BLOOD PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE AND WEIGHT
After you are discharged home, you will be required to keep a daily log of your blood pressure, temperature, and weight. This will enable the transplant team to follow trends, adjust your medications as needed, and notice subtle changes that may reflect an ongoing process that needs attention. You should take and record your vital signs at the same time every day, approximately one hour after you have taken all your morning medications. Please record these data in your vital signs log.
Blood Pressure
A blood pressure cuff will be given to you at discharge. By the time you are discharged, you or caregiver should know how to take your blood pressure and what the numbers mean. Blood pressure varies with gender, age, fatigue, anxiety level and state of health. Check with your transplant team to determine what should be your blood pressure range. We will be asking you to take your blood pressure daily and record it in your log book. By monitoring your blood pressure at home, you can have a better idea of whether your blood pressure is under control. High blood pressure has many causes but usually reflects changes in your kidney function or side effects of your medications. It can even be increased by too much sodium (salt) in your diet. Be sure to report elevated blood pressure to your transplant team so they can determine the cause and begin the necessary treatment. Also be sure to report low blood pressures if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Temperature
A digital thermometer will be given to you. After discharge you will be required to check your temperature daily. You should write the result in your vital signs log and notify the transplant team if you have a temperature greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius.
Weight
We ask you to weigh yourself every morning. It is best to use the same scale and to do it at the same time of day. Record the weight in the vital signs log and alert the transplant team if your weight changes (up or down) by 5 or more pounds in one day.
Glucose Monitoring
Some recipients develop diabetes as a side effect of medications. These patients may require oral agents or insulin to control their blood sugar. If this occurs, you will also need a glucometer. A glucometer is a device used to check the sugar levels in your blood. You will be further instructed if this becomes necessary.
Nutrition:
Eating right is an important part of your recovery after transplant surgery. Good nutrition will help your body heal, fight infection and maintain a healthy weight. Certain medications you take may cause an increase in your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight. The following are some suggestions to help limit these side effects.
Reduce Sodium (Salt) Intake: Limiting the amount of salt you consume will help control your blood pressure and fluid retention. Do this by choosing not to add extra table salt to your meal. Good alternatives to salt are herb mixtures, onion and garlic powder, and other salt-free seasonings. Avoid processed foods. These foods have a lot of hidden sodium/salts.
Protein: It is important to eat plenty of protein. This helps your body heal. Good sources of protein are lean meats and fish, low fat dairy products, peanut butter and tofu.
Fat and Cholesterol: Too much fat and cholesterol can cause heart disease. You should follow a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. You should avoid eating butter, whole milk, skin of poultry and fatty cuts of meat. Instead, choose margarine, olive or canola oil and lean meats.
Calcium: Transplant patients are at a greater risk than other people for developing osteoporosis and bone fractures. Because of this, you should be sure to increase the amount of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Good sources of calcium are low fat or skim milk, cheese, yogurt and calcium fortified orange juice.
Sugars and Sweets: If you are diabetic you should already be limiting the amount of sugar you eat. Even if you are not a diabetic, the medications you take may cause your blood sugar to increase. All transplant patients should limit their intake of sugars and concentrated sweets.
Potassium, Phosphorous and Magnesium: Your new medications may affect the levels of potassium, phosphorous, and magnesium in your blood. You may need to restrict OR supplement your diet to keep
these levels in a desirable range. The following are examples of foods high in each category.
•Potassium: cantaloupe, oranges, orange juice, broccoli, tomatoes
•Phosphorous: milk, cheese, yogurt, whole grains, raisins
•Magnesium: shrimp, peanuts, beets, spinach, tofu
If you have any questions about these suggestions please notify your transplant team. They can arrange for you to meet with a nutritionist, who will help you develop a diet regimen that is right for you.
Exercise:
To stay healthy, both mentally and physically, it is important for you to exercise on a regular basis. A good way to begin is by walking on a daily basis. Do not lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds for the first four weeks after surgery. You should start out slow and gradually increase your activity.
Remember to consult your doctor before starting on any kind of exercise plan. Your doctor will be able to advise you about an exercise plan that meets your individual needs.
