Is it possible to carry the characteristics of a living donor?

Posted by sec1205 @sec1205, May 18, 2023

Is it possible to carry the characteristics of a living donor? We share dna do we also share personality traits?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

@sec1205

@jinjinja320
What history you have. I'm happy you're here. Thank you for your thoughts. I had chirossis of the liver diagnosed in 2018. Transplant in 2022.
Not a big drinker but I was on meds & genetics played a part in my diagnosis.
I'm learning that exercise should be the normal part of my life. And food is still a problem.
On the topic of genetics. My sister had a fatty liver which I now have. But I'm not being treated for it. What changes have you noticed in your personality or taste buds that you can share with me?

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Workingout is important, Im not there yet but i make it to the high school track 2/3 times a week to get a few miles in walking. I want to join a gym but not sure im motivated enough.

I hated vegetable and onions. Now I love them lol. I now find myself eating a healthy meal at home instead of Burger King,McDonalds fries etc. I have no desire for thoses things. I have noticed my semi messy habbits have changed. I like things in order and find myself constantly cleaning when things are out of place.
I hate talking on the phone for long periods of time, I hate crowds. It's like im a completly different person. There are times when I do want to get out and do things but I opt for a quiet time at home in a peaceful/safe environment.
Prior to the surgey i use to always try to find a reason to leave my house on weekends.

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@rosemarya

@ssapp1, @sec1205, @jinja320, @l0lag0lag0b3
I was traveling home from my annual checkup at Mayo Rochester when I saw this discussion. I wish I would have had the opportunity to mention it! However, I locate a discussion "Changes after Transplant" that I want to share with you. As I read thru the conversation, I was reminded of my early changes when I received my liver and kidney transplant in 2009!

I think you will enjoy reading the experiences and thoughts about emotional, spiritual and/or mental changes or personality changes post transplant by other transplant recipients:
- Changes after Transplant -
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/changes-after-transplant/

I invite you to add your experiences to the discussion.

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@rosemarya
Thank You!!!
Just exactly what I needed. It's all so new. I feel like a new mom with a baby just home from the hospital with no clue how to navigate.

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@sec1205

@rosemarya
Thank You!!!
Just exactly what I needed. It's all so new. I feel like a new mom with a baby just home from the hospital with no clue how to navigate.

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You're most welcome.
Im here because a therapist thought it would be good to connect with other people who have had transplants. Im learning alot as well.

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I had a bone marrow transplant in 2020 when I was 60 and have wondered this also. My donor was an unrelated 20-something year old woman, so does that mean I am more like her now? 😊 I haven’t been able to contact her but would love to know more about this topic.

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@edb1123

I had a bone marrow transplant in 2020 when I was 60 and have wondered this also. My donor was an unrelated 20-something year old woman, so does that mean I am more like her now? 😊 I haven’t been able to contact her but would love to know more about this topic.

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@edb1123
I find the topic fascinating. Science hasn't caught up to the question that I know of but if they can clone a sheep???
I've read on google, 😉 things about kidney tx people taking on the characteristics but nothing so far as regards liver tx. My sister/donor and I were not close growing up but are now. I'm in awe of her gift to me and become very emotional around her. She's a quiet person so I've become so as well. I like peace & quiet and calm surroundings. I'm at odds with the physical part too. I was a very active hiker but can't seem to motivate myself to climb mtns. Being only 5 months post tx it coukd be stamina but she hated hiking. So there's that too.
Do you have energy like a 20 year old? Does bone marrow "replace/regenerate " like the liver? Hmm

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@jinja320

You're most welcome.
Im here because a therapist thought it would be good to connect with other people who have had transplants. Im learning alot as well.

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I sought out the support group for the many non medical questions I had.
It's been helpful. I'm very frank and blunt. Sadly, I can come across as rude. New trait to me. I was always the one to keep my mouth shut. But I found this voice, maybe it's from being so sick then getting a new liver. Second chance at life. I basically got a do over. I don't want to screw it up.
Do you eat raw vegetables? Or do they have to be cooked? I'm afraid of food and anything else I put into my mouth. I still wear a mask everywhere. How about you?

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@sec1205

I sought out the support group for the many non medical questions I had.
It's been helpful. I'm very frank and blunt. Sadly, I can come across as rude. New trait to me. I was always the one to keep my mouth shut. But I found this voice, maybe it's from being so sick then getting a new liver. Second chance at life. I basically got a do over. I don't want to screw it up.
Do you eat raw vegetables? Or do they have to be cooked? I'm afraid of food and anything else I put into my mouth. I still wear a mask everywhere. How about you?

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You are not alone with this excellent question!
Food safety must be a priority for us due to our immunosuppression. With a newly transplanted organ, it does feel overwhelming, at least it was for me. I was afraid and confused about what to eat and how to do it safely, too. I am fortunate to have family and friends who were very cooperative and learned along with me. Will you trust me when I say that over time, food choices and preparation become a a normal part of your new way of healthy life? Instead of thinking 'restrictive' , I like to think 'healthy'.

As a volunteer mentor, I like to connect members to others with similar interests. So - here is one (with editor note) that has been helpful and informative for many transplant members.

-Your best tips for raw food safety post transplant.
MODERATOR'S NOTE
The knowledge exchange shared in this discussion helped to create this article written for the Mayo Clinic app. Knowledge for patients by patients and beyond Mayo Clinic Connect.

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-best-tips-for-raw-food-safety-post-transplant/

@sec1205, I think that I remember being told to avoid raw veggies in the beginning, but I can't remember how long that was. Washing the veggies and fruits is a must. Proper cooking methods and cooking to proper temperature are also important. Buffets and potlucks are not a good idea, either.
And YES masks are still in! Last week at Mayo, I was told that, "You are immunosuppressed. And that Covid is still around, along with other infections."

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@sec1205

@rosemarya
Thank You!!!
Just exactly what I needed. It's all so new. I feel like a new mom with a baby just home from the hospital with no clue how to navigate.

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@sec1205
I feel good knowing that I can make connections that can help you. I am always impressed with the transplant experiences that members share. When I was diagnosed, and when I transplanted I didn't have anyone with the transplant experience to ask everyday questions. I wish that Connect had been around back at that time!
Off topic - but recently I had someone ask me if I still had to take 'those' medicines because I looked like I was healthy and doing well! Sigh... we transplantees need each other because to keep our sanity😉

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@rosemarya

You are not alone with this excellent question!
Food safety must be a priority for us due to our immunosuppression. With a newly transplanted organ, it does feel overwhelming, at least it was for me. I was afraid and confused about what to eat and how to do it safely, too. I am fortunate to have family and friends who were very cooperative and learned along with me. Will you trust me when I say that over time, food choices and preparation become a a normal part of your new way of healthy life? Instead of thinking 'restrictive' , I like to think 'healthy'.

As a volunteer mentor, I like to connect members to others with similar interests. So - here is one (with editor note) that has been helpful and informative for many transplant members.

-Your best tips for raw food safety post transplant.
MODERATOR'S NOTE
The knowledge exchange shared in this discussion helped to create this article written for the Mayo Clinic app. Knowledge for patients by patients and beyond Mayo Clinic Connect.

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-best-tips-for-raw-food-safety-post-transplant/

@sec1205, I think that I remember being told to avoid raw veggies in the beginning, but I can't remember how long that was. Washing the veggies and fruits is a must. Proper cooking methods and cooking to proper temperature are also important. Buffets and potlucks are not a good idea, either.
And YES masks are still in! Last week at Mayo, I was told that, "You are immunosuppressed. And that Covid is still around, along with other infections."

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@rosemarya
I appreciate the link.
Sorry I'm all over the place right now with my questions. So much to say and hard to break it down into the appropriate post search. I'll do better. 😆
I will keep the mask on! I don't want to be cavalier about my situation, recognize I now live with a unique situation. Others don't get it. Gah! Oh well.
So not wanting food 5 months post tx is normal and if I focus on healthy life saving choices I'll have less complications. I can do that. Is being picky about low potassium foods a problem for you?. It is a pain as mine is high so I take lokelma 3x a week.

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@sec1205

@rosemarya
I appreciate the link.
Sorry I'm all over the place right now with my questions. So much to say and hard to break it down into the appropriate post search. I'll do better. 😆
I will keep the mask on! I don't want to be cavalier about my situation, recognize I now live with a unique situation. Others don't get it. Gah! Oh well.
So not wanting food 5 months post tx is normal and if I focus on healthy life saving choices I'll have less complications. I can do that. Is being picky about low potassium foods a problem for you?. It is a pain as mine is high so I take lokelma 3x a week.

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I don't know if not wanting food for 5 months is normal or not. Normal is an individual thing. I wanted food after my transplant! I had been on a restrictive diet due to acute kidney failure and also having nausea and had lost my sense of taste. I actually was flown to MN out of ICU in KY and arrived with a feeding tube that I didn't know that I had(?). On the first morning after I arrived at Mayo, I recall the doctor asking if I would try to eat if he took out the tube, and I remember saying Yes. So I had to force myself to drink a chocolate or vanilla nutritional drink several times a day. It was awful, and if/when I hesitated, my husband would remind me the the doctor said he would reinsert the feeding tube if I didn't drink them and begin eating. (insert unkind thoughts here). I was in hospital for 2 weeks, and as the nausea improved, I was eating solid food before I was discharged to wait for a transplant.
My potassium is at a normal range, so I don't have any specific food restrictions in place. What is your transplant team saying about you not eating? Have they introduced any guidance for your nutrition? Are you nauseous?

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