You may have undergone an organ transplant surgery and are now recovering. It could be a kidney, liver, heart, or other organ. When you think everything went well, when the doctors say the word ' rejection ' , you feel a great sense of fear and shock, right? "Oh, what will happen to my new organ now?" It's normal to think. But is this really as scary as we think? Let's talk about this in detail and simply.
What does 'rejection' really mean?
Simply put, this is a natural defense mechanism of our body. Think of our body as a country. If someone from outside comes to this country, the country's defense forces (that is, our immune system ) fight against that foreigner. In the same way, your body sees your newly transplanted organ as a 'foreign' or 'stranger'. Then the body's immune system starts attacking that new organ. This is the process we call 'rejection'.
But don't panic when you hear the word. Most of the time, 'rejection' doesn't mean you'll lose your organ. It often means that the dose of your immunosuppressant drugs needs to be adjusted. Once your doctor adjusts the medication accordingly, everything can go back to normal.
There are two main types of rejection.
This condition can be divided into two main types. It is very important for you to be aware of it.
1. Acute Rejection
This is the most common type. It usually occurs between the first three months and a year after an organ transplant. As the name suggests, the symptoms appear suddenly. But the best thing is that this condition can be very successfully controlled with medication. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of this in advance and inform your doctor as soon as the symptoms appear.
2. Chronic Rejection
This is a little different. This condition occurs very slowly, sometimes over years. What happens here is that the function of the transplanted organ gradually decreases. The symptoms may not be very obvious. That is why it is very important to go to the clinics on the scheduled dates and do things like blood tests that the doctor prescribes . These tests are the ones that can identify such chronic changes early.
What symptoms should you watch out for?
The symptoms of rejection may vary slightly depending on the organ you have received. But there are some common symptoms that you may experience. Be on the lookout for these.
| Symptom | A little more about this |
|---|---|
| Pain at the implant site | New pain, stiffness, or discomfort at or around the surgical site. |
| Feeling unwell | Feeling unwell for no reason, just feeling sick. Like when you're about to catch a cold or flu. |
| Fatigue | Feeling unusually tired, constantly sleepy, and lacking the energy to do anything. |
| Fever | Increased body temperature. Be especially careful if your body temperature is over 38°C (100.4°F) on a thermometer. |
| Body weight change | Sudden weight gain in a short period of time. |
| Swelling | Swelling, especially in the legs, ankles, hands, or face. You may feel a tightness when putting on shoes or a ring. |
| Heart rate changes | Feeling that your heart is beating faster than usual or irregularly. |
| Decreased frequency of urination | This is especially important for people who have had a kidney transplant. If you notice a significant decrease in the amount of urine you produce, report it immediately. |
If you have one or more of these symptoms, please do not ignore them. Don't waste time and immediately call your doctor or go to your local clinic. Sometimes this could be due to something else. But it's best to be safe.
What should we do to avoid rejection?
This is the most important part. There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of rejection.
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed: This is the number one rule. Take your immunosuppressant drugs exactly as prescribed by your doctor , at the right time, in the right dosage, and without missing a single dose . Even if you feel well, never stop taking your medication or change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
- Don't miss clinics: It is essential to attend clinics on the scheduled dates. The tests performed there are what give the doctors an idea of your body's condition and the effectiveness of your medications.
- Healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water , engaging in light exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are very important for your overall health as well as the health of your new organ.
- Protecting yourself from infections : Immunosuppressive medications can make you more susceptible to infections. Therefore, it is important to be careful in crowded places, wash your hands frequently, and stay away from people who are sick.
In conclusion, living with an organ transplant is like getting a second life. There may be small challenges like these along the way. But remember, medical science is very advanced today. There are skilled doctors and staff who can manage all these situations. So don't worry, you are not alone.
Take-Home Message
- Don't be afraid of the word 'rejection.' Most of the time, this means that the dosage of the medication needs to be changed.
- Always be aware of any unusual symptoms in your body (fever, body aches, swelling, unusual fatigue).
- If you notice any suspicious symptoms, do not waste time and inform your doctor or clinic immediately.
- Never miss a day of medication prescribed by your doctor, take it at the right time and in the right dosage . Avoid changing or stopping your medication on your own.
- Don't miss out on attending clinics and getting the necessary tests on time. It's essential for the safety of your new life.
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