DO NOT SMOKE.

Smoking is harmful to your health and can stop you enjoying the benefits of your new liver. If you are a smoker, please discuss with your doctors, strategies which may help you give up.

 
                                                          LOOK AFTER YOUR SKIN.

DRY SKIN CARE.

If you are having problems with dry skin, use a mild soap and put on body lotion after bathing.

CUTS AND SCRATCHES.

Wash minor cuts and scratches daily, for large cuts see your doctor straight away.Contact transplant coordinator if you discover any unusual skin growths, rash or discolouration.

MINIMISE SUN EXPOSURE.

Transplant patients who are taking immunosuppressive (anti rejection) drugs are at greater risk of developing skin and lip cancers. Since the risk gets bigger with time you MUST ALWAYS protect your skin from the ultra violet rays of the sun that cause skin cancer.Avoid midday (10 am to 3pm)Wear a hat, long sleeves and trousers when outdoors unless you are wearing a suncream.Use a sun screen lotion and lip balm every day (rain or shine) and put them on areas that are not covered, especially your face neck and hands. Remember that sun screen lotions wash off. Re-apply the lotion as needed especially after swimming. For more information please see under the main menu headings under CANCER. 

UNWANTED HAIR GROWTH. 

If you develop more facial and body hair as a result of your medications, this can be removed by using a depilatory cream (hair removing cream) Follow directions carefully to avoid eye or lip irritation. If hair growth remains a problem DO NOT alter your medication dose, discuss the problem with your transplant coordinator/hepatologist. It may be possible to consider alternative forms of medication.

WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE.

The anti-rejection therapy that you are taking also increases your risk of developing cervical cancers.Routine check-ups including cervical smears are very important. In addition, self-breast examinations should be carried out each month (one week following your period).Report any lumps or discharge from your nipple to your doctor immediately. These conditions are usually easily treated if detected early.

CONTRACEPTION.

Although many women who have undergone liver transplantation go on to have successful pregnancies, WOMEN SHOULD AVOID PREGNANCY FOR AT LEAST TWELVE MONTHS AFTER TRANSPLANT SURGERY. You should discuss birth control with your doctor. It is advisable not to use the contraceptive pill or intrauterine device (IUD). Before planning a pregnancy there are many things to think about.It is advisable to discuss your plans with your hepatologist who can refer you to an obstetrician.

 

                                VACCINATIONS AND TRAVEL AFTER A TRANSPLANT.

                    
If you are planning to travel abroad, check well in advance which vaccinations are required. IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENTS SHOULD NOT RECEIVE LIVE VACCINES. Before planning to go to a country where there is Maleria, discuss this with your transplant doctor. Some Anti-Malerial treatment can affect the levels of immunosuppression in your blood.In addition if you do contract maleria while immunosuppressed this can be very dangerous.

EYE CARE.

Six monthly eye checks by your ophthalmologist are advisable. You should be screened for cataract or glaucoma development. It is advisable to wait until your medications have been reduced until purchasing new glasses/contact lenses, (usually six months post transplant) as your vision can alter in the first few months.

DENTAL CARE.

Make sure that your dentist knows that you have had a liver transplant and what medications you are taking. It is advisable to have routine dental checks six monthly. If you had teeth extracted prior to your transplant it is advisable to wait for a period of six months before having dentures fitted as the medications that you are taking can affect your gums. Antibiotics should be given before any dental treatment eg: Tooth Extractions.