Hi msfins. I am just over 1 year whole liver transplant and have learned that I have a new normal that can't be compared to how I felt before my bile duct cancer.
Medications alone have side effects: tremors, fatigue, weakness. Be encouraged that as your year of healing proceeds you will be weaned off medication and adjustments lower amounts of other meds.
Focus on strength, stamina and balance. I contacted Mayo re my unstable walking and tremors and they prescribed physical therapy which helped a great deal.
The old normal was quietly becoming mortally sick. Now my new normal adjusts to medication side effects, takes naps if needed, and continues to work on strength and stamina by walking, aquaaerobics and dancing. I am still not strong or stable enough to go mountain hiking but am working towards that.
Mayo is keeping a watchful eye on me because I have had some anomalies that have required biopsies and other tests. (I refer to these moments as "Mayo-pause") Despite some uncertainties about my health and the feeling I am a bit tethered to Mayo, I decided that I am going to travel to see all my friends of 50 years when I lived in NC despite some uncertainties re my health. My new normal feels pretty good and much better than when I had a failing liver; has to be flexible in planning; and enjoys as much as I can each day.
Hope this helps, Barbara