Life After Liver Transplant: Aftercare

Dr.Kapildev Yadav, 5 mins read

A liver transplant is a life-changing procedure that gives you another chance at life, allowing you to live a full, active life, and rejoin normal activities within 3 to 6 months. All you need is slight lifestyle changes for faster recovery and better outcomes.

This guide will discuss practical tips to navigate life after a transplant. From recovery tips to lifestyle changes, we will cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth transition and a healthy, happy life with your new liver.

Care in the first few weeks
While a liver transplant is itself a major procedure, recovery and care, especially in the initial weeks, also play an important role. During this time, your body is adjusting to your new liver. You will need to take certain precautions for a smooth recovery.

At the time of discharge from the hospital, you will be given a discharge summary containing details of your medications, follow-ups, testing schedule, and diet plan. You will also be given an investigation chart to record your vitals regularly.

Tests and follow-ups
You must visit the hospital every 5-7 days for the first month. However, as your reports stabilize and medicines are well adjusted, you are told to visit this hospital every 3-6 months.

It’s recommended to stay in the vicinity of the hospital for 4-6 weeks. You can book a guest house or B&B near your hospital for easier to and fro travel.

Also, regularly record your blood pressure, blood sugar, and diet in the investigation chart and show it to your doctor on every visit.

Get rest
It is crucial to get ample rest as your body recovers after a major surgery. Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night and take naps in the day if needed. Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, bending, or exercise. Besides rest, it is important to be active. For example, try walking instead of using a wheelchair.

Personal hygiene
Hygiene is crucial to preventing infection or disease. Wash your hands frequently with soap under running water, especially before and after eating and after using the bathroom. The next best option is sanitiser, especially when you are outside.

Brush your teeth twice daily and rinse your mouth properly after eating. Trim your nails weekly. And wear freshly washed clothes daily.

Also, ensure your accommodation is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every day. Restrict the number of visitors for a few weeks and avoid meeting sick people. Avoid playing with your pets for a couple of weeks.

Take help from a maid or your family member to support your daily activities and ensure hygiene all around the house like cleaning the toilet seat, cooking, and dishwashing.

Care for the incision site
Post-discharge, the dressing will be changed 2-3 times a week. After 3-4 weeks, your stitches/staples will be removed. If you will be discharged with a drain bag, it will be removed in a few days. Until wound dressing and drain bag are removed, use a wet towel only to clean your body. Once the stitches and drain bag are removed, use waterproof dressing and bath normally. In case you see any oozing from the wound or any other problem, discuss it with your doctor.

Diet plan
You may experience a loss of appetite initially. But don’t worry. Your appetite will improve gradually. The diet should be low in fat, calcium-rich, and high in protein to support your body’s requirements and liver regeneration. During discharge, your dietician will provide you with a detailed description of your diet plan. You can start your normal diet after a few weeks of transplant after consulting your doctor.

That’s not all! There is more to just a diet plan. Like, wash your utensils properly before cooking. Ensure the food is properly cooked using clean water. Drink plenty of boiled/filtered water throughout the day.

There are also some foods you should avoid like fried and greasy ones. Avoid leftover, partially cooked, and raw foods. Also, do not consume red meat, expired packaged foods, and overripe fruits.

Moreover, if your blood sugar is high, avoid sweet foods. Restrict salt intake if your blood pressure is high. Avoid foods like bananas, coconut water, and fruit juices if your potassium is high.

Exercise
You will be encouraged to walk, climb stairs, and do other basic activities after discharge from the hospital. An active lifestyle can improve your energy level and strengthen muscles.

You may experience slight weakness and discomfort near the incision site for a few weeks. If the discomfort is severe, talk to your doctor.

Your transplant physiotherapist will advise you on exercises you can do, like deep breathing, brisk walking, and limb stretching. Avoid lifting weights above 5 kgs.

Travel
You will be advised to wear a mask for a few weeks, especially outdoors, and avoid crowded places like malls, railway stations, and social events.

You can start travelling after discussing it with your doctor. But don’t forget to carry your medicines and plan your vacation where hospital facilities are adequate.

Always ensure hygiene to avoid any infection or disease. Also, avoid occupational hazards like exposure to toxic chemicals.