When you get home it is normal to feel anxious and disorientated. You may also feel very tired. This is normal. If you have any worries contact the transplant team. In emergencies contact the transplant coordinator.
Bear in mind the following points.
- Exercise – the hospital physiotherapist will give you a gentle exercise plan. This will help your recovery and should be built up slowly. Avoid any contact sports or swimming for six months.
- Driving – because you have had an operation in the abdominal area you should avoid driving for two months after the operation.
- Blurred vision – this is quite normal for the first few months after the transplant and should get better after a time.
- Telling people about your transplant – you must make sure that other medical professionals, such as a doctor, dentist or optician, know about your transplant before they give any treatment.
- Work and money – getting back to work will depend on whether you have any complications and your general rate of recovery. Some people, although not the majority, can return to work around three months after the transplant. The hospital can arrange for you to see a social worker to help you if you face financial hardship because of time spent off work.
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Infections – because of the strong drugs (immunosuppressants) you have to take after
the operation you will be far more at risk of infections. It is important that you do not smoke afterwards and that you maintain good personal and domestic hygiene. People who have infections should not visit you and you should stay away from large crowds or gatherings.
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Skin cancer – after the transplant you will be at far higher risk of skin cancer. If you go on holiday to sunny spots abroad or are just spending more time outdoors you should always protect yourself from the sun. Keep an eye out for any changes in your skin and in any moles or spots.
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Sex – you can resume sex as soon as you feel ready. Men can find that it can take a couple of months for everything to work normally again. If you have any concerns you should discuss them with your doctor. Both women and men have a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) so take extra care and practice safe sex.
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Menstruation – after the transplant women will find that their menstrual cycle is disrupted, returning to normal in two to eight months. Some medications stop periods happening but care should be taken as this does not mean you cannot get pregnant.
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Pregnancy – women hoping to get pregnant should get advice from their doctor. In general you should wait for 12 months after the operation before trying to get pregnant.
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Pets – it is not a good idea to keep exotic pets or birds after a transplant as the risk of picking up disease is higher. Always wear gloves if you have to come into contact with any of your pet's body fluids, such as saliva and faeces, and wash your hands afterwards.