The Heart and Lung Transplant Clinic

A few reminders

•  Any patients needing scripts for their immunosuppressants should give us at least 2-3 days notice before picking them up.

• Long Term patients - Please have your 'outside' blood tests done at least 1 week before your appointment.  If you come from the country areas then 10 days please.

• Remember to ring and cancel an appointment you cannot keep as there are many others who might like this appointment but will have to wait until the next available one.

• If you are unwell and need to come to the Clinic please ring us first. You might be infective and we may need to isolate you.

 

Sue Tamblyn       
Alfred Transplant Unit - Ward 3F   

         Rejection After Heart or Lung Transplant

Rejection is a natural body response and not a cause for alarm.  It is important that you learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of rejection so it can be recognised early and you can be given the appropriate treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Rejection

• Weight gain, more than 2kg in 24 - 48 hours

• Fast or irregular heart beat

• Shortness of breath or reduced capacity to exercise

• General feeling of tiredness

• Nausea and/or loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Rejection

• Chect tightness

• Sputum production

• Falling Spirometry reading (a drop of 10% or more in FEV1)

• Shortness of breath or reduced exercise capacity

• General feeling of tiredness

If you experience any of these symptoms please call the transpalnt clinic nurses on 9076 3258 or after hours call the Heart or Lung transplant Registrar via the hospital switchboard on 9076 2000

 

 

         Infection After Heart or Lung Transplant

You are taking immunosuppressive medication so are at increased risk of developing infection.  You need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection so they can be reported to the Transplant Clinic and appropriate treatment can be given as soonas possible.

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

• Fever - Temperature greater than 37.5 c

• Night sweats

• Shivering

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Any discharge from a wound

• Burning sensation when passing urine

• Headache

• Shortness of breath

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please call the Transplant Clinic nurses on 9076 3258 or after hours call the hospital switchboard on 9076 2000 and ask to speak to the Heart or Lung Transplant Registrar.

Prevention of Infection

Good handwashing, personal hygiene and a clean household are the keys to precenting infection.

Avoid crowded places and anyone who has a cold or ia unwell.

Don't use public transport for the first 6 weeks after surgery and then try to use it at non peak times.

Your are encouraged to lead a normal lifestyle but be cautious in some areas, for example:

• Avoid public transpirt at peak times and avoid crowds

• Fresh fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before eating

• Don't eat shared finger food (e.g. bowls of chips or nuts) or share eating utensils or sups or plates

• Don't buy cooked food that has been kept hot in a "Bain Marie" or any takeaway fod that has not been freshly cooked

• Wear gloves when gardening and a mask if using potting mix

• Wash your hands after handling pets, wear gloves and mask when cleaning bird cages or kitty litter and don't allow pets to sleep on your bed

• Don't use a public swimming pool for 3 months after your operation and avoid using public spas ans saunas

 

 

                                                               top