My dad is not doing well after liver transplant. Very worried

Hi all. my dad had a liver transplant 4 weeks ago. since then he has had to have 3 additional surgeries. the doctors were amazed that he made it. since the transplant he has not eaten solids. he has no appetite. feels sick. he also seems a bit depressed. The doctors told us today that if they dont put put a feeding tube in he will die. This is a man who always was positive. i dont understand why my dad is not eatinh when he knows how important it is for the healing process. can anyone please tell me if this is normal. i am very worried. thank you

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stevep on March 30, 2012 at 4:30am

Kee a positive attitude. I had the same problem with the bilirubin, along with a leaking bile duct where they had sewn the new one to the old one. They ended up putting in a stent, which is done by going through the throat by doing an endoscopy. You sleep through the whole thing and no pain. They left the stent in me for 5 months until the bile duct was healed and normal. I also had to wear a drainage tube and a bag attached to the bile duct which drained out excessive bile fluid. They left this in also for 5 months. I know it's scary and my my wife was always worried sick just like you, but you have to go through each step to get successfully to the other side and when you get through it (even though you think you may never make it) its wonderful. I have occasional problems, but I'm still alive and able to enjoy my kids and grandkids!

Permalink Reply by Rachel on April 2, 2012 at 9:00pm

Hi Laura

I'm so sorry your dad is going thru this. Hope he's doing better, will pray for your dad. Just reading your story got me thinking about how depress and how scared I was but it's now 11 months later and it seems like such a long time ago. I feel alot better. Keep positive. Take care of yourself also so you can be strong for him.

Rachel

Permalink Reply by Denny on June 4, 2012 at 12:31am

Rachel said:

Hi Laura

I'm so sorry your dad is going thru this. Hope he's doing better, will pray for your dad. Just reading your story got me thinking about how depress and how scared I was but it's now 11 months later and it seems like such a long time ago. I feel alot better. Keep positive. Take care of yourself also so you can be strong for him.

Rachel

Rachel

Permalink Reply by Denny on June 4, 2012 at 12:44am

Denny said:Hi everyone. I am Laura's Dad. I'm home now and trying to get my strength back. I lost a lot of weight and all my muscle. I'm taking walks and lifting light weights. Still not much of an appetite but forcing myself to eat and drink lots of protein drinks. They finally removed the wound vac two days ago. I seem to be losing my hair and getting angry easily. I hope its the meds and will pass. My daughter and son and wife were so supportive and now it seems as if I didn't appreciate them supporting me throughout my surgeries (4). I know how hard it must have been for them. Now I feel like a weak old man of 65 and I have stomach problems all the time, like a sour stomach. I suddenly have gout in my left foot now too. I try to stay positive but its hard sometimes. What more can I say? I'm thankful to be alive and do appreciate all the support I got from my family. God bless you all with love,peace, health and light. Denny

Rachel said:

Hi Laura

I'm so sorry your dad is going thru this. Hope he's doing better, will pray for your dad. Just reading your story got me thinking about how depress and how scared I was but it's now 11 months later and it seems like such a long time ago. I feel alot better. Keep positive. Take care of yourself also so you can be strong for him.

Rachel

Rachel

Permalink Reply by Stevep on June 4, 2012 at 9:32am

Hang in there it will get better. I had 2 surgeries the week of my tx because I got peratonitis. Went from 186 lbs down to 136. I drank 3-4 bottles of Ensure a day, took multiple vitamins, 400mg magnesium 2x a day along with my immunosuppressants. I was also very weak and went into rehab for 2 weeks and then after 6 months went into an outpatient rehab program for 12 weeks. Take care and try to maintain a positive attitude. I had a liver and kidney tx because both kidneys failed while I was waiting for my liver.

Permalink Reply by buzzerxl1 on June 4, 2012 at 11:36am

Yo Denny,

I experienced the same probs after transplant it's horrible I know like a trauma, but you will get over this. Stay on the positive and just think how fortunate we are tell your family you love them and say some things that you don't mean as you're ill and not yourself. Keep up the exercise eat well lift your weights and don't give in to bad thoughts. You will get better just give it time your body will tell you when it's ready.

Life ias a miracle and to be enjoyed so be strong and get well Denny.

My God is with you. Greets Peter.

Permalink Reply by Rachel on June 4, 2012 at 12:48pm

Denny,

I'm so glad you're home and doing better. It does get better. It's been a year for me and I still remember it like it was last week. I've gained my weight back, too much now I have to go on a diet. I've regained the use of my left foot, it took five to six months for it to start working again. You've gone thru alot, give yourself some time. Take it easy, stay positive....it does get better. Happy you're home.

Rachel

Permalink Reply by Laurel on June 4, 2012 at 11:54pm

I am glad to hear you made it Denny. What a sweet daughter. These drugs can mess up your mind. Start life from today. Your family stood by you and you are lucky enough to be alive and say thanks and that you love them.I came home a diabetic. It went away after a few weeks. Shit happens....Life is great!

Laurie

Permalink Reply by Tom on July 20, 2012 at 12:06am

We have had 2 liver Tx in my immediate family (father and son). I had the same symptoms as your Dad. I lost 38 pounds. He will bbe in my prayers. Tom

Permalink Reply by Ellis on April 1, 2013 at 9:56am

My wife was transplanted last September and still has not regained her appetite. Eventually, they put in a feeding tube and that is what is keeping her alive. She also does not drink a lot of water which presents delierium and she started talking to people who aren't there! Now that she is on the feeding tube, the delierium is gone, but the appetite is still not there and it has been 7 months. If we were to remove the feeding tube and IV's, she would have to be readmitted to the hospital. We have tried everything and now we are attempting hypno-therapy to help her.

Permalink Reply by A.J. on April 1, 2013 at 3:26pm

Ellis, I am sorry to hear of the problems your wife is experiencing. I hesitate asking, but has she tried medical marijuana. Cancer patients use it to not only help decrease nausea, but also to help increase appetite. It sounds like she needs something other than whatever it is the doctors are trying. I wish her the best and hope things work out for you both.

Best, AJ

Permalink Reply by buzzerxl1 on April 1, 2013 at 10:47am

Hiya Laura, Your Dad has gone through so much and his body has to be absolutely drained, also with the new medication side effects etc. Just support your Dad every day and keep on the positive. He's not his usual self at the moment just do as the Doctors say and encourage him to eat and exercise the best he can. My prayers are with you and your Dad. The human body is amazing and will adjust. I had my liver transplant three years ago in Kings College London and it was very traumatic, but today I feel wonderful the best in 15 years. God bless all donors who give us this precious gift of life. Sincerely Peter.