Written by:
Arthi T
After an organ transplant, most patients quickly feel better. They go on to enjoy a significantly improved quality of life. But they are also likely to face big health challenges. In this article, you’ll get to know some useful tips for managing your health after an organ transplant.
Although rejection is a scary word, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will lose your donor organ. Most of the time, a rejection can be reversed if your doctor detects its early signs. The symptoms of rejection — and the medical tests used to detect rejection — vary by the type of your organ transplant. So, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the early symptoms of rejection that are specific to your transplant.
Early symptoms of liver rejection
Fever greater than 100° F
Jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes
Dark urine
Itching
Abdominal swelling or tenderness
Fatigue
Headache
Irritability
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Early symptoms of kidney rejection
Feeling like you have the flu, such as body aches, chills, headache and feeling sick to your stomach
Fever of 101° F or higher
Urinating (peeing) less than usual
Having very high blood pressure
Suddenly gaining weight
Swelling in your ankles
After your transplant, it's important that you
Keep all your doctor appointments
Undergo every recommended lab test
Take all your prescription drugs
Keep all wellness checkups
Monitor your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol
Get all recommended health screenings on schedule
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Adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent rejection
Avoid unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and excessive drinking, and adopt healthy practices like a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Your transplant dietitian will provide tips for a healthy diet, which may include:
Eating high-fiber foods such as raw fruits and vegetables.
Increasing calcium intake with low-fat dairy products, green leafy vegetables, or calcium supplements (if advised by your doctor).
Reducing salt, processed foods, and snacks.
Drinking plenty of water (unless fluids are restricted).
Consuming high-protein foods like lean meat, skinless chicken, fish, eggs, unsalted nuts, and beans.
Opting for cooking methods like baking, broiling, grilling, boiling, or steaming instead of frying.
After an organ transplant, starting an exercise program with low-impact activities such as walking is usually recommended. Gradually increase workout intensity with aerobic activities like:
Bicycling
Jogging
Swimming
Resistance exercises with weights can build strength and help prevent bone loss, while stretching exercises can improve muscle tone and flexibility.
The type and amount of exercise suitable for you will depend on your age and overall physical condition, so it’s essential to follow your transplant team’s recommendations. Transplant patients often face various health challenges that can lead to stress. Proper rest and regular exercise can help manage these challenges.
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Mental health support after a transplant
Receiving a transplant is an exciting event, but it can also bring a range of emotions. It’s normal to feel:
Feeling overwhelmed by the changes after your transplant, including how to care for your new kidney/liver
Stress or anxiety about medication costs or insurance.
Frustration, depression, or anger if the new organ isn't functioning well.
Guilt about receiving a kidney or part of a liver from a living or deceased donor.
Mood changes, which can also be a side effect of immunosuppressant medicines.
Know that you are not alone if you experience these emotions. Many transplant recipients have similar feelings initially for various reasons.
Support groups
About
Contact
About
Organ transplant recipients, caregivers, organ failure patients can be a part of this group. They’re committed to improving the quality of life of its patient community through information, education, support, awareness and advocacy.
Contact
Contact: +91 8291711936
Email: triomph.psg@gmail.com
About
Contact
About
It is India’s largest patient support group for patients with kidney disease .It has a network of 5000 people including families all over the country. This patient advocacy organisation is dedicated to the well-being of all the patients facing kidney health challenges.
Contact
Contact: +918108282100
Email: kidneywarriors.organisation@gmail.com
3. Organ India
About
Contact
About
They Provide resources, support, and information for organ transplant patients and their families. They offer counseling and connect patients with support networks.
Contact
Contact: 18001203648
Email: info@organindia.org
4. National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)
About
Contact
About
Provides information and support for transplant patients, including connecting them to various support groups and resources across India.
Contact
Contact: 1800114770 (24*7 Helpline)
Email: dir@notto.nic.in
Need help covering organ transplant costs?
Navigating the financial challenges of organ transplants, from pre-transplant evaluations to post-transplant care, can be overwhelming for patients and their families. Milaap offers a lifeline, providing a platform to raise the necessary funds and ease the financial stress associated with these life-saving procedures. By harnessing the power of community support, Milaap enables patients to focus on their health and recovery rather than worrying about the costs. Start a fundraiser today!
Organ transplant success stories on Milaap
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
