When you return home, you will resume routine care with your local physician and other health professionals. However, the University Hospital transplant physicians will continue to manage immunosuppression and any transplant-related care such as episodes of rejection, liver biopsies and some transplant-related infections. Call the liver transplant office at 513-584-9999 or toll free 1-888-UCLIVER if you have any signs or symptoms of illness. In some cases, you may be told to see your primary care physician, and then return to the transplant center for further evaluation. Your doctor may be asked to perform certain blood tests and send the report to the transplant center.

Primary Care Physician (PCP)
Your physician is usually an internal medicine physician or a hepatologist who will see you for routine medical follow-up. This physician usually manages preventative healthcare, routine physical examination, immunizations and complications related to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or bone disease. Be sure to tell us the contact information for your primary care physician before you leave the transplant center. The coordinator will forward information to your local physician about your transplant surgery, post-op course and your current care. Your coordinator will also discuss the transplant center's role in your care and how each physician can work cooperatively to be sure you do well. Your physician plays an important role in examining you for any possible complications. Be sure to see this doctor regularly and have reports of those visits forwarded to your transplant coordinator.

Dental Care
Routine dental examinations every six months are essential for good dental health. The dentist often may be able to recognize other health issues such as signs of heart disease or diabetis, just from your teeth. However, since you are immunosuppressed, an abscessed tooth or gum infection could lead to more serious complications. Additionally, gum overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia), a side effect of cyclosporine, may lead to bleeding gums and infection. Although changes in immunosuppression may help, in some cases the overgrown gums will need to be surgically reduced. You should visit your local dentist within three to six months of returning home. Your transplant coordinator can forward any medical information that the dentist needs for your health history. Preventative antibiotics are required for any invasive dental work, which may include cleaning, before the procedure. If there is any possibility that the gums will be cut, there is an increased risk of infection. Your dentist will know what to prescribe for this, but he/she can also call your coordinator for protocol. Amoxicillin is usually used prior to the procedure, but check with your dentist or transplant coordinator before any invasive dental work.

Vision Care
Routine eye examinations are usually recommended every other year. However, some patients may require exams every six to 12 months if you have any risks for vision or eye problems. Prednisone, given in high doses 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.