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We know that preparing for and living with a transplant will affect your life in many ways, so we work to get to know you and help you maintain or resume many of your activities, or even participate in new ones.
Some patients who are not immediately eligible for a heart transplant may be fitted with a ventricular assist device (VAD). A VAD, also known as a “heart pump,” is implanted in the heart and helps pump blood throughout the body. This option can help keep patients alive and healthy while they wait for a transplant. Some patients who are not eligible for a heart transplant may be fitted with a VAD permanently.
But our definition of success goes far beyond the operating room: we devote time and resources to ensuring that life after transplant is as successful as possible.
Our heart transplant team includes:
- Transplant surgeon Who performs heart transplant surgery?
- Cardiologist Provides pre- and post-operative cardiac care
- pharmacist A person who prescribes medicines and answers questions about them
- Psychiatrist Someone who cares for your mental and emotional health
- Social Worker Someone to help you and your family understand and accept the diagnosis
- Transplant Coordinator Someone who will schedule your appointment and help you understand the transplant process
- Nutritionist They will help you get the right nutrition during your transplant and tell you what foods you need to eat.
- Transplant ID Doctor They provide comprehensive care for the evaluation and management of infectious diseases in pre- and post-transplant patients. Their goal is to prevent and treat infectious complications.
- patient You're a valued member of your care team. You'll stay up to date on your treatment and be involved in decisions about your care.
recovery
After surgery, you'll probably stay in the hospital for 7 to 14 days. You'll go to an inpatient transplant unit and take medications to prevent infection and rejection of your new organ. Doctors will check for bleeding and other problems.
You'll also be prepared to go home. You'll be given a schedule for follow-up visits and regular blood draws, and a 24-hour phone number for emergencies or other issues. You'll learn which medications to take and how to deal with side effects, how to recognize symptoms of rejection, a proper diet plan, and your overall recovery responsibilities at home. A transplant coordinator, social worker, and psychiatrist will be available as needed. The social worker will help you arrange for whatever you need after discharge, including rehabilitation or long-term hospitalization, drug addiction counseling, and transportation home. You'll also be referred to a local health nurse who can support you at home.
Long-term management
After you leave the hospital, you will have regular follow-up appointments. Your medical team will monitor your progress for the rest of your life. You will have regular blood tests to make sure your new organs are not damaged by rejection, infection, or other problems. Over time, the frequency of lab tests and your medication dosage will decrease.
You should eat a healthy diet, exercise, and use medicines, including those available without a prescription, only if your doctor says they are safe.
Drink plenty of fluids and eat many of the fruits and vegetables you were previously told to avoid. You may need to gain a little weight, but be careful not to gain too much weight too quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high blood pressure. To take good care of your new kidney, it's important to work with a dietitian to follow a healthy eating plan and follow your doctor's advice.
Return to normal activities
After a successful organ transplant, most people are able to return to their normal daily activities. However, it may take some time for you to regain your strength, depending on how sick you were before the transplant. Your transplant team will tell you how long your recovery period will be. Social workers and support groups can help you adjust to life with your new organ.
However, you will eventually be able to return to work, exercise normally, and resume your normal sex life. However, you should avoid pregnancy for one year after your transplant. It's best to discuss sexual activity and pregnancy with your doctor.
