Back Pain - 6 weeks in.

[Shoker]

Hi, my dad had a liver transplant 6 weeks ago and is suffering from very bad back pain. To the point he can’t stand up. Is this normal?

Also his starting talking in his sleep a lot. Is this normal. Pls help it’s very worrying.

[AyrshireK]

This is something he most definitely contact his transplant team about or mention at clinic - I take it with t/p being this recent he is still being seen regularly.

The talking in his sleep may be related to the drugs he's still on. Again something to get checked with his medical team.

Katie

[Shoker in reply to AyrshireK]

thank you Kate - he is seeing them on Thursday. But is back pain normal?

[AyrshireK in reply to Shoker]

I couldn't say as we've not gone through t/p. Could it be kidney area? Is urination normal?

Abdominal muscles also get badly messed about during transplant so posture could be off causing back niggles.

If he's struggling so badly don't wait till Thursday, contact his t/p co-ordinators or liver ward to see if this is something they want to investigate more urgently.

Katie

[Shoker in reply to AyrshireK]

thank you Kate - I will do x

[Yellowsydney]

Hi, back pain after liver transplant seems to be very common, usually explained by the amount of time laying flat on the operating table. Talking in his sleep could be caused by drugs especially if he's still in strong pain killers. Both should be mentioned at his next clinic visit.

If you use Facebook please feel free to join our friendly and knowledgeable group called liver transplant support uk, thousands of people that have been in the same situation.

Hilary 💚

[Shoker]

Hello, Hilary,

Thank you for the advice and yes I will defo join you on face book.

Thank you

Nita

[Fluffysian]

Hi Shoker,

I sympathise…….I had a transplant in September, was in hospital for 9 weeks and came home with really bad back pain…..to the point I could hardly walk or go upstairs. The build up of ascites and oedema I had was huge (I’m now 50kg lighter than I was in November!!) and they are putting the pain down to this and being immobile for so long. When you are in a hospital bed for an extended time, your body loses muscle mass and having a poorly liver can also contribute to the same. My kidneys aren’t functioning normally yet so I asked the consultant if it could be kidney pain……….they said kidney failure doesn’t generally hurt so they’re pretty sure it’s not this. I got a referral for a local physio to come to my home and she’s given me some Pilates style exercises. My back is feeling so much better now! It’s still not right but I’m no longer in absolute agony! The other thing they booked for me was a bone density scan but think this is more a concern for women. It obviously would be right for your Dad to get properly checked out at his next appointment with the liver team. Best wishes to you both x

[Shoker in reply to Fluffysian]

Thank you so much for sharing with me. Honestly hearing your story give me strength and hope! My dad is my best friend and seeing him I’m pain is ripping me apart 😭 I will call the team and get advice asap!

[Kristian]

This is definitely something to raise with his medical team. Its worth getting in touch with the coordinators too, they may be able to offer some advice if anything needs to be done before your next clinic. Probably worth doing that just to be on the safe side anyway.

[vinylcollector]

Best to go and visit your GP or A&E urgently. I wouldn't hang around.

[Shoker]

Hi, All - they did an MRI scan and said they would call us this the results. However it’s been 2 days and we have chased and left messages. They haven’t got back to us with the results we are there again on Thursday.

I suppose no news is good news right?