What To Expect During Your Liver Transplant Recovery

If your liver isn't working due to disease, infection or other causes your healthcare team may recommend a liver transplant

. According to the 2010 Annual Report of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients three month survival rates are 91.7%, one year survival rates are 85.3%, five year survival rates are 68.4% and ten year survival rates are 54.4%. If you are approved and find a matching donor, here are some things to expect during your liver transplant recovery:

Medical Recovery: Patients usually stay in the hospital ten to fourteen days, starting in intensive care for a few days and then moving to a transplant recovery area. During this time, doctors and nurses will monitor you closely for signs of infection, rejection or bleeding as well as liver function. You will start taking immunosuppressants to keep your immune system from attacking your liver. These drugs will be taken for the rest of your life. Additional drugs will be provided to reduce the risk of other complications. You may have to love close to the transplant center for a few months after transplantation in order to attend outpatient appointments so your recovery can be closely monitored.

Physical Recovery: The physical part of recovering from a liver transplant usually takes about six to twelve months. In the beginning, it may be hard to do simple things such as coughing or breathing unless you have assistance and you may have to have physical therapy to rebuild stamina. Your diet may begin with ice chips and move on to clear liquids before reintroducing solid foods. You should not drink alcohol. It is also advised that you regularly use sunblock to prevent skin cancer. Avoid people who are ill and continue to watch for any signs of rejection including fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, jaundice, dark urine and light-colored stools.

Emotional Recovery: Some patients find that recovering from a liver transplant is an emotionally draining experience for themselves and their family. Your hospital should have a social worker available who may be able to direct you to support groups which can help you through the process. There are a lot of online resources available which are helpful as well.

Your liver transplant recovery will last about three to six months, at which time you should be able to return to work, physical exercise and normal activities. To prevent rejection and to maintain your health, you'll always have to take medications and will need to pay close attention to whatever signs your body may give you as feedback, but your quality of life will be well worth the effort.

by: Glinn Klienberg

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