Are you considering having a liver transplant? This is the second most common type of organ transplant worldwide after kidney transplants. It the step many people take when their liver is malfunctioning. Liver transplant is an expensive procedure that can cost half a million US dollars. However, it can also be effective for providing you with a fully functional liver. So, it’s critical for people who are suffering from conditions like liver disease. The entire process is complicated since it involves being approved by a committee, securing the funds, and being placed on a waiting list. Then after the organ transplant, there’s liver transplant recovery.
The surgery recovery process is critical. It typically involves spending time in a hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) for a while. You’ll also likely have to visit a liver transplant clinic for checkups. There are also several issues to deal with including possible complications. These are normal after having a liver transplant surgery. However, it’s important to make sure you know how to deal with possible situations like hemorrhaging. Your surgeon will also prescribe medicines for different factors like pain/discomfort and possible organ rejection. It’s critical to know which steps to take post-operation and any possible complications you might have to deal with.
What Is Liver Transplant Surgery?
This is a complex process that involves a lot more than the surgery itself. For example, the first step is to figure out if you qualify to get a donated liver. If that’s the case then you might get some counseling about the surgery. The next step is to start searching for a donor.
There are two types of donors. They include deceased/live donors. In the case of a live donor, you receive part of the liver organ. It’s worth noting that not all people who want to get a new liver receive one. For example, those who cannot receive a liver transplant include:
- Heart disease patients
- Drug users
- Moderate liver damage
- Alcohol drinkers
Another related issue is the implant candidate’s overall health. The body must be healthy enough to go through the surgical procedure. It also must be healthy enough to maintain having a donated liver.
Another big issue is the high cost of organ implants. A liver transplant surgery can vary in cost. However, it can have a price tag of over $500,000. It’s critical to check with your health insurance company to find out how much financial help you can get for the surgery. This is a critical issue.
Before the surgery, you might be required to avoid eating for many hours. Another common step is to cleanse the digestive tract/colon. Prior to the surgery, the patient gets general anesthesia. Other steps are taken to make sure the surgery is as effective as possible.
The procedure itself involves making an incision within the patient’s abdomen in order to remove the malfunctioning liver. The new one is then inserted and the incision is sealed up. After the surgery patients must often stay on breathing machines for many hours. They might also have to stay in the hospital for many weeks for medical observation.
What Is Liver Transplant Recovery?
The recovery process is basically the same for all patients. However, the timeframe will differ and can take up to three months until patients feel 100%. Your doctor/surgeon can provide guidance about what steps to take and how to deal with any complications.
After your surgery, you’ll typically have to spend some time in a hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU). Usually, this s a short stay. Post-surgery you’ll be connected to a breathing machine. There will also be various monitoring lines attached to your body.
The recovery process is a little different for all patients. This is based on different factors like how your body responds to the implant surgery. In most cases, hospitalization lasts for up to 10 days or so. The timeframe is based on various factors like your condition before and after the transplant.
It’s important to have a caregiver during your time in the hospital and after you’ve been released from the medical center. They can help with issues like taking medications for pain and anti-organ rejection.
Following being discharged from the hospital you’ll typically have to visit a liver transplant clinic on a weekly basis. This will typically be for the first month or so after the operation. As your health condition improves, you’ll be required to visit the clinic less often and eventually once per year or so.
you’ll also have to undergo various tests post-operation including blood tests. This will help to monitor your progress and monitor for any complications. This is an important process so make sure you get the tests run.
There are some possible complications your doctor will watch out for:
- THROMBOSIS: Involves a blood clot that affects your donated liver.
- HEMORRHAGING: The new liver will need some help for its function to stop bleeding
- REJECTION: The body’s immune system will see the new liver as dangerous
Top Home Remedies for Fighting Liver Disease
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Cider dates back to ancient times. This fermented apple juice might provide several health benefits like lower blood sugar, bad cholesterol, and blood pressure. It also seems to help with liver detox. Drinking ACV before meals helps to process fat. You can consume ACV in several ways. One basic method is to mix the ACV with water then drink this 3x per day to get the best results.
2. Apples/Leafy Greens
This is another natural treatment for liver conditions. The antioxidants/pectin of this blend helps to remove toxins from your digestive tract. That, in turn, can help to safeguard the liver. you could combine these ingredients in different drinks like juice, smoothies, and shakes.
3. Papaya
This tropical fruit is one of the top 100% natural remedies to fight liver disease. This is especially true when treating liver cirrhosis, which is often linked to alcoholism. A healthy remedy is to combine papaya (2 teaspoons) and lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon). Consume this blend daily to help fight various liver conditions. “
4. Carrot/Spinach Juice
Simply mix equal parts carrot juice and spinach juice. then drink this blend at least once every 2 days to get the best results. Both of these superfoods are loaded with nutrients that seem to fight liver conditions like cirrhosis.
This blend is good for treating liver cirrhosis. just mix up equal parts of carrot juice and spinach juice.
5. Turmeric
This is a super-healthy spice that’s used in Indian cooking. The plant has many features that can benefit liver health. They include antioxidants and antiseptic properties. Turmeric can help to fight viruses that can lead to Hepatitis B/C. Just add some spice to your meals to spice them up. Another option is to add turmeric to milk then drink it to help prevent the need for liver transplant recovery.
