You should prepare for a transplant as best you can.You may be scheduled for a transplant on a set date or you may get a call from the transplant center about an available organ for you.You should be prepared on the day of the surgery and follow the proper protocol when you arrive at the transplant center to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly.
Step 1: You should shower the morning of the surgery.
You will be contacted by the transplant center if there is an available organ.If you have been notified, you should bathe or shower to make sure your body is clean for surgery.You should brush your teeth to make sure you don't swallow any water.All makeup, nail polish and jewelry should be removed.During surgery, your contacts must be removed and you have to wear glasses.
Step 2: To wear clothes home, pack loose-fitting clothes.
When you are discharged from the hospital, you should pack a bag with loose, comfortable clothes to wear at home as you don't want to irritate the incision.Look for clothing that is stretchy and soft, as well as comfortable underwear, socks and shoes.You want the footwear you pack to be easy to slip on and off.You might want to pack a small pillow in your bag.You can use this pillow as support for your abdomen, as it will feel tender and sore after surgery.
Step 3: Bring your identification and insurance information.
All of your identification cards, such as your driver's license and your medical insurance card, should be in a folder or pouch.The hospital will be able to get current and correct information from you.If your doctor gave you any paperwork related to your surgery, you should bring it with you.
Step 4: Don't drink or eat anything.
You should fast at least eight hours before the surgery or as soon as you get the call that there is a donor available.When the procedure is done, your stomach will need to be empty, so this will ensure you are prepared.
Step 5: A recovery chair is a must in your home.
When you need to get up and sit down, you might want to set up a chair with arms that are stable enough for you to push up on them.This will make sitting easier.It is possible to set up a heating pad near the chair to help soothe any pain around the surgery.
Step 6: Take someone with you to the hospital.
You should designate a responsible adult to accompany you to the hospital and wait for you during the procedure.Once you are out of the transplant center, you will need someone to drive you home.You don't want too many people in the transplant center with you because of the high risk of infections, so try to only have one person accompany you to the hospital.Both of your parents can accompany you to the hospital if you are a minor.A phone tree or email group will allow you to keep in touch with your family and friends.Someone can be assigned as the lead person who will give information to others.This will allow you to focus on your recovery and not worry about the details of your surgery.
Step 7: Meet with the medical team.
You should meet with the medical team assigned to your surgery when you get to the transplant center.The medical team will be ready for you when you arrive.The surgeon who will be doing your transplant should be in touch with you.This will make sure you have everything you need for the surgery.
Step 8: Medical testing should be stopped.
If you are healthy enough for surgery, you will get a medical evaluation at the transplant center.The medical team will make sure you don't have an issue that could affect your recovery or surgery.The donated organ will be examined by the medical team to make sure it is in good shape.
Step 9: Allow the medical team to prepare your body.
Hair can be removed from your chest and abdomen by the medical team.If you get constipated after surgery, you may be given an enema to clean out your bowels.If you get dehydrated, an IV will be inserted into your vein to give you medicine.You may be given a drug to help you relax before the surgery.
Step 10: Discuss what will happen during surgery.
Before you are operated on, the medical team and the surgeon should give you an idea of how the procedure will be done.You will be put under general anesthesia and will sleep after the surgery.Just above your groin, the surgeon will make an incision on your lower abdomen.Your iliac arteries and vein will be connected to the donor kidneys in your lower abdomen.Your bladder will be connected by the surgeon.If you have excess fluid build up after the surgery, the surgeon may place a small drain into your abdomen.
Step 11: You should be prepared to stay in the hospital for five to 10 days.
You will be moved to the intensive care unit after the surgery.You will be placed in transplant care after your hospital stay.You will spend at least five to 10 days in the hospital to make sure the surgery went well.Depending on your medical condition and needs, you may be able to get out of bed and walk after the surgery.The medical team will be on hand to make sure you are well.
Step 12: Schedule weekly appointments with the transplant team.
You will be monitored by the transplant team on a weekly basis after you leave the hospital.Instructions on how to recover at home and what medications you need to take should also be given.You should schedule your lab appointments as well.During the first year after your transplant, you will be required to go in for check ups with the transplant team on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.Your primary care doctor will take care of you once your condition improves.You should visit the transplant team at least once a year, on or close to the anniversary of your transplant.This will allow the team to assess your progress and discuss any health issues you may have due to the transplant.
Step 13: For at least six to eight weeks, rest at home.
You should rest for at least six to eight weeks.Lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous physical activity is not recommended.Reducing all physical activity will help you recover from the transplant.Walk and stretch for two to four weeks after the surgery.Six weeks after the surgery, you may be able to resume more intense exercise such as hiking, bicycling, tennis, golf and swimming.If you play sports that involve rough contact, you could be at risk of injury to your transplant.You shouldn't drive for at least six weeks after the surgery.A friend or family member can help you get around while you recuperate.