I’ve decided it’s time to talk more openly about my back pain and sciatica post liver transplant. It was natural for me to remain physically active pre and post transplant. I cycled while getting my TACE for liver cancer, and then went on to win a gold medal and the World Transplant Games with my donor in Malaga, Spain. My right side remained fairly numb throughout, and at about 2 years post, things began to unravel for my left hip.
Numerous doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists called it tibial tendonitis because my left foot was tingling, numb and in pain. After a foot MRI and an EMG, I was offered Gabapentin and pain medication. At that time, I didn’t see an orthopedic doc to get an X Ray and MRI because of being so DONE with testing. I didn’t want to hear any bad news. Instead, a self care mindset was adopted, and I proceeded to exercise, do yoga, and work on the emotional healing that comes from liver disease, cancer, and transplantation.
Still Moving
I’ve taught yoga, Tai Chi, and taken numerous continuing education classes to learn about anatomy, pain, how to remain curious and investigate movement, fascia body healing, mental components of pain, emotional health with physical and mental pain. Well that list can go on and on with numerous hours spent with some of the best teachers, doctors, and physical therapists that were available to me while battling back pain and sciatica after liver transplant.
My Diagnosis
After the hip and back X Rays and MRI, here it is.
3 mm retrolisthesis of the L3 relative to L4
Labral tear left hip
Which came first? Who knows? the pain down my left leg started at my foot and within a year worked it’s way UP to my left hip. It’s not that uncommon. Especially given that my muscles on the right side of my back and abs are about 1/2 the size of the left back and abs.
I’ll write more if anyone comments and wants to have a chat about back hemiparalysis post liver transplant. The topic deserves special attention.
While I was limping to protect my left foot, did I tear the labral in my hip socket over time? Probably. Each of us will make personal decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment. We all have to do what is right. My mind has evolved over time to view things from different perspectives. It’s taken time, but I’ll share my current treatment with you and look forward to hearing your stories too. I know we’ve chatted in private groups. I’m coming out.
Current Treatment
Tai Chi 40 minutes 3 xs a week with modifications
Yoga stretch AM and PM Daily
Upper body weight lifting sitting and standing
Static stretches lying, sitting, and standing
Current Pain Medications
I deal with a level of pain most days in my lumbar region, or lower back, taking 1/2 tylenol only when under a high level of pain. Most meds help with lower back pain, but not sciatica. Post liver transplant, I began using occasional .5 mg of xanax as a muscle relaxer at night. On the days when I’m super active, or have taught a class, it knocks me right out. I recently started taking 1/4 of a 10 mg muscle relaxer when needed. Pain meds scare me.
Pillows are my friend and if you’ve seen my bed yoga video, you know that I do it before sleep and upon waking up.
I’m a side sleeper and use a man’s arm as a pillow most nights. Don’t worry, there’s an actual “live” man attached to it.
Back Pain and Sciatica Post Liver Transplant
I’ll share more about managing back pain and sciatica post liver transplant. Oh! I can write one about all the props and machines that help me strengthen and stretch. Did I mention massage therapy?
I’ve opened Pandora’s Box on back pain and sciatica post liver transplant. Egg me on a little with YOUR STORY in the comments, and we’ll probably learn a lot from each other. I love you all so and am thankful to my donor to be alive and well and learning to live with back pain. xo Karen
2 thoughts on “Back Pain and Sciatica Post Liver Transplant”
Hi Karen, Great picture from Malaga. I am thankful to only have mild back pain and joint discomfort. I too have learned to live with it and with staying active. I play tennis, pickleball, cycle and do some yoga and pilates. 15 years post liver transplant and grateful to my donor for the extra years I have been given.
I would love to know more about your pillows and sleeping. The aches and pains do keep me up or wake me up often.
All the best,
Michele
Michele,
Thank you! I’ve been wondering if anyone wanted to talk about this. I kind of went out on a limb. We are SO grateful and it’s not easy to discuss any setbacks.
First, thanks to our donors, always. The fact that you’re 15 years post is awesome. You’ve not had very much pain then. It seems that many of us have the joint pain that accompanies our immune suppressants. I’m on Prograf. One thing my surgeon mentioned at the beginning of our pain talk was urea levels. I guess sometimes patients can get a gout condition post op.
Second, congrats on your ability to stay active. I played tennis the first couple of years and the side moves got me. I really believe activity is helping you keep strong bones.
Finally, I have a round pillow that is about 13 inches in diameter. I put it under my legs during the nights when low back pain is an issue. Of course that means starting off sleeping on your back, which isn’t easy for some. I’m off and on with it. When side sleeping, I put a pillow between my knees. My daughter was impressed, and I made a youtube video about that whole bed yoga thing. I’ve refined it, but it’s about the same. https://youtu.be/a0YeyBzPCqY Heres the bed yoga link.
Also, I’ve found sciatic relief with the Tai Chi classes. It’s helped a lot and I’m on fb in a group at Karen R Hoyt. I think there’s one on the youtube channel now.
Recently, I tried some CBD cream for my lower back and neck. I’ve used it a few times always find relief. I’d love feedback if you’ve tried it.
Thanks again for the chat. I’m eager to participate in the next transplant games. I always love hearing stories that have the line “_____ years post liver transplant”!
xo Karen
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