Pre -Transplant Diet and Exercise Ideas

Posted by Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor @rosemarya, Jul 23, 2018

Once you find out you need a transplant, you will learn that there are some things that you can do before surgery to ensure that you are prepared.

-If you smoke, you should quit.
-Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
-Exercise to maintain your energy level as you are able.
-Get plenty of rest.

Now..we all know that it is much more difficult to achieve success with our complications….but it is worth it to know it will make life much easier on the other side…and that you gave it your all!

Anyone who wants to share diet and exercise ideas..please do…be creative!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

@teresatopeka

I have had two liver transplants at Mayo Rochester. I am also a Physical Therapist with a specialty certification in Aquatic Physical Therapy. I have found from professional and work experience, that gentle aquatic aerobic exercise in therapy pools (warmer than lap pools) is very comfortable for patients and there are very few health risks. Something to consider before seeking this out is if you have an open wounds, ostomy sites or issues with fecal/urinary incontinence. Don’t worry about not being able to get into and out off the pool because most Therapy pools have a lift or a walk in/out ramp to make it easier. Often times for patients with extreme muscle wasting, this is a great way to ease back into exercise without stressing the joints too much and is often very relaxing. Plus, I may be biased here, Aquatic PTs are super friendly and fun! The goal with this is to refer you to a community based exercise program. Many hospitals have this integrated into their Rehabilitarion program in some way, shape or form.

I could not swim after either transplant because I had a rather large wound to heal, but what I did in the hospital was request a PT consult and started walking right away. It comfortable at the first, but the more you walk the better you will feel. I learned that the hard way after my first transplant where I refused to get out of bed and sat and pushed my PCA button whenever I had increased pain.The second time around I was walking a mile post op day 1 and had the PT bring in a little bedside bike pedal to use whenever I was sitting up and watching tv or reading. And depending on your platelets post op, you can begin gentle upper extremity stretching in a variety of positions which helps with healing, swelling, and mobility. I always tried to adhere to what is common referred to as “Sternal precautions.” This is a basic set of guidelines given to patients who have had open heart surgery but came somewhat apply to lost liver transplant patient with some modifications. Briefly, they are:

1. Protect your sternum. Hug a pillow to your chest or cross your arms over your chest when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.

2. Be careful when you get into or out of a chair or bed. Hug a pillow or cross your arms when you stand or sit. Do not twist as you move. Use only your legs to sit and stand. You may need to use a raised toilet seat if you have trouble standing up without using your arms. Your healthcare provider may teach you to use your elbow for support as you move from lying to sitting.

3. Ask when you may take a bath or shower. You may need to use a bath chair if you have trouble getting into or out of the tub. Do not use a grab bar. Depending on where you are transplanted at, they may have different protocols for when you can shower after surgery.

4.Do not lift or carry anything heavier than 5 pounds. For example, a gallon of milk weighs 8 lbs.

5. Try to use both arms and hands for any reaching or grabbing of objects around you. Do not let anyone pull your arms to help you move or dress.

6. Do not push or pull anything. Examples include a car door or a vacuum cleaner.

7. Do not drive while you are healing. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe for you to start driving again.

Depending on how you heal, you age and previous strength and flexibility prior to transplant, the PT can modify these to fit your particular needs.

After two liver transplants I have learned that physical fitness and diet are keys to living a long healthy life after transplant. Whenever I don’t want to go swim my 2 miles in the pool or eat my greens, I always remember that I am not just doing this for me, but for the person and the family who gave a part of their life so that I might live a little long!

Be well,

Teresa H.

Jump to this post

@teresatopeka great advice, as always. 😉

REPLY
@teresatopeka

I have had two liver transplants at Mayo Rochester. I am also a Physical Therapist with a specialty certification in Aquatic Physical Therapy. I have found from professional and work experience, that gentle aquatic aerobic exercise in therapy pools (warmer than lap pools) is very comfortable for patients and there are very few health risks. Something to consider before seeking this out is if you have an open wounds, ostomy sites or issues with fecal/urinary incontinence. Don’t worry about not being able to get into and out off the pool because most Therapy pools have a lift or a walk in/out ramp to make it easier. Often times for patients with extreme muscle wasting, this is a great way to ease back into exercise without stressing the joints too much and is often very relaxing. Plus, I may be biased here, Aquatic PTs are super friendly and fun! The goal with this is to refer you to a community based exercise program. Many hospitals have this integrated into their Rehabilitarion program in some way, shape or form.

I could not swim after either transplant because I had a rather large wound to heal, but what I did in the hospital was request a PT consult and started walking right away. It comfortable at the first, but the more you walk the better you will feel. I learned that the hard way after my first transplant where I refused to get out of bed and sat and pushed my PCA button whenever I had increased pain.The second time around I was walking a mile post op day 1 and had the PT bring in a little bedside bike pedal to use whenever I was sitting up and watching tv or reading. And depending on your platelets post op, you can begin gentle upper extremity stretching in a variety of positions which helps with healing, swelling, and mobility. I always tried to adhere to what is common referred to as “Sternal precautions.” This is a basic set of guidelines given to patients who have had open heart surgery but came somewhat apply to lost liver transplant patient with some modifications. Briefly, they are:

1. Protect your sternum. Hug a pillow to your chest or cross your arms over your chest when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.

2. Be careful when you get into or out of a chair or bed. Hug a pillow or cross your arms when you stand or sit. Do not twist as you move. Use only your legs to sit and stand. You may need to use a raised toilet seat if you have trouble standing up without using your arms. Your healthcare provider may teach you to use your elbow for support as you move from lying to sitting.

3. Ask when you may take a bath or shower. You may need to use a bath chair if you have trouble getting into or out of the tub. Do not use a grab bar. Depending on where you are transplanted at, they may have different protocols for when you can shower after surgery.

4.Do not lift or carry anything heavier than 5 pounds. For example, a gallon of milk weighs 8 lbs.

5. Try to use both arms and hands for any reaching or grabbing of objects around you. Do not let anyone pull your arms to help you move or dress.

6. Do not push or pull anything. Examples include a car door or a vacuum cleaner.

7. Do not drive while you are healing. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe for you to start driving again.

Depending on how you heal, you age and previous strength and flexibility prior to transplant, the PT can modify these to fit your particular needs.

After two liver transplants I have learned that physical fitness and diet are keys to living a long healthy life after transplant. Whenever I don’t want to go swim my 2 miles in the pool or eat my greens, I always remember that I am not just doing this for me, but for the person and the family who gave a part of their life so that I might live a little long!

Be well,

Teresa H.

Jump to this post

@teresatopeka Thanks for speaking from your personal experience - that is always the best teacher. Teresa

REPLY
@mlmcg

I do not like the word sugar-free. Just what does it mean; no added natural sugar (cane, beet, honey or maple sugar), no added artificial sugars (chemically made), or things like corn syrup - it's not sugar because sugar isn't in its name. Just what is a sugar free Popsicle? I don't eat them so I don't know if you mean frozen fruit juices or flavored ice cubes with no added sweeteners? I need some help here. Once you got that new kidney it was too easy eating foods that you couldn't eat before and "chow down" on unhealthy foods now. I sat by a man, when I was no dialysis, who received a kidney when he was 19, and like all teenagers, he "chowed down" on everything in sight and ended up over 400 lbs. then lost his kidney. When I met him he was down to 300 lbs. and had to loose another 100 before he could be evaluated for another kidney.

If you believe eating "vegie soups" so you can have all the "snacks" you want will leave you with "no negative impact on your health" you could be so wrong. Once you were given a new lease on life, with the transplant, you need to care for your new kidney so it will care for you. Once you loose that kidney, for whatever reason, you may never get a chance to receive another one again. In order to keep our new kidneys we all have to have a new "life style", not a diet, which can change from day to day, but a "life style" which becomes our way of life for ever and ever.

mlmcg

Jump to this post

I should have chosen my words more carefully, thanks for pointing out areas that I can clarify. Sugar Free Popsicle is the name of a product it has15 calories per serving. The medication I take post transplant makes me hungry which is a known side effect and causes me to crave food. If I have a craving rather than reaching for something higher in calories I drink a cup of hot herbal tea or have a 15 calorie Sugar Free Popsicle (again brand name) because both take awhile to eat they really help me get over my craving struggles with consuming a lot of extra calories. I'd love to hear other ideas that people have that help them fight through cravings.

As far as the veggie soup I should clarify that it is a vegetable broth base, always contains handfuls of cabbage, fresh carrots, onions and whatever is freshest in the market, occasionally I do add a few beans or lentils for protein. Each bowl contains around 100 to 120 calories depending on the ingredients. I LOVE veggies but in order to protect my transplant some vegies are off limits (like broccoli) unless they are cooked, so think of my soup as a cooked salad with no dressing. "Chowing Down" on 3 bowls of soup for lunch which is super filling helps me stay within my ideal calorie range and has the bonus of being high in antioxidants, high in fiber and meets the food safety guidelines for post transplant.

After transplant I am proud to say I have stayed within my ideal weight range!!! Yay me and yay my beautiful kidney! I really appreciate your concern and the reminder of how important staying within that range is as to not put undo strain on my new organ. The example you gave of your friends weight struggle certainly can server as an example of how real the struggle can be.

Again I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to clarify me message, I can see now why it elicited your concern.

REPLY
@teresatopeka

I have had two liver transplants at Mayo Rochester. I am also a Physical Therapist with a specialty certification in Aquatic Physical Therapy. I have found from professional and work experience, that gentle aquatic aerobic exercise in therapy pools (warmer than lap pools) is very comfortable for patients and there are very few health risks. Something to consider before seeking this out is if you have an open wounds, ostomy sites or issues with fecal/urinary incontinence. Don’t worry about not being able to get into and out off the pool because most Therapy pools have a lift or a walk in/out ramp to make it easier. Often times for patients with extreme muscle wasting, this is a great way to ease back into exercise without stressing the joints too much and is often very relaxing. Plus, I may be biased here, Aquatic PTs are super friendly and fun! The goal with this is to refer you to a community based exercise program. Many hospitals have this integrated into their Rehabilitarion program in some way, shape or form.

I could not swim after either transplant because I had a rather large wound to heal, but what I did in the hospital was request a PT consult and started walking right away. It comfortable at the first, but the more you walk the better you will feel. I learned that the hard way after my first transplant where I refused to get out of bed and sat and pushed my PCA button whenever I had increased pain.The second time around I was walking a mile post op day 1 and had the PT bring in a little bedside bike pedal to use whenever I was sitting up and watching tv or reading. And depending on your platelets post op, you can begin gentle upper extremity stretching in a variety of positions which helps with healing, swelling, and mobility. I always tried to adhere to what is common referred to as “Sternal precautions.” This is a basic set of guidelines given to patients who have had open heart surgery but came somewhat apply to lost liver transplant patient with some modifications. Briefly, they are:

1. Protect your sternum. Hug a pillow to your chest or cross your arms over your chest when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.

2. Be careful when you get into or out of a chair or bed. Hug a pillow or cross your arms when you stand or sit. Do not twist as you move. Use only your legs to sit and stand. You may need to use a raised toilet seat if you have trouble standing up without using your arms. Your healthcare provider may teach you to use your elbow for support as you move from lying to sitting.

3. Ask when you may take a bath or shower. You may need to use a bath chair if you have trouble getting into or out of the tub. Do not use a grab bar. Depending on where you are transplanted at, they may have different protocols for when you can shower after surgery.

4.Do not lift or carry anything heavier than 5 pounds. For example, a gallon of milk weighs 8 lbs.

5. Try to use both arms and hands for any reaching or grabbing of objects around you. Do not let anyone pull your arms to help you move or dress.

6. Do not push or pull anything. Examples include a car door or a vacuum cleaner.

7. Do not drive while you are healing. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe for you to start driving again.

Depending on how you heal, you age and previous strength and flexibility prior to transplant, the PT can modify these to fit your particular needs.

After two liver transplants I have learned that physical fitness and diet are keys to living a long healthy life after transplant. Whenever I don’t want to go swim my 2 miles in the pool or eat my greens, I always remember that I am not just doing this for me, but for the person and the family who gave a part of their life so that I might live a little long!

Be well,

Teresa H.

Jump to this post

@teresatopeka, This is going to be helpful advice! Thank you for sharing. I had wonderful experience with OT and PT at Mayo prior to my transplant, so I definitely agree with your assessment of Physical Therapists:-)

I imagine that many patients do not have a nearby fitness facility with a pool for aquatic exercise. Or there are some, like myself, who lose their ability to continue doing any usual fitness activities like walking (I could barely get out of bed and walking across the room left me breathless - And I was a walker and a hiker).
Do you have any suggestions for physical activity when nausea, fatigue, and the physical limits of our advancing make it feel nearly impossible?

REPLY
@jodeej

My husband had his liver transplant 17 days ago. He is doing fantastic and he attributes it to the fact that he was able to go out and jog / walk a couple times a week while waiting. He also ate healthy. It has made a world of difference for him!
Blessings,
JoDee

Jump to this post

@jodeej, I think that you deserve credit for your effort to prepare healthy meals! It is so much easier when spouse or partner collaborate on eating right. And the bonus is that both of you receive the benefits of better health.

REPLY
@mlmcg

I do not like the word sugar-free. Just what does it mean; no added natural sugar (cane, beet, honey or maple sugar), no added artificial sugars (chemically made), or things like corn syrup - it's not sugar because sugar isn't in its name. Just what is a sugar free Popsicle? I don't eat them so I don't know if you mean frozen fruit juices or flavored ice cubes with no added sweeteners? I need some help here. Once you got that new kidney it was too easy eating foods that you couldn't eat before and "chow down" on unhealthy foods now. I sat by a man, when I was no dialysis, who received a kidney when he was 19, and like all teenagers, he "chowed down" on everything in sight and ended up over 400 lbs. then lost his kidney. When I met him he was down to 300 lbs. and had to loose another 100 before he could be evaluated for another kidney.

If you believe eating "vegie soups" so you can have all the "snacks" you want will leave you with "no negative impact on your health" you could be so wrong. Once you were given a new lease on life, with the transplant, you need to care for your new kidney so it will care for you. Once you loose that kidney, for whatever reason, you may never get a chance to receive another one again. In order to keep our new kidneys we all have to have a new "life style", not a diet, which can change from day to day, but a "life style" which becomes our way of life for ever and ever.

mlmcg

Jump to this post

Thank you for your kind words. Every time I pick up a food coutainer in a store I check the label. The first thing I check is the amount of sodium per serving, if the sodium is over 140 mg, then I check how many servings per container. If the sodium is over 200 I check to see if I will be eating a full serving at one time or not. If the sodium level is around or above 500, I just put it back. Sodium will make you hungry, that is why manufactures put so much in their foods they want you to buy and eat their foods.

I was raised eating vegetables from our garden. I learned to can as a teenager then along came the home freezer. I eat foods from the freezer section of the store now. I live by myself and if I buy fruits or vegetables from the store they were picked while they were "green" so by the time we buy them they look ripe, but they're not. If you can't smell the wonderful aroma of the fruit or vegetable they have lost all of the nutrients too. If you want fresh, go to a farmer's market when it opens in the morning. If you are unable to go to a farmer's market, buy frozen then canned or dried fruits. The frozen foods are processed down the road from where they are grown, the same is true with canned, they are picked at the peak of freshness. These farm's do not grow food for the grocery stores.

Most of our eating habits are learned at our mother's knee. If we have family get-to-gathers and all the food is high in animal fat, high in sodium and sugar it is hard to say "No, thank you." Even friends are not always good at fixing foods best for us. We can always take our own foods and get strange looks at what we are eating. Aunt So-and-so would say "I fixed this just for you, because you always ate it as a child." You didn't like it then and you hate it now, how do you tell Aunt So-and-so "No, thank you."?

When it comes to recipes, over the years I have collected cookbooks and magazines. I like to learn new things, and I like to adjust recipes if I find a recipe that is heave on fat, sodium, or sugar I say "No." I have foods I enjoy and are healthy so I try finding a recipe that has these foods in them. I substitute foods I like, and can have, for foods I don't like, or can't have, and I have found new flavors that I really like. Seeing a Registered Dietitian, who is willing to work with you where you are, can give each individual the best help. Having the entire family willing to work with one individual can improve their own "life style" and they too will feel better. It takes a village to....

mlmcg

REPLY
@mlmcg

I do not like the word sugar-free. Just what does it mean; no added natural sugar (cane, beet, honey or maple sugar), no added artificial sugars (chemically made), or things like corn syrup - it's not sugar because sugar isn't in its name. Just what is a sugar free Popsicle? I don't eat them so I don't know if you mean frozen fruit juices or flavored ice cubes with no added sweeteners? I need some help here. Once you got that new kidney it was too easy eating foods that you couldn't eat before and "chow down" on unhealthy foods now. I sat by a man, when I was no dialysis, who received a kidney when he was 19, and like all teenagers, he "chowed down" on everything in sight and ended up over 400 lbs. then lost his kidney. When I met him he was down to 300 lbs. and had to loose another 100 before he could be evaluated for another kidney.

If you believe eating "vegie soups" so you can have all the "snacks" you want will leave you with "no negative impact on your health" you could be so wrong. Once you were given a new lease on life, with the transplant, you need to care for your new kidney so it will care for you. Once you loose that kidney, for whatever reason, you may never get a chance to receive another one again. In order to keep our new kidneys we all have to have a new "life style", not a diet, which can change from day to day, but a "life style" which becomes our way of life for ever and ever.

mlmcg

Jump to this post

Popsicle - If it has artificial "sugar" sweeteners in it, I would be in the bathroom (artificial sweeteners is my list of things I cannot have, it sends me to the bathroom every time). Are the ingredients listed or just 15 calories?

If your meds are making you feel hungry see if they can be changed. I have never had that problem, my meds have been changed over the last 10 years.

Your vegie soup sounds good, I can't have cabbage, I never liked it cooked so I would leave it out. However, I didn't see any mention of animal protein in your soup. We all need protein in one form or another, daily, not just occasionally. How large are your bowls? A one cup bowl or a three cup bowl? Is your soup heavy on the liquid side or vegie side? Protein, either kind, is more likely to fill you up where vegetables take a lot more to do the same. Are you eating any grains? There was no mention of breakfast or dinner, is that where you get your protein and grains? The body needs a well balanced diet each day. One third in the morning, one third at noon, and one third at the end of the day. The morning meal should be the largest and the evening the smallest.

Is your ideal weight range, yours? Or your dietitians? If it's yours and you have not talked with a dietitian you may want to talk with one as soon as you can. Even if it's a couple of times, we can all use help in getting to know how to care for our kidneys. Doctors are not always the best one to talk with about our meals. Doctors know how to fix kidneys, but not necessarily how to care for them once they are ours. Good luck.

mlmcg

REPLY
@teresatopeka

I have had two liver transplants at Mayo Rochester. I am also a Physical Therapist with a specialty certification in Aquatic Physical Therapy. I have found from professional and work experience, that gentle aquatic aerobic exercise in therapy pools (warmer than lap pools) is very comfortable for patients and there are very few health risks. Something to consider before seeking this out is if you have an open wounds, ostomy sites or issues with fecal/urinary incontinence. Don’t worry about not being able to get into and out off the pool because most Therapy pools have a lift or a walk in/out ramp to make it easier. Often times for patients with extreme muscle wasting, this is a great way to ease back into exercise without stressing the joints too much and is often very relaxing. Plus, I may be biased here, Aquatic PTs are super friendly and fun! The goal with this is to refer you to a community based exercise program. Many hospitals have this integrated into their Rehabilitarion program in some way, shape or form.

I could not swim after either transplant because I had a rather large wound to heal, but what I did in the hospital was request a PT consult and started walking right away. It comfortable at the first, but the more you walk the better you will feel. I learned that the hard way after my first transplant where I refused to get out of bed and sat and pushed my PCA button whenever I had increased pain.The second time around I was walking a mile post op day 1 and had the PT bring in a little bedside bike pedal to use whenever I was sitting up and watching tv or reading. And depending on your platelets post op, you can begin gentle upper extremity stretching in a variety of positions which helps with healing, swelling, and mobility. I always tried to adhere to what is common referred to as “Sternal precautions.” This is a basic set of guidelines given to patients who have had open heart surgery but came somewhat apply to lost liver transplant patient with some modifications. Briefly, they are:

1. Protect your sternum. Hug a pillow to your chest or cross your arms over your chest when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.

2. Be careful when you get into or out of a chair or bed. Hug a pillow or cross your arms when you stand or sit. Do not twist as you move. Use only your legs to sit and stand. You may need to use a raised toilet seat if you have trouble standing up without using your arms. Your healthcare provider may teach you to use your elbow for support as you move from lying to sitting.

3. Ask when you may take a bath or shower. You may need to use a bath chair if you have trouble getting into or out of the tub. Do not use a grab bar. Depending on where you are transplanted at, they may have different protocols for when you can shower after surgery.

4.Do not lift or carry anything heavier than 5 pounds. For example, a gallon of milk weighs 8 lbs.

5. Try to use both arms and hands for any reaching or grabbing of objects around you. Do not let anyone pull your arms to help you move or dress.

6. Do not push or pull anything. Examples include a car door or a vacuum cleaner.

7. Do not drive while you are healing. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe for you to start driving again.

Depending on how you heal, you age and previous strength and flexibility prior to transplant, the PT can modify these to fit your particular needs.

After two liver transplants I have learned that physical fitness and diet are keys to living a long healthy life after transplant. Whenever I don’t want to go swim my 2 miles in the pool or eat my greens, I always remember that I am not just doing this for me, but for the person and the family who gave a part of their life so that I might live a little long!

Be well,

Teresa H.

Jump to this post

My cousin sent me a little pedal bike after my strokes, because I was using them in rehab and liked how I felt afterwords. They use different muscles than walking, now if there was something small for walking.

I did not have problems walking after my transplant, just after my strokes. I use a walker now, because my balance is not good. Good enough that I do not qualify for Medicare to approve of me to take a balance class. I walk outside, using my walker, with others around. I will walk inside at home without my walker.

Anyone who needs the exercise and cannot ride a bike, the little pedal bike is great, and not expensive.

mlmcg

REPLY
@teresatopeka

I have had two liver transplants at Mayo Rochester. I am also a Physical Therapist with a specialty certification in Aquatic Physical Therapy. I have found from professional and work experience, that gentle aquatic aerobic exercise in therapy pools (warmer than lap pools) is very comfortable for patients and there are very few health risks. Something to consider before seeking this out is if you have an open wounds, ostomy sites or issues with fecal/urinary incontinence. Don’t worry about not being able to get into and out off the pool because most Therapy pools have a lift or a walk in/out ramp to make it easier. Often times for patients with extreme muscle wasting, this is a great way to ease back into exercise without stressing the joints too much and is often very relaxing. Plus, I may be biased here, Aquatic PTs are super friendly and fun! The goal with this is to refer you to a community based exercise program. Many hospitals have this integrated into their Rehabilitarion program in some way, shape or form.

I could not swim after either transplant because I had a rather large wound to heal, but what I did in the hospital was request a PT consult and started walking right away. It comfortable at the first, but the more you walk the better you will feel. I learned that the hard way after my first transplant where I refused to get out of bed and sat and pushed my PCA button whenever I had increased pain.The second time around I was walking a mile post op day 1 and had the PT bring in a little bedside bike pedal to use whenever I was sitting up and watching tv or reading. And depending on your platelets post op, you can begin gentle upper extremity stretching in a variety of positions which helps with healing, swelling, and mobility. I always tried to adhere to what is common referred to as “Sternal precautions.” This is a basic set of guidelines given to patients who have had open heart surgery but came somewhat apply to lost liver transplant patient with some modifications. Briefly, they are:

1. Protect your sternum. Hug a pillow to your chest or cross your arms over your chest when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.

2. Be careful when you get into or out of a chair or bed. Hug a pillow or cross your arms when you stand or sit. Do not twist as you move. Use only your legs to sit and stand. You may need to use a raised toilet seat if you have trouble standing up without using your arms. Your healthcare provider may teach you to use your elbow for support as you move from lying to sitting.

3. Ask when you may take a bath or shower. You may need to use a bath chair if you have trouble getting into or out of the tub. Do not use a grab bar. Depending on where you are transplanted at, they may have different protocols for when you can shower after surgery.

4.Do not lift or carry anything heavier than 5 pounds. For example, a gallon of milk weighs 8 lbs.

5. Try to use both arms and hands for any reaching or grabbing of objects around you. Do not let anyone pull your arms to help you move or dress.

6. Do not push or pull anything. Examples include a car door or a vacuum cleaner.

7. Do not drive while you are healing. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe for you to start driving again.

Depending on how you heal, you age and previous strength and flexibility prior to transplant, the PT can modify these to fit your particular needs.

After two liver transplants I have learned that physical fitness and diet are keys to living a long healthy life after transplant. Whenever I don’t want to go swim my 2 miles in the pool or eat my greens, I always remember that I am not just doing this for me, but for the person and the family who gave a part of their life so that I might live a little long!

Be well,

Teresa H.

Jump to this post

@teresatopeka
What super advice...thanks for sharing.

REPLY
@jodeej

My husband had his liver transplant 17 days ago. He is doing fantastic and he attributes it to the fact that he was able to go out and jog / walk a couple times a week while waiting. He also ate healthy. It has made a world of difference for him!
Blessings,
JoDee

Jump to this post

@jodeej That's great! I hope he is feeling well and doing great after his transplant. If you told us this somewhere right after his transplant I somehow missed it, it's been a busy summer here. I am really excited for him and for you. It's such a wondrous time to finally have that horrible issue behind you, to have a clear head all of the time, to not be retaining horrible amounts of fluid, and for me to not have my hands shaking all of the time.
I agree, that the exercise he did pre-transplant really helped him through the recovery period, and eating healthy. I did so much right up until the last month when things went downhill. I am sure that was a huge help.
JK

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.