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Staying Healthy With Your New Transplant

Health Concerns

What happens after transplantation depends on the organ transplanted and the recipient's specific medical situation. Most patients recover fully, return to work and resume a normal, active life after receiving a new organ. However, there is a possibility of developing unrelated health problems after transplantation. That's why it is important to work closely with your doctor concerning your overall wellness, as well as regarding the following health concerns:

Anxiety and depression Cancer Diabetes GI upset Gout

High cholesterol Hypertension Sexual relations Shingles

Anxiety and Depression

Patients and their families face a new lifestyle after transplantation that may cause them to feel nervous, stressed or depressed. Because emotional and psychological support is a continuing process, ask your social worker about counseling services that can help you and your family deal with these changes. Professionals can help you work through concerns about your self image; mood swings; job planning; rehabilitation; family stresses, such as parent-child conflicts, marital conflict or changes in sexual functioning; and financial concerns, such as questions about Medicare, disability or insurance.

Diabetes

Some anti-rejection medicines are known to cause high blood sugar. Although it is typically a temporary condition after transplantation, it is more common in patients who have a family history of diabetes and patients who are over weight. It can be controlled by reducing the dose of a patient's anti-rejection medicines or changing medications all together.

GI Upset

GI (gastrointestinal) upset is also a common complaint after a transplant. Patients on steroid therapy may be at an increased risk of developing ulcers due to increased hydrochloric acid from the stress of the procedure. Treatment of GI Upset may include one or a combination of drugs that reduce acid production. In addition, people with GI upset should take several steps to reduce symptoms, including:

• Reducing the intake of caffeine, alcohol and other over-the-counter medications that cause GI upset.
• Taking medications with food to decrease irritation.

Gout

Gout is a painful and potentially disabling form of arthritis. Diagnosing gout can be difficult and treatment plans vary based on a patient's existing medical problems and medications.

High Cholesterol

Many immunosuppressant drugs can contribute to high cholesterol. This condidtion therefore affects many transplant recipients. When a patient develops high cholesterol, blood vessels, including the ones attached to the transplanted organ, become clogged, which affects the flow of blood. This slowing of blood flow can affect the success of your transplant and may even lead to heart disease. It is important to talk to your doctor about how to reduce the risk factors of heart disease, including controlling your cholesterol. Learn more

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is common immediately after transplant. Certain anti-rejection medications, as well as the original disease, all can contribute to hypertension. Treatment of hypertension may include one or a combination of drugs, and often, as anti-rejection medicines are tapered to a maintenance dose, hypertension may decrease. Talk to your doctor about what's right for you and how to avoid high blood pressure. Learn more

Sexual Relations

Sexual concerns after transplantation are commonly experienced, yet seldom discussed or addressed during evaluation. It is therefore very important to talk with your doctor about your sexual history and concerns.

However, sexual function and interest can be related to how well your body has accepted your new organ and how realistic your expectations were for life after your transplant. A counselor can also help a couple understand the difference between pre- and post-transplant problems. In addition, support groups may lend the emotional support surrounding any changes in sexual relations.

Additionally, in sexual relations, as in all issues, recipients must remember that they are immune suppressed and subject to many kinds of infections. In fact, some infections in recently transplanted patients can be potentially life threatening. Consequently, it is important to consider the following points:

• The sharing of saliva during kissing can expose both partners to active diseases, such as colds or other viruses.
• Condoms don't prevent diseases that are spread by contact between the area surrounding the penis and external genitals.
• The risk of contracting infectious diseases though oral sex is possible, especially if ejaculation occurs or if there are any sores or wounds on either partner.

Shingles

People with weakened immune systems, such as transplant recipients treated with immunosuppressive drugs, risk developing shingles. Shingles is a painful infection of the central nervous system caused by the Varicella virus that causes a blistering rash and severe burning pain, tingling or extreme sensitivity to the skin and is usually limited to one side of the body. The severity and duration of an attack of shingles can be significantly reduced by immediate treatment with antiviral drugs.

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