Just a quick? For people after transp... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

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Just a quick? For people after transplant..

jojokarak profile image
27 Replies

I am just wondering how long after transplant did people go back to work? I feel fantastic now and I am actually racking my brains off things to do I have so much energy now. I never stay in and when I have to I get so bored.

I still have cmv infection in my blood's but is going down all the time, I haven't worked for 4 years, so was thinking maybe volunteer for a few months first. Also if anyone gone for a new position did you have to explain to new employer about situation??

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jojokarak profile image
jojokarak
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27 Replies
h0b0 profile image
h0b0

Glad you're feeling so good. I should think that everyone is different when it comes to recovery times. Also I imagine very much depends on the type of work so should probably talk to someone at the next check up. I know Terry is feeling good but I don't want him doing anything too strenuous just yet.xx

jojokarak profile image
jojokarak in reply to h0b0

I know my husband keeps saying slow down but I feel like I have lost so much time and I hate relying on benefits, I just want to feel like I am making a contribution again and get my independence back. X

Bermuda1 profile image
Bermuda1

Jojo its still early days, and yo may have a few more bumps n the road yet . I agree talk to your consultants, also whey ou do go back to work , assuming your old employer is still seeking you back , try doing a gradual phased in back t work . Gradually extending the time at work over a period of six weeks or so . If you are contemplating looking for a new job , I would go part time at first , the last hing you need to do overdo things and it give you a set back.

Gaynorlowson profile image
Gaynorlowson

Maybe voluntary work at first this will also help on your cv if you decide on permanent work. Volunteer with something you love maybe at local school or animal sanctuary could be a way to start a whole new career in future X good luck

Brummi profile image
Brummi

Hi, After my transplant I waited for 12 months. The two main reasons why I waited so long was the job I had was a physical heavy manual work, the second was a clause in my contract stating if I went on the sick I could have 12 months on full pay ( I used this option twice ). Another clause stated if I had to Finnish on health reasons I was entitled to 16 weeks money. Only go back if you feel well enough.

1803sioban profile image
1803sioban

Hi,

I would just like to say that it is great that you are feeling so well now. keep up the good work.

Sioban xx

dizzime profile image
dizzime

Hi there. I understand how you feel with your new lease to life but please take your time. If you feel up to it try volunteering first to see if you are ok first. What you dont need is to get back in employment to find it is too much not only with the physical side but the emotional and stress level side too. You have been through so much and of course you feel ready to do anything and everything but give your body time to heal first. So happy to hear you are feeling so well though. Good luck with any decision you make and enjoy your new life. Xx 😊😊

RodeoJoe profile image
RodeoJoe

Definitely depends on the job. As an IT consultant I was able to get back after 6 months. Quite honestly could have been sooner. I would suggest that if you feel ready you are ready.

The reality for me was that I used to work for banks, other financial institutions and contract work for the MOD. It quickly became apparent that these industries would not employ someone who had not been working for a year due to illness. I got a job at our local university, and it was the best thing I ever did. Stress is minimal and holiday is almost 40 days. Nobody buts an eyelid when I have to take a day off to go to hospital in London.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that some employers are going to be better than others for someone going back after a major illness.

Liver3 profile image
Liver3 in reply to RodeoJoe

Very good advise!

soooze50 profile image
soooze50

WOW that is refreshing news! Fantastic, so pleased for you :)

chugalong profile image
chugalong

Hi, so great to you you are feeling so good, I am just at a Year post transplant and also feel I am doing quite well. Having been self employed most of my life and being advised that I would be better to change my profession. I so feel that I am able to get out there and get stuck in to doing things even just going for walks etc over a few miles, but I feel so exhausted after and realise I need to try and things a lot slower so as to not undo all the great work and the fantastic gift I have been given. I have applied at different volunteer prospects and am at present waiting on security checks. I do find it best to mention having had a transplant and yea it generally doesn't get the best response at first, even in social circles, I did at first feel a bit withdrawn about having had a transplant but through excellent help from social gent ( can't remember exact position title) at Kings College Hospital I am more open and proud where I am. Yes as others on here have said it best to very gradually get back into normal activities. Apologies I am so long winded in my reply but all I can see great things in the future but get there slowly and at a pace you feel. All the teams, friends and advice surrounding us.

jojokarak profile image
jojokarak in reply to chugalong

Thanks for the reply I am so curious as to other people's experiences and thoughts and I always on a long winded mission myself lol

I volunteered pre transplant so charity I would go back to know my history and are very understanding..

As yourself I was told not to go back to my usual profession due to high infection risk.

I am contemplating back to college eventually but a little part time job as well. I think I will be sensible (for a change) and volunteer for the summer and reassess the situation. X

chugalong profile image
chugalong in reply to jojokarak

I had also done volunteer work for RVS prior to my health deteriorating as I had mobility vehicles cause both my parents were in wheel chairs till their passing but had to stop for health and also lost my driving licence through HE. I used to so enjoy the chats etc with the folk and so looking forward to the same again only now have to limit to mesh with public transport, but hey , good things to come hey?

Millie09 profile image
Millie09

glad to read your doing so well jojo ! if someone mentioned work to me atm no way could i do it. a day with my son and granddaughters takes me two days to get over! didn't actually realise how I am physically until I read how great your all doing. I'm sure whatever you decide will be fab 😊.just take care of yourself x

jojokarak profile image
jojokarak in reply to Millie09

We are just all individuals and will recover at different speeds that's all x

And I bet your days with the grandkids are worth the tiredness x

Millie09 profile image
Millie09 in reply to jojokarak

that's so very true jojo.my 6 grandkids mean the world to me 😊. xx

goonergal profile image
goonergal

I was just under 6 months post when I went back to work. Part time at 20 hours to start with but I now work full time in hospital as a pharmacy technician. I feel great and I'm 12 years pot now. Good luck

Liver3 profile image
Liver3 in reply to goonergal

Impressive! I had no ideal...

carllovatt profile image
carllovatt

jojo the obvious thing to do is a counseling course then get a job with the BLT .... good luck

jojokarak profile image
jojokarak in reply to carllovatt

Someone else has said that to me it's getting spooky now lol 😁 x

mherbie profile image
mherbie

Great news! So good to hear that you feel so well. Keep us posted.

jojokarak profile image
jojokarak in reply to mherbie

Thank you and I definitely will x

tommyc profile image
tommyc

Hi Jo Jo, great to hear, what drove your transplant predominantly in the end I.e. Ascites, Bleeding Varices etc, I too have a spleen of 24 cms, Cirrhosis secondary To Haemochromatosis and 'a number of large gastric varices spotted via CT but not via Ultrasound, thanks.

jojokarak profile image
jojokarak in reply to tommyc

Hi Tommy I was one of the unlucky ones I had every bloody complication of cirrhosis lol worst for me was the ascites just because it restricts you so much, couldn't breath, eat, walk and hurt like hell and for me was definitely a sign my liver was giving up the old fight as it was one of the last symptoms I got it started gradually over 18 months but last 6 months I was getting drained once a week. We are all different though and some people have ascites for years and no problem doctors just go by our blood's x

Kristian profile image
Kristian

I had a transplant earlier this year. Fortunately everything went well post transplant and I was able to return to work on a phased basis just over three months later. I am though predominantly office based and also have the luxury of working from home when I need or wish to. The time it takes to return depends on lots of things including how well you are recovering and what it is you will be doing. As I think has been mentioned earlier, if you can do a phased return this is highly recommended rather than diving straight back into things. Even though you may feel full of beans, you'll be surprised how much going back to work will take out of you. For me the travel to and from the office was one of the more profound impacts, as was actually sitting upright for significant periods. Its surprising how much muscle you seem to use just sitting upright.

My employer has been great and i was in complete control of both when and how i returned. I do though appreciate others may not be so fortunate. I appreciate this post is probably a bit late in the day to answer your initial question but hopefully its still useful.

jojokarak profile image
jojokarak in reply to Kristian

Hi thanks I still haven't made it back yet, I have had a few more bumps in the road. I waiting until new year now!! I have had cmv again and also rejection so still getting over that, but not feeling as guilty anymore as I am heavily involved with a liver group and volunteer and am organising a Christmas dinner and also a charity sale for the ward we was treated on. Where did you have your transplant?

Kristian profile image
Kristian in reply to jojokarak

I had my transplant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Only had one hiccup afterwards that was the result of having almost no white blood cells and neutrophils. Picked up a little infection and spent 2 and a half weeks back in the ozzie. Was in longer then than I was having the transplant, lol. I think I've had it easy though, you definitely seem to have gone through the mill a bit. Hope all settles down soon for you.

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