As far as body organs go, our lungs play one of the most important roles in enabling life to happen! While they are constantly hard at work, exchanging the gases that are required by our bodies to function effectively, lungs are susceptible to breakdowns and failures as well, and in certain cases, a failure may be so severe that a comprehensive lung transplant might be called for. 

In India, we are consistently witnessing a rise in the number of cases where a lung transplant is required, and the demography that is facing such an issue is rapidly transforming as well. In most cases, senior citizens, individuals with co-morbidities, patients with respiratory ailments, etc. are some of the most common groups that go for this surgery. Besides this, lung transplant for lung cancer has turned out to be a remedial methodology as well. 

It goes without saying that this is one of the most complex operations that is carried out in this day and age, and while compatible lungs do take some to come by, the patients undergoing such surgeries must follow a carefully-curated aftercare regime to recover and heal properly. 

In this blog, we will be examining 9 of the best recovery techniques and checklists that lung transplant patients must follow closely to ensure a healthy and speedy recovery. So, let’s get started.

Following a proper diet is key.

After a lung transplant has been carried out, the diet that is being followed would play a critical role in ensuring speedy recovery and settlement. Such a dietary protocol must be followed to avoid the threat of infections and contaminations while ensuring the efficacy of the medications that are being consumed isn’t compromised in any manner as well. 

As we have observed, the consumption of raw seafood, undercooked meats and meals, etc. can pose a serious threat of contamination, while certain fruits and vegetables can interfere with the effectiveness of the medications that are being consumed. Your doctor or dietician would craft a suitable diet that would help you with the recovery process.

Regular exercise. 

When it comes to our lungs, the exchange of gases that are present in our bloodstream is the primary function that is performed. Our lungs play a massively significant role in that aspect, and we must follow a regular, yet gradual exercise schedule to ensure that our lung tolerance and potentiality are restored to optimal levels.

Keep away from nicotine and smoke. 

Cigarette smoke is accused of being one of the most important factors that cause lung cancer, and once a lung transplant has been carried out, keeping away from any type of smoke is essential. It is pretty obvious that you would have to quit smoking, but it doesn’t stop there, as you must ensure that you aren’t ending up as a passive smoker as well.

Staying sober helps.

Several immune-suppressant drugs are prescribed after lung transplants are carried out to help the new lung adjust to the new conditions and physiologies that it is being exposed to. Alcohol doesn’t go too well with such medications, and in most cases, it may lead to liver damage as well. As a result, it is best to stay away from alcohol after such surgery.

Emotional well-being.

When it comes to something like a lung transplant for lung cancer, your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health when it comes to speedy recovery. During such times, it is common for patients to experience turbulent mood swings and anger issues, and if you are facing such a situation as well, consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist can certainly help.

Stay away from pets.

Pet litter can have a negative impact on your health while you are recovering after a lung transplant, and to that end, it would be wise to keep away from household animals like dogs and cats until it is declared safe by the doctor to do that once more. Another family member or creche can look after your pets during your recovery period. 

Keeping proper tabs.

Lung transplants are complex and elaborate procedures, one that requires a significant number of follow-ups and medications, and for most, forgetting or missing out on certain appointments is nothing out of the ordinary. To avoid such a situation, it is best to maintain a detailed register of every small detail there is. You can follow charts for medicines or create appointment alerts well in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on what matters. 

Maintain your sleeping schedule.

It has been witnessed that individuals may face sleeplessness after such a surgery has been carried out, and this can mainly be attributed to the medications and stresses that are present. There are several simple methods that can be applied to counter these problems, namely, sticking to a particular sleeping schedule, avoiding caffeine, staying away from untimely naps, etc. 

Sleep is one of the most important physiological processes when it comes to healing after surgery, and thus, you wouldn’t want to miss out on this one.

Social distancing can help!

Although social distancing is a term that has been thrown around quite a lot recently due to unrelated reasons, it can help you ensure speedy recovery from transplants in a safe and rapid manner. Since you would be under the effects of immunosuppressants, it goes without saying that your immune system wouldn’t be able to protect you against common illnesses like colds or thrush in an effective manner. 

Staying away from crowds is one of the best ways in which you can avoid catching these diseases. 

Get adequate rest.

Ultimately, catching a lot of rest is one of the best ways of ensuring a speedy recovery from such a transplant surgery. This is a factor that shouldn’t be compromised on, and thus, we suggest that you modify your schedule accordingly.

Final take:

A lung transplant can really help us get a new life in one way or the other, and thus, it is important that we follow the right set of guidelines and protocols that would help us heal. At Medanta, we ensure the utmost care and quality when it comes to lung transplants. Get in touch with our team today and get a renewed chance at life.