Per statistical reports released by Statista, the number of liver transplants had been continuously increasing across the world, with America, Europe, and Western Pacific reporting the highest number of a liver transplant. This means that thousands of people, who may not have survived without a liver transplant, have their lives extended significantly.
Those that have undergone transplant are prescribed medications for the rest of their lives, depending upon their health and other associated illness they might have, to avoid the possibility of the transplanted liver becoming rejected. While the doctor might change the dosage over a period, immunosuppressive medications for anti-rejection are to be taken, lifelong. And while these drugs are necessary to maintain the liver’s health, these have their potential side effects. Take, for instance, Tacrolimus, a commonly prescribed anti-rejection medication, might lead to diarrhea, nausea, high blood pressure, or hair loss.
For example, according to the Mayo Clinic Transplants of the Liver, the effect of the preventive rejection drugs can include:
- Bone thinning
- The onset of diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High cholesterol
- Frequent headaches
- Survival Rates
The good news, however, is that roughly 53 percent of liver replacement patients are alive even 20 years after their surgery.
Diet and exercise
So what’s the key ingredient to survival? Besides age ( older transplant patients tend to die earlier,) according to Medical News Today Liver Replacement Survival Rates the number one factor in maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index, which is a technical term for controlling whether the person falls under the category of obese or not.
Health Tip of the day, which is mutually recommended by every medical practitioner is: eat healthy, with a minimum of salt, sugar, fat, and cholesterol. And drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Whether or not one should make exercise a part of their routine will be established by the doctor, depending mainly upon the patient’s medical condition and health, but it’s recommended that if a person is permitted to exercise at a moderate level, that they should get in nearly 2 1/2 hours of exercise per week.
Avoid infections
Another critical plan is to avoid infections. Post-transplant patients are highly subject to diseases. They should stay away from sick people, such as children with mumps or chickenpox, use garden gloves and closed-toed shoes while in the dirt to avoid picking up microorganisms and avoid using chemicals. Health officials even recommend turning off sinks in public restrooms with paper towels.
Be cautious of pets
No, we are not asking pet parents to give way their pets, but maintaining a safe distance is essential for their well-being.
And avoid contact with used cat litter, pet urine, and defecation. Leave these tasks to another family member, who would understand that the refrain is an absolute necessity.
Avoid alcohol
Studies have shown that a substantial amount of transplant patients resume moderate to heavy drinking after having had a transplant connected with cirrhosis of the liver and the patterns of alcohol consumption after liver transplantation has been noticed on a large scale.
First of all, people who have had a liver replacement due to scarring of their liver are asked by their hospital and transplant team to pledge never to drink again.
But even if the cause of the former liver disease was not alcohol-related, its consumption should still be avoided as alcohol puts a great deal of stress on the liver.
Exercise, diet, attend medical appointments, and using caution, can help any liver transplant patients live a normal and healthy life.
