What is an organ transplant?
An organ transplant replaces a failing organ with a healthy organ from another person. Organs most often transplanted are:
- Kidney.
- Liver.
- Heart.
- Pancreas.
- Lung.
- Small intestine.
More than one organ can be transplanted at one time. For example, a heart and lung transplant is possible.
How is the priority for organ transplants decided?
Priority for transplants depends on a number of things, which may include:
- Tissue and blood type.
- The length of time the person has spent on the waiting list.
- The distance between the donor and recipient.
- The recipient's health.
- Medical urgency.
The financial status or celebrity of the recipient is not considered.
What types of assessments will you need before your organ transplant?
You will need some assessments before you have an organ transplant. The results will be used to match you with an organ donor. Assessments that are done for all organ transplant candidates include:
- A cross-match for transplant.
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This blood test shows whether your body will immediately reject the donor organ. It will mix a donor's blood with your blood to see if your antibodies attack the antigens of the donor.
- Antibody screen.
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A panel-reactive antibody (PRA) test measures whether you have antibodies against a broad range of people. If you do, it means that you're at higher risk of rejecting an organ, even if the cross-match shows that you and the donor are a good match.
- Blood type.
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This blood test shows which type of blood you have. Your blood type should be compatible with the organ donor's blood type. But sometimes it's possible to transplant an organ from a donor with a different blood type.
- HLA type.
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This blood test shows the genetic makeup of your body's cells. We inherit three different kinds of genetic markers from our mothers and three from our fathers. HLA type sometimes plays a role in matching an organ recipient to a donor.
- Mental health assessment.
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At these visits, an evaluator looks at your emotional health, your social support, and how donation might affect you. A living donor may also be required to have this assessment before donating an organ.
How successful are organ transplants?
Transplants are more successful today than ever before. Organ transplant success depends on:
- Which organ is transplanted.
- How many organs are transplanted. For example, you could have a heart transplant or a heart and lung transplant.
- The disease that has caused your organ to fail.
- Whether you have unhealthy behaviors such as smoking.
- How well you take your medicines as prescribed.
Here are the chances of being alive 5 years after having an organ transplant. These numbers are averages. Your personal chances will depend on your health, the donor organ, and other things.
- Heart: About 8 out of 10 people
- Intestine: About 6 out of 10 people
- Kidney: About 9 out of 10 people
- Kidney and pancreas: About 9 out of 10 people
- Liver: About 8 out of 10 people
- Lung: About 6 out of 10 people
- Pancreas: About 8 out of 10 people
Preparing for an organ transplant
Here are some things you can do while you wait for an organ transplant.
- Be sure to go to all of your doctor appointments.
You may also need to get regular blood tests and meet with your transplant team.
- Continue to take your medicines as prescribed.
Let your doctor know if you're having any problems with medicines.
- Stay up to date with your routine health care.
This includes well visits to your primary care doctor. It also includes things like vaccines and eye exams. If you need dental work, try to get it done as soon as possible. Let the transplant team know of any changes to your health.
- Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
This could affect your ability to get a transplant.
- Follow your doctor's directions for eating and exercising.
If you want help to get to a weight that's healthy for you, you could see a dietitian. Your doctor can recommend one.
- Take care of your mental health.
Waiting for a transplant can be hard. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed mental health counselor can offer support during this time. And they can help you prepare for the transplant. You could also join a transplant support group.
- Don't use alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or nicotine.
If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor or counselor.
- Learn more about what to expect before and after a transplant.
You could talk to someone who has had a transplant. Your transplant center or doctor can give you the name of someone who is willing to share their experience with you. The transplant center may have you practice what to do when an organ becomes available.
- Prepare an advance directive if you don't already have one.
It lets your doctor and loved ones know your health care wishes. It can include a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care.
- Be ready for the call.
Always have your phone close by, charged and turned on, so the transplant center can contact you when an organ is available. If you can, give the transplant center the name and number of a few people who know how to reach you.
- Arrange for someone to go with you to the transplant center.
They can support you by giving you a ride and remembering important instructions. They can also look for any symptoms or changes in behavior that you may have before or after the transplant.
- Plan for other help you may need.
You may want help with childcare, pet care, or house-sitting while you're gone. You may need to arrange for someone to help you after the surgery. Many transplant centers require this help. It could be a family member, friend, or neighbor.
- Have a suitcase packed to take with you to the transplant center.
You could bring pajamas, eyeglasses, your medical records, and other important things. Your support person may also want to have a bag packed.
Staying healthy after an organ transplant
Here are some tips to help you and your new organ stay healthy.
- Eat regular, healthy meals to control your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Be sure to get plenty of calcium and vitamin D to help prevent osteoporosis, or thinning bones.
- Get regular exercise.
Activities like walking, exercises in the water, and yoga can help you keep your body and new organ healthy.
- Watch for changes from how you normally feel, how much energy you have, and how active you are.
This can help you identify new problems as they come up.
- Tell your dentist that you have had an organ transplant.
The antirejection medicines may increase your risk of mouth infections. Special precautions may be needed in teeth cleaning or other dental work.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
Your immune system is weakened by the antirejection drugs. Before you do any traveling, talk with your doctor to see if you need to take any precautions.
- Carry a medical identification card or wear a medical ID bracelet that states that you have had an organ transplant.
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