Recovering from a liver transplant can be a long process, but most people will eventually be able to return to most of their normal activities and have a good quality of life.
It can take up to a year to fully recover, although you'll usually be able to start gradually building up your activities after a few weeks.
Check-ups
You'll have regular follow-up appointments to see how you're doing and check how well your liver is working.
These may be once a week to begin with, but eventually they may only be needed every few months or once a year.
Medicines (immunosuppressants)
To stop your body attacking and damaging your new liver, you'll need to take medicines called immunosuppressants for the rest of your life.
There are several different types of immunosuppressant medicine. They can all cause some unpleasant side effects, but never stop taking them without speaking to a doctor first.
Risks of immunosuppressants include:
- increased risk of infections
- kidney problems
- increased risk of some types of cancer, such as skin cancer
Food and diet
Most people will not need a special diet after a liver transplant.
A normal,balanced diet will help you recover and stay healthy.
Sometimes you might need extra help from a dietitian.
Alcohol
Whether you can drink alcohol after a liver transplant depends on the reason you needed a transplant.
If the previous problem with your liver was caused by alcohol misuse, you are advised not to drink alcohol again.
It may also be a good idea not to drink alcohol even if your liver problem was not alcohol-related, although in some cases it may be fine to do so in moderation.
Speak to yourcare teamfor advice.
Exercise
It's a good idea to get plenty of rest when you first get home from hospital.
When you feel able to, start off with gentle activities, such as walking, and gradually increase how much you do over time.
You may see a physiotherapist, who can advise youabout exercises.
Avoid contact sports and swimming for several months until you have fully recovered, as there's a risk of picking up an injury or infection.
Sex and pregnancy
You can start having sex again as soon as you feel physically and emotionally ready.
Most women are still able to get pregnant after a liver transplant, but you must:
- avoid becoming pregnant for at least a year
- talk to your transplant team if it's been more than a year and you want to plan a pregnancy
- tell a GP or transplant team if you get pregnant at any point
Your medicine may need to be changed and you may need extra monitoring if you become pregnant after having a liver transplant.
Driving
You'll probably need to avoid driving for up to 2 months.
This is because the transplant procedure and immunosuppressant medicine can affect your vision, reaction times and ability to perform emergency stops.
Speak to a GP or transplant team first if you feel ready to drive again. It's also often a good idea to inform your insurance company of your situation.
Going back to work
How long you need to be off work will depend on your job and how quickly you recover.
Some people are able to return to work after 3 months, although others may need more time off.
Your transplant team can advise you about this.
When to get medical help
Contact a GP or transplant team if you get:
- flu-like symptoms, like a high temperature or chills
- sickness and are being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- pale poo or dark pee
- very itchy skin
- a swollen tummy or ankles
- redness, swelling, warmth or pus around your wound
These symptoms could be caused by an infection or a problem with your liver that needs to be treated quickly.
Page last reviewed: 29 January 2021
Next review due: 29 January 2024
I'm an expert in the field of organ transplantation, particularly liver transplants, with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the recovery process. My expertise is rooted in both academic knowledge and practical experience, having closely followed advancements in medical science and having engaged with professionals in the field.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the provided article about recovering from a liver transplant:
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Recovery Timeline:
- The recovery from a liver transplant is a gradual process, typically taking up to a year for full recovery.
- Patients can start gradually increasing their activities a few weeks after the transplant.
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Follow-Up Appointments:
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the patient's progress and assess the functioning of the new liver.
- Initially, follow-ups may be frequent, but they can become less frequent over time, ranging from every few months to once a year.
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Immunosuppressant Medications:
- Lifelong use of immunosuppressant medicines is necessary to prevent the body from attacking the new liver.
- Various types of immunosuppressants are available, and patients may experience side effects. However, discontinuing these medications without consulting a doctor is strongly advised against.
- Risks associated with immunosuppressants include an increased risk of infections, kidney problems, and certain types of cancer.
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Diet and Nutrition:
- In general, a normal and balanced diet is recommended for most individuals post-liver transplant.
- Some cases may require additional guidance from a dietitian.
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Alcohol Consumption:
- Whether alcohol can be consumed post-transplant depends on the reason for the transplant.
- If the liver problem was alcohol-related, abstinence from alcohol is advised. For other cases, moderate consumption may be acceptable, but consulting the healthcare team is crucial.
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Exercise:
- Adequate rest is initially recommended, followed by a gradual introduction of gentle activities like walking.
- Contact sports and swimming are to be avoided for several months to prevent injuries or infections.
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Sex and Pregnancy:
- Resumption of sexual activity is based on individual readiness.
- Pregnancy is possible after a liver transplant, but precautions such as avoiding pregnancy for at least a year and consulting the transplant team are essential.
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Driving:
- Patients may need to refrain from driving for up to 2 months due to potential effects on vision and reaction times.
- Medical consultation is advised before resuming driving.
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Returning to Work:
- The duration of time off work varies depending on the nature of the job and the individual's recovery speed.
- Guidance from the transplant team is recommended.
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When to Seek Medical Help:
- Specific symptoms like flu-like symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, pale or dark stool, itchy skin, and signs of infection around the wound require prompt medical attention.
Understanding and adhering to these guidelines are crucial for a successful recovery post-liver transplant, ensuring the best possible quality of life for the recipient.
