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mrmajestyk
Member
Username: Mrmajestyk

Post Number: 50
Registered: 11-2010
Posted on Monday, September 19, 2011 - 11:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I am truly blessed to be here and write this message today asking for advice, I was given a Gift of a New life with a Liver transplant just 4 months ago on May 16th, 2011. I am listing some possible issues with medication to see if anyone else has experienced something similar, and I also want to know if anyone has experienced broken ribs during the transplant
I am currently taking the following:
1000 MG of Cellcept 2 times daily
3 mg Prograf 2 times daily
Bactrim 1 time Monday, Wednesday and Friday
10 MG Oxycodone up to 3 times daily as needed for my ribs, lower back pain.
Lasix 20 mg 1 time daily
81 mg Baby aspirin 1 time daily
Multivitamin 1 time daily
Magnesium Oxide 800 mg 1 time daily

I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my fingers and in my toes since my transplant, I suspect it is related to my medication, because it starts about 30 minutes after taking the morning and evening meds. I had lower back surgery about 5 years ago, and had no problems until after surgery, I was told that a lot of people suffer backproblems after surgery due to the surgery procedure being pretty intense. I had 2 ribs broken during surgery when they were using the retractors, I have been told that may take a long time to heal. I have also been getting pretty intense headaches at least 2 or 3 times per week. I also itch a lot on my arms and legs. It seems more intense after taking the medication.
I feel the most difficult thing is not physical, I have had a hard time finding someone that understands how hard this situation has been mentally. I did not realize how ill I was in the months leading up to the transplant. I am a very spiritual person, I know that the only reason I am here today is through the Grace of God. I was turned down 3 times, and my MELD score went from 28 to 33 for the last few months before finally being approved. I was told 3 times I had a shot time to live, and God carried me through it all.
I guess I feel a little overwhelmed with everything that has happened. I feel guilty that I received a transplant when there are so many other people that never get a chance. When I mention that to a few people they tell me I should not feel this way.
In the big picture, everything I am experiencing now is nothing compared to the situation before surgery. I am just hoping that some of this goes away with time. Since December 30th 2010 I have lost a total of 226 pounds. I am now able to walk 1 to 3 miles per day. I try to counsel people and help in the same way that so many on this board did for me when I was afraid. I know in my heart that everyone here helped me more than any Doctor. I am not sure what I would do with my buddy Bob on this site, he helped me see that even though I was turned down, there was hope.

Thank You to each and every person on this board. I pray for everyone, and I will do whatever I can to help if someone needs me.
God Bless
Bill
Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn’t permanent. -Jean Kerr
Angela
Member
Username: Angie2011

Post Number: 32
Registered: 07-2011
Posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 - 09:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Bill,

You're a blessing on this earth. God gave you a second chance at life because he has a plan for you, and by sharing your story and helping others you are already making a huge difference in this world. May God bless your new liver, and your new life!

You have accomplished something amazing, which is losing 226 pounds. Not even a healthy person can accomplish that in 10 months. Don't be so hard on yourself, I know is easier said than done. Try to honor your donor by not feeling guilty, and stay positive all the way through...

I cannot comment on the broken ribs, because I have never experience that before. But I can tell you that a few days after the surgery, my ribs were hurting like crazy because they were moved.. Hope you will feel better soon.

In reference to the side effects:

Cellcept - can give you lots of back pain, muscles, and joints..
Progaf - will also give you back pain, numbness, tingling in hands or feet, and itching..
Bactrim - will also cause you to itch..

Note: If the side effects don't go away, I would suggest calling your doctor.

The back pain is also due to the major surgery you just had.. Just keep moving, eat healthy, and you will be feeling better in no time...

May God bless, and keep up the amazing work!
Living Liver Donor to Mother in Law 6-2-11

New York Presbyterian Hospital in NYC.. Magnificent Team

The good we do today becomes the happiness of tomorrow... Unknown
SunshineGurl
Member
Username: Flsunshinegurl

Post Number: 114
Registered: 02-2010
Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 02:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Bill,

I don't have any answers for you about your meds or your ribs, but I want to pop this thread up so that someone who does will be able to help you.

You are such a kind person and you well deserve your gift, never doubt that. Think about the changes to you body and mind over the past 4 months; holy moly, that is not even long enough to grow a little baby :-) You have been through so much, Give yourself time, that much I do know....

You are going to be just fine ((((HUGS))))

Janet
A friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart
surviver
Member
Username: Intlmech

Post Number: 30
Registered: 05-2011
Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2011 - 12:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Bill you are not alone here,lots of us experienced lots of different things post transplant,hang in there trust your doctor and tell him your thoughts-he will know if something is wrong,it took me a year before all my problems went away-i'm glad to hear you lost all that weight,was not good for you-god bless my friend mike you will be in my prayers my friend.
transplanted june 2008

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