If you receive an organ transplant, it’s extremely important to take care of yourself and your overall health. This can improve your quality of life and prevent your body from rejecting your new organ.
Short-Term Recovery
Make sure to follow your health care team’s pain management instructions. While anesthesia will temporarily protect you from pain, you may end up experiencing some pain after your transplant surgery.
You may also want to jump into regular activities, but it is best to ease back into your life slowly. You may have to adjust to managing your care, movement, eating and completing other tasks after your surgery.
Preventing Organ Rejection
For the rest of your life, you will need to make sure to take your anti-rejection medication. It is possible for your body to “reject” your new organ by deciding it is a foreign object, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Rejection can be acute (temporary) or chronic, where you gradually lose your organ function.
Your anti-rejection medication will reduce the likelihood of your immune system rejecting your new organ, and it will also allow you to keep enough immunity to prevent infection. You may have several anti-rejection medications you need to take. You can set reminders on your phone so you will remember to take your medication.
If you have negative complications or signs of rejection, make sure to notify your health care team. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary so you can be monitored and treated properly. Possible signs of rejection include:
- Decreased urine
- Swelling
- Weight gain
- Change in your pulse
- Flu-like symptoms (body aches, dizziness, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever or chills)
- Pain or tenderness around the transplant area
Making Lifestyle Changes
It is recommended to exercise regularly, engaging in activities that are fulfilling for you. Make sure not to begin or resume an activity without approval from your transplant medical provider.
It is also recommended to eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Additionally, it is important to have frequent checkups and lab work completed. If you smoke or drink alcohol, it is best to quit.
Transplant patients are more likely than the general population to develop cancer, especially if they live 10 or more years after their transplant, according to UNOS. The anti-rejection medication you take can increase your cancer risk due to suppression of the immune system. As a result, make sure to complete recommended cancer screenings, see a dermatologist and be aware of the amount of time you spend in the sun.
UofL Health is Here for You
At the UofL Health – Trager Transplant Center, more patients leave our center every year with a renewed lease on life than any other program in the region. One of the leading providers of advanced organ disease and transplantation care in the country, we make it our mission to improve and save lives. Call 502-587-4939 to schedule an appointment.
