Looking after yourself before a transplant

It is important to be as fit as possible before your bowel transplant. Moderate exercise can help boost your energy levels and will lower stress. This could be walking, or gentle cycling, or something else you prefer. The anaesthetist who saw you when you were having tests might have given you exercises that you need to do to stay fit enough for a transplant.

Speak to your bowel transplant team about the right exercise plan for you.

Waiting for a transplant is an emotional time, and depression and anxiety are common. Staying busy can help. But you or your loved ones may wish to speak to a support group. Your bowel care team can put you in touch with local groups.

Get support

You will be given information on your diet from your bowel transplant team. It is very important to follow this advice.

If you currently need intravenous feeding then care for your intravenous line is very important to help avoid infection and blockages.

Some patients with bowel disease also have liver disease. Please check with your bowel transplant team if you are allowed to drink alcohol or not.

If you are a smoker, you should stop as early as you can before your transplant. This will help you better prepare for the transplant and help to maintain your health afterwards. Speak to your bowel transplant team or GP for help on quitting smoking.

Go to NHS stop smoking services

Many patients with bowel disease have problems with poor nutrition and being underweight. Fluid balance can also be difficult. Speak to your bowel transplant team about the best way to maintain a healthy weight and fluid status before a transplant.

It’s important to take your medicines as prescribed.

You cannot receive a bowel transplant if you are pregnant. Please speak to your bowel transplant team if you need advice on contraception or fertility when waiting for a transplant.