Watching for rejection

Although your doctor will work to prevent rejection, it can still occur—even years after transplant surgery. That is why it is important to have a good sense about your day-to-day health and stay in tune with your body.

It is not uncommon for liver transplant recipients to have at least one occurrence of rejection, often between the first 4 to 14 days and the first 3 months post-transplant. If you notice any of the following symptoms of rejection, call your transplant team right away:

• Fever over 100°F (38°C)
• Flu-like symptoms such as chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, headache, dizziness, or body aches and pains
• Pain or tenderness over your transplant site
• Change in pulse rate
• Yellow color to the skin or eyes
• Light-colored or blackened stools
• Change in the color or smell of urine

Because rejection can occur without producing any signs or symptoms and may only be found during a regular office visit, it is important that you remember to keep all of your scheduled appointments and complete needed lab work.