It can be a daunting task to recover from an organ transplant. Many patients can struggle to cope with both the physical and emotional side effects of the procedure. If you are a loved one caring for someone who has undergone this treatment then it is important to know how to help them as best as possible.
One of the biggest threats to the health of the patient is the possible rejection of the organ by the body. For this reason they are often prescribed immunosuppressant medication. It is important to do as it will help maintain the patient’s lifetime health. Making sure that the patient takes the medication correctly is an essential task for carers. They must also monitor any side effects and notify the doctor.
Interestingly one of the most well documented feelings after waking from a transplant is euphoria. Patients have been known to kry with relief due to the fact that their negative symptoms are gone. It also helps that the anesthetic prevents any post surgery pain on the initial wake up. However it must be remembered that an organ transplant is a major surgery and as such it can require a large amount of recovery.
Often a patient will have to relearn things that are essential to sustaining their life, such as eating. They may also have trouble maintaining a sense of independence during the initial stages of recovery. This is due to the fact that they will usually be restricted in terms of movement. When they do eventually feel the physical signs of their surgery it can be useful for them to work alongside a pain management team. This has been proven time and time again to increase the amount of comfort they feel during this phase.
The time it takes for the patient to readjust to life will be dependent on the individual and the nature of their surgery. Some people take much longer than others whereas some report feeling much better straight after going home. Each patient will require some level of emotional support to help them get through the recovery process.
There is also the risk of comorbidity affecting the patient after the surgery. This is when one or more health conditions arise due to the transplant. This can include some forms of cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes. Patients who live over a decade after the procedure are more likely to develop some form of health condition. This is not something that all patients should worry about as it is a rare occurrence. However, those who have a history of serious medical issues in their family should consult their doctor about the potential risks that they may face.
