Organ Transplants

An organ transplant replaces a failing organ with a healthy organ from another person or from someone who has recently died. Organs that can be transplanted include the kidney, liver, heart, pancreas, lung, and small intestine. Other parts of the body can also be transplanted, such as bone marrow and a part of the eye called the cornea.

More than one organ, such as a heart and a lung, can be transplanted at one time. This may be done when an unhealthy organ causes another organ to fail or when a disease damages more than one organ.

How successful are transplants?

Transplants are more successful today than ever before. A successful transplant depends on many things, such as:

  • Which organ is transplanted.
  • How good of a match your immune system is with the donor's organ.
  • Whether the organ came from a living person or from someone who has died.
  • The disease that has caused your organ to fail.

Who can get an organ transplant?

To know whether you are a good candidate for a transplant, you will need tests to find out. If tests show that you are a good candidate, you are put on a waiting list. To get on the waiting list, you will need to get a referral from your doctor and contact a transplant center. Your doctor or the transplant center will do the tests needed to see if you are a good candidate.

To locate a transplant center near you, ask your doctor. Or contact the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) online at www.unos.org or by phone at 1-888-894-6361.

You may not be a good candidate if you have an infection, heart disease that isn't under control, a drug or alcohol problem, or another serious health problem. If you're not a good candidate, your doctors can recommend other treatments that may help you.

Who can be an organ donor?

Most people can be organ donors. If you are interested, contact the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) at 1-888-894-6361. Or go to www.unos.org to learn more. Many people choose to have an organ donated when they die. But a person can donate certain organs while still living. These people are called "living donors." Many states give you the option to become a donor when you apply for a driver's license or when you renew your license.

How can you prepare for a transplant?

You'll need to have blood and tissue tests. The tests will be used to match you with possible donors. This is important because your immune system may see the new organ as foreign and reject it. The more matches you have with a donor, the more likely your body will accept the donor organ.

Staying healthy

You'll also need to take care of your health. Be sure to:

  • Keep taking your medicines as prescribed.
  • Get regular blood tests as needed.
  • Follow your doctor's directions for healthy eating and exercise.

Talking with others

Thinking about and waiting for a transplant can be hard emotionally. Talk with your loved ones about how you feel. You may want to talk with a counselor about your transplant. You may also want to talk to someone who has had a transplant and is willing to share their experience with you. Your transplant center or doctor may be able to give you the name of someone you can contact.

Waiting for an organ

You may have to wait days, months, or even years for your transplant. And some people may never get an organ. It's not easy, but try to be patient. And ask your doctor about things you can do while you're waiting, such as making healthy lifestyle changes. When an organ is located, your transplant team will consider how long you've been on the waiting list, whether the donor is a good match for you, and your current health. Your team will also consider the location of the donated organ, because it must be transplanted quickly to stay healthy.

What can you expect after a transplant?

After a transplant, many people say they feel better than they have in years. You may be limited in your activities. How much you'll be able to do will depend on the type of transplant you had, other health problems you have, and how your body reacts to the new organ. You may need to make some lifestyle changes to keep your new organ healthy and strong. This can include healthy eating, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.

An organ transplant may cause many emotional issues for you and for those who care about you. You may sometimes think about the person who donated the organ. Depression is also common after an organ transplant. If you think you may be depressed, get help. Talk to your doctor about treatment that can help you feel better.

Medicines and checkups

You will have to take daily medicines for as long as you have the transplanted organ. These medicines help prevent your immune system from rejecting the new organ. They often cause side effects. If you have severe side effects, tell your doctor right away. Talk with your transplant team first before taking any other medicines. Because the medicines for your transplant weaken your immune system, you may have to stay away from large crowds for a while and avoid people who have infections. You will also have regular checkups and blood tests to see how well your new organ is working. Screening for certain cancers is also very important after an organ transplant.