Self-care After Transplant

Self-care seems to be the buzzword of the moment, but what does that mean beyond meditation and mud masks?  What does essential self-care look like after transplant?

Here, I’m offering my tips based on my own personal experience.  I am not a medical professional, and this does not constitute medical advice.  The information I am about to impart is purely anecdotal and is not peer-reviewed.

Sunscreen is one of the most essential parts of post-transplant self-care.  The immunosuppressive medications increase the risk of skin cancer, and I know many transplant recipients who have had multiple surgeries for skin cancer.  Always wear sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF.  Every morning, cover your face and any other exposed skin, even if you don’t plan on being outside.  If you will be outside, re-apply as recommended by the manufacturer.  Try to stay out of the sun between 10 am and 3 pm.  Wear lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants when you must be outside between those hours.  Get a hat with a wide brim to keep the sun off your ears and neck.  Those are primary targets for skin cancer, as well as the top of the head and the nose. 

Drink at least two quarts of water every day unless you are on a fluid restriction.  Calcineurin inhibitors like Tacrolimus are harsh on the kidneys.  Adequate water consumption will help to keep the kidneys flushed and functioning. 

Try to exercise for thirty minutes every day.  Even if you can’t do thirty, try to do as much as you can, when you can.  Many of the immunosuppressant drugs, especially prednisone, can diminish bone density.  Studies have shown that weight-bearing exercise can help to increase bone density.  Even if you can’t lift weights, walking is an effective weight-bearing exercise that requires no equipment and is free.   I enjoy taking the dogs for a nice walk after dinner every night.

Eat a healthy diet.  Regardless of the organ that was transplanted, a diet high in fat, salt, sugar, and processed foods is not going to benefit the health of the recipient or the organ.  The DASH diet is one of several healthy eating routines.  DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It is an eating plan that is based on research studies sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). These studies showed that DASH lowers high blood pressure and improves levels of cholesterol.  Here is a link to the DASH plan in detail.    DASH Eating Plan | NHLBI, NIH 

Finally, don’t sweat the small stuff.  Our transplants give us more time to enjoy our lives and spend time with those we love.  Whether you meditate, or pray, or crank up the music and dance it out, let go of the stress that threatens you and focus on the little joys in every day.  Life is long, life is big, but life is made up of a million little moments.  Treasure those moments. 

Please share your personal strategies in the comments below.  Tell us your favorite healthy recipe, your exercise routine, your go-to de-stressor for others to try.