Post Liver Transplant and Lower Back Pain

I had a Liver Transplant in may of 2008 and I am experiencing lower back pain that is a dull aching pain kind of like after a long day of shopping.  What could be causing this?

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

it could be anything and most likely is unrelated to your transplant.  I presume that you have liver and kidney blood tests checked regularly.

[razor1]

yeah I do every week and all my liver values are in the normal range.  My white count was up  in the twenties the first week or so after transplant and is now just above normal values.  I did not experience back pain prior to the transplant but in the hospital and after being discharged day ten after surgery, I was having a lot of lower back pain.  Enough so that I could not sleep.  That went away about 30 days after surgery but a similar pain is now coming back.  

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

most likely it is musculoskeletal.  have you gained weight after transplant?

[razor1]

I went into the hospital at 175 pounds a week prior to transplant and left the hospital 17 days later at 150 pounds and I am currently at 180 pounds.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

this type of pain is common after liver ansplant