DO NOT TAKE YOUR PROGRAF THE MORNING OF YOUR APPOINTMENT.
The night before your appointment take your regular evening dose exactly 12 hours before your lab appointment. For example: If your lab appointment is scheduled at 9am on Tuesday, then take your Monday evening dose at 9pm. The will insure an accurate cyclosporine blood level. You may bring your morning dose with you to take after your blood has been drawn.
GENERAL CONSIDERATONS
Infection Control – Always use common sense and avoid contact with friends or relative who are ill. Masks are only required when making hospital visits. Frequent hand washing is encouraged as a way of preventing colds.
Skin Care – If you experience minor cuts or scratches, clean with soap and water. You may apply Betadine solution if you wish. For large cuts, dog bites ect., always call your Transplant Coordinator for proper treatment. Dry skin may be a problem and use of mild soaps and body lotions after bathing can help. Alpha Keri bath oil and lotion should be used for severely dry, scaly skin.
Sun Exposure – Due to immunosuppression, transplant patients have an increased chance of developing skin and lip cancers. These cancers are ten times more common in transplant patients than the general population. When outside, even on cloudy days, remember:
- Always wear broad-brimmed hats and use clothes to cover as much as possible
- Always wear sunscreen lotion on exposed skin and apply frequently with prolonged exposure or swimming. Sunscreen must have a SPF of at least 15.
- Avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10am and 2pm.
Sexuality – Sexual activity may be resumed upon your readiness. Avoid any positions that may cause discomfort to your chest.
- Women: If you are of childbearing age some form of birth control must be used.
- Men: If you are experiencing any problems with impotence this may be due to your medication, particularly blood pressure medications. Please discuss this with your physician or Transplant Coordinator, because there may be alternatives available.
Flu Shot – All transplant patients should receive a yearly flu vaccine. Please contact your Transplant Coordinator for more information. Flu vaccine is usually available starting in October.
No live vaccines.
DentalCare - You should continue your regular visits every six months. Antibiotics not typically required for routine dental work.
Smoking - YOU MUST NOT SMOKE – Smoking damages the lungs and increases your risk of developing cancer and lung infections. Smoking can also cause the development of coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Avoid second hand smoke as much as possible.
Pets - Avoid contact with cats and birds: risk of toxoplasmosis, Do not clean litter boxes / liners. No cleaning of aquariums for fish, or reptiles.
Plants /Flowers - Avoid fresh cut flowers and gardening for the 1st 6-months due to the risk of potential exposure to toxins and molds that may come with these items.
Other Medications - Please contact the office before starting any new over the counter medications, new supplements or prescriptions prescribed by another provider so that we can ensure no interactions with your immunosuppressants.
Travel - No Air Travel for 3 months. No foreign travel for 6 months
Prior to foreign travel, patients must be seen for assessment of necessary vaccines.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: There are no stupid questions, so please contact your Transplant Coordinator with any concerns or problems. Their goal is the same as yours: a full recovery from surgery and your continued good health.
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