After Surgery

Resuming Normal Activities

Resuming normal activities Although the patient is encouraged to resume normal activities after recovery, it is important to understand that having a new liver brings new responsibilities.

Signs to Watch Out For

While primary concerns involve infection and rejection, many other problems, such as colds or flu, adjustment of other medications, and minor infections can be handled by a local physician. A patient needs to take precautions and learn to watch for signs of infection and rejection that necessitate notifying a local physician or transplant team immediately. These include:

  • a fever that continues for more than 2 days
  • shortness of breath
  • a cough that produces a yellowish or greenish substance
  • a dry cough that continues for more than 1 week
  • prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • an inability to take prescribed medication
  • bleeding, bruising, black stools, red or rusty-brown urine
  • a rash or other skin changes
  • pain, discharge, or swelling at the T-tube site
  • vaginal discharge or itching
  • burning discomfort with urination
  • exposure to mumps, measles, chicken pox, or shingles
  • unusual weakness or light-headedness
  • emergency-room treatment or hospitalization



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University of Southern California USC Liver Transplant Program and Center for Liver Disease
1510 San Pablo Street, Suite 200, Los Angeles CA 90033-4612
Phone: (323) 442-5908     Fax: (323) 442-5721
E-mail: uscliver@surgery.hsc.usc.edu