Hyperthyroidism Post-Transplant?

[RuthWells]

Hi folks,

I'm wondering whether anyone has experienced hyperthyroidism post-transplant?  I am 5.5 months post-surgery, taking Prograf and Imuran (as I couldn't tolerate Cellcept), and my hair has started falling out at an alarming rate -- the same kind of hair loss I experienced during my pregnancies.

So I played Google Doctor and came up with Hyperthyroidism: difficulty gaining weight (check), heart palpitations (check), diarrhea (check), muscle weakness (check), and hair loss (check).

I'll ask the nephrologist at clinic in 2 weeks at my next appointment, but am just curious whether anyone has experienced this?


Ruth

[jeannea]

Well, it could be your thyroid or it could be a combo. It's worth getting a blood test for your thyroid.

Prednisone can cause the hair on your head to fall out while you grow more hair where a woman doesn't want it like your chin. CellCept can cause diarrhea. I don't know about Immuran but it could. I never had trouble gaining weight but everyone is different. Make sure they check your CMV level because that can explain the diarrhea and weight problem. I never had PVCs til after my first transplant but then I got them they're not harmful. Your doc can listen to your heart and know if you need more help.

My point is that we live in side effect land after transplant. Don't freak out about more diseases unless you have to. Hopefully you're ok.

[MooseMom]

My point is that we live in side effect land after transplant. Don't freak out about more diseases unless you have to. Hopefully you're ok.

If you read the patient information sheets that come with all of the meds you are taking, all of the symptoms you are having can be a side affect from at least one, if not more than one, of the drugs you are taking.

When I had major surgery 4 years ago, at five months post-surgery, my hair started to fall out, too.  I asked my hairdresser about it, and she said that she sees that all of the time in her clients who have had big ops.  It's a delayed reaction to the trauma of surgery.  So, I'm halfway expecting my hair to start falling out in about 4 months' time.  LOL!  Good news is that the great fallout stopped after a couple of weeks.  It occurs to me that pregnancy can be a big shock to the body, too, in someone who is sensitive to such things.  So, I'd be willing to bet that your problem isn't your thyroid, but it is certainly worth asking about.

Let us know what you find out.  I'm going to go find my broom...

[RuthWells]

Thanks for that input, Jeannea and Moose Mom.  I have never heard of delayed hair loss this long after a surgery, but it sounds plausible!  I will report back after talking to the neph.

[MooseMom]

I have never heard of delayed hair loss this long after a surgery, but it sounds plausible!  I will report back after talking to the neph.

Oh, it's more than just "plausible"!  It happened to me, and according to my hairdresser, it's certainly not uncommon.  Speaking of which, I really need a haircut, but it's just too hot to move.

[RuthWells]

I decided to grow out a pixie cut (what was I thinking?!) and am about ready to shave my head.  GAH.