Printable Liver Transplant Patient Guide - Henry Ford Health System
Printable Liver Transplant Patient Guide - Henry Ford Health System
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 />
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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 />
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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