St Vincents Private Hospitals

• Your medication requirements
• How to care for your wound after surgery
• What signs and symptoms to look out for 
• Your individualised transplant program
• What to expect from your recovery

Your recovery from heart transplant surgery

The first few hours after surgery are critical as your body adjusts to having a new heart. During this time, you will be closely monitored in intensive care before transferring to the recovery ward. Recovery from heart transplant surgery looks different for each patient, but to get the best results from the procedure patients should wholly commit to each element of the recovery process.  

• Heart transplant program – All patients are prescribed an individualised heart transplant program that includes medication requirements, physical activity, medical tests and appointments as part of a personalised rehabilitation program

• Health monitoring – Patients are encouraged to monitor their own weight and blood pressure, and look for any changes or fluctuations that could indicate a problem

• Immunity protection – As your natural immunity levels are now permanently suppressed by anti-rejection medication so that your body does not attack your new heart, it’s important to take extra steps to minimise the risk of infection. Paying particular attention to personal and dental hygiene is now essential 
  
  

• Health checks – Patients are required to attend regular health checks including blood tests, X-rays and heart biopsies

• Rehabilitation – Patients are provided with a personalised program to maximise their recovery

• Emotional support – Feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, worry and depression are all common in the run up to and aftermath of heart transplant surgery. Our support team are on hand to help you and your family through this time. We provide a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, clinical nurses and psychologists to help you adjust and adapt at every step  

What to look out for at home

When you return home after your heart transplant surgery, you will take a more active role in your recovery. It’s important to watch out for any signs or symptoms of rejection or infection. Symptoms may include:

• Redness or soreness around the incision site
• Breathlessness or trouble breathing
• Extreme fatigue
  
  
• Low blood pressure
• Sudden weight change

Lifestyle changes

Looking after your new heart is essential to making the most of your heart transplant surgery and your doctor may recommend some adjustments to help protect your heart health. These may include:

• Eating a balanced diet including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Eating lean meats including fish and poultry
• Reducing salt, sugar and fat intake
• Choosing high fibre dietary options
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding alcohol for the first three months until advised otherwise
• Regular exercise to strengthen your bones and improve endurance

Average recovery timeline

Week 1

• After surgery, all patients are cared for in hospital until discharged by your treating doctor
• The cardiac rehabilitation program starts in hospital
• Patients are encouraged to walk a little every day to help with the recovery
• All medication should be taken as prescribed 
• Patients are discharged home under the care of the transplant team, returning for regular testing and checks

Weeks 4-6

• Continue on with your cardiac rehabilitation exercises
• Strength training can commence once the wound site has healed
• Talk to your doctor about when you are able to safely return to driving
• It is normal to feel a rollercoaster of emotions, keep talking to those around you and always seek support