Living Donor Evaluation Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for living donor evaluation: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Immunosuppression is Lifelong
- •You will take anti-rejection medication for the life of the transplant
- •Never skip, double, or adjust doses without your transplant team
- •Drug levels are monitored through blood tests to keep them in the right range
Infection Prevention
- •Your immune system is intentionally weakened; infections are your biggest risk
- •Wash hands frequently, avoid sick contacts, wear a mask when needed
- •Any fever above 100.4°F needs immediate attention
Living Donor Evaluation recovery, day by day
Critical Care
- You will be in the ICU or transplant unit for close monitoring
- Immunosuppressive medications start immediately; take exactly as prescribed
- Frequent blood draws to monitor organ function and drug levels
- Report any changes in how you feel to your nurse immediately
Hospital Recovery
- Walk as soon as cleared; mobility prevents complications
- Take ALL medications exactly on schedule (timing is critical for immunosuppression)
- Follow dietary restrictions: avoid raw foods, grapefruit (interacts with medications)
- Strict hand hygiene; visitors must wash hands and be healthy
Monitoring for Rejection
- Your transplant team watches for rejection signs daily through labs and exams
- Learn the warning signs of rejection specific to your organ
- Early rejection is common and treatable when caught quickly
- Never miss a dose of immunosuppressive medication
Transitioning Home
- Continue all medications; set up a pill organizer and alarms
- Attend all clinic visits and labs (frequent initially, then spacing out)
- Avoid crowds, sick people, and construction/renovation dust for 3-6 months
- Wear a mask in public during the first few months of immunosuppression
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Sun protection: increased skin cancer risk with immunosuppression (SPF 50+ always)
- Balanced, cooked-food diet; avoid raw/undercooked meat and soft cheeses
- Gradual return to exercise (walking first, then building up)
- Annual flu shot and recommended vaccines (NO live vaccines); discuss with transplant team
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 100.4°F (infection risk is critical)
- •Sudden decrease in urine output (kidney transplant)
- •New shortness of breath or cough (lung transplant)
- •Chest pain or irregular heartbeat (heart transplant)
- •Jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain (liver transplant)
- •Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (medication cannot be absorbed)
- •Missed doses of immunosuppressive medication
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 7
Organ function stabilizing
Labs trending in the right direction
- Day 14
Discharge preparation
Medication education, home care plan finalized
- Day 45
Home recovery progressing
Attending regular clinic visits, activity increasing
- Day 90
First major milestone
Organ function stable, medication levels optimized
For clinics
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