Monitoring for Rejection
Your body's response to any foreign object is
to destroy it, so rejection is a normal reaction
to the transplanted organ, which your body views
as a foreign object. Immune cells immediately
start fighting this foreign body. New organ
rejection is normal and can occur at any time
after a transplant.
Many patients will experience
one or more episodes of rejection during their
recovery period. If left unchecked, the immune
cells can damage or destroy a new organ, but
most rejection cases are detected early and
easily treated. Constant monitoring for rejection
– and prompt medical attention – will
help to keep your new organ functioning.
Rejection may be mild or severe. Take any symptoms
of pancreas rejection very seriously:
In most cases, rejection can be controlled if
treated promptly. That's why it's important to
contact your transplant nurse or physician immediately
if you experience any rejection symptoms. Your
doctor may need to perform a biopsy to make a
definitive diagnosis. If you are having a rejection
episode, you may be admitted to the hospital for
treatment.
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If you received your pancreas transplant at the Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania and are experiencing signs
of organ rejection, call the transplant
nurse at 215-662-6948 during office
hours, 9:00 am to 5 pm. After business hours,
call the main hospital number, 215-662-4000,
and ask for the transplant coordinator on
call. |
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