Dealing with memory issues after transplant: What helps?

Hello @jazbear80roman You have been very fortunate to have 2 gifts of life with your kidney transplants. That’s a lot to go through and it is truly an amazing gift. I know you don’t want to do anything to jeopardize your newly transplanted organ. The best source of information for what type of supplements you can use is your transplant team. Some herbal remedies and over the counter drugs can interfere with your immunosuppressants and other critical medications you’re taking to preserve the health of your kidney.

We have several members in the forum who also experienced memory loss and trouble concentrating due to the medications they’re on, usually Tacrolimus. You might find this conversation helpful with @ssapp1 @patrickski98 @jackie421blfdgurl and others as they discuss their experiences. Feel free to pop into any conversation. If you want to respond to a specific member, make sure you tag them by using their @name in your reply.

Memory issues while taking Tacrolimus.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/memory-issues-while-taking-tacrolimus/?pg=1#comment-787563
What is the immunosuppressant you’re taking?

Hi Lori...thanks for bringing me in that conversation... any
Conversation...beach..clothes ..news...wine...kidding
Have a good day. Ps. What I would like to know is after our transplants have most or not at all patients returned to work full time? My profession I wk with children.. my doctor was not happy about that and I came down w/ covid.i quit..the parents were always sending kids to school sick..I couldn't
Take those chances.still don't like being in
crowds indoors.

Hi Jackie, working with children is a high risk position following any transplant. The anti-rejection meds which are immunosuppressants make us vulnerable and unable to fight off infections and illnesses. And you’re right, adorable as they are, children are little germ bombs. I’m sorry you had to give up your career.

I know you had 2 kidney transplants but there is a current discussion about returning to work after a liver transplants. The guidelines are the same for all of us on immunosuppressants.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/working-post-liver-transplant/
I know a number of people with transplants who have returned to a relatively normal life and work schedule. I was already retired when I had my bone marrow transplant so work wasn’t a factor. Had it happened earlier in my life, I’m pretty sure that I would no longer have been a dental assistant as that would have been very risky for exposure to numerous potential illness.
Being retired, I’m still really active, my husband and I travel, shop, visit with friends/relatives. However we are always on guard. I wear a mask anytime I’m with people inside…even my own home. We ask anyone who comes into our house to mask up. It’s seldom an issue. I still wipe down groceries and other articles that come into our home. We don’t eat at restaurants unless we can be outdoors. There are dietary restrictions intended to avoid food borne illnesses. It’s just really important to remain mindful to protect our health. It starts with masking, avoiding crowded areas, thorough hand washing, etc.

Then, there’s the energy level to consider. As transplantees, we’re never 100%, so there are days when we need to recoup. Having job flexibility would be important.
Have you thought about what your next career path might be?

Hello @jackie421blfdgurl
My doctor said that I could return to work and I am looking for a new job. I had to stop working due to having COVID with pneumonia and then having my lung function plumate afterwards. Since I am not able to take public transportation until 1 year post tx, I need to either work remotely or drive and find parking (not easy or cheap in NYC). Although there are many remote positions, I am not ready to take a large (50%) salary decrease and there are many people that want to work remotely now. I will continue to look and wish you good luck finding another position.

Good morning
I too had to leave a job I loved, working in an elementary school. With the lifting of mask mandates and the new variants I didn't want to take a chance. Also my Dr's weren't happy with the situation. I now work as an office administrator in my church. I work alone. It's perfect 😊

@jackie421blfdgurl Jackie, my husband had his kidney transplant in 2016. He had been on dialysis for 5.5 years, took off 3 months for his transplant, and went back to work full time plus, retiring in 2020 when he reached 65. He kept up all safety precautions during that time. He is much more lax now, much to my concern, and rarely wears a mask. He has not tested positive for Covid anytime he has done either the home test, or a PCR test.

As to memory loss, I wonder how many people may attribute medications to the cause, or as simple as the aging process? It can be a fine line.
Ginger

Hi chickytina...love that!
With all our situations. Anything inside is a hazard! We should all pool our money together and play the lottery...I am in new Joisy...so I will get my Powerball ticket tonight.. then we could all go on a cruise..open sea air do us good!!! Yes u r right wk from home is not easy to find. But I keep looking..gave a good day ..

@footballmom
Hello....boy we all sure do have our issues!!!!
Memory ..it sucks! I go with the flow of things. When I put my car keys in the frig and start watching Chinese tv..then I will get my butt to the neurologist..

@gingerw..hey there
Good for your hubby.
I believe u r on the right track..memory..age..
Medication all contribute. We have to stay engaged..news .world events .book clubs.. conversations..as I just said if I leave my car keys in the frig and start watching Chinese tv then I am off to the neurologist!! Have a good weekend

Hahahahaha 😂