after liver transplant

[Livergal]

after my liver transplant everything went great! But, now having problems with kidneys why???

[carmik]

Unfortunately various issues can arise post transplant.my hubby is 12 years post now and still issues are arising.grateful for his life being saved but it can come with a variety of issues.just have to deal with them as they come along. Keep chinny up u may be lucky and not have too many complications.

[AyrshireK]

A number of issues can arise post liver transplant which is why it is a last resort for treating liver disease.

The NHS page about these complications explains the risk of potential kidney issue.

This affects up to 40 in 100 patients.

A liver transplant can affect your kidney function. A small number of patients may require temporary dialysis in the early days after the operation.

Chronic or long-term kidney problems can occur in up to 40% of patients. This may be due to the immunosuppressant medication you need to take. In particular, ciclosporin and tacrolimus can cause kidney damage.

Occasionally, kidney function can deteriorate to the point of requiring a kidney transplant.

Full page is at :- nhsbt.nhs.uk/organ-transpla....

Hopefully they quickly get to grips with your issues and you go on to continue your recovery.

Katie

[Livergal in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you 🙏! But very scary and frustrating

[Kristian]

There's a couple of potential reasons. Firstly the kidneys take a big hit during the actual operation and can take a while to recover. Secondly, post transplant medication is known also to have quite an impact too. So, it's not unusual to have some degree of kidney disfunction after transplant. How much os very person specific an its quite usual to amend medication and doses to try and minimise those impacts as much as they can. It's sometimes tricky to get the right balance, particularly early on when immune suppression is still relatively high. For some also, it's not possible to reduce the dosage as much or as quickly as folks would prefer, so impacts on the kidneys can be prolonged.

You are still relatively recently transplanted so you may just need more time. It is though something they will keep a close eye on as it is a known complication. Hopefully as more time passes things will stabilise.

[bagpuss7]

Hi. I am 18 months post transplant. I am afraid my kidneys have taken a massive hit. To be honest that's the case with all the other transplantees I know. It is a combination of the factors Kristian mentioned. However, I very nearly died, so I am still basking in the after glow of waking up everyday, still here!. I am in stage 4 kidney disease but still work and have quality of life, albeit exhausted. Atransplant is not a cure and it isn't permanent in most cases but I lived to see another Christmas! People I was alongside in the hospital ward did not. Every day is a blessing.

[Yellowsydney]

Hi, I'm afraid it's fairly normal, my kidneys were badly damaged within weeks of my transplant due to tacrolimus and valganciclovir, I had lots of if fluids and drug changes, now 6 years post I have 40% kidney function but doctors not worried as stable. Drink lots of water to flush the tacrolimus through your kidneys.If you use Facebook please feel free to join our friendly and knowledgeable Facebook group called ' liver transplant support uk ' thousands of people that have been in your situation.

Hilary 💚

[Beture47 in reply to Yellowsydney]

Hi I am 8 years post transplant, and now 76 years.Greatful for every day. Kidney function now in the 40% area. I feel really well and still working Just arrived back from a holiday in Vietnam and seen another Christmas with family. The greatest gift in life is being given new lifeHappy New Year to all

[Livergal in reply to Yellowsydney]

Thanx 👍

[Gus63]

HiI had a tp about 5 months ago. It's not been great - developed haemolyses soon after. It's when rogue antibodies attack haemoglobin. It's fairly rare in tp. Treatment is usually anti rejection... but in my case obviously on AR already! They also found I had AKI (acute kidney injury). We everyone has suggested lots of water. Increased steroids and second line if anti- rejection has helped. I. Appreciate your situation is different but replying because kidney injury not unusual. Chin up.

[Herewegoagain12]

What anti rejection meds are you takin? If you're comfortable

[Herewegoagain12]

I'm 8 yrs post liver transplant, back then tacrolimus was one of the commonly used immunosuppressive drugs. My liver doctor never told me I lost 45% of my kidney function. 3 years ago I dropped to stage 5 ckd, learned how to eat for my kidney and pulled myself back to gfr 30. Talk to your liver doctor, maybe he can help guide you. Jump on it quickly, timing can make a difference.

Good luck

[bagpuss7 in reply to Herewegoagain12]

I would be really interested in what you eat. Please could you kindly explain when you have a moment

[Sanov in reply to Herewegoagain12]

I'm interested in your diet as well

[A9KSY]

It's to do with your anti rejection meds unfortunately it does get better as the dose decreases, but great to hear your doing well after your transplant.