What to pack
- Comfortable clothing
- A bathrobe and slippers
- A list of any allergies you may have
- A list of all of the medications you’re taking
- Insurance card
- Family photos, books, and music
- Keep valuables (like jewelry) at home and only bring a small amount of cash; sadly, theft can and does occur
Being prepared
Your new liver could come at any time and you’ll need to put a plan into action. Here are some strategies for success:
Important steps to take
Give your transplant team a list of telephone numbers where you can be reached 24 hours a day. Include phone numbers of friends and family who you might visit. Your transplant team will need to contact you as soon as your new organ is available and must locate you within one hour. If they can’t locate you within that time, the donor organ will likely go to the next person on the list.
Check your answering machine or voice mail often. If you are at a place where you cannot be reached by phone, it may be a good idea to check more often. You may want to carry a cell phone or beeper once you get to the top of the transplant list and keep the batteries charged.
Make a list of things you will want to take to the hospital. When the day arrives, you may not have time to pack, so pack a bag ahead of time.
Make plans for how you will get to the hospital. Arrange for someone to drive you. Talk to your transplant coordinator if you will need to take an airplane.
Plan for time away from home: have someone get your mail and newspapers, pay bills (or set up automatic bill pay through your bank), water plants, care for pets, etc.
Pick a contact person who can pass along information to friends and family so that you can get much-needed rest while in recovery.
Get financially ready
Your transplant center has people available who are specially trained to help you in financial matters. To learn more about the financial side of transplantation, click here.
Get educated
Just knowing what to expect can help you feel better. Don't be afraid to ask your transplant team a lot of questions, and talk to others who have had transplants—they can give you some ideas about what’s ahead. Read everything you can about the surgery and the medicines you will be taking, and take time to look over the Frequently Asked Questions. You may also want to visit the support resources included on this site. There you'll find some great organizations, many of which provide information online.
Get support
Awaiting transplant can be a stressful and emotional process. Many people awaiting transplant feel nervous, fearful, or depressed. Many transplant centers have a psychologist or a social worker available to help you with any issues you may need to discuss. They may also be able to help your family understand what to expect and how they can help support you during this time. TransplantExperience.com also has a section dedicated just to caregivers, called the Caregivers' connection.
Support groups are also a valuable resource to turn to. Your transplant coordinator can help locate a group that is right for your situation. The Support group locator can help you find a support group in your area.
Learn to relax
Waiting for a transplant can be stressful. If you are having trouble sleeping or feel anxious about the transplant, ask your psychologist or social worker to show you exercises to help you relax. There are also many books and audiotapes on relaxation that can help you deal with stress.
It may be helpful for you to find a creative outlet. Enjoying a hobby such as drawing, painting, or knitting can help take your mind off waiting. Reading books and listening to music are also recommended relaxation techniques. If you are up to it, this may be a good time to take a class.
Stay as healthy as possible
Keep active
Waiting for a transplant can be very stressful. One way to combat this stress is to stay active. Follow the activity program suggested by your transplant team to keep the rest of your body—and your mind—healthy while you wait. Regular exercise offers several benefits while you are waiting for your new organ:
- Helps you relax and feel less nervous and stressed
- Improves your mood
- Makes you feel more in control of your body and your health
- Tones and strengthens your muscles, making you more fit for surgery and better prepared for recovery
Take your medications
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, be sure you continue to take all of your medications as prescribed. This is a good habit to maintain because keeping up with your medications post-transplant is very important. Your post-transplant therapy will work to protect your new liver.
Take care of your oral health
Problems in your mouth can lead to infections in your whole body. That is why it is important that you have any needed dental care done before your transplant. Dental problems can delay your transplant surgery. You could even lose your spot on the list if an organ becomes available and you cannot undergo transplant surgery because of unresolved dental problems. Learn more.
Get all needed vaccines
Infections are common post-transplant and serious infections can lead to serious problems. It is important that you keep up on your vaccinations before your transplant and continue to get vaccinated post-transplant as directed by your transplant team. The following vaccines are commonly recommended:
- Flu
- Hepatitis B
- Pneumonia
- Varicella
If you need a vaccine and you have not yet been added to the transplant waiting list you can have “live vaccines.” Live vaccines include oral polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. You cannot have these types of vaccinations after transplant—and no one in your household can either as it puts you at serious risk for infection.
