Are any of your parents undergoing a liver transplant? If yes, it is important for you to keep in mind these essential tips.
Organ transplantation can save lives, more so in the case of complex organs like the liver. An individual requires a liver transplant when he/she has a damaged liver, owing to end-stage liver disease (chronic liver failure). This is a serious, life-threatening liver disease, and can be caused as a result of several liver conditions.
Cirrhosis is a common cause of end-stage liver disease, and many patients who suffer from it, need liver transplantation. Here, the injured liver is replaced with a healthy liver from another person, who is referred to as the donor. Depending on the condition, the whole liver or a part of the liver can be replaced.
It is a known fact that having a healthy liver is required for longevity, as the liver is responsible for filtering blood and flushing out toxins from the body. It is also the need of the hour to take utmost care of someone who is undergoing a liver transplant. Thus, if any parent of yours has been asked to opt for a liver transplant, don’t worry as we have got you covered.
Here Are a Few Tips That You Must Keep In Mind if Your Parent is Undergoing a Liver Transplant
- Stay positive: You may feel bogged down since your parent has been asked to undergo a transplant. But it is better to be hopeful, and have faith that he/she will be fine, and resume their daily routine soon. Stay optimistic for your parent’s sake. Don’t be negative or think about complications that may occur. Your parents can get anxious, stressed, disturbed, irritated, frustrated, and worried, if they see you concerned. Neither should you get stressed or depressed, nor fear the outcome of liver transplantation.
- Try to follow a routine: Stay organized, and give him/her medicine on time. Talk to them about the challenges and difficulties they are facing, and go for regular check-ups and follow-ups. Don’t allow your parent to skip medication. Report any abnormal symptoms to the doctor immediately, instead of neglecting them. Do not let your parent go out too often, as he/she may be at a higher risk of catching infections. Try to make sure that your parent is not around sick people. You will also have to maintain good personal hygiene at home. See to it that your parent maintains a healthy weight.
- Help your parent recover smoothly after a transplant: Ensure the recovery process is smooth by encouraging your parent to lead a healthy life and providing reassurance that you will take care of him/her. You should ALWAYS be proactive when it comes to your parent’s health. Take the help of a support group, if required to educate and know about the experience of others.
- Take care of yourself: Caring for a sick person can be taxing, and you may feel emotionally and physically drained. You must take frequent breaks for yourself, and spend some ME time. Take the help of your friends, and other family members, if required. Doing so can surely make a difference.
