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Recovery Plan: Supporting Your Loved One After A Transplant

1/29/2010 1:53:03 PM

Life after heart , lung, kidney or bone marrow transplant can be both exhilarating and stressful. On one hand, it's exciting to be alive after the trauma of a life-threatening diagnosis. On the other hand, many patients battle with feelings of isolation, helplessness and anxiousness as they navigate the long recovery process and after care.

Things You Should Know About Transplant Recovery

“A…transplant is a physically, emotionally, and psychologically taxing procedure for both the patient and family. A patient needs a home health plan and should seek as much help as possible to cope with the experience. ‘Toughing it out’ on your own is not the smartest way to cope with the transplant experience,” say experts at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.

Transplant recovery time varies, depending on the type of transplant, with most patients resuming full normal activity after six months. During this time, your loved one will need assistance with home health and day-to-day activities, such as preparing meals, doing laundry, running errands, bathing, making trips to the hospital, and maintaining the home. With careful planning and a supportive network, you can minimize the physical, emotional and mental stress of recovery for everyone. The following considerations should be incorporated into your recovery plan to ensure an optimal healing environment.

Doctor’s Orders

After returning home from heart, lung, kidneys or bone marrow transplant , it will be important for your loved one to keep all scheduled appointments with their physician or nurse. Someone other than the patient should understand optimal conditions for healthy recovery at home, know how to recognize signs and symptoms that may be cause for concern, and should call a doctor if questions or problems arise. “No matter how long it's been since your transplant surgery, it is extremely important that you continue with needed tests and lab work as scheduled … And be sure to keep up on other regular appointments, such as gynecological exams, dental care and regular physicals,” suggests Transplant Experience. In addition to visiting the hospital on a routine basis, patients will have a medication schedule to manage. They will need to create a system to ensure they are taking all medications exactly as prescribed. Over-the-counter medications should not be taken without talking to a doctor, and prescribed medications should never be given in double doses.

Immunity

Immunosuppressant medications used to prevent organ rejection often make it easier to become ill. To reduce the risk of infection, patients should avoid crowded places, such as movie theaters and grocery stores, practice good dental care and wash hands frequently. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “transplant recipients may be somewhat more vulnerable to infections and may find it more difficult to recover from certain infections and illnesses. This is especially true for the first six months after surgery, but will remain an ongoing concern. Organ recipients can protect their health by practicing good prevention to avoid illness and injury, and by seeking treatment early when illness does occur.” Recovering patients shouldn’t be afraid to turn away well-wishing visitors that may have been exposed to contagious viruses, however. If visitors are in good health, simply take precaution by having them wash their hands immediately upon entering the patients home.

Diet and Exercise

Patients will be required to eat a healthy, balanced diet full of foods high in fiber, calcium and protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Adhering to the doctor’s dietary plan may require changes in food choices, eating routines and shopping habits, which may be challenging. “Transplant recipients must recover from surgery, as well as the illness that caused the need for a transplant. As a result, exercise and muscle strain should be limited when you return home. Talk with your doctor about what to expect. As you start to feel better, regular exercise will help you regain your strength,” says Transplant Living.

Homewatch CareGivers Safety Check-List

Is there a bedroom on the main floor of the home?
Is there a bathroom on the main floor of the home?
Are there clear pathways for moving about in the home? Are these pathways wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair? Are they free of electrical cords? Are they free of area rugs that present tremendous fall risks?
Are stairs in good condition with secure handrails in place?
Are emergency numbers easily accessible, including key healthcare professional contact information?
Are pets living in the home a risk for falling or sanitary reasons?
Is there an unobstructed emergency exit available?
Is there a detailed list and schedule of all medications and dosages?
Is there someone available to fill a weekly medication dispenser?

Download the Homewatch CareGivers Guide to In-Home Senior Safety (PDF) for more information.

More About Homewatch CareGivers

Homewatch CareGivers is a premier caregiver agency, providing home care for all ages. We invite you to visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com, where you can read articles related to home health, Dementia Care Tips and home care news; or download PDF home care resources. From health care coordination and hospital discharge planning to home care transportation and daily living assistance, let our family of caregivers care for yours.

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