Rejection is a term used when the body reacts against the transplanted organ(s). The transplant team will monitor you for any signs of rejection. You should be aware of the following symptoms and report any of them to the nursing staff or transplant team:
- increase in temperature, above 100° F
- flu-like symptoms
- sudden increase in weight
- pain, tenderness, or swelling of the new organ(s)
- anything that is red, swollen, warm to touch or that has a discharge
- ankle swelling
- shortness of breath
- decrease in urine output
- change in glucose control
Most patients experiencing rejection have no symptoms and the diagnosis is made solely on the basis of blood tests, such as an increase in blood B.U.N., glucose, creatinine or amylase.
A rejection episode does not mean that you have lost your new organ or that it has failed. It means that your body has realized that the new organ does not belong to you, and tries to fight the organ off, just as your body tries to fight off an infection, cold, virus, etc.
There are medications available to treat rejection. Your transplant team will determine which type of medication will be most effective for you.
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