Post-Operative Liver Transplant Care Tips
The post-transplant period is crucial for both recipient and donor. While the patients recover after the operation with time, there are some tips that are essential to be followed. If you or any of you known has undergone a liver transplant surgery in India anywhere in India , make sure that you take to follow a proper routine post-surgery for a quick and speedy recovery.
How To Care For Yourself After A Liver Transplant?
Medication – A patient is usually kept under observation at the hospital for 5-10 days post-surgery and then discharged according to the medical condition. At the time of discharge, the doctor explains the time and dose of medicines to be taken.
It is important for the recipient and donor to follow the medication schedule strictly. Both should also take note of emergency medicines as they come in handy in odd hours and for an immediate resolution to the problem.
Follow-Ups – Donor and recipient need to visit the hospital at regular intervals for follow-ups, tests, and dressing as well. If you are staying far from the hospital, ask your doctor for the clinic or hospital nearby your place for dressing. The doctor in the locality will be helpful in case of emergency and monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure, food intake, and other observations as suggested at the time of discharge. When visiting your doctor for follow-up, take these readings for proper health monitoring.
Hygiene and Wound Care – It is important to take care of personal hygiene to avoid getting infected. Wear washed and clean clothes daily after getting sponged. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the washroom. Keep your house, locality, and washroom clean and disinfected.
The recipient’s stitches are removed after 3-4 weeks and 2-3 weeks of that of a donor. Once your stitches are removed, you can take a shower. If the wound pains and discharges fluid, immediately see the doctor. For the initial days, avoid visitors and being in contact with people with flu, cold, fever or other ailments. Also, avoid visiting public places for three months and use a mouth mask.
Diet and Exercise – Eat healthily and avoid fried, raw, and partially cooked food. Avoid sugar and sweets if you have diabetes to maintain your sugar levels. Take a calcium and protein-rich diet and include fresh fruits, green vegetables, and dairy products in your diet. Drink boiled water and keep utensils for cooking and eating clean.
Drink plenty of water and do not consume expired packed food and beverages. Initially, your doctor will suggest you take simple exercises like walking and climbing stairs. Do not lift weights or perform heavy exercises. You will feel weak post-surgery so perform physical activities at your comfort and take sufficient sleep.
With these, strictly follow the instructions given by your doctor. After a liver transplant in Delhi, doctors ask the patient and donor to maintain a proper file of tests, treatments, and readings in chronological order. This helps them in understanding the effects of the treatment contributing to your fast and healthy recovery.
