Post-transplant problems
Q. I thought I would feel better immediately, but I am having a lot of problems adjusting to the immunosuppressant drugs. What was your experience?
A. I had the same experience for about five months after my transplant. I was continually at the hospital for tests and had a difficult time adapting to heavy doses of immunosuppressant. The drug side effects included nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, cramps, stomach upset; constant tremors and pains in my hands and fingers (like pin pricks). I could not write my name legibly for four months until dosages were reduced. I continued to have high blood pressure and was often dehydrated due to lack of salt in my diet. This was a complete reversal from the dialysis diet when I was constantly told to avoid excess salt. I also had difficulty adapting to foods I had not eaten in over 6 years (i.e. tomato sauce, baked beans, dairy).
Things improved markedly once the immunosuppressant levels were lowered, and my doctors substituted one drug for another when I complained about severe drug side effects. They explained that initially they prescribe heavier doses of the immunosuppressant to insure that my body would not reject the new kidney outright. They assured me that things would get much easier once the drug levels were reduced to a maintenance level. And so it did.
However, it is very important to take all your medication every day on a regular schedule, per your doctors' orders. Never miss a dose of any medication. If you run short or out of medication, for any reason, notify them immediately and they will see that your prescriptions are refilled the same day. It is vital to take these immunosuppressant drugs every day for the rest of your life. No exceptions! Look at it as an insurance policy that guarantees your continued good health. And we all know that good health is priceless.