Kidney failure following liver transplant

[TJB7]

I'm now 7 weeks post transplant and my liver is working perfectly, but at clinic this week my kidney blood tests were elevated to moderate (stage 3) kidney failure.

Is this common following a transplant and is it something that will improve or continue to be a concern or get worse?

P.s. I am diabetic following my transplant aswell.

[AyrshireK]

I believe both of these issues - kidneys and diabetes post transplant are quite common. I am surprised the transplant team haven't discussed the results with you and what they plan to do about it.

This is a discussion you need to have with your transplant co-ordinators/doctors.

All the best

Katie

[Huggy7614]

Hi TJB,

Had my transplant a year ago, as soon as I came round they told me they were concerned about how my kidneys had faired during the op. They were closely monitored.

About 6 months post tp my egfr level dropped to 59, which again raised concerns, they adjusted my tacrolimus level, reducing by 1/2mg, and my egfr has now gone back up above 60.

Hopefully they will keep a close check on you.

Andy.

[Yellowsydney]

Hi, I've had kidney problems since soon after transplant caused by tacrolimus and valganciclovir was hospitalized several times for iv fluid and drug changes. Now 3years post and have 40% kidney function, I only take 0.5mg tacrolimus twice daily due to this but have to take 750mg mycophenolate as well.

Hopefully as tacrolimus dose is lowered over time your kidney function should improve, drink lots of water to help flush the drugs through your system.

I'm type 2 diabetic as well.

Good luck and feel free to contact me any time

Hilary

[Steak]

Hi i was the same after transplant became diabetic after transplant and was initially put on insulin but now have been put on a tablet and it seems 2 be under control now my hba1c blood test was 64 at 1 stage as I was trying 2 manage it with just diet but wasn't able 2 now my hba1c is 50. My kidneys at moment r in the chronic stage 3a as my kidneys not working as they shud be but consultants don't seem 2 be so concerned when I mention this. I drink lots of water and am up 3 or 4 times at nite 2 go to toilet but kidneys still at same level. This problem seems common 2 lots of transplant patients not sure why maybe it's meds. Take care x

[Kristian]

Hi TJ

Its not uncommon for the kidneys to take a hit after transplant and it is something your transplant team will be keeping an eye on. There's a couple of potential causes, firstly the lack of blood flow during the op itself and secondly the meds we get afterwards.

My levels were in the mid 40% range for quite a while after transplant, but as the doses of the meds comes down they gradually increased. They're now happily sitting in the 60's.

Next time you go to clinic have a chat with them about it and i'm sure they'll explain it too you. If your drug levels are ok in your blood they may look to amend the doses you are taking.

Good luck

[Dodger1953]

Hello TJB7, I am now 6yrs post transplant, and reading some of the replys you have had I appear to have been very lucky, in that I have never been diagnosed with Diabeties, in the initial stages we are all on quite large doses of various medications all of which do not help our kidneys but as time goes by these reduce and hopefully everything settles down, I have bloodtests every 4months now, and last year my consultant told me my kidneys where being damaged by my Tacrolimus so he reduced it by 0.5mg so I am now on 1.5mg daily and everything has settled down again, if you are concerned about it bring it up at your next consultation and I'm sure your mind will be put to rest, as I have said I am now 6+ years post transplant and am still working at 67yrs old and looking forward to retiring at 70, and thats something I couldn't have said in 2013, you will be fine it will take time but the last 6yrs have flown by for me, and I will always be eternally grateful to my donor and there family and of course all in the Transplant team who looked after me and who still are keeping me in good health. Stay Safe and look forward to a long life as I am.