post liver transplant problems

My husband had a transplant 1 year ago and we are happy and blessed that he was able to get a transplant. He had liver cirrhosis of unknown origin. The surgery went well, but my husband had a huge hematoma on his right side that gave him a lot of pain. He had been in pain ever since from his back to his side. After a while they found out he had broken vertabrae in his back. They fixed that, but he is still in pain. He also has chest pain like if he walks or does any physical activity,  he feels difficulties breathing also then.  The doctors have done tests and can't find anything else wrong so far. He is working and trying his best to cope, but is frustrated not knowing what is wrong with him. We don't know if it is something with his transplant or with his back or why. The doctors say they might not know why or what is going on. We have not heard from any other transplant patient with these symptoms. My husband is taking pain medication, but I guess that is not really good for his liver either. Is there a suggestion of what else we can do or what is causing all this or what our next step should be?

I would be very thankful for a reply

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

i do not think what is going on is directly related to the liver.  patients with cirrhosis can be at risk for osteoporosis and fractures.  we do see many patients who have pain of one type or another after liver transplantation.  pain meds are safe for the liver except for NSAIDS such as advil, nuprin, etc. that can adversely affect the kidneys.