Transplant Unit

Smoking is harmful to your health and can stop you enjoying the benefits of your new liver. If you are a smoker, please discuss with your doctors strategies which may help you give up.

Dry skin care – If you are having problems with dry skin, use a mild soap and put on body lotion after bathing.

Cuts and scratches – Wash minor cuts and scratches daily. For large cuts see your Doctor straight away.

Contact the transplant co-ordinator if you discover any unusual skin growths, rash or discoloration.

Transplant patients who are taking immunosuppressive (anti rejection ) drugs are at greater risk of developing skin and lip cancers. Since the risk gets bigger with time you must always protect your skin from the ultra violet rays of the sun that cause skin cancers.

• Avoid midday (10am to 3pm ) sun, when the ultraviolet rays are the strongest
• Wear a hat, long sleeves and trousers when outdoors unless you are using a sunscreen
• Use a sunscreen lotion and lip balm every day (rain or shine ) and put them on areas that are not covered, especially your face, neck, and hands.

Remember that sunscreen lotions wash off. Re-apply the lotion as needed, especially after swimming.

Hair care – Illness and prednisolone may change the condition of your hair. Permanent hair dyes, tints, wave lotions and bleach may cause your hair to become brittle and break. It is recommended to wait until your prednisolone dosage is lower than 10mg/day before perming or colouring your hair. Use a good conditioner on your hair.

Unwanted hair growth – If you develop more facial and body hair as a result of your medications, this can be removed by using a depilatory cream (hair removing cream). Follow directions carefully to avoid eye or lip irritation. If hair growth remains a problem DO NOT alter your medication dose. Discuss the problem with your transplant co-ordinator / hepatologist. It may be possible to consider alternative forms of medication.

Dental care

Make sure that your dentist knows that you have had a liver transplant and what medication you are taking

It is advisable to have routine dental checks six monthly. If you had teeth extracted prior to your transplant it is advisable to wait for a period of six months before having dentures fitted as the medications that you are taking can affect your gums. Antibiotics should be given before any invasive dental treatment eg: tooth extractions.

Six monthly eye checks by your ophthalmologist are advisable. You should be screened for cataract or glaucoma development. It is advisable to wait until your medications have been reduced until purchasing new glasses / contact lenses ( usually approximately 6 months post transplant) as your vision can alter in the first few months.

The anti rejection therapy that you are taking also increases you risk of developing cervical cancers. Routine check-ups including cervical smears are very important. In addition,self-breast examination should be carried out each month (one week following your period ). Report any lumps or discharge from your nipple to your doctor immediately. These conditions are usually easily treated if detected early.

Although many women who have undergone liver transplantation go on to have successful pregnancies, women should avoid pregnancy for at least one year following transplant surgery. You should discuss birth control with your doctor. It is advisable not to use the contraceptive pill or intrauterine device ( IUD ).

Before planning a pregnancy there are many things to think about. It is advisable to discuss your plans with your hepatologist who can refer you to an obstetrician.