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[Ynnep]

I had my kidney transplant April, 2019. In the last couple of months I have had issues with being so cold that I need a coat or a heating pad. Then after about half an hour, I am so warm it's almost as if I have a horrible sunburn, especially on my back. Is this from the anti-rejection meds?

[LavenderRabbit]

I don’t know. Since my transplant, 18 months ago, I’ve been hot. My doctor said it’s because I am no longer anemic. That my body was used to being anemic, and cold, now I have to get used to being normal again.

[A-A-B-J]

I have been hot. I’m sweating all the time. I used to be cold all the time. I have not asked my doctor about it but I will the next time I have an appointment. Now I’m curious. Have you been tested for being anemic?

[Ynnep in reply to A-A-B-J]

Yes, just had labs again! Not a problem for me. Thanks for your response.

[Blue-Quilter]

I've been cold forever it seems. My transplant was October of 2019, so we were heading into the cold weather anyway. I had to get a warmer coat, and knitted myself a wool hat as well. Since my transplant, I've lost between 50 and 60 pounds (depends on how much water I'm retaining when I weigh in), so I no longer have my own insulation source. I wear long sleeves year round, often double layers, and have invested in a couple sets of long johns for winter. I just got a pair of fleece lined pants at Costco today, which I'm excited to try and see if they really do keep me warm.

My hematocrit hovers at the very low end of normal, occasionally dipping into the Low range, but my team doesn't seem overly concerned about it at this point. I take a women's multivitamin that contains iron, but was on iron supplements prior to transplant, so I guess it's not that bad. This may sound strange, but I was actually looking forward to the hot flashes that come with menopause, because then I would FINALLY be warm. Never happened! I'm a month shy of my 67th birthday, so if I was ever going to get them, I should have by now. My solution has been to adjust my wardrobe so that I'm comfortable most of the time. I have extra quilts available on my sofa and in my reading chair, and lots and lots of sweaters! It may not be the perfect solution, but it works for me.

Check with your team, but if this just started happening and you've been transplanted over three years, I don't think it's the anti-rejection meds. It could be other meds you're on, but only your team can give you accurate info for YOU. Best wishes.

[Ynnep in reply to Blue-Quilter]

Thanks so much.

[horsie63 in reply to Blue-Quilter]

have you had your thyroid checked? I have Graves Disease which causes hyperthyroidism and I’m cold all the time.

[Blue-Quilter in reply to horsie63]

They check it regularly and it's within normal limits. I think it's part of getting older. I remember my grandparents' house was always warm, and my parents' house was as well after we kids were all adults. I have an appt w/ my PCP in three weeks; I'll ask her about it then.

[Ynnep in reply to Blue-Quilter]

Thanks Blue-Quilter!

I should have stated in my original post that I'm 74. I never had flashes of any kind. Menopause or otherwise. I was 61-62 (I think) and didn't have any issues other than the period stopping. I seriously doubt that these flashes are now making an appearance. And I'm more than 3.5 years from transplant. I think it's anti rejection prescription related. Just try to get Kidney Transplant Team to take this seriously. Gives them a good laugh.

[BabyTee]

I am sorry you are facing this. That must be really frustrating. I am also hot post-transplant, like the others.

I'd go to the websites and see if that is a possible side effect of either of your specific immunosuppressants. It might be a circulation problem or a skin sensitivity problem. I wish I knew which doc you should see to determine what the actual problem is.

About 2 weeks post-transplant I noticed the hot/warm water I used to shower with hurt my skin. Each drop of water was painful on my skin and felt like it was burning me. Now I only use luke-warm water and I have no pain. I have no clue what the problem is. It only affected my back and legs, not my front torso or arms.

Make sure someone checks you for anemia. Wouldn't it be lovely if that was the problem.

[Ynnep]

Yes, thank you. I have monthly labs. Apparently, this is a prescription issue. It is so annoying. One minute, I'm so hot and 10-15 minutes later, I'm cold. I've been thinking that I prefer cold because at least I can out on a sweater. When I'm hot there is little I can do. I can't remove anything. Especially in a public setting. I just try to relax and tell myself, it will be over in a few minutes. Thanks for your response.👍