Tips for Waiting for Your Transplant
Patients on the transplant waiting list should
stay as healthy as possible. One of the eligibility
factors for a transplant is your overall physical
health. Follow these tips to stay healthy while
you wait:
- See your primary care doctor on a regular
basis
- Keep your weight as close to normal as possible
- Don’t miss appointments. It is important
that we maintain current and accurate information
to ensure the best care
- Exercise if you're in good shape -- recovery
following surgery will be easier
- Follow any recommendation the transplant team
makes to you in terms of getting lab, X-ray
or other tests done so that your transplant
is not delayed
- Stay positive, even though it may feel like
a long wait until an organ is available. Many
studies show that a positive attitude translates
into better health
- Make your plan for how you will get to the
hospital at time of surgery and for your frequent
follow-up visits
Let your transplant coordinator know if you:
- Change your doctor, insurance carrier, name,
home address or phone
- Are admitted to the hospital
- Are, for any reason, not available for transplant
- Undergo any surgical procedure
- Start or stop any medications
Reviewed by Robert
Kotloff, MD
Last updated September 2004
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