Question for the professor

[Guest guest]

Do you know of anyone who is studying post transplant patients and

the effects the medications have?

I am a psc'r and was transplanted Jan. 30, 2006. I am finding that

after returning to work 7 months ago, that I am not as sharp as I

should be or thought I was. I am also very anxious. The medical team

seems non interested in the symptoms I am experiencing. Do not mis

understand, I am grateful for my new liver, but was not prepared to

have a marshmallow for a brain or too feel so nervous.

I have been able to get a pharmacy student to find a study on one of

my meds, that does infact indicate that 20% of patients suffer from

anxiety. My Dr's do not believe one study. I have tried to explain

to them that this anxiety was not me, but they can not take me off

anti-rejection meds so there is little they can do. Since seeing a

therapist 2 months ago, I have been able to talk thru some other

issues and some of the things that were happening at work. I have a

very analytical job and have been very frustrated and anxious as I

know I am not effective at work. I have had several of the senior

members of the staff, say things to my face about getting another

job or that I am very slow. I used to have a high IQ, goodness knows

what it is now. I am scheduled for some neuro testing, however, the

liver doctor told me that it would only show a slight impairment if

anything, because I am(was) so smart. But that does not help me keep

my job.

I am having trouble driving places I have been too, and remembering

simple things. I doubt this is the aging process or menopause as I

am only 43. The good news is I feel physically wonderful. All my

blood work is perfect.

My question to you is do you know if someone is studying us post

patients. I want to be involved! I want to know how to look up these

drug studies myself. In talking with a few post patients, I have

found that rarely do patients speak of the memory or encephalathopy

post transplant, although it is real and does exist for some post

patients.

Thanks for your time and input.

b.a.dalrymple

psc, uc, 1978 listed 1999, liver tx 2006 from a 45 year old woman.

[Guest guest]

Dear " badalrymple "

I'm no expert on this, but it's quite possible that the anxiety and

cognitive impairment that you describe might be related to

immunosuppressants. As discussed in this article:

Psychosomatics 39:124-133, April 1998

Immunosuppressant Neurotoxicity in Liver Transplant Recipients

Clinical Challenges for the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist

B. Strouse, M.D., Suzie M. El-Saden, M.D., E.M. Glaser,

M.D., Curley Bonds, M.D., Ayars, M.D., and W.

Busuttil, M.D., Ph.D

http://www.psy.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/39/2/124

there can be numerous post-transplant neuropsychiatric problems

associated with immunosuppressants, ranging from quite severe to

mild. " Common posttransplant problems include delirium, visual

disturbances, seizures, secondary mood and anxiety disorders,

cognitive problems, and complex movement disorder. " You might

consider bringing this article (and other relevant literature cited

in the article) to your medical team's attention?

I wish you good success in convincing your medical team that this

deserves their attention and interest.

Best regards,

Dave

(father of (21); PSC 07/03; UC 08/03)

> Do you know of anyone who is studying post transplant patients and

the effects the medications have? I am a psc'r and was transplanted

Jan. 30, 2006. I am finding that after returning to work 7 months

ago, that I am not as sharp as I should be or thought I was. I am

also very anxious. The medical team seems non interested in the

symptoms I am experiencing.