I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: rookiegirl on June 04, 2009, 06:41:37 AM

Title: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: rookiegirl on June 04, 2009, 06:41:37 AM
Since I had my transplant in March 2009, my clinic have been monitoring my Liver function.  On my 2nd clinic visit, they mentioned about my liver enzyme and wanted to do an ultrasound of my liver and gall bladder.  After the ultrasound, they didn't find anything out of the ordinary.  My Liver is elevated due to the medications I'm taking so they will monitor.

I received my lab results yesterday:  Creatinine 1.4, Hemoglobin 12.7, Prograf level 7.8, Liver test elevated.

My question to those that received transplant, did you ever had the same problem with your liver as me?  Prior to my transplant, I never had any issue with my liver or any other parts of my body except my kidneys.  I'm scared if they can't control my liver that I have another issue at hand.
Title: Re: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: monrein on June 04, 2009, 08:45:35 AM
Many of my liver enzymes are somewhat elevated too RG but they're not too concerned so far.  My liver is a bit wonky, the right lobe has some damage from a virus that I never even knew about many years ago.  Obviously the levels must be monitored but don't worry too much about this since that won't help the liver enzyme tests any.  I do think it's the drugs we take especially since generally they try to avoid drugs that are metabolized through the kidney in favour of ones that are handled by the liver.   Welcome to the transplant tightrope.  It beats the dialysis roller coaster.
Title: Re: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: rookiegirl on June 04, 2009, 10:14:45 AM
Thanks for the information.  Good to know that I'm not alone concerning my liver issue.  I pray it doesn't get worst.

I wonder if there is anything I can do for myself to help my liver (special diet, exercise, etc...).
Title: Re: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: donnia on June 04, 2009, 07:06:38 PM
That happened to me as well.  Are you taking anything for Cholesterol???  I was taking Lipitor and it was the culprit. 

Good Luck!!!! :flower;
Title: Re: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: Chris on June 04, 2009, 11:56:53 PM
Have they tested for CMV?
When my liver level went up, they did the same old monthly test and just monitored it. Then it rose more and more and my liver became painful. Shortend of the story my transplant center finally did a liver biopsy and CMV blood test.

I was on Gancyclovir/Cytovene post tx for 3 months then stopped and shortly after that I began th rollercoaster. So keep any eye on your labs, note any changes the way your body feels and tell your doctor or transplant team.

Good Luck
Title: Re: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: rookiegirl on June 05, 2009, 05:39:29 AM
I've never been on Cholesterol meds.  I will definitely mention to my clinic about testing for CMV.  I really hope they don't have to do a biopsy of my liver.  I just hate biopsy of anything.
Title: Re: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: paris on June 05, 2009, 10:54:06 AM
AlohaBeth had elevated liver levels.  After many blood tests, they linked it to the tylenol, etc she was taking for herniated discs.   Could it be becasue of any meds you are on right now?  Hope they finda an answer quick (without a biopsy!!)
Title: Re: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: rookiegirl on June 05, 2009, 11:14:50 AM
AlohaBeth had elevated liver levels.  After many blood tests, they linked it to the tylenol, etc she was taking for herniated discs.   Could it be becasue of any meds you are on right now?  Hope they finda an answer quick (without a biopsy!!)

They did mention it's most likely the meds I'm taking post transplant until I they reduce it down.  They will continue to monitor.  I guess monitoring means it's not alarming yet and no need to PANIC.
Title: Re: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: rookiegirl on June 16, 2009, 07:45:21 AM
Have they tested for CMV?
When my liver level went up, they did the same old monthly test and just monitored it. Then it rose more and more and my liver became painful. Shortend of the story my transplant center finally did a liver biopsy and CMV blood test.

I was on Gancyclovir/Cytovene post tx for 3 months then stopped and shortly after that I began th rollercoaster. So keep any eye on your labs, note any changes the way your body feels and tell your doctor or transplant team.

Good Luck

Chris - you mentioned "liver became painful", how painful and where exactly did you feel the pain?  In the last 2-3 day, I've been feeling soreness on my upper right side near the rib area.  I thought maybe I slept wrong since I'm a side sleeper.  Then I thought maybe it's my liver?  I'm not exactly sure the location of the liver.  Stupid I know.
Title: Re: Post Transplant Elevated Liver
Post by: Chris on June 16, 2009, 05:38:19 PM
That is about the area I was feeling pain, at the lower rib cage and just below it. It was very sensitive to touch, more than normal for me that is. The pain did nt go away until treatment was given after a few weeks.
Bring it up with your doctor if it doesn't go away and ask what they have tested for so far.