Understanding
What is Post-Liver Transplant Care?
- You may spend a few days in the intensive care unit. Nurses and doctors will keep an eye on your condition to look for any complications. Also, they will regularly test your liver function to check how well the new liver is functioning.
- You may spend 5 to 10 days in the hospital. Once your condition stable, you will be moved to transplant recovery area for recovery.
- You may require regular checkups while you are recovering at home.
- Your transplant team will design a follow-up plan for you. Blood tests may be performed on you several times a week initially, and then less frequently as time goes on.
- Several medications will be prescribed to you following your liver transplant. Many of these will require you to take them for the rest of your life. Immunosuppressive medications help you to prevent your immune system from attacking your newly acquired liver. Other medications assist in lowering the possibility of further issues following your transplant.
- It may take at least six months for you to recuperate following your liver transplant procedure before feeling completely recovered. After surgery, you might be able to return to your regular activities or your job in a few months. Your level of illness prior to your liver transplant may have an impact on how long it takes you to heal.
- Your circumstances will determine your chances of a successful liver transplant and long-term survival. On average, 75% of liver transplant recipients survive for at least five years. This indicates that approximately 75 out of every 100 recipients of a liver transplant will survive for five years.
- Eating a well-balanced diet is especially important after a liver transplant to support your recovery and maintain the health of your liver.
- A nutrition specialist, or dietitian, is a member of your transplant team who can address any questions you may have regarding diet and nutrition following your procedure.
- After a liver transplant, you should generally eat a diet low in fat, sugar, cholesterol, and salt. Drinking alcohol will harm your new liver, so stay away from it. Avoid consuming alcohol and never use it in the kitchen.
- After a liver transplant, you should continue to improve your general physical and mental health by engaging in regular exercise and physical activity.
- You should walk as much as possible in the early post-transplant period. After that, you can start adding more physical activity to your daily routine, based on how well you’re doing.
