Recognizing emergencies, when to call your transplant team, and how to handle urgent situations
Call 911 or go to the ER for: fever over 100.5°F with chills, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, sudden swelling, thoughts of harming yourself or others, or any sudden severe symptoms.
Fever can be a sign of infection or rejection. Call your transplant team immediately for any fever over 100.5°F (38°C). They may ask you to come in for evaluation. Don't wait - infections can progress quickly in transplant patients.
Signs of rejection include: fever, fatigue, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine, light stools, abdominal pain or tenderness, and unexplained nausea. However, rejection often has no symptoms, which is why regular monitoring is essential.
Call your transplant coordinator immediately for any suspected medication reactions, especially: rash, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, severe dizziness, or other allergic symptoms. Don't stop medications without consulting your team.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, call your transplant coordinator first - they know your case and can direct you to the right care. Keep your transplant center's number handy at all times.
Keep accessible: transplant center phone number, list of medications with doses, insurance information, medical history summary, emergency contacts, and a list of doctors. This helps in emergencies when you may be stressed.
Yes! A medical ID bracelet or necklace stating you're a transplant patient, listing medications (especially immunosuppressants), and including emergency contacts is essential. This helps first responders provide appropriate care.
Know where hospitals are when traveling. If you need emergency care, go to the nearest ER and have them contact your transplant center. Many transplant centers have 24-hour lines for emergencies. Don't delay care waiting to reach your team.
When an organ becomes available, the transplant coordinator will call you. You'll need to arrive at the hospital quickly (usually within hours). Bring your medication list, insurance information, and a caregiver. Follow any instructions exactly.
Keep your phone on and with you at all times. Return calls immediately - even if you miss the call and it's not your offer, they may leave information. If you're unreachable for multiple offers, your status may be changed to inactive.
Yes, you can decline any offer. Reasons might include: recent illness, travel constraints, or personal reasons. However, declining too often may affect your status. Discuss concerns with your coordinator - they can help you understand when to accept or decline.