Survive and Thrive: Living Healthy After Liver Transplant

Once you have had a liver transplant, you don't want to forget about other health maintenance issues. It's important that you keep up with your annual checkups with your primary care physician and any routine screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, prostrate exams, DEXA scans and so on.

Because of the effects of long-term steroid use, it is also recommended that you have an annual dermatology screening for skin cancer, and always use sunscreen with an SPF of 35+ for skin protection.

Prevent infection by:

• Avoiding people with colds or contagious diseases
• Wearing proper fitting shoes, not cutting callouses or corns yourself and avoiding going barefoot
• Not removing splinters yourself
• Washing cuts with soap and water and applying antibiotic ointment
• Contacting your primary care physician if your cut is from a metal object; you may need a tetanus shot

Vaccinations: Because you are immunosuppressed after a transplant, you are at increased risk for developing various infections. Some infections can be prevented by vaccination and it is recommended you receive a flu shot every year and the pneumonia vaccine every five years. People who have had a transplant are only permitted to receive inactivated or killed vaccines, and should avoid contact with anyone who receives a LIVE vaccine, which could put you at greater risk.

Drugs and Alcohol: Use of alcohol or drugs not prescribed by your physician can be harmful to your liver transplant and are not permitted. If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, your social worker can help arrange for counseling and other support services.

Tattoos: Due to the greater risk of infection involved with the use of needles, tattoos are not recommended after your transplant.

Dental: It's recommended that you take antibiotics one hour before dental procedures to prevent infections.

If you have any questions, please contact your transplant coordinator.