Transplant Center

Heart Transplant Program

The usual hospital stay after transplant averages about seven to ten days, but it depends on whether there are other complications; which could lengthen stay up to four weeks. A patient will transfer from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after a few days. The remainder of the stay will be on the cardiac floor in a special heart transplant room.

The nurses and pharmacists will work with you so that you can learn how to manage your own care. Before you leave the hospital, the team will explain how to care for yourself. You will receive detailed instructions about your medications that must be taken every day. You will also be given detailed instructions on exercise and diet guidelines. A dietician will help you with any dietary questions and a member of the Cardiac Rehab team will guide you through exercise requirements and goals.

The transplant team will continue to be a resource for you even after you leave the hospital and will remain in constant contact. With this assurance, you can continue your recovery from the comfort of your own home. Heart transplantation can help patients live longer and have a better quality of life. However, you will need to take an active role to help make your transplant a success.

Patient's responsibilities:

• Take all medications as instructed
• Have all lab work and testing done as scheduled
• See caregivers regularly
• Eat healthy foods and exercise
• Call the transplant coordinator or doctor if there are any symptoms of rejection, infection or any other problem

Going Home

Warning Signs/Symptoms to Monitor
Notify your physician if you develop any of the following:

• any changes in your incisions, such as redness, swelling, drainage, increased tenderness, or opening of your incisions
• temperature higher than 100 degrees F
• changes in the sensation, movement, or circulation in your arms or legs
• changes in the location, type, or severity of pain
• chest pain, pressure, or your previous heart pain
• pain that is unrelieved
• fast or irregular heart rate

Medications
Before your discharge, your nurse will bring you a list of your medications, as ordered by your physician. You will be given instructions regarding the dosage, schedule, and possible side effects. Particular attention will be paid to your anti-rejection medication, as it is extremely important for these medications to be taken correctly. You will be taking many medications, so a pharmacist will work with you to establish a schedule.

Site Care
Clean your incisions every day with soap and water only. After taking a shower, gently pat dry the area of the incisions. Do not use any powders, lotions, or oils on your incisions until they are well healed. Generally, healing takes several weeks.

Daily Weight
You will need to weigh yourself every day, at the same time of day, and in the same kind of clothes. If you gain 2 to 3 pounds or more over a 24-hour period, notify your physician. Also, note if you have swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles.

Diet
You should follow a low-salt, low-cholesterol, low-fat diet. Ask to see a dietitian before your discharge if you have questions. Otherwise, you will be provided with some recommendations for decreasing fat and cholesterol intake. In addition, you will be given instructions regarding preparation of fresh fruits and vegetables. It will be important for these foods to be washed and cleaned thoroughly before eating to reduce the risk of bacteria.

Bath Care
Showers are usually allowed by the time you go home, if not sooner. Wash normally with soap and water, but do not apply unusual pressure at the incision sites on your chest. Pat skin dry instead of rubbing around the site. Avoid tub baths for a week, as they may increase your chance of infection at the incision site.

Physical Activity
Your physician will give you specific instructions regarding your physical activity level. It is important to follow these instructions, even if you are feeling well enough that you think you can do more. In addition, you should not do any lifting until your physician advises you to do so.

Sexual Activity
Your physician will give you specific instructions regarding sexual activity. Ask your physician if you need additional information, or have questions or concerns.

Driving a Vehicle
Your physician will give you more specific information as to when you may resume driving.

Returning to Work
Ask your physician when your will be able to return to work. The nature of your occupation, your overall health status, and your progress will determine how soon you may return to work.

Office Visit
Your physician will advise you when you need to schedule a follow-up appointment. After discharge, you will be followed closely for approximately six months with biopsies and clinic visits. Your physician will determine your follow-up appointment schedule.