Recent Liver Transplant....lost

[Mikeb242]

Hi, this is my first time on here so apologies if I rattle on. I have recently had a liver transplant due to alcohol related Cirrhosis after a year of all the usual symptoms, which as many of you will know is hell . I feel like a new man and every day gets easier on the physical side. I seem to be struggling mentally though. When I first came out I was so happy to be back with my family and walked around with a permanent smile on my face eternally grateful for a second shot at life. This last week however I have felt lower and lower and my confidence has gone and I feel tearful a lot of the time. I am not back at work yet and spend most days in the house trying to think of things to do to pick myself up but have not got the confidence to do anything about it.

Has anyone else experienced this at all?

Thanks

Mike

[angse]

Hi mike

So pleased for you, well done yes you have got a second shot at life, and that is amazing you are here to tell your story, I do have cirrohiss and portal hypertension with massive GI bleed last year, me also lucky to be alive, of course you will be low after the initial euphoria, having a liver transplant must be very traumatic, serious operation, so I would have thought feeling low was a part of it, it will pass though and then you can really begin a new life, is there anyone you can speak to from the liver transplant team, social medical worker who specialises in this field, they may have some advice or encouragement for you, in the meantime I don't know if you can get out and about yet, but gentle walks would get you out of the house if you are allowed to yet, anyway so happy for you. All the best for your future. Annette

[Hidden]

Congratulations, Mike, on your successful transplant, and your return to health. I think your current difficulties are not uncommon and are probably exacerbated by not having enough to occupy your mind. Isolation can drive a person to feeling low and returning to work might be something you might want to consider - perhaps part time if that is an option. Failing that, you might consider some voluntary work - Citizens Advice may be able to suggest something. Talking about it here, however, is a good start!

Mike

[dizzime]

Hi Mike

First congratulation on your transplant.

How long ago was your transplant? I am 15 months post transplant and still get quite tearful and down even though I am usually a positive person. It is expected. You have been through I traumatic experience and with all the meds you are on now it is bound to affect you. The thing is dont beat your self up about it, it is all part if the process. Its took a long time fir me to get where I am now but going to physio and swimming has helped build up my strengh and muscle. I was a complete mess after the op as it took a lot out of me but I will survive this. I still have the hep C which caused my liver failure and this is now in my new liver who I call David. I hoping to get the new treatment for this next year. Also the high steroids have made me diabetic, which I hate, but I am determined to reverse this by controlling my food. Hopefully when the Hep C is gone the steroids can come down and the diabetes will go. Fingers crossed. The main things is to keep feeling positive and let yourself have a down day sometimes. Then pick yourself up, think positive and tell yourself that you are going to beat this and get better. Good luck with everything and keep smilling

[ancientadolescent]

I had a transplant almost 2 years ago and had a certain amount of feeling low. I occupied my time by taking on-line courses of education which certainly helped me. The courses were free,unless you required a verified certificate of success. One such site is coursera and a whole range of subjects are covered. Also I had support from family and friends. Hope this is of use to you.

[Lespage]

Hi, Mike,

My wife recently had a liver transplant and everything went well and physically things could not be better. However she has been anxious and when this was raised with the specialists they said "it's to be expected". Unfortunately anxiety cannot just go on and she is now seeing a counsellor outside of the NHS.

Of the treatment my wife had on the NHS it has been brilliant but the specialist counselling help was not available.

But Mike I would ask for counselling help of your liver co-ordinator in case your hospital does support transplant patient.

[Catseye123]

Hi Mike, I had my transplant in March this year. I am a polycystic patient so I wasn't feeling too bad before I went into hospital, although struggling to eat, sometimes problems with catching my breath as my polycystic liver was huge and was pressing on my organs. I came out of hospital in 4 days and fully expected to be back at work within 3 months. Unfortunately things didn't work out that way!! I am still not at work, I have a lot of joint pain and doctors don't know why, still get fatigued and get really down and can't stop crying. I think the frustration, of not being able to do too much plus the trauma of the operation and the fact that I have a child's liver all contribute to feeling like that. I was told that having a liver transplant is the most serious operation after a heart and lung transplant so I would say it is normal to feel like that, you have had major trauma to your body and you are now on nasty anti rejection drugs.