Post Liver Transplant Complications and How to Avoid Them


Studies in the field have shown that post liver transplant complications don’t surface in around 90% of the cases. This does not mean, however, that there are no precautions that need to be taken post surgery.

Avoiding Post Liver Transplant Complications

Liver transplant procedures involve lots of long term risks that can surface 10 or 15 years after the procedure is performed. There are a number of factors attributed to this, and you should take up a proper diet along with regular medication in order to avoid post liver transplant complications.

Medication

It is crucial that you continue to take the medication prescribed by the transplant team and your general physician. The immunosuppressant prescribed is not just for the recovery period.

These medicines continue acting on the body’s immune system so that the liver stays safe. Another factor that can cause an undesirable reaction is the mixing up of medication.

post liver transplant complications - medication
Never mix up medications in order to avoid post liver transplant complications

Corticosteroids and inhibitors are dangerous when mixed with other medication. This can cause long term side effects or other disorders. You need to consult a medical practitioner and the transplant team before taking any new kind of medication.

An immunosuppressant can also cause infection if not taken as per the prescribed dosage or if ingested in a haphazard manner. Since the immune system has to fight off infections every day, a large number of chemicals and cells are produced by the body.

Doctors prescribe the required amount that will help the body attack other foreign objects but maintain a balance, so that an excess of chemicals and cells do not attack the body. Taking the medicines as prescribed is the safest way to care for your liver.

Diet

Most patients who develop post liver transplant complications usually develop these due to the consumption of alcohol.

post liver transplant complications
Post liver transplant complications often surface due to drinking or smoking

The alcohol puts stress on the liver to filter more waste matter and in this process cells die causing scarring, which may lead to cirrhosis. It is essential to consume a nutritious diet and get all the necessary proteins, carbohydrates and fats that will keep you fit. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol as much as possible to maintain a healthy life after liver transplant.

Illness

In case of any illness, it is best to consult a doctor who is aware of your liver transplant. In case you note any symptoms after liver transplant and note that your liver is failing, contact the transplant team immediately.

They will run tests to determine if the current illness has anything to do with the liver transplant. Visits to the doctor are recommended every six months as a clean bill of health means that there is one less thing to worry about.

Cancer

Skin cancer and hepatitis are common long term post liver transplant complications. It is imperative that you use sun block creams to protect yourself from harmful ultra-violet rays. Viral hepatitis originates from unclean surroundings and from contaminated water.

It is essential that the food and water you consume are clean. If you are visiting a country where diseases or unhygienic conditions are prevalent then get vaccinated before leaving.

Liver transplants give a new lease of life to people with failed livers. A proper diet, regular light exercise, consistent medication and a healthy lifestyle can help ensure that the long term complications of liver damage are prevented.

Studies performed by various institutes all over the world converge to say that more than 70% of the patients who have had a liver transplant live long and healthy lives without any post liver transplant complications. All that you need to do is eat a well tailored diet, follow your doctor’s advice and seek medical help once you note some common complications. You can read successful liver transplant stories to know more about the people who have undergone the liver transplant surgery and are leading healthy lives.