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What helps with post liver transplant fatigue?
Transplants | Last Active: Oct 4, 2022 | Replies (73)Comment receiving replies
I continue to have a feeling that people I interact with including my healthcare team do not understand how tired and fatigued I feel often and how my endurance has dropped following pre transplant cancer related surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation treatments and post transplant medications. Most people except family see me for short durations when I have rested and often taken a well timed nap before planned activity when I appear to be functional as any normal person, hence difficult for most to understand the limitations. Hard for those who haven’t been through similar circumstances to relate to us.
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I know what mean! After transplant we look healthy again and we feel better that we can remember. However, we still need medications, rest, healthy diet, safe hygiene (hand washing, avoiding buffets and crowds, no alcoholic beverages etc) .
One of my favorite responses that I get when people learn that I am a transplant recipient is, "...but you look so healthy!" I have yet to ask them, "How would you expect me to look?"
I like how you have discovered the benefits of a nap in preparation for a planned activity. In addition to that, I have a wonderful husband who understands that an early exit is acceptable.
I have some friends who were with me as my liver failed and when I was jaundiced and swollen with ascites and edema, and when I could barely get up to walk. They are surprised that I "still" have to take medications and precautions. It is a good time for me to explain why I need the medications and is well received. These same friends are now the ones who are extremely careful about where we go for any luncheon get-together.
As I have moved further out from my transplant, I need fewer naps. Maybe it is because I have learned to balance my activities and rest, maybe it is what happens after passage of time, or maybe a combination of both.