When you can return to school after transplant surgery will depend on how your new organ is working and how your body responds to your medications.
Patients usually return to school two to three months after their transplant if they’re feeling healthy. It may be tiring to start off with full days at school, so you may want to try half days at first and work your way up to full days.
Keeping up with school work
Not returning to school does not mean that you cannot do school work! Talk to your guidance counsellor or school principal about getting work sent home so that you don't fall too far behind in school after your transplant surgery.
Some teachers might not be familiar with your needs as a transplant recipient when you return to school. You can print and give one of these factsheets – for a kidney or liver transplant – to explain how your transplant is likely to affect your school routine.
Using a school bus or public transit
You can take the bus or public transit to school as long as you’re careful to avoid getting sick. Try not to touch your face or rub your eyes after touching public surfaces. Also, avoid sharing food or personal items with others. Wash your hands often and carry hand sanitizer in case you cannot access soap and water.
Keeping contact with friends
Returning to school can be stressful after you have been away for a while. If possible, try to keep up with some close friends while you are recovering (as long as they are healthy). That way, they can support you when you go back to school.
When you return to school, people will often ask you a lot of questions. You may look and feel a bit different than you did before. Decide ahead of time how you are going to answer questions about where you have been. Decide what is right for you and how you are going to handle nosy questions or any teasing or bullying.