Liver Transplant Program - Post Transplant

Once you are transplanted, you will be on a number of immunosuppressive (anti-rejection) medications and well be followed closely by the VA transplant doctors, clinical nurse specialist and post-transplant nurse coordinators.

After you are discharged from the hospital you will need to stay locally in our Vancouver lodging until such time as the transplant team feels that you are stable and healthy enough to return to your home VA care. The average length of stay after transplant is approximately two-three months. During those first few weeks you will be monitored very closely by having blood draws two to three times a week and weekly clinic visits.

You are the most important member of your transplant team. After a transplant you will need to take your medications exactly as ordered, every single day. You will need to monitor your health daily and have blood tests and doctor visits on a regular basis. The first few months can be very busy, but things usually settle into a predictable routine; and you can enjoy a more full and normal lifestyle.

As your one year post transplant date approaches you should expect to be contacted by the Liver Facilitator or you should contact her for a return visit to Portland. It is at this time that a biopsy procedure will be conducted in addition to a clinic visit.

Oregon Health & Science University and Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center Combined Liver Transplant Program, Resuming Life after Transplant