Department of Transplantation Dept. of Transplantation

17. At-Home Recovery

It may take you anywhere from 3 to 6 months to become fully independent. Your abdominal muscles will have been cut during surgery. These muscles are necessary to stand upright, so you won’t be able to perform many ordinary activities until these muscles have healed. You should participate in light exercise, eat well, get rest, and avoid stress to expedite the recovery process.

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Recovery Timeline

  • As soon as you arrive home: You should do muscle toning exercises, and walk 5-10 minutes daily, slowly increasing the time each week.
  • 1 Month: Staples will be removed from the incision area at the transplant center.
  • 2 Months: You may lift no more than 15 pounds (babies, small pets, groceries).
  • 2.5 Monts: Your bile tube and drainage tubes will be removed during a clinic visit.
  • 3 Months: You may begin jogging.
  • 6 Months: Your liver and incisions will have healed. You may also go back to work. Some people choose to go part-time if still experiencing fatigue.
  • 1 Year: You may begin playing sports and weightlifting. However, you should get the transplant's team approval before engaging in these activities.

Visiting Nurses

Lahey will arrange for a nurse to visit you at home for the first three weeks after you are discharged. This nurse will be a member of the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA). He or she will be the eyes and ears of the hospital while you are away, so they will check your medications, vital signs, incision drains, and will also look for infections. Depending on your condition, you may be visited daily or 3 times per week. Upon discontinuation of these visits, you’ll be healthy enough to take care of yourself.

Family Support

Recovery from transplantation requires a major commitment from you and your family. There are many things that you won’t be able to accomplish immediately such as going to work, driving a car, pushing a grocery cart, cooking, etc., so you will need help. Your friends and family will have to be available for transportation to and from your doctors’ appointments, to provide food and medications, and to keep an eye on your progress. Your reliance on others will not last forever; usually transplant recipients regain their independence in 3 to 6 months.

Diet

You will notice that your appetite will gradually increase. A return to normal weight is expected, but make sure you monitor your weight gain to avoid obesity, which is a common problem after liver transplant. You’ll need to eat plenty of proteins, which are essential to rebuild lost muscle and tissue. Fats and cholesterol are allowed, but only sparingly. The transplant dietitian will help you create a suitable diet plan based on your individual situation.