Liver Transplant

[DENRO]

Hello, I had a liver transplant October 2016 due to cancer of the liver. After three months I developed aches and pains in my right leg, foot drop, Numbness in my foot and leg, constant pins and needles in my foot, swelling of my foot and ankle. The pains have brought me to tears on many occasions. The same problems are now developing on my left leg. Many Mri scans revealed @spinal stenosis' and two spinal surgeons recommended an operation but the liver teams rejected due to me on anti rejection medication. Having now seen a 'pain management' consultant who explained the 'spinal stenosis' is 'old' and not causing my pains and other problems, but it is the medication I am taking. I stopped taking a blood pressure tablet which the QE Birmingham prescribed and monitored my blood pressure. My blood pressure over several weeks has been perfect and my swelling on my foot has reduced 90%. I am awaiting an appointment with the Liver Team in February and will be asking if my anti rejection medication can either be reduced or altered. I have feelings of nausea, a runny nose, sleepless nights, muscle weakness and now need to walk with an arm crutch. Are there anyone else, who have had a liver transplant, experiencing any of the pains and symptoms I have?

[freddie76]

My husband had similar. Pain in ankle.

Ignored by all for a couple of years post transplant.

Had appointments with rheumatology.

Eventually had scans and saw osteo.

He had osteonecrosis due to bone dying maybe due to steroids

Had op to fuse bone.

Ok since.

U need checking

Good luck

[AyrshireK]

I wonder if this is a common post transplant issue or do they give sticks / crutches to a lot of folks due to abdominal muscle weekness post transplant. It's one thing we've noticed at the transplant clinic at Edinburgh that the majority of post transplant patients have a crutch or stick.

Katie

[Kristian in reply to AyrshireK]

I used a stick for a while afterwards just really to help with posture when walking and for a bit of extra support when needed. Was very useful to avoid jolts when stepping down big steps, for example getting off trains etc. It wasn't something that was issued though. I had it from a previous hospital stay when I needed a fair bit of support standing and walking. It did come in quite useful even though I could have managed without it.