In the 360° Transplant Community, no questions are left unanswered.
360° Transplant (360°) is here for all topics around and about organ donation.
A transplant is like a journey into the unknown. You need to take your time to adjust after the transplant. You will take small steps at first to get used to the new "normality". There are programmes to help you slowly become more active and to advise you on various aspects of your new life as a transplant recipient.
360° is a concept developed by Patrizia Manolio and Liz Schick to accompany you on your journey. The idea behind it was to create a platform where people who are affected by the topic of organ donation can receive important information, exchange ideas and have their questions answered. The vision is for 360° to be accessible not only to our members, but to anyone who is interested in the topic.
What does 360° Transplant do?
Transplant 360° includes information on mindfulness and nutrition and information on issues that transplant recipients face on a daily basis. We also provide links to our partners who have their own programmes for physical fitness and exercise, nutrition, interesting facts, etc.
Who can join?
Anyone who would like to know more is welcome. The 360° Community is free and open to everyone.
How can I help?
Your feedback is always useful. Let us know your wishes and ideas. If you would like to make a contribution to our pages, please contact us. Contributions can be in the form of podcasts, videos, literature, texts, photos, general information and much more. Of course, donations are always welcome.
Frequently asked questions
Because not everyone can know everything.
On the waiting list
Being on the waiting list is a very difficult and stressful time, not only for the person who needs a transplant, but also for those close to them. The fear of the unknown plays a big part in this. You can be called to the hospital at any time and there is no way of knowing when the longed-for call will come. When the call finally comes and you are summoned to hospital, there is still the risk that the transplant cannot take place for various reasons. Possible reasons are that the donor is diagnosed with a medical problem, the recipient has an infection or there is another medical reason why the operation cannot take place. In such cases, the operation is cancelled. It is important to take care of yourself before the transplant and try to be as "healthy" as possible at the time of the operation. If your physical wellbeing allows it, you should try to go for a daily walk and have a routine to improve your physical and mental condition before the operation. If you feel the need to talk to someone who has experienced the situation, please contact us. Sometimes it's just good to talk to someone without having to explain what you're going through.
The first days
When you wake up after a transplant, you are usually groggy and tired. The operation site hurts. However, experts in pain therapy are on site. Simple milestones follow, such as when you can sit up for the first time, are allowed to leave the intensive care unit, eat your first meal, have your first bowel movement, etc. Every milestone, no matter how small, feels like a great triumph. You have to get used to the new medication regime and the possible side effects of the new medication. It's best to take it one step at a time. Little by little you will feel better. The speed of recovery always depends on the patient's age, the reason for the transplant, the length of time on the waiting list and the patient's general level of illness on arrival at the hospital. It is important to take precautions against the risk of infection: masks, constant hand sanitising, etc.
After the hospital
The length of hospitalisation varies greatly. Recently transplanted patients have a higher risk of rejection and infection. The transplant team will tell you what to look out for. You will be given contact details to call if you come home and are worried about sudden changes or if something doesn't feel right. Once you have been discharged from hospital, you are responsible for keeping your environment as germ-free as possible, monitoring your personal hygiene, eating the right food and taking your medication on time every day.
The medication
Immunosuppression will now be part of your everyday life. There are various medications that you will be prescribed. Most are taken in conjunction with other medications. Make sure that you read the instructions carefully and take the right medication at the right times and follow the guidelines. It may help to set an alarm on your mobile phone to remind you to take your medication. Pill boxes for organising your medication can be very helpful. These are available in many pharmacies or online. One piece of advice we give to all transplant recipients is to avoid grapefruit as it alters the effect of immunosuppressants. Also make sure you drink enough water every day to protect your kidneys.
Suitable nutrition
Transplant recipients should eat a bit like pregnant women. No raw meat, fish or shellfish and only pasteurised milk and cheese. Vegetables and fruit should be peeled. Make sure that no food has not passed its sell-by date and keep food that needs to be kept cool in the fridge. Grapefruit should not be consumed due to its effect on the immunosuppressive drugs. Alcohol is not recommended and should be completely avoided by anyone transplanted due to alcohol abuse. If alcohol abuse was not the cause of the need for a transplant, a maximum of 2 units per day can be consumed. Tobacco consumption is not recommended under any circumstances.
Self-care
After a transplant, it is essential to take good care of yourself and watch out for changes. An annual visit to the dermatologist is of the utmost importance, as there is a higher risk of skin cancer due to the use of immunosuppressants. You should use sun protection factor 50 every day. On holiday, this should even be refreshed several times a day. Direct sunlight should be avoided and the skin can also be covered with long trousers/sleeves and a hat. Try to avoid the sun when it is at its strongest, i.e. a few hours before and after midday. You must disinfect cuts and abrasions immediately. If cuts and grazes do not heal properly, consult a doctor immediately. Dental hygiene is also very important to avoid infections, so regular visits to the dentist are a must. Certain immunosuppressants can make the gums more sensitive, which can lead to bleeding gums. In such cases, we recommend a softer toothbrush.
Fitness
Support
One of the most important tasks of our organisation is to be there for you when you need us. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone or have someone to listen to you. It is often difficult to talk to your own family about your feelings. It is not uncommon to feel down after a transplant and not always understand why. One of our goals is to set up online chats so that we can be there for you even more efficiently in the future. If you would like to speak to someone now, please email us at contact@transplant.ch. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Are you missing something?
Do you have any suggestions, something you've always wanted to know? We look forward to your input.
We are happy about any kind of help.
As a non-profit organisation, we are tax-exempt and donations to us are tax-deductible.
If you prefer to donate anonymously, you can make your donation using this QR code.
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