Post transplant

[Lippy42]

Hi after having a liver transplant did anyone suffer with their kidneys . Just seeking assurance ste is 1 month post transplant but kidneys are still struggling .

[BritishLiverTrust6 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear Lippy42

If you would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Kristian]

Yes, they do take quite a hit during the operation and can take a while to recover. The meds dont help either as they too can impact in the kidneys.I think for the first couple of months my kidney function was in the 40's. Over time and with a reduction in doses of tac in particular it steadily improved. They are usually now in the low to mid 60s but my last blood tests had them back in the 50s. It is something they keep a close eye on, even years after transplant, as it is a known issue. Its one of the reasons they tell you to drink lots water each day.

[Lippy42 in reply to Kristian]

Thankyou .take care 🥰

[Richard-Allen]

Hello Lippy, it should be remembered that we are all different. The medication that is prescribed following a liver transplant is all tailored to our specific needs.

For example, Some of us may have become diabetic during our liver journey while others may have contracted an infection during the procedure. If someone's transplant was due to Hep C for example they may have been put on a different anti-rejection medication. So it’s very much a case of “horses for courses”. All this will have been discussed during your stay in the hospital where a pharmacist would have come around and discussed all of this with you.

Certain anti-rejection medications can cause kidney damage, and we are all given pretty high doses at first, which can cause kidney problems. The dosage will either be lowered or a different type of anti-rejection medication prescribed.

This needs to be brought to the liver consultant's attention asap. Contact the liver transplant coordinators and let them know.

Best Wishes

Richard

[Huggy7614]

Hi, yep, possibly a year after I was still getting low blood results, and they did reduce my tacrolimus to aid their recovery.

It will take some time for everything to settle down, and to find the meds balance that works for ste. But that’s why we have to visit Birmingham so often!! 🤪

Have faith that he’s being incredibly carefully monitored. Hope his physical recovery is improving. Andy

[Yellowsydney]

My kidneys were badly damaged within weeks of my transplant due to Tacrolimus and valgancyclivir, lots of iv fluids and drug changes. Now 5 years post I've got 40% kidney function but it's stable so doctors aren't worried. Drink lots of fluids to help flush the Tacrolimus through kidneys. His doctors will be monitoring him.Good luck

Hilary

[buckldgl]

Had liver transplant 5 years ago. Kidney function fluctuates. Up to stage 3 disease at one time. But always recovers. Drinking lots of water has a big effect. Lowering the Tacrolimus dosage helps but this is gradual so be patient and try not to worry

[XFS151W]

Yep had the same, but give it time, things will settle down eventually, my bloods still show kidney function issues but nothing to worry about. Or give cause for concern.

[Bellarman]

I myself have not got great renel kidney function but unfortunately its the immunosuppresents but I do is drink at least 2litres of water a day the liver doctors will say 3litres a day but that is near on impossible otherwise how are meant to get on with your normal daily activities yes my kidneys are up down, but I'm trusting the doctors to really keep an eye on my blood's to make sure, I always ask questions some doctors don't like constant questions but though, anyway try drinking the 2litres a day and you'll not go far wrong and when they say fluids it does mean proper water not like coke or Fanta or tea yes you can have these drinks but there not going to do the same job as water I hope that helps

[Smokey001]

I will say

For people with scary liver issue this forum is good, most comments are helpful and in the wings the liver trust people monitor activity.

Good forum, it helps all.