General
Microbiome
September 22, 2022
in General
Did anybody else catch the webinar yesterday? I'm always intrigued but when they started talking about the microbiome and the effect it has on transplants, and rejection, you better believe I was taking notes.
I've always been really curious about this idea of the microbiome, gut health and the effect it can have on us as a whole. And seeing this information coming forward, not just regarding intestinal transplants but transplants in general, I find it really interesting.
I am definitely of the mindset that everything is far more interconnected than we have previously believed. And it made me wonder if there are things we do now to improve our microbiome that could have lasting effects on our transplants. What are your thoughts?
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@AliEm14 hi I feel the same way as you including the part where they explain that the FDA asked them if there was a way to know if any of the pig transplant organs could be infection viruses and bacteria free and to know that they don’t know the answer it makes me wander
Hi,
I myself take a probiotic every day. I think it is so important to have good gut health.
I didn't catch the webinar! Is there a way to see it? I'm a liver transplant patient with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, an autoimmune disease that attacks bile ducts.
Our PSC conferences included the emerging science of gut microbiome...fascinating.
My only concern has been that there are so many different probiotics, I've had a hard time deciding which are pure & safe. I saw a Mayo Clinic liver specialist once who emphasized the importance of knowing what you're putting in your body for your liver to filter. He had experience with patients who took "supplements" that damaged their liver.
So, I've decided to only take what's prescribed at this time post-transplant. The side effects of our prescriptions are scary enough. I'm open to other thoughts.
I totally know what u mean, I always check with my TP team b/f I take anything and they were good w/me taking a probiotic, other natural things I wanted to take they definitely said no.
Transplant Patient
that's so interesting! I was diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis post transplant, so I am super interested in following anything new that comes out regarding cholangitis in general.
I definitely agree with knowing what you put in your body. There's so much that seems safe that probably isn't. I research everything, from pharmecuticals to more natural alternatives.
The webinar is available for replay under the education tab at the top of the page!
I had (have) PBC and autoimmune hepatitis (when you have these diseases they don't go away with xplant - you just manage it with your rejection meds)...I am 5 years+ post xplant liver and kidney. I battled liver disease for 35 years before it finally was giving out and I was able to get transplanted. Was on the list for decades. I also have celiac, which is a contributor to gut problems if you do not eat right. I am ok with some supplements. Mostly vitamins and minerals. With celiac you have malabsorption issues. Your Drs. can screen and advise you on what you might need. And, yes, the flora and fauna of your gut (microbiome) is important. When it gets out of balance, it's tough to get it back in balance. If you have a sick gut, it can leach toxins right into your bloodstream and it attacks your autoimmune system. Some folks have "leaky gut syndrome" (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22724-leaky-gut-syndrome) . Keeping your gut healthy can help keep your autoimmune system healthy.