rosemary. They have found another block in my bile duct so I will have to undergo yet another ERCP. My last stent was removed June 20/2020. This will be my 6th ERCP and if you remember I've protracted pancreatitis every time and had lengthy stays in hospital. This will be a new surgeon so fingers crossed it will be more successful. In Feb I had a cat scan, ultra sound, MRI and colonoscopy. They removed a cluster of polyps in my colon. The surgeon will have to wait until the blockage is removed and my bile duct is viable before any surgery can be done for the incisional hernias as they will have to use mesh to close up my tears. A long process ahead but I'm up to it.

@gaylea1, My fingers and even my toes are crossed for a better ERCP experience for you. You sound positive and I am hopeful that the new doctor might have some special skills that you need. FYI - I had my share of ERCPs and they have been at 3 different locations (local, regional transplant, Mayo transplant) and each one has been handled a bit differently.

Have you asked why you are having such difficulty with pancreatitis after your ERCPs? Do you have your native bile duct or the one with your donated liver? I have neither, as my liver disease was a bile duct disease and so I have a re-created plumbing system that I believe is called a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. I don't know if anybody else has that, but thought I would mention it.

Gayle, Please keep in touch. And in the meantime, please know that you will be in my prayers for successful treatment and comfortable recovery. You are a strong lady! And I'm happy to 'travel' with you. 💚

I miss hearing from all of you. I hope that you are feeling well, and that your transplants are happy.

@gaylea1, I miss hearing your 'voice'. Have you had your procedures? I hope you are healing and having a better-than-expected recovery.

I am nearing my annual visit to Mayo, and getting excited about traveling. My kids are getting tired of me saying, "Roadtrip"! It is a big deal, and I actually do enjoy the 13 hour/2 day drive that my husband and I make each year. In the spring it is fascinating (to me) to watch the landscape and seasonal blossoms change as we go from Kentucky to Minnesota and the reversal on the return trip.

@melody12, @kathycaudle, @jackie421blfdgurl, @nimalw,
Do you have any information or updates about hernia repair and recovery as you?
What are you doing these days?

Hi hi hi.....so glad you r going on your well trip
I go Nx Thursday to N.Y. Mt. Sinai for my tests...and I complain about my traffic in the tunnel and driving in the crazy city...and YOU are driving from Kentucky to Minn...I should put my tail between my legs and go to a corner....b safe in your travels..i shall say a prayer to keep u safe....tomorrow is my birthday yahoo...21 again...love that age...let us know when u return......happy trails...to u..until we meet again....Roy Roger's n Dale Evans oops!! I just dated myself...oh crap..byeee

Happy Birthday, Jackie! Hope you have a non-crowded highway for the trip. Over night?
I’m not going for my eval until MidMay. Tomorrow is my transplant anniversary, though!

@jackie421blfdgurl, How are you getting on while waiting for your surgery?

You mentioned in another discussion that you needed daily naps and I want to share that I also needed naps in the afternoon. Gradually my naps became shorter, and then not necessary everyday. However, I always permit myself to a good nap when my body tells me to slow down. Even now, after 12 years since my transplant and recovery, I like to treat myself to a good nap, sometimes I even plan my daily activities around it! I hope that you are also able to work a nap into your day when you feel you need one. I wonder if your energy will pick up after your hernia repair and recovery.

I had a surgical procedure at my transplant hospital after my 1st year of transplant. I was treated by my transplant team as they were the ones to diagnose my problem. My transplant surgeon was even the one who performed the surgery, and that made me real comfortable going into it. A real treat for me was to re-connect with some of the nursing staff on the transplant floor! It was like a reunion because I had spent so much time on that floor before and during my transplant. We had a few days to catch up on big events like my recovery and adventures, marriages, babies, etc.

I am sending my thoughts and wishes for a successful surgery and a comfortable recovery. I am here if you would like to chat or if there is any way I can help you to prepare for your visit.
Will your surgery be at your transplant hospital while you are doing your check up? Will you be able to have someone with you?

Hi Rosy..thank y for thinking about me during my second crappy trip to the OR!!!!
How r u? How did your ck up go? Mine went well.dr.keeps an eye on kidneys.they don't like
Tacrolimus..oh well ! I hope all members r doing well....still want to get that bus trip going!!u take care...😁

@jackie421blfdgurl, So sorry to hear of your OR visit. My most recent one was last October, I really don't want another one anytime soon, Are you okay now?
My check up - it was perfect. Except that I goofed on my meds on the night before my labs, so I had everything except the tacrolimus test which was delayed until 2nd morning. I am so happy to say that everything was in the Normal Range!!!! On our (hubby and me) way out the door after my final appointment, the PA asked me how I was going to celebrate. (We planned 5 day mini vacation) I told her that I was going to splurge on ice cream. She told me that, 'with my good numbers, I could enjoy as much ice cream as I wanted!' So I am proud to say that I followed my doctor's orders! YumYum!

Jackie, Take a look at this discussion about tacrolimus and kidney where @hello1234 is also dealing with kidney concerns. (just click on the link) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transplant-tacronlimis-target-range/