Itching after Transplant

[glory]

I was wondering if any of the Transplant Recipients had any itching problems 3 months or so after transplant?  Doctor's said it could be cyclosoprine level could be too high or stint has not passed yet.

[robin]

I never had problems with itching until I started treatment after transplant. I was not able to take cyclosporin and was only on Prograf so I'm not familiar with the sides of cyclosporin. What kind of stent is the doctor talking about...a TIPS? My TIPS was removed during transplant and I've not heard about a post-transplant stent. Sorry I couldn't offer any help but you are both in my thoughts...keep your spirits high...robin

[glory]

Hi Robin thanks for your reply it is the stent they put in during transplant.  I received a letter from the coorinator to day which I am attaching.. A little concerned about the viral load and enhancement on the MRI... What are you thoughts on this?

His abdominal Xray shows that the biliary stent is still in the common bile duct. I will review with one of our MD, and we will likely need to schedule him for an endoscopy to have the stent pulled through.
Also, his MRI showed some “patchy enhancement”, but is not indicative of cancer.  It will be repeated again in Sept, so I don’t want you to worry. Viral load was 4,900,00.  He is 4 months post transplant

 

[robin]

Hi Glory...do you know why they put in a stent after surgery? I know of another person who has had to have his bile duct stent replaced about every 4 months. Immediately afterwards they have some great weeks then they decline again. I can't imagine dealing with another issue like that after receiving my transplant. My thoughts are really with you and your entire family.

I've never had another CT or MRI but did have a biopsy at one year which indicated that I had to start treatment or would need a second transplant in 6-8 years. I was lucky enough to clear on my first real treatment series. They have only checked my labs since transplant, in fact, I have never seen my transplant surgeon after the first 9 months. The steroids they give you right after transplant will kick your viral load up. Mine went to 26 milllion while on steroids but came down once they stopped. I wish there was some kind of great information I could pass to you but I have decided to only do mandatory labs and let my body tell me if something is not right so I'm not very current. Perhaps ostrich in the sand is a good analogy.

Keep your spirits high...robin

[MissyMouse]

Robin,

Did you ever get the results of your post treatment PCR?

Mouse

[robin]

Never heard from them so I figured no news is good news. If otherwise and it was overlooked, I don't really want to know. Sigh...but I'm not the trooper you are. I feel very good so in my heart of hearts, I feel I am negative. Thanks for asking...
Keep your spirits high....robin

[Whoyle]

Glory,

Name is Bill.

Not sure if you're still active in this forum but, as I was looking for a forum with real information from those that have been there, I noticed the "Meld Score 22" subject line and began reading. Your husband and I seem to be traveling the same path, though I'm quite a bit behind. I too have a MELD score of 22, and was listed on August 11. I'm also in region 11, at UNC-Chapel Hill (GO HEELS!!). I've been informed I too am top 10 in my blood type, and I am waiting for the call. Very impressed with his progress after surgery. Moved to regular room very quickly, back home in 5 days! That's truly AWESOME. I'm HCV with cirrhosis and HCC, mid fifties, in reasonably good health. What is your husbands secrets for the success he had recovering? How'd you'd like UNC's TP program? Thanks for any feedback!

[MissyMouse]

Hi Bill.  I know you were posting to Glory, but I just wanted to welcome you.

Mouse (Missy)