Scar tissue after Liver transplant

Welcome, @bogietopar and congrats on your soon to be 2nd transplant-versary. I’m tagging fellow liver transplant recipients like @rosemarya @contentandwell @echo2022 @myfablife @katebw @jerrynord @silvergirl36 @jackie421blfdgurl and others, who can share their experiences and if they had issues with scar tissue.

Did you already discuss options for breaking up the scar tissue with your transplant team?

@bogietopar I am 15 months post liver transplant. I’ve had periodic issues with my scar- some lumpy parts and some discomfort/itching. In some lumpy parts - around my sternum, between my breasts, and more recently on my right side at the end of that scar. I’ve been instructed to with clean hands to do some gentle messaging. It does help de-knot things, break up the tissue, and make more comfortable but to be honest I hate doing it. I shower everyday and let soap bubbles swoosh around me without scrubbing. Make sure you keep the scar area clean and don’t scrub. That’s what my team tells me.

It’s interesting that this came up as today for work I was in a CPR training and as I leaned over my mannequin to do chest compressions, I felt a sharp pain that was scar related pain. I applied gentle pressure over my clothes, rubbing lightly and the pain dissipated.

Thank you for your reply. I will a gentle massage and see if that starts to break it up. Tom

The liver doctor said there is nothing you can do. He said he could operate to remove it. I said no. Thank you for your help. Tom

Yes when they mention surgery to a TP pt. , my answer is how urgent and like u Tom NO THANKS.
My AWR “1yr post” .surgery was a must , very painful but worth the outcome.. My scars have healed good.
I am sure down the road I will probably have scar tissue issues but as of right now I am doing well.
I hope u all do well with the healing of your scars😊👍

Thanks for your reply and congrats on one year. My scar tissue dropped from my sternum area about one year after surgery. Someone said if you start massaging right away, they were able to break it up. Tom

I am 13 years post transplant. I had a simultaneous liver and kidney transplant. The only scar tissue issues I can remember is a discomfort in my lower left abdomen where my new kidney is. This was a tugging tightness that I mentioned at my 4 month check-up and learned that gentle stretches would help it to gradually be relieved. That seemed to have worked well for me because I don't remember it being a bother after that. However when I began going to the gym, I did find some of the exercise machines caused discomfort, and listening to my body, I eased up those particular movements.
I never felt the lumps as some of you have mentioned. I think that you are all wise to discuss this with your doctors because we are such marvelous unique individuals - who share the amazing gift of an organ transplant 🤍

Hello..Jackie here...Well
Blow me over! I never
Was informed about this scar tissue issue. I am 2 yrs with my liver transplant. But,this June will be 2 yrs since my hernia surgery on same side as liver! I also had 2 layers of mesch put in left side to tie up loose
Inside skin n muscle.i have been feeling twinges on r. Dude and never thought it b adhesions...holy crap! I will pay more attention and do rubbing of all areas. I go for ck up in April and will talk to my Dr. Thanks to u all for this info..I learn more n more from u all...love n kisses to all...

I have scar tissue under my kidney transplant incision and where the PD catheter was pulled out. The doc felt there and said she did not feel any scar tissue. But it is there! I agree that the pains come and go and feel like something stretching but a sharp pain that stops me in my tracks. I am completing month 3 post transplant and my docs told me nothing about scar tissue pain and what to do about it. Or to expect it. Or that it would take 6-8 months or even a year to clear up. It is even painful to the touch for me. I appreciate you telling us to gently massage the area. I find heat does not work for me. Does a heating pad work for others? Thank you all, BB

hI, @bogietopar I guess I was one of the more fortunate ones. I am 6+ years beyond my transplant and never had any problems with my incision - no pain, not even itchiness!

Unless it was really bothering me a lot I too would not opt for further surgery. I have had two knee replacements and would like a bit more flex in one knee. The doctor's NP told me the doctor could do a minor outpatient surgery that would help but I decided I would just deal with it as it is. No way do I want any more cutting unless it's really necessary. That cutting would require recovery too and that would be a problem for me.
JK