Good morning msfins. I’m not sure we can ever determine what the reason is for our gift. I just know that I need to begin to focus on things that I can eventually do to help others - either through volunteer work, or picking my career back up - with a new focus.
Fortunately for me, those down days post-transplant have receded as I continue to feel better. Music really helps my mood - and I’m even able to show my family some of my favorite dance moves - despite limitations on twisting! We just laugh at the silliness and the endorphins start to take over. I even dance on Zoom for the kids.
I recommend you think about what activities make you feel good - and just try to engage in them as best you can - while your body heals. When I was first post-transplant - I never thought my life would be the same again. What I am finding is that it is definitely different - but my perspective has been broadened. In a crazy way - it’s been very impactful on how I plan to live my life going forward - with gratitude for every single day - and thankfulness for my donor’s ultimate gift.

I am 7 months out post liver transplant - related to my history of ulcerative colitis. It all happened very fast, though it felt slow at the time. I'm 54. I can remember the very early days - I was in the hospital for 2 weeks post transplant, returned home for VNA services. I was hugely swollen and thought it would never end. Within 2 months I shed all of my water weight (55 lbs!!) and as it was coming off it was much easier to move, so I began taking walks and it came off even faster. I kept reminding myself, when I was acutely discouraged, that I was no longer yellow, and it ended my hepatic encephalopathy episodes which were awful. I still feel even better but I am getting my physical strength back etc. I've made it a point - mostly for emotions which can be intense -- look at what we've had to cope with and what continues to await us! -- I get outside everyday and exercise each day and it helps with my mood. I also make sure I call or write a friend each day to keep myself in the world. Illness and recovery can be very lonely and will bring us to our knees at times. My post transplant nurse reminds me "give yourself some grace" when I am feeling discouraged and this simple message is grounding to me. So, please give yourself some grace in these early days, it gets so much better.

Hi @msfins
Negative thoughts pop into my head all the time. I've found the best way to deal with them is not to push them away or ignore them, but acknowledge them, honor them in a way. Then, once I develop a friendlier relationship with my negative thoughts, I find it much easier to deliberately move my attention onto something more positive. But I can't do this until I have allowed the negative thoughts to be there. Congratulations on your transplant!