Getting back to normal

The impact of an organ transplant goes well beyond the bedside. It's a lifetime challenge of monitoring medications, working to prevent rejection, and making sure that your loved one stays happy and healthy.

	Start a medication schedule. Work on making sure your loved one takes his or her scheduled doses at the same time every day. Also, it's a good idea to connect the new schedule with a schedule that your loved one knows very well, such as always taking pills before brushing teeth, or right after a shower.
	Use a pill box to ensure that every dose of medication is taken every day, and fill it weekly.
	Keep a medication list on the refrigerator and keep a copy with you at all times to ensure that your loved one does not miss a dose. Here is a medication schedule you may want to print and fill out.
	Watch your loved one's diet. And be sure he or she eats regularly. Healthy eating is very important to long-term health. Be sure to talk to a dietitian about your loved one's specific nutritional needs. He or she may be prescribed a high-protein diet if on dialysis, or may have to avoid certain foods while taking immunosuppressive medications. Your loved one may also have an increased appetite due to the steroids he or she is taking, resulting in unwanted weight gain. A dietitian can help set up a diet plan that takes your loved one's unique needs and challenges into account. Here is a nutrition schedule you may want to print and fill out.
	Make sure that your loved one gets exactly the amount of exercise the doctor prescribes. And remember, exercise doesn't have to mean a mile-long jog. It can be as simple as a walk around the block, or dancing with friends. Here is an exercise plan you may want to print and fill out.

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