Liver transplant - Let's support each other

@jackie421blfdgurl, I am in Kentucky and my transplant Center in in Minnesota (750 miles). I can understand how the distance and travel planning can complicate things. I rely on my local primary care doctor who is willing to work in cooperation with my Transplant team at Mayo in MN.
Like you, I found myself at home and alone in a world on non-transplant family and friends. I find great comfort and companionship in the interaction with others who are like me on Connect. I enjoy learning from each other and supporting each other. I hope that you will feel the same.
I am sharing a link to some immunosuppressant medicine and side effects for you to look at. It is going to be your doctors who regulate and advise you about your meds.
Immunosuppression: Watching For and Managing Side Effects
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/transplant/newsfeed-post/immunosuppression-watching-for-and-managing-side-effects/
When is your MRI? Is it local? or do you need to travel to the transplant center?
What is the status of your swelling and pain?

What an excellent article @athenalee I am realizing more and more that there are many problems associated with immunosuppressants. That article is somewhat disconcerting but I would rather know what I am dealing with than be ignorant of it, particularly when I have a number of these side-effects -- hypertension, osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia -- but until recently I had no idea that my immunosuppressants caused them. I developed diabetes prior to knowing that I had liver problems (NASH) and interestingly, now it seems to be in remission. My numbers are always very good.

Thank you for sharing that article.
JK

Hello and thank you. Fortunately not on prednisone...allergic. But, I’ve read that Tacrolimus and other calcineurin inhibitors are linked to osteoporosis, but how seems to be a question. I offer the attached article for the group, as I found it one of the best on post transplant complications.

Thank you for your reply. This site looks like a real saver for me since the
Only one to talk to was my doctor and some of the liver team members. My
Hospital is in NY and I am in Jersey so
It takes some planning ahead. Thanks
Again. Jackie

Hello and thank you. Fortunately not on prednisone...allergic. But, I’ve read that Tacrolimus and other calcineurin inhibitors are linked to osteoporosis, but how seems to be a question. I offer the attached article for the group, as I found it one of the best on post transplant complications.

@athenalee If you are on prednisone then you do need to be conscious of the possibility of getting osteoporosis. I have it now from having to take prednisone. I'm not sure, but I don't think the other immunosuppressants are a cause of osteoporosis. It is amazing though how many things can be caused by them. I now also have hypertension, sometimes, and high cholesterol which I believe is another side-effect of immunosuppressants.
JK

I’ve always firmly believed in the importance of learning how to, and practicing, eating well, exercising, and using natural herbs/supplements to remain as healthy as possible. This worked well until I turned 60 and was shortly thereafter diagnosed with PBC/liver cirrhosis. Then my research became focused on my disease and learning natural ways to supplement ursodial to help keep my liver functioning. So, since my transplant a whole new realm of research is required! Including, of course, drug interactions and side effects management, and how to avoid getting diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and other diseases common post transplant. I do believe it’s vital that I try my best to be healthy and to know the best path to achieve this. Plus, for me anyway, gaining knowledge keeps me from being depressed and keeps my mind active and away from focusing on current health issues, Covid, not finding employment, etc.

@athenalee,
Knowledge and self advocacy can't be beat!
I'm curious about how and when you developed this healthy habit. Have you always been this way, or was your liver/pre-transplant condition the reason for your interest?

@jackie421blfdgurl , We are at greater risk of an infection or other complication that can quickly develop. I don't want to frighten you, however, it is in your best interest talk to your physician or whoever is on duty.
Please check in here tomorrow and let me know what you found out.

@jackie421blfdgurl Welcome to Connect. Your abdomen is swollen and sore to the touch. Are you experiencing any other symptoms right now such as a fever, headache or dark urine? I think you should contact your physician right away. Even if the MRI is not until next week, you should see someone about it.

You will see that I moved your inquiry to the Liver Transplant Support Group so that you can get the support of other members who may have experienced the same thing.

Jackie, are you currently taking any medication? Did your medical team give you signs to look out for illness during your home recovery time?