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Printable Liver Transplant Patient Guide - Henry Ford Health System

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Your guide<br />

to <strong>Transplant</strong><br />

and Recovery<br />

<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> <strong>Transplant</strong> Institute<br />

CLINIC NUMBER<br />

(313) 916-2911


<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> <strong>Transplant</strong> Institute is one<br />

of only two comprehensive multi-organ<br />

transplant centers in Michigan. The<br />

institute is responsible for many of the<br />

first ever transplant procedures. Our<br />

dedicated and experienced team ensures<br />

patients receive an exceptional level of<br />

knowledgeable support before, during,<br />

and after transplantation.<br />

Our mission is to improve and extend<br />

life through excellence in the science<br />

and the art of transplantation, one<br />

patient at a time.<br />

Congratulations on your new organ! Now that you have had a<br />

transplant and are on the road to a full recovery, YOU are the<br />

most important person on the transplant team. Your transplant<br />

team will continue to care for you, but you are the star player<br />

on the team. Your role is vital for a successful transplant.<br />

<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> <strong>Transplant</strong> Institute wants you to know that you<br />

are not alone, we are always here to answer any questions and<br />

assist you however possible.<br />

Once you are discharged from the hospital your transplant<br />

coordinator will serve as your main contact. He/she will have<br />

contact with all the members of your transplant team, and can<br />

assist you in almost all of your transplant needs.<br />

Coordinator: ______________________________________<br />

Phone: __________________________________________<br />

Clinic Appointment: ________________________________<br />

Other Appointment: ________________________________<br />

<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> Hospital<strong>Transplant</strong> Institute<br />

2799 W. Grand Blvd.<br />

Detroit, MI 48202<br />

(313) 916-2911<br />

24 hour hotline<br />

1-800-999-4340<br />

2 3


This booklet is intended to prepare you for your journey to full<br />

recovery and a healthy life after transplant. This booklet will assist<br />

in making you knowledgeable about life with your new organ by<br />

discussing:<br />

What to expect after surgery……………………………….........................pg. 2<br />

The Possibility of Infection & Rejection.…..……………….............pg. 3 - 6<br />

• Types of infection<br />

• Signs and symptoms of infection and/or rejection<br />

• Treatment of infection and/or rejection<br />

Medications……………………………………………….................................pg. 7, 8<br />

Nutrition………………….……………………………….......................................pg. 9<br />

Life after <strong>Transplant</strong>………………………………………........................pg. 10, 11<br />

Summary ………………………………………………........................................pg. 17<br />

Medical Terminology Glossary …………………………................…pg. 18, 19<br />

At the time you are discharged you should be able to:<br />

• Recognize and correctly identify your medications<br />

• Be able to identify the schedule of each medication<br />

• Be able to describe the signs/symptoms of infection or<br />

rejection<br />

• Verbalize when and how to contact your transplant team<br />

• Identify proper health hygiene to care for your new organ<br />

• Verbalize your clinic appointment date and time<br />

• Be able to record your temperature, blood pressure and<br />

pulse at home.<br />

4 1


What to expect after Surgery<br />

How long will I be in the hospital?<br />

Immediately following surgery you will be taken to the Intensive<br />

Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Once you are stable, you will<br />

be moved to the transplant unit for the remainder of your stay.<br />

What should I expect while I am recovering?<br />

You will not be able to eat until your bowel function returns to<br />

normal. Bowel function is slowed or stopped during the surgery, it<br />

is important for bowel function to be normal for proper digestion.<br />

One of the goals after transplantation is that your life returns to<br />

normal as soon as safely possible. Moving and ambulating is an<br />

important part of everyday life that will assist in your recovery.<br />

Laying in bed poses a risk for developing blood clots. To reduce the<br />

risk of developing blood clots the staff may apply a compressive<br />

device to promote circulation. Also, your transplant team will<br />

encourage and assist you in getting out of bed and ambulating in<br />

the halls.<br />

Developing pneumonia is another possible complication that could<br />

occur as a result of staying in bed. To prevent pneumonia from<br />

forming the nurses will assist you with deep breathing techniques,<br />

coughing, and turning if you are unable to move.<br />

The nurses and staff will assess your pain, and treat it appropriately<br />

according to your doctor’s orders.<br />

In addition to the nurses, the transplant pharmacist will also<br />

visit you during your hospital stay to familiarize you with your<br />

medications.<br />

Taking your medications consistently is a vital<br />

part in the success of your transplant<br />

The possibility of Infection and/or Rejection<br />

Rejection<br />

Your immune system is designed to seek out and destroy any foreign<br />

object that it finds in your body, such as viruses, bacteria and<br />

even your new organ. The process of trying to destroy your transplanted<br />

organ is called rejection. Rejection is a normal reaction between<br />

your body’s immune system and your new organ. To protect<br />

your new organ your immune system will need to be suppressed.<br />

This is accomplished with “anti-rejection” medications. Your responsibility<br />

in protecting your new organ from being rejected is to:<br />

• Know all of your medications and take them consistently.<br />

• Get your labs checked as instructed by the transplant team<br />

• Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs, herbal supplements, and<br />

alternative medicines<br />

• Maintain good communication with your transplant team<br />

The nurses will draw blood everyday so that your transplant team<br />

can evaluate your status.<br />

2 3


Signs and symptoms of Rejection<br />

One of the first signs that rejection is occurring is an increase in<br />

liver function tests. <strong>Liver</strong> function tests are blood tests that will be<br />

closely monitored everyday of your stay in the hospital and then<br />

followed closely once you have been discharged.<br />

• Fever of 100 degrees F or higher<br />

• Flu-like symptoms such as chills, fatigue, nausea,<br />

headaches, dizziness, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea,<br />

• Abdominal pain or tenderness<br />

• Dark urine<br />

• Confusion<br />

• Increased Fatigue<br />

• Abdominal Swelling<br />

• Jaundice<br />

• Light clay colored stools<br />

Signs of infection:<br />

• Fever of 100 degrees or more<br />

• Sore throat, or mouth sores<br />

• Productive or persistent cough<br />

• Flu-like symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or headaches<br />

• Pain and/or frequent urination<br />

• Redness or tenderness at your incision site<br />

You should call your doctor or transplant coordinator if any of<br />

these symptoms occur.<br />

Types of infection<br />

Viral infections: A viral infection is caused by a live organism,<br />

and requires a live host to survive. Once inside the body viruses<br />

have the capability to replicate itself inside of the body. People who<br />

are immunosuppressed are vulnerable to viral infections<br />

Infection<br />

As discussed in the previous section, anti-rejection medications<br />

alter your natural defense system. This is accomplished is by<br />

suppressing the activity of the white blood cells. White blood cells<br />

are part of the body’s immune system that ward off foreign tissue<br />

and fight off infections. Consequentially, by suppressing white<br />

blood cell activity the risk for acquiring an infection increases. You<br />

should notify the transplant team immediately if you experience<br />

any signs of infection.<br />

CMV<br />

The most common viral infection among transplant patients is<br />

cytomegalovirus (CMV). If diagnosed with this virus treatment may<br />

include hospitalization, and receiving intravenous medications.<br />

Fungal Infections<br />

<strong>Transplant</strong> patients are vulnerable to fungal infections. The most<br />

common fungal infection is Candida (yeast) infections. This<br />

fungus can cause a wide variety of infections in the body. Fungal<br />

infections most commonly start in the mouth or throat. Candida<br />

in the mouth is referred to as thrush. It can cause white, patchy<br />

lesions, pain, tenderness, difficulty swallowing, and a white film<br />

over the tongue. Other places Candida can be found are in the<br />

surgical wound, eyes, lungs, vaginal or urinary tract. Candida can<br />

be severe if it reaches the blood stream. Treatment may include<br />

hospitalization and IV medications.<br />

4 5


Bacterial Infections<br />

Infections caused by bacteria are usually found in the surgical<br />

wound. The most common way that wounds become contaminated<br />

is by improper handling of the wound, and poor hand/health<br />

hygiene. To avoid getting an infection you should:<br />

• Wash your hands every time you use the bathroom, handle<br />

food, and are in contact with frequently accessed public<br />

places e.g., handrails, doorknobs, elevator buttons,<br />

computers, public phones, etc.<br />

• Do not share personal items i.g. eating utensils, razors,<br />

toothbrushes, etc.<br />

• Wear gloves if you will be working in the yard<br />

• Do not handle your pets litter boxes, bird cages, etc. Exotic<br />

pets should be avoided altogether<br />

• Avoid large crowds<br />

• Practice safe sex<br />

• Educate your family and loved ones about following these<br />

same practices.<br />

Medications<br />

Taking your medications is the single most important thing you can<br />

do to maintain your new organ. You should NEVER stop taking your<br />

transplant medications, or make any changes unless prescribed by your<br />

transplant team. Your body recognizes your new organ as a foreign<br />

object, and therefore naturally tries to attack it. The purpose of the<br />

anti-rejection medications is to suppress the attack on the new organ.<br />

The transplant pharmacist will meet with you to discuss your home<br />

medication schedule before you are discharged from the hospital. Do<br />

not take any over the counter medications or herbal medicines<br />

(including green tea) without consulting your transplant team.<br />

This could cause a potentially dangerous interaction.<br />

The following medications are commonly prescribed medications<br />

intended to prevent and the reduce the risk for rejection. They<br />

are called immunosuppression or anti-rejection drugs<br />

• Prograf (Tacrolimus)<br />

• Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil)<br />

• Steroids (Prednisone or Medrol)<br />

• Rapamune (Rapamycin or Sirolimus)<br />

• Myfortic (Mycophenolic acid)<br />

• Neoral (Cyclosporin)<br />

Your transplant team will determine the best combination of<br />

medications for you. Your transplant team may also prescribe other<br />

medications to supplement the anti-rejection medications. Please<br />

refer to the medication glossary at the end of this brochure for<br />

further information about these medications.<br />

These tips can help you to maintain your medication schedule.<br />

• Use a medication scheduler (such as the one given to you by<br />

the pharmacist)<br />

• Coordinate your medications with other scheduled activities<br />

such as dinner<br />

• Use a pill dispenser to organize your pills<br />

• Order your pills one week in advance so that you do not run out.<br />

It is possible to have a reaction from your anti-rejection<br />

medications. These side effects will be discussed by your<br />

transplant pharmacist. Some side effects to be aware of are:<br />

• Possible weight gain from steroids<br />

• Heartburn that can be mild to moderate<br />

• Muscle weakness (this will decrease as your steroid dose<br />

decreases)<br />

• Changes in behavior like trouble sleeping, depression,<br />

• Tremors and/or headaches<br />

6 7


• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps.<br />

• Sensitivity to sun<br />

• Acne<br />

• Mouth ulcers (sores inside the mouth)<br />

• White blood cell count too low.<br />

• Dizziness<br />

If you experience any of these side effects please notify the<br />

transplant team and/or go to your local emergency room. Be<br />

sure to inform your primary care provider of the transplant<br />

medications that you are taking as well as keep the transplant<br />

team current on your complete medication list.<br />

Consult with the transplant team before taking over the counter<br />

medications as they may interfere with the absorption or<br />

breakdown of your immunosuppression medications. Some over the<br />

counter medications should never be taken after transplant. Please<br />

refer to the table below for a list of medications that are not safe.<br />

Note: The medications listed below are NOT a complete list, it is just<br />

to be used a guideline.<br />

Pain relievers not safe after transplant:<br />

• Advil<br />

• Ibuprofen<br />

• Aleve<br />

• Midol<br />

• Anaprox<br />

• Nuprin<br />

• Excedrin Ib<br />

• Motrin IB<br />

Nutrition<br />

ORGAN TRANSPLANT NUTRITION TIPS:<br />

<strong>Health</strong>y eating means watching your Portion Size, Meal Timing,<br />

AVOIDING: fried and processed foods (high in fat and sodium),<br />

and concentrated sweets.<br />

Remember MODERATION!<br />

• NO Buffets/Salad Bars – Think Food Safety 1st!<br />

NO SMOKING! You are at a higher risk for food poisoning<br />

or colds from second hand smoke. Remember to WASH<br />

your Hands, Cutting Boards, Counters and Utensils<br />

often when preparing food, store food carefully, and thaw<br />

meat in the fridge.<br />

The following Foods should NEVER be eaten:<br />

• Grapefruit, Grapefruit Juice, Squirt, Pomegranate,<br />

Pomegranate Juice, and Seville oranges (marmalade).<br />

Remember to check labels on juice for these items.<br />

• Unpasteurized milk, cheese, cider or juices. NO raw milk<br />

or cheese.<br />

• Fresh sprouts (such as bean or alfalfa sprouts) – these can<br />

be easily contaminated.<br />

• Spoiled or moldy foods – check out expiration dates.<br />

• No: raw, rare or undercooked meat, fish, or runny eggs,<br />

Cough & Cold medicines not safe after transplant:<br />

• Afrin tablets<br />

• Comtrex Products<br />

• Alka Seltzer Plus • Dayquil<br />

• Benedryl allergy • Dimetapp<br />

and cold or sinus • Drixoral<br />

• Chlor-Trimeton Allergy • Neo-synephrine<br />

• Decongestant<br />

• Pamprin IB<br />

• Claritin D<br />

• Sudafed products<br />

8 9


INSTEAD:<br />

> Heat cold cuts, hot dogs, deli meats and sausages<br />

> Cook Seafood to 145°F<br />

> Cook Roasts, Steaks, Ground Beef and Egg dishes<br />

to 160°<br />

> Cook Chicken to 170°<br />

• Natural Products/Herbs to AVOID: Astragalus,<br />

Evening Primrose oil, Echinacea, Ginseng, Garlic,<br />

St. Johns Wort, Bilberry, Cayenne, Feverfew,<br />

Ginko, Ginger, and Reishi.<br />

• Depending on your Blood Level and Medication changes,<br />

you may need to LIMIT the amount of POTASSIUM<br />

rich foods you eat for awhile.<br />

• Prograf and Prednisone can raise blood sugars which will<br />

slow down your healing – HEALTHY meal choices<br />

are helpful in limiting elevated blood sugars.<br />

PLEASE ASK TO SEE THE DIETITIAN IF QUESTIONS!<br />

Life after transplant<br />

Wound care<br />

You may be discharged home with sutures, staples, or steri stripes in<br />

your abdominal incision. Staples/sutures are removed 3-4 weeks after<br />

surgery. Steri strips are paper like strips placed over the incision that<br />

will come off independently. If the edges of the steri strips lift, and<br />

become uncomfortable you may snip the part that is lifting with a<br />

clean pair of scissors, but do pull up on any part that is still stuck on<br />

the skin. After showering pat these strips dry, do not rub them. Also,<br />

avoid wearing clothes that will irritate the incision. Your incision may<br />

be slightly red at the site, that is normal. If the redness spreads, the<br />

incision becomes more than mildly tender to the touch, or there is a<br />

pus like discharge call your transplant team.<br />

Activity<br />

As a newly transplanted patient the goal is for you to resume a<br />

lifestyle that is as close to normal possible without compromising<br />

your healing and health. Once you return home you should<br />

implement exercise into your daily routine. Walking is an excellent<br />

way to get in some exercise. You should avoid doing sit-ups, push<br />

ups, or any other activity that involves using your core muscles or<br />

muscles around the site of your incision. Also you should not lift<br />

anything over 10lbs when working out or even in everyday activity.<br />

You are able to resume sexual activity as soon as you feel<br />

comfortable. You should be aware that some of the medications<br />

may have a side effect resulting in the lack of interest in sex. If<br />

you have any issues or concerns about sex your should talk to your<br />

transplant coordinator. You should take care to only have protected<br />

sex, always use a condom and contraceptive birth control. If you<br />

are planning on becoming pregnant please consult the transplant<br />

team so that your and your unborn child’s risk can be assessed<br />

and discussed. If you think you may already be pregnant is VERY<br />

IMPORTANT to contact your coordinator immediately.<br />

10 11


Your transplant team will inform you of when it is ok to return to work.<br />

DO NOT SMOKE or DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL. If smoking or drinking<br />

are areas of concern for you please consult with your coordinator.<br />

You should not travel for at least three months. Traveling may be unsafe.<br />

Before you plan a trip you should consult with your transplant team.<br />

Because of your immunosuppressant medications you are at an<br />

increased risk for skin cancer. You must use sunscreen that is at<br />

least 30 SPF daily. If you will be outside in direct sunlight you<br />

should protect yourself by wearing a large brim hat. You should see<br />

dermatologist twice per year for screenings.<br />

Dealing with emotions after transplant<br />

Getting a new organ and a second chance at life is a joyous cause.<br />

However, recovery is a slow process and may be stressful at times.<br />

Sometimes there may be negative feelings such as anger, depression,<br />

guilt, frustration, dissatisfaction, or anxiety. Its possible that you will<br />

not have any of these feelings, but if you do The <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> <strong>Transplant</strong><br />

Institute wants you to know you are not alone. Please inform your<br />

coordinator about any negative feelings you may have so that we may<br />

assess your needs and offer help. You are not the only person affected<br />

during the recovery period. Your family members are also affected. It<br />

is important that you establish a good support system and keep your<br />

family informed about changes and emotions that you are experiencing.<br />

The following tips may help you get through some troubling<br />

times during your recovery.<br />

• Be active; exercise regularly, participate in safe social activities.<br />

• Get enough rest<br />

• Maintain a healthy diet<br />

• Get involved in a transplant support group (please pg for some<br />

support suggestions)<br />

Medication Glossary<br />

You will be prescribed medications according to your<br />

specific transplant needs. You must take medications<br />

exactly as prescribed by your transplant team.<br />

ANTI-REJECTION MEDICATIONS<br />

Prograf (Tacrolimus or FK506)<br />

Helps to prevent rejection. If taking prograf two times per day, IT<br />

MUST BE TAKEN 12 HOURS APART. Prograf should be held prior to<br />

getting labs drawn. If you are coming in for a lab draw it is ok to<br />

take your nighttime dose, but do not take your morning dose<br />

the day of your lab appointment. Bring your medications with you<br />

and take them after your blood is drawn.<br />

Possible side effects: increased creatinine, tremors, thinning of hair,<br />

diarrhea, elevated potassium or blood sugar.<br />

Precaution: Remember to keep all clinic and lab visits so that your<br />

prograf blood levels can be monitored. If you think you may be pregnant,<br />

or are breast feeding consult your transplant team immediately.<br />

Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil)<br />

This drug is usually given in either 250 mg or 500 mg, twice a day.<br />

This medication must be taken every 12 hours consistently. Side<br />

effects with this medication are common.<br />

Possible side effects: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased white<br />

blood cell count, and bruising.<br />

Precautions: If you experience any of these side effects treatment<br />

may include medication changes, and/or hospitalization.<br />

12 13


Myfortic (Mycophenolic acid)<br />

In cases where the side effects of Cellcept are intolerable, Myfortic<br />

is given. It should be taken just as Cellcept is taken; usually twice<br />

each day and 12 hrs apart.<br />

Possible Side Effects: constipation, nausea<br />

Precautions: A stool softener may be prescribed. Myfortic is best<br />

absorbed on an empty stomach.<br />

Steroids<br />

There are several brands of steroids. Medrol and Prednisone are<br />

the two brands commonly prescribed for transplant. The steroids<br />

that your transplant team prescribes for you will aid in the antirejection<br />

process. The dose will be high in the beginning, and will<br />

taper down. It is possible that you may be able to stop taking<br />

them all together, but you should NEVER stop taking them unless<br />

directed to do so by your transplant team.<br />

Possible side effects: Increased appetite, muscle weakness, calcium<br />

loss in bones, elevated blood sugar levels, delayed wound healing,<br />

acne, mood swings, anxiety, weight gain.<br />

Precautions: Your transplant team may monitor your blood sugar<br />

levels while in the hospital, and while at home.<br />

Rapamune (Sirolimus, Rapamycin)<br />

Usually prescribed to be taken once a day. It works by preventing your<br />

white blood cells from increasing and possibly attacking your new<br />

organ. If you are scheduled for a lab blood draw then you should not<br />

take your rapamune until after your blood draw. Take your medication<br />

with you so that you can take it after your labs are drawn.<br />

Possible side effects: Low blood cell counts, mouth sores, skin rash<br />

or acne, and low potassium levels.<br />

Cyclosporin<br />

This medication aids in preventing rejection by selectively<br />

suppressing the T-Cells. It is usually prescribed twice per day, and<br />

should be taken 12 hours apart.<br />

Possible side effects: Elevated blood pressure, excessive hair<br />

growth, swelling of the gums, increased potassium, increased<br />

cholesterol, tremors.<br />

Precautions: Do not eat or drink grapefruit or grapefruit products.<br />

Do not take any herbal medications including green tea. Check<br />

your blood pressure regularly, maintain good dental hygiene and<br />

see your dentist routinely.<br />

ANTIBACTERIAL MEDICATIONS<br />

Bactrim (Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)<br />

This medication is used to prevent and treat pneumocystis carinii<br />

pneumonia and other bacterial infections such as urinary tract<br />

infections. It is usually prescribed once per day for about three<br />

months after transplant.<br />

Possible side effects: Nausea, rash, vomiting, itching, poor<br />

appetite, and increased risk of sunburn.<br />

Precautions: You should not take this medication if you are allergic to<br />

Sulfa. Sun block should be applied daily to prevent becoming sunburned.<br />

14 15


ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS<br />

Valcyte (Valganciclovir) or Acyclovir<br />

This medication is given to prevent or treat infections that are<br />

caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV). This virus is present<br />

in about 50% of Americans, although most people are unaware<br />

of it. This medication is usually given twice each day, and is to be<br />

taken 12 hours apart.<br />

Possible side effects: Decreased platelet count, resulting in<br />

bruising. Decreased red and white blood cell count. Nausea,<br />

vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.<br />

Precautions: Do not break this pill, it must be taken whole.<br />

ANTIFUNGAL MEDICATIONS<br />

Medications such as Diflucan, Nystatin, and Clotrimazole are<br />

antifungal medications used to treat or prevent fungal infections.<br />

Please take these medications as directed by your transplant team.<br />

OTHER MEDICATIONS<br />

Protonix, Prevacid, Nexium, Prilosec- These medications<br />

are used to prevent and/or treat stomach ulcers<br />

Actigall- used to dissolve gallstones, and to keep the bile from<br />

becoming too thick and causing an obstruction.<br />

*It may be necessary for you to be on an electrolyte replacement<br />

medication. Your transplant pharmacist will help you to understand<br />

electrolyte replacement medications.<br />

SUMMARY<br />

As you begin your journey to a full recovery, and a normal life it<br />

is absolutely vital that your remember to take your medications<br />

EVERYDAY and to take them on time. Also, remember to keep in close<br />

communication with your transplant team. Communication is key!<br />

At the time you are discharged you should be able to:<br />

• Recognize and correctly identify your medications<br />

• Be able to identify the schedule of each medication<br />

• Be able to describe the signs/symptoms of infection/rejection<br />

• Verbalize when and how to contact your transplant team<br />

• Identify proper health hygiene to care for your new organ<br />

• Verbalize your clinic appointment date and time<br />

• Be able to record your temperature, blood pressure and<br />

pulse at home.<br />

At the time you are discharged you should be able to easily<br />

identify these sign and symptoms of infection and/or rejection:<br />

• Fever of 100 F or more<br />

• Increased wound pain or drainage from your wound<br />

• Fluid retention- weight gain of more than 3 lbs in a 24<br />

hour period, swelling of the ankles or hands or puffiness<br />

around the eyes.<br />

• Decreased urinary output<br />

• Change in color of urine<br />

• Foul smelling urine<br />

• Painful urination<br />

• Increased frequency of urine<br />

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 24 hours<br />

• Blood present in your urine or stool<br />

• Blood pressure changes<br />

If any of these symptoms occur you should contact<br />

your transplant team immediately.<br />

16 17


SUPPORT<br />

The <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> <strong>Transplant</strong> Institute offers a variety of support<br />

systems for transplant recipients and their families. Please contact<br />

your transplant coordinator for more information about the<br />

following services:<br />

• Scheduled support groups led by a transplant social worker<br />

• Access to psychologists who specialize in transplant concerns<br />

• Access to a chemical dependency specialist and support group<br />

• On site <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> Hospital chaplin services<br />

Additional support is offered through The <strong>Transplant</strong> Living Community<br />

of <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> Hospital (TLC). TLC is an organization equiped to offer<br />

lifestyle resources as well as support education. This organization is<br />

comprised of tranpsplant recipients who volunteer daily to offer support<br />

to patients and families throughout the transplant experience. Among<br />

other things, TLC address crucial lifestyle components that contribute to<br />

a positive transplant outcome and long term success with mentorship<br />

from fellow transplant recipients. TLC can be contacted at<br />

TLC@hfhs.org, or by leaving a voicemail at 313-916-2395. You may<br />

also request a refferal from your transplant coordinator or doctor.<br />

Helpful online resources<br />

www.transweb.org.<br />

www.transplantliving.org<br />

www.unos.org<br />

<strong>Transplant</strong> Living Community (TLC):<br />

Email: TLC@hfhs.org<br />

MEDICAL TERMONOLOGY GLOSSARY<br />

Bicarbonate (HC03)- An electrolyte regulated by your kidneys that<br />

is used to indicate acid/base balance in your blood.<br />

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)- A left over or waste product after<br />

protein is broken down in your body. The kidneys are responsible<br />

for filtering out the BUN.<br />

Calcium (Ca)- The body needs calcium to maintain strong bones,<br />

normal nerve and muscle function ,and blood clotting.<br />

Creatinine (Cr)- A left over or waste product that comes from<br />

muscle. The kidney’s are responsible for removing creatinine from<br />

the blood. A high or rising creatinine level may indicate that the<br />

kidney is not working properly.<br />

Diabetes- A disease caused by high blood sugars.<br />

Hemoglobin (Hgb)- Red blood cells that are responsible for<br />

supplying organs with oxygen from the lungs, and removes carbon<br />

dioxide from the body.<br />

Immunosuppression- reducing the body’s normal response to<br />

invasion by foreign objects such as a new organ.<br />

Infection- a condition caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus that<br />

enters the body.<br />

Kidney Biopsy- A test to check for rejection. This test is performed<br />

by inserting a small needle into the kidney and extracting a small<br />

sample of tissue.<br />

Magnesium (Mg)- Helps blood to clot and breaks down starches<br />

and proteins. Also helps with nerve pulses.<br />

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Notes<br />

Phosphorus (Po4)- Aids in strong bones.<br />

Platelets- Help control bleeding by forming clots.<br />

Potassium (K)- Changes starch into energy and builds protein.<br />

Kidneys get rid of extra potassium.<br />

Pneumonia- an infection that is in the lung.<br />

Sodium (Na)- The amount of salt that is in the blood stream,<br />

cleared through the kidneys.<br />

White blood cells (WBC)- aid in fighting off infection. A rise<br />

in wbc’s may indicate infection or could be a side effect of a<br />

medication. A low wbc count could also be a side effect.<br />

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HENRY FORD<br />

TRANSPLANT INSTITUTE

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