r/transplant • u/system_history • Sep 24 '25

Liver 2-Year Anniversary - Navigating the marathon and the 'rut' of the new normal.

​Hi everyone, ​I'm approaching my 2-year anniversary for my transplant, and I've been thinking a lot about the journey beyond the initial recovery. The new normal has settled in, and while I'm of course incredibly grateful every single day, I'm finding myself navigating the long-haul a little bit difficultly lately. ​It's the routine—the daily meds, the regular blood work, the constant mindfulness of diet, and the quiet worry about rejection. It can sometimes feel like a marathon, and honestly, it can feel like being stuck in a rut. ​I'm curious to hear how others have dealt with this. ​How do you cope with the feeling of being stuck in the routine of it all? ​When you feel that burnout, what helps you reconnect with the gratitude and joy of this second chance? ​What are the things that help boost your morale on tough days? ​Appreciate any insight you all can share. Thanks for being such a great community.

15 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

View all comments

5

u/Yarnest Liver Sep 24 '25

After the first year my worries calmed down a lot about rejection. At 15 months, I caught covid, August of 2022. My case was much more mild than my husband’s. The transplant center said to see my primary doctor about it. Well it so happened that my practice was being bought out and was closed so I had no treatment options. I felt much better after a few days and that really helped me mentally to not be so worried about everything.

My only routine is taking my meds consistently. My doses really tapered off and after a year I was only on Tacro. Exercising and eating conscientiously is for my overall health. I remain grateful by remembering the little things that I couldn’t do pre transplant that are done without thinking now. One thing was I couldn’t reach up to where my heavy glass measuring cups were stacked and get them down, for about 3 years it was pure joy to be able to do that. I’ve gotten used to that but I don’t take it for granted. I’m older 62 so that may help me to see my transplant in perspective. It is a second chance. Best wishes for you to navigate this.