Liver transplant
Recovering from a liver transplant can be a long, slow 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 normally be able to start gradually building up your activities after a few weeks.
You'll have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress after a liver transplant. These will be frequent at first usually once a week for the first four to six weeksbut may eventually only be necessary once every few months, or even once a year.
During these appointments, you will have tests to assess your liver and kidney function, and to check the level of immunosuppressant medication (see below) in your blood.
You'll need to take immunosuppressants for the rest of your life after having a liver transplant, because there is a risk that your body will recognise the new liver as foreign and the immune system will attack it.
This is known as rejection.See our page on liver transplant complications for more informationon rejection.
Two main types of immunosuppressants are used to treat people after a liver transplant: They are:
The risk of rejection is highest in the first three months after a transplant, so it's likely that you will be given a relatively high dose at first. Your dose will then be reduced to a level thought high enough toprevent rejection, but low enough to minimise unpleasant side effects.
It may take several months before the optimal dose for you is achieved.
Common side effects ofcalcineurin inhibitors include:
Common side effects of corticosteroids include:
Although the side effects may be troublesome, you shouldn't stop taking your medication or reduce your dose withoutconsulting a doctor,because it could lead to your liver being rejected.
It's a good idea to get plenty of rest when you first get home from hospital, althoughyou should startmoving around as soon as 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 youon specific exercises to try.
Contact sports and swimming should be avoided for several months until you have fully recovered, as there is a risk of picking up an injury or infection.
Most people will need tohave a normal, healthy diet after a liver transplant.
Try to maintain a healthy weight as much as possible, although this can be difficult if youare taking steroid medication. Ask to see adietitian if you think you may need adviceon your diet.
If the previous problem with your liver was caused by alcohol misuse , you will normally be advised to abstain from alcohol for life after a liver transplant.
It may also be a good idea not to drink alcohol even if you're liver problem wasn't alcohol-related, although in some cases it may be fine to do so in moderation.
Speak to yourcare teamfor advice.
You can start having sex again as soon as you feel physically and emotionally ready.
Make sure you use appropriate contraception , however, as women who have had a liver transplant are usually advised to avoid becoming pregnant for at least a year.
If you do become pregnant, inform your care team, as immunosuppressant medication could potentially affect your baby and you may need extra monitoring.
If you're thinking about planning a pregnancy, you should discuss this with your care team first because your immunosuppressant medication may need to be changed to reduce the risk to your baby.
You should avoid driving for up to two months, because the transplant procedure and immunosuppressant medication can affect your vision, reaction times and ability to perform emergency stops.
Speak to your doctor first if you feel ready to drive again. It's also often a good idea to inform your insurance company of your situation.
How long you need to be off work will depend on your job and how quickly you recover. Some people will be able to return to work after three months, although others may need more time off. Your care team can advise you on this.
Remember that you will need to continue taking your immunosuppressant medications after returning to your normal activities, as there is a risk that your body will reject the new liver if you stop taking them.
A liver transplant is an operation to remove a diseased or damaged liver and replace it with a healthy one.
There is a strict assessment process that is used to decide who can have a liver transplant, as donated livers are scarce both in the UK and around the world.
Due to the lack of available livers, it's rarely possible to have a liver transplant as soon as it's needed, so you'll usually be placed on a waiting list.
You will be contacted by staff at the liver transplant centre as soon as a suitable liver becomes available.
Recovering from a liver transplant can be a long, slow process, but most people will eventually be able to return to most of their normal activities and have a good quality of life.
Complications of a liver transplant can include rejection, an increased risk of infection, graft failure, biliary conditions and a higher risk of developing certain conditions.
Shohanna Newman-Kidd likes dancing, running and painting rainbows, but she's had to fight hard to enjoy doing what other children take for granted.
When Gordon Bridewell was rushed from the West Country to London on New Year's Eve 1975 to undergo a pioneering liver transplant, he was also travelling into the record books.