The transplant team will continue to be a resource and will remain in contact, even after the patient leaves the hospital. Lung transplantation can help patients live longer and have a better quality of life. However, the patient will need to take an active role to help make the transplant a success.

Maintaining the Optimum Weight

After the surgery, it’s important to maintain an optimum weight. This allows the new lungs to work at their best function. Excess weight will increase the work the lungs will need to do to pump blood to all the cells of the body. Excess weight will also cause stress on the joints and lead to pain. It also stresses the bones, making them more prone to breaking. The best way to control weight is with the correct diet and exercise. After transplantation, diet becomes a very important part of life. The drugs that prevent rejection have several side effects that make a “heart-healthy” diet a necessity. The doctor will work with the patient to develop a healthy and controlled consumption attempt to assist in maintaining the optimum weight.

Caffeine, Alcohol, and Tobacco

These commonly used substances can be eliminated or restricted.

Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system and can overstimulate the heart. Some are extremely sensitive to caffeine intake than others. It can cause insomnia, heartbeat irregularities, and diarrhoea. Even a moderate amount of caffeine can promote headaches, trembling and nervousness. The doctor will advise to limit the use of caffeinated products like coffee, tea, chocolate, and sodas.

Alcohol consumption must be eliminated or severely restricted after the transplant. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories, low in nutrients and can increase the level of triglycerides in the blood. Even more important is the fact that alcohol can impair liver function. Several transplant medications are broken down in the liver. So, for the medications to work properly and safeguard the new lung from rejection, the liver must be healthy and properly functioning.

Smoking tobacco is a high-risk activity. It lessens the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. When less oxygen reaches the tissues, it lowers the body’s ability to heal. Smoking constricts the blood vessels, especially those in the legs, arms, and heart. All of these problems are accentuated in individuals taking immunosuppressive medications.

Lung Transplant