It is common to feel tired or weak as you recover from liver transplant. If you have been hospitalized for a long time before or after your transplant, you may be lost some muscle mass from prolonged bed rest. You may also find that your sleep pattern is disturbed. Regular exercise and good nutrition will help get you back to a normal, active routine and an eventual return to your home routine, work or school.

While you are in the hospital, you may receive physical therapy to help you regain strength and increase your activity level. Your physical therapist can help you start a simple exercise routine. Walking for short periods several times a week can be the start of a good exercise routine once you leave the hospital. Regular exercise is important for everyone to control weight, improve cardiovascular health, increase endurance and even to reduce stress.

For the first six months after transplant, you may be advised to avoid any strenuous activity, heavy lifting or more intensive exercise programs. Check with your coordinator and physician for guidelines. The best activity in the first few weeks after transplant is walking. It is recommended that any activities or sports with a high risk of injury like football, wrestling, skiing, water skiing or motorcycling, should be avoided for at least one year after transplant although sometimes it is recommended to restrict contact sports indefinitely.

Liver transplant patients may swim in chlorinated pools after all drainage tubes are removed and the incision and wounds are healed. Patients should avoid small standing bodies of water such as ponds or small lakes that may contain infectious organisms. Patients may swim in oceans or large lakes if the water is tested to be safe by the local health department. Public hot tubs should be avoided.

Vision Eye Care After Transplant

Routine eye examinations are usually recommended every other year. You may experience vision changes, so do not change your eye glass prescription for 6 months; this six-month period will allow your vision to stabilize. However, some patients may require exams every six to 12 months if they have any risks for vision or eye problems. Prednisone, taken for prolonged periods, may lead to the development of cataracts and/or glaucoma in some patients. Visit your vision care specialist within two to three months of returning home so he/she is updated on your health status and can assess your risk for any complications.

Returning to Work or School

Patients return to work or school at various times depending on the extent of their illness before transplant, recovery time, complications and the type of work that is done. It is often helpful to return on a part-time basis and increase your hours slowly as your energy and endurance improves.