BO problem - due to medications?

[Falkenbach]

I've never had a problem with body odour, but after my transplant 5 years ago, I really started to notice that my arm pits get quite smelly fairly soon after my morning shower. I have put this down to all the medications i have to take.

Just lately, it's been really bad. Even on a mild day, I smell within and hour or two of my shower. I've tried all kinds of deodorants and talcum powder, and I usually shower twice a day. Repeatedly throughout the day, whether at home or work, I am sneaking into the bathroom to wash my armpits and put on a fresh layer of antiperspirant. I usually change clothing a couple of times a day as well, which creates so much extra laundry.

I'm a female in my 30s.

This is really affecting my confidence. Does it sound familiar to other transplant recipients? Or should I be looking at other causes?

[okarol]

The anti-rejection meds can cause bacteria to flourish, so you may want to use cotton and wipe your underarms with rubbing alcohol every couple of days. You might also develop a fungal infection, which can be checked by your doctor, and cream or spray might be prescribed.

It's good to see you cycobully - it's been awhile! Hope everything else is going well! 

[Falkenbach]

Thanks Karol.

[RichardMEL]

yeah CB good to "see" you

I hadn't heard of that issue either and I just sniffed my shoulder area and well... it's acceptable

I find it interesting also that after 5 years you notice it more (I know you said you wrote that you'd had it for awhile) - I mean after a few years you should be on a stable minimum level of the meds - if anything the bacteria etc should be thriving earlier on post-tx than later on...

with that thought in mind, I'd be wondering ok what's changed? definitely mention to clinic (or just up your arms?? lol sorry...) because it would def be a concern to me.

hope you can find a solution!

[Chris]

Hi cycobully!
I haven't had this problem, but it would be something I would ask a dermatologist about who is familiar with transplants.

Nice to see you again.

[Falkenbach]

Gosh you people have good memories lol ! I even thought about starting a new account to post this rather embarrassing problem, but I thought - nah, it's pretty anonymous, and no one will remember me anyway!  rofl

Yeah, it actually did occur to me to wonder what has changed recently that should make it worse. I do find using the Aquis (sp?) or Dettol or other brand of alcohol-based hand sanitisers does help a bit, but is probably pretty harsh on the skin. I work in a medical clinic, so we have heaps of that stuff around!

I do have a GP appointment today, I will bring this up with him.

As for me, I think it has probably been literally years since I've been here. A few major things have happened, but on the health/kidney front, generally doing well. I've had a lot of admissions to hospital with recurrent UTI's, and I've had a skin cancer removed from my forehead. And a few iron transfusions recently. Nothing too serious.

[Falkenbach]

I just threw in a sneaky name change to confuse everyone

[Annig83]

I have this problem as well, mine developed after having my son, and my hormone levels have been off since starting PD, and being on certain medications... those of which we haven't been able to find yet which actually cause the imbalance.  I've been using "Degree Naturals" deodorant...it has sea salt in it and it seems to help? 

[Chris]

Off topic, but have to ask, How are your pups doing ?

[Falkenbach]

The older one passed away in January 2011. My younger one is doing fairly good