Liver transplant - Let's support each other

Hi @alliepete, allow me to welcome you. Sorry for the delay. You'll want to also meet @rosemarya @contentandwell @gaylea1 and others here.

Has your husband's nausea improved with increasingly his magnesium levels?

My husband had a liver transplant in May so we are very new, learning of post transplant life is so helpful. He's just recently developed a nausea problem seemingly initially related to low magnesium. Also has post transplant ascites wearing a drain but it does seem to be slowly reducing.

@jennkat73, It has only been a couple of weeks, but I want to check in with you. How are you progressing with your effort to keep your "levels" as normal as possible? Did you finish your evaluation for transplant?

@melody12, I had a hernia procedure after my 1st year after i developed infection and sepsis due to a kink my bile duct connection. After the infection was controlled, I had a simpler surgery than you are facing. I want to tag the following members to meet you and to help you as you prepare for your surgery.
@terry14, @jackie421blfdgurl, @cehunt57, @btwest6, @rfriend50

Here is a discussion where you can learn more about their experiences.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/incisional-hernia/

the concern is that I am trying to keep my "levels" as normal as possible so that I do not need to keep repeating tests. (Potassium) is a big one. I am finally eating (smoothies w/protein) some chicken when I can handle it. My concern is the absorption staying in my system.

Disregard, last post. See it is still active. I am 1 yr. post Liver Transplant and now facing another related surgery. It is called a Hernia, for the lack of a better word. I have to have a complete Abdominal Wall Reconstruction. For months my pain was chalked up to nerve damage. Many tests were done and repeated to no avail. Now I look like I am pregnant, but only on my right side. Due to pain and lack of any exercise, I have gained roughly 40 lbs. Now, I have to lose 30lbs for surgery. Hernia Dr., said he can’t perform surgery and referred me to Trauma Surgeon who will operate with a plastic surgeon. Long operation and recovery ahead. Posting to alert others of symptoms and also looking for feedback.

@melody12, Welcome to the liver transplant support group. This discussion has been going on for a long time, and many liver transplant patients have dropped in, and dropped out as they travel along their transplant journeys. We are always here to engage in conversation and to share our experiences to help others.

What brings you to the liver transplant support group?

I wanted to join in the liver transplant discussion group, however I see the post are dated from a couple of years back. Is this still active? I hop so.

@jennkat73, I want to say Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am a liver and kidney transplant recipient, and although my transplant was in 2009, I can remember the emotions and fears as if it was yesterday.
On Connect, we are patients and who have a desire to share our own experiences to support others. We are here to answer questions and to listen to concerns and ease fears. And best of all Mayo Connect is available 24/7 and germ free!

I hope that your evaluation is going smoothly, although it is a lengthy exhausting process. What is a concern or question that is on your mind as you undergo your tests?

Your liver team should have a social worker on staff. When I was preparing for my liver transplant they were immensely helpful. During my hospital stay she visited with me daily (I don’t have family in the area and it was during Covid). And now she still checks on me when I go in to see my liver doctor. In fact, during the “interview” process you’ll go through to get ready for your transplant, you’ll find the entire liver team very approachable and happy to answer your questions.

Your hospital may also have a support group you can join now. We have people join ours prior to their transplant in order talk with us and ask questions.

This discussion on Connects and others in the liver transplant group are very helpful as well.

Be sure to eat well and walk and exercise as much as you can within your limitations. Talk with your doctor about your limitations if you’re not sure. The more in shape you are before your transplant the better off you will be.

I posted these articles here previously, they’re quite informative. The other doc I put together for our social workers as they’re putting together resources and tips from us transplant patients to help new patients such as yourself.

Best wishes for your new journey!