The Program of Self-Care
Learning to Take Care of Yourself

It is our expectation that you will return to the lifestyle you enjoyed prior to becoming ill. By following some simple “rules” and complying with the medical regimen, we can accomplish our mutual goal of a full, healthy life for you.

BE CONSISTENT in how you take your cyclosporine.
When traveling take EXTRA cyclosporine to prevent “running out” in event of travel itinerary changing.

If you vomit and cannot take your cyclosporine for 24 hours, notify the Liver Transplant Coordinator.

Ask a member of the Transplant Team before taking ANY new medications as they may react with cyclosporine.

Do NOT make dose adjustments of medications on your own. ONLY the transplant Physician is competent to do so.

AVOID people with colds – don’t expose yourself to RISKS of infections.

• Know the signs and symptoms of INFECTION.

• Know the signs and symptoms of REJECTION.

• Take care of your mouth and teeth.

• Brush your teeth REGULARLY and rinse with mouthwash.

• EXAMINE the inside of your mouth every day for sore.

• Visit your dentist for check-ups twice a year.

• Keep your skin clean – scrupulous care is required to avoid infections.

• DON’T let your skin become dry and flaking.

• WEAR protective, screening lotion when in the sun to decrease risk of cancer.

• Exercise regularly. Eat a well balanced, nutritional diet.

• Weigh yourself once a week – keep a written record.

• Keep your medication record up to date – bring it to hospital on clinic days and on re-admissions.

• Avoid walking barefoot outdoors – RISK of cutting feet and getting infection.

Sun Exposure

A great deal has been learned in recently on the damaging effects of the sun on repeated skin exposures. Effects such as:

- brown spots on exposed areas
- white mottly patches
- rough areas – keratosis – pre malignant
- enlarged blood vessels
- thinning and toughening of the skin
- scaly plaques
- dryness and wrinkling – aging process
- a flare up of allergies
- malignant conditions such as skin cancers

Immunosuppressive medications increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun
and hereby increases the risk for skin cancer. It is imperative that all patients that have had a transplant follow some basic instruction in their exposure to the sun.

1) Choose an appropriate sun screen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 29. This would allow a maximum protection from the sun’s rays. Apply ½ to 1 hour before venturing into the sunlight. Reapply every ½ to 1 hour if swimming or perspiring. If make up is worn, apply sunscreen under make up (1/2 hour before make-up is applied). Take special precautions in apply to nose, earlobes, and upper portion of feet. Keep lips well protected with an appropriate lip stick balm with a SPF factor of 29 if possible.

2) Wear protective clothing such as a loose, light cotton, long sleeved top (not sheer). If possible, wear long, light textured pants.

3) Avoid direct exposure to sunlight between the hours of 10AM to 3 PM when the sun’s rays are at their peak.

4) Be aware of the reflected light from water, sand and concrete. Sitting under an umbrella, or in a shady area on a bright, sunny day would require the routine skin precautions.

5) Avoid tanning salons and sunlamps. These may add to the damage already present from repeated sun exposure.

6) Routine skin examinations should be performed regularly. Any concerns should be brought to the attention of your physician.

REMEMBER: All sun exposure in one’s lifetime is accumulative. It is never too late to take very special and careful precautions while outdoors. Avoid Sunburn!