Patient Perspectives of Weight Gain Following Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Qualitative Study

Perspectives of solid organ transplant recipients on medicine-taking: Systematic review of qualitative studies

“…They felt they were viewed differently and misunderstood, because of the stigma of being ill so preferred to take their medications discretely or to miss a dose 21‐28 . Women, in particular, felt a loss of self‐esteem because of accelerated ageing, weight gain, excess sweating, skin bruising or gum hyperplasia, and hair growth/loss, which they attributed to their immunosuppressants including steroids and calcineurin inhibitors (particularly cyclosporine) 23,25,29‐45 . Side effects, related to sexual performance caused frustration and insecurity in intimate relationships, particularly for men 46 .…”

“…Those who knew about their medications were in a better position to ask questions and were able to solve problems and discuss strategies to cope with side effects 24,29,36‐38,49,77,109 . They became more confident in their medication regime through better knowledge and understanding 21,22,24,25,45,53‐55,58,73,84,86,87,93,96,97,108,110‐113 . They trusted and valued clinicians as a key source of information and were adherent to medication adjustments (e.g., changing medications, dosing) to minimize side effects 21,22,25,29,35,44,46,50,51,57,58,66,68,71,77,79,82,87,95,98,99,103,108,110,114‐116 …”

“…[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Women, in particular, felt a loss of self-esteem because of accelerated ageing, weight gain, excess sweating, skin bruising or gum hyperplasia, and hair growth/loss, which they attributed to their immunosuppressants including steroids and calcineurin inhibitors (particularly cyclosporine). 23,25,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] Side effects, related to sexual performance caused frustration and insecurity in intimate relationships, particularly for men. 46 Inability to socialize because of fluctuations in mood and behavior also impaired their self-image and ability to form relationships.…”

“…24,29,[36][37][38]49,77,109 They became more confident in their medication regime through better knowledge and understanding. 21,22,24,25,45,[53][54][55]58,73,84,86,87,93,96,97,108,[110][111][112][113] They trusted and valued clinicians as a key source of information and were adherent to medication adjustments (e.g., changing medications, dosing) to minimize side effects. 21 ,22,25,29,35,44,46,50,51,57,58,66,68,71,77,79,82,87,95,98,99,103,108,110,114-116 Reassurance through collective experiences Some patients shared their experiences and immunosuppressant medication supplies with other transplant recipients and developed a sense of community where they felt supported and a sense of belonging.…”

“You Can’t Manage What You Can’t Measure”: Perspectives of Transplant Recipients on Two Lifestyle Interventions for Weight Management

“…Although the study participants expressed a strong interest in credible long-term post-transplant dietary guidance from qualified healthcare professionals, they did not have access to the information they sought. Although we report on SOT recipients in Ontario (Canada), other studies have revealed similar healthcare gaps in the USA [15], Ireland [44], and the UK [45]. The reasons for these gaps are beyond the scope of the current study but are worthy of attention from health organization leaders and policymakers seeking to improve outcomes for the steadily increasing number of SOT recipients worldwide.…”