Multi-Organ Transplant

Transplant Pharmacy - Life After Transplant

Activity Precautions

For the first two or three months after a transplant you should avoid:

	Lifting more than 10 pounds
	Strong abdominal exercises, e.g. sit ups
	Strong upper body exercises, e.g. push ups, pull ups, pushing or pulling heavy objects

This may seem like a long time, however most surgeries require at least six weeks for the incision to heal and this may take longer for transplant patients because certain anti-rejection medications can delay wound healing.

Although these activities will not damage the transplanted organ, avoiding these activities will reduce the risk of developing a hernia (incisional or abdominal). Ten pounds is not a lot of weight and depending on the patient, additional discussion may be necessary. For example, those patients with small children may forget that the lifting restriction applies to their child as well. This may require some problem solving if the patient is a parent who is caring for a young child, or if the patient lives alone and is doing their own grocery shopping.

Some patients may be concerned that they cannot take jobs involving heavy lifting. This is certainly not true as transplant patients can perform a full range of jobs, including welding and construction. They simply have to follow the same restrictions on activity that any patient would have to observe after major surgery.

When you feel that you are ready to begin more strenuous exercise and the appropriate time period has elapsed, you should discuss this with your transplant team.

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