If you are receiving a transplant from a living donor, you will normally be booked in for your surgery anytime from days to months in advance. The exact time depends on your individual situation.
What to do while you wait for your transplant surgery
There are certain things that you should do while you are waiting for a transplant from a living donor.
Call your transplant team if:
- you have any infections with a fever
- your medical condition changes in any other way.
Stay as healthy as possible! You must be free of infection at the time of your transplant.
- Wash your hands often! Don't share food, drinks or utensils with anyone who might be sick.
- Visit your dentist every six months to find and treat any possible source of infection, such as tooth cavities.
You could also use your waiting time to gather the things you need to bring to the hospital.
When you are admitted to the hospital
If you are receiving a transplant from a living donor, you will be admitted to the transplant unit the day before the booked surgery.
Common tests and procedures
- You will have blood work.
- You will have other tests such as a chest x-ray or an ultrasound.
Talking with the doctors
Your transplant team will tell you and your family exactly what will happen so that you are well prepared for surgery. The doctors will have some questions for you when you come into the hospital. Be ready to tell them:
- the last time you remember being sick, especially with an infection or fever
- all the medications or drugs you are taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, over-the-counter medications, herbal products and any street drugs
- whether you are a smoker or you drink coffee every day – this is very important
- when you last had something to eat or drink
- if you have recently had any immunizations (vaccines or "shots").
This information will help your team to plan better for your anaesthetic (sleep medicine for your surgery), recovery and pain control.
Medications before your transplant
Before your surgery, you will have an IV (intravenous) line placed in your arm or the back of your hand. Your healthcare team will use the IV to give you medications and fluid. The medications include an antibiotic (to prevent infection) and, when you are in the operating room, a general anaesthetic. If you already have a central line, you will get your medications and fluids through that and not need a peripheral IV.
Your transplant team will tell you and your family exactly what will happen so that you are well prepared for surgery.
