What to watch for as a caregiver after liver transplant?

I had a liver transplant in February and my husband is my caregiver. From the patient perspective, he has helped in so many ways and I'm really in awe of his patience and willingness to speak out on things he believes are important to my recovery. If your wife has a tendency to try and push herself too hard, gentle reminders to slow down and allow herself to heal will help. There are so many meds to take at first, and the timing is important - so med time is a joint project and its been good to have him monitor that I am taking the right dosages. Getting up and walking is important, and so we take walks together, increasing distances as I am able. I'm able to let him know how I am feeling without my being concerned about being "whiney" which helps because as a patient you really need to listen to your body and share any concerns with the transplant team. Lastly, don't forget to take care of yourself as well, being the caregiver can have its own stresses.

Thanks for sharing and providing an advice to go slow. Since we have kids so yes, she tries to care kids need other than that I am taking care of her medications timely manner. We do walk about a mile together every evening and trying my best to help her by providing her enough rest to heal and be better every day. - Thanks 🙏

@preetismiles after my liver transplant 2.5 years ago I appreciated help with my medicine as that bit overwhelmed me. I was encouraged to stay on top of fluids so my caregivers kept my water pitcher full. I am widowed so had a patchwork team of partner, sister, mother and my college age daughter checked in on me occasionally! For a little while I had someone sit outside the bathroom while I showered as at first I was unsteady in my feet. We were all surprised at how, after the first month I needed very little care taking and was independent or used VNA for most things. VNA was key- they came for about 2 months which made everyone relax.

If you are thoughtful enough to ask this question, I imagine you’re a wonderful caregiver! And yes, make sure you get plenty of rest and breaks. ❤️

My husband had a kidney transplant in February 2023. While not liver, I still had some lessons learned. I got a daily calendar/journal and we tracked everything. Diet, exercise, water intake, med check-off, BP, and weight. It was really helpful to keep us both on track and we had great data for the transplant team. If a lab came back off, we were often able to look back over the data and see what needed to be adjusted. Maybe he had too much protein that week and we had to adjust down. BP was higher an hour or so after taking his Tac and then leveled out. The data was so valuable and helped keep us on track. We tracked religiously for the first few months until we settled into a nice routine with diet, exercise, meds, and water intake. I would recommend that to any caretaker. You learn so much new information and it is a lot to keep track of. On a more personal note, watch for her mental health. The antirejections really can throw you for a loop. My solid-rock husband experienced insomnia and anxiety for the first time in our 25 years together and it was all new to him. Often as the outside, I was able to identify this easier than he was in the thick of the feelings. Those are my two main things. Good luck! (and I think you found the right place with this message board, it has been so helpful to me!)

Most important issue is to make sure that she takes her meds on time and correctly. Immediately after transplant there are many medications and they are confusing as to amount and time to take. We dole out the meds into daily containers which have morning and evening containers. You can buy these online or at most pharmacies including the Mayo Phoenix ones. She will likely need to gain weight back so helping with buying or cooking nutritious food is very important.

My spouse received a liver transplant in 12/2010 and I have been caregiving for him since. A fever exceeding 99 degrees should be addressed immediately by visiting ER. Throwing up. Each patient has transplant labs monthly or whatever the transplant team recommends. They should have provided you with info on what to look out for. Good luck. My spouse has had many ups & downs. Make sure you see a PC regularly, podiatrist, eye doctor, and dermatologist. They have skin issues.

I had a liver transplant 4 years ago this month. A few things I can suggest are be a good listener because I went through a lot of different emotions and mood swings I didn't understand but my wife would always listen to me and even though she had worked in medicine her whole life she was not afraid to tell me that she couldn't relate to what I was feeling. Many times she encouraged (told me I needed to) call my post care nurse, they are a great resource. I can't tell you how many times I would call her and she would reassure me that what I was going through was normal and we would talk it out and sometimes she would remind me to lighten up on myself because sometimes I was my own worse critic when I was recovering expecting more out of myself than I should. Make sure to let your wife know that she is not letting you down in the coming months if she starts to feel like she should be doing more than she is capable of.

@preetismiles, great question and you've had some thoughtful and helpful replies from caregivers and recipients like @rickherman @babby @gratefulbob @roxylulu22 @katebw @susanrmnp.

You might also be helpful in the tips members shared here:
- Transplant Caregiver Advice: Got Tips to Share?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transplant-caregiver-advice-got-tips-to-share/

How did this week go? What new insight did you learn?

I will add one more, see a dentist more frequently for check ups. There can be long term dramatic effects on dental health from the drugs that are now required to take the rest of your life. Best to stay ahead

We have been strictly advised not to visit any dentist unless approved by transplant team. Anyways thanks for advice.