Life After Liver Transplant

Embracing Life Post Liver Transplant: A Guide to a New Beginning

The period immediately following a liver transplant is a pivotal phase in a patient’s journey to renewed health. As patients prepare to leave the hospital, they receive a comprehensive set of guidelines to facilitate a full recovery. While it may take up to six months to achieve complete recovery, the ultimate goal is to regain a normal and fulfilling life. Most patients go on to live productive lives post-transplant, but it’s crucial to maintain lifelong medication and adhere to a disciplined lifestyle, particularly during the first three years. Here are some essential precautions that every transplant recipient should be aware of and follow:

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1. Regular Contact with Your Transplant Team:

Maintaining regular contact with your transplant team is paramount. Adhering to the follow-up schedule provided by your doctor is crucial. Keep all contact numbers and email addresses handy, and ensure that all recommended investigations are performed as scheduled. Maintaining a record of these investigations is invaluable, as it helps your transplant physician interpret results accurately.

2. Compliance with Medication:

Strictly adhering to prescribed medications is non-negotiable after a liver transplant. For pediatric patients, parents or guardians play a pivotal role in ensuring medication compliance. Immunosuppressive medications must be taken for a lifetime, as the new liver’s survival depends on them.

3. Know Your Medications:

Understanding your medications is empowering. Take the time to learn about the effects, potential side effects, and interactions of these drugs with other medications. The dosage of these drugs may need adjustments based on liver function tests and any side effects experienced.

4. Preventing Infections:

Taking measures to prevent infections is a top priority:

• Frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded places are essential.
• Refrain from consuming water from lakes and rivers.
• Avoid raw vegetables and meat.
• Minimize contact with infected individuals.
• Consume clean and healthy food.
• In case of fever or signs of infection, contact a local physician first and then your transplant team.
• Keep your body covered, and use mosquito repellents to ward off diseases like Malaria, dengue, or chikungunya.
• Maintain a clean and hygienic living environment.
• Exercise caution with pets.

5. Occupation and Work-Life Balance:

Discuss your return to work with your transplant team. Modifying job responsibilities can help mitigate occupational hazards.

6. Prevention of Cancers After Liver Transplant:

Liver transplants can elevate the risk of certain cancers. Take proactive steps to minimize these risks:

• Shield your body from direct sunlight and use effective sunscreen to reduce the risk of skin cancers.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption should be strictly avoided, as they significantly increase the risk of various cancers, particularly aerodigestive tract cancers.
• Blood cancers may become a concern a few years after a liver transplant due to immunosuppressive medications. Regular investigations are vital for dose adjustment.

7. Other General Precautions:

Delay pregnancy for at least one year after transplant, as this period poses risks to both mother and child. Consultation with an obstetrician and transplant physician is essential when planning a pregnancy.

Sexual intercourse can be resumed as soon as the patient feels comfortable and physically fit.

Regular walks of 45-60 minutes per day contribute to both physical and mental well-being.

Avoid excessive consumption of sweets and oily foods, as they can lead to weight gain and exacerbate post-transplant diabetes. Maintaining an ideal body weight is critical for reducing the risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular events and fatty liver.

In this journey toward a new beginning, understanding and embracing these post-liver transplant precautions are the keys to long-term well-being. Your transplant team is your dedicated partner in this endeavor, guiding you through every step of the way.

Dr. Vivek Vij

Speciality:        Liver Transplant Surgeon
Experience:     24 Years Experience Overall  (20 years as specialist)
Hospital:          Fortis Hospital Noida

About Doctor:

• Dr. Vivek Vij is a pioneering liver transplant surgeon credited with developing living donor surgery and standardising safety protocols to achieve the highest donor safety since the donor safety profile since the time of its inception in the country.
• He is the first surgeon from the Indian subcontinent to publish a series of laparoscopic Donor Hepatectomy in ‘Liver Transplantation’.
• He is the founder of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Sciences in Fortis group of Hospitals, starting a highly successful liver transplant program initially at its Noida centre and then at Mohali. Read More

Fortis Hospital Noida

• Fortis Hospital Noida is a renowned Multi-Super Specialty Hospital. It is known for offering a wide spectrum of advanced medical treatments to its patients.
• Fortis Noida has maintained a path-breaking record in providing the best healthcare solutions since its establishment in 2004.
• Fortis Hospital Noida is NABH accredited as well. Read More

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) 

• Fortis Memorial Research Institute was established in 2001.
• It is an outstanding multi-speciality quaternary care hospital,having the top-notch infrastructure, advanced equipment, highly qualified and experienced medical professionals and super sub-specialists.
• Fortis Hosptial Gurgaon is an advanced centre of excellence in Robotic Surgery, Neurosciences, Oncology, Renal Sciences, BMT, Organ Transplants, Orthopaedics, Cardiac Sciences and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Read More

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