Driving

You may ride in the car as a passenger, but it is safer for you not to drive for a while. Most people's reaction time is sluggish after being hospitalized. In addition, your chest may be somewhat sore and it may be difficult to manipulate the wheel.

Sexual Activity

You may resume sexual intercourse once you are feeling stronger. Remember that your chest may be sore for a while and you will be easily fatigued. Avoid positions that cause pain or pulling in your incisional area. As with other activities, always wait until you feel more rested.

Dental Care and Hygiene

See your dentist and hygienist regularly to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Take prophylactic antibiotics before and after any dental care, including teeth cleaning, to protect the transplanted heart from endocarditis (an infection in the heart) caused by bacteria from the mouth that are introduced into the bloodstream. Your physician will provide a prescription for the appropriate antibiotic based on the American Heart Association recommendations.

Household Chores

Wash your clothes and bed linens routinely as you did before your transplant operation. Wash dishes routinely as you did before your operation. There is no need to sterilize dishes.

Gardening

Gardening is permissible except on windy days when you may inhale particles from the ground. If you do garden, always wear gloves to protect your skin from the soil.

Pets

The only restriction regarding pets pertains to cats. Do not change the litter box because a disease called toxoplasmosis can be transmitted by cat feces.

Smoking

Do not smoke! Smoking places the lungs at greater risk for infection, especially in a transplant patient.

Diet and Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in your recovery following transplantation. One of your goals after transplant should be to improve your eating habits. A good diet will help your recovery and keep you healthy for life.

A nutritious diet will keep you as healthy as possible and help you avoid some of the side effects of the anti-rejection medications. These medications, especially Cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf), Tacrolimus (Prograf, FK-506), and Prednisone can cause:

• weight gain
• protein loss
• elevated blood sugar
• high cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels
• high blood pressure
• swelling
• thinning of the bones, called osteoporosis
• increased risk of infections, including sickness from bacteria in foods