Update: Oklahoma has a few cases and new concerns have me being cautious and trying to maintain peace of mind. How does the Corona Virus affect a patient with a liver or other organ transplant? We all know the rules for living post op, but this new strain has me feeling even more restricted. I’m not one for hype, and even traveled to Spain and won a gold medal in cycling in the World Transplant Games. I beat Hep C and had chemo, so I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. I waded through the facts and condensed it down.
PLUS: I was invited to be the patient voice on the AASLD’s COVID-19 Task Force. We’ve had one meeting and it was amazing to hear how the literature is being compiled. We’re in good hands with our doctors and researchers.
While some younger people have died in other countries, many of the death toll in the United States have been elderly. I’m not considered elderly, but certainly have put my immune system to sleep with Prograf and Cell Cept. Some of the information coming off the New England Journal of Medicine report “glass opacity” in lungs as the primary cause of death. Not a lot is out this early, but it seems to attack the lungs and cause a huge inflammation storm there. Since we’re not sure how our body will respond, let’s stay home and wait til there’s more info.
Transplant Recipients
After having cirrhosis and a failing liver for years, I got hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer and ended up with a liver transplant. Those of us who take immune suppressants for life to keep from rejecting the liver have reduced immune systems for sure. That’s why a liver or any other organ transplant patient will do anything to avoid being around people with any type of flu including the Corona Virus.
Transplant Patients to Avoid the Corona Virus
According to the Healthline.com article below, it shows up in sputum, bodily fluids in coughing or sneezing, gastrointestinal tract and bowel movements, and in urine. I’ve since written a piece about people with transplants who have fully recovered from Covid.
Covid-19 can stay alive on a surface for a week or more.
Keep in mind that these tips are in general, the article is written early on, and that if you are in an area that is affected, you may need to be more careful.
Transplant Patient Tips
Wearing a mask in crowded places. Some suggest an N95 mask. So far, I wear a Hepa filter, and have a washable mask, and will use it if I am forced to leave home and be in close quarters.
Social distancing can create feelings of isolation and loneliness. I am staying home as much as possible. I also formed a private fb group for support and where we can chat and do chair yoga, etc. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KarenRHoyt/
Use good hand washing techniques with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching door knobs of a public restroom after washing your hands. Try not to touch anything once your hands are clean.
I’m staying home and even wiping down everything that my husband brings in from the grocery. We’ve planned for him to shop every 2 weeks. We’re totally in isolation, and like it that way. The doctors from my groups in the UK said stay home, and I’m following suite.
Keep hand sanitizer in your bag, your pocket, and in your car.
My doctors office had the restroom doors propped open yesterday. I carried a hand sanitizer and stood instead of waiting on the bench. I have since canceled all future labs and appointments.
Give yourself some personal space. When in public, I try to avoid standing close to strangers learning to live with a transplant. I’ve worn a mask in mass transit at times, and for sure will now. I also wear a scarf that can be wrapped around my face and head if I see a runny nose or hear people coughing.
Who Cares What Others Think if You’re Being Careful?
Keep your hands off of your face. Touching any object that may have the virus, and then rubbing your eyes can lead to possible transmission. Avoid eating or touching your mouth after being in a public area unless your hands are freshly washed.
Keep a hand sanitizer and clean sanitary wipes with you. I keep a small bottle in my purse and a larger one in my car. Spread that stuff around if you’re going to be in an area where people are sick.
Honestly, if this things turns into a long term virus that goes year round like the CDC stated here, I’m gonna wear plastic gloves and keep all my skin covered in public til it’s calmed down and no more cases in my state.
Symptoms
If you start running a fever, have a cough or feel short of breath – Call Your Doctor
The Corona Virus for Liver Transplant Patient
I’m just going to continue my usual precautions like any transplant recipient. I almost died waiting on one. If someone gets it near me, I’ll probably stick close to home. My husband offices at home and we live out in the woods. I only get out to teach yoga to my small group or to meet family members and friends. The way it looks right now, I probably won’t vacay this year. I’m slated to visit Atlanta later in the month and will decide how to travel by then.
CDC Statment on CNN
A Healthline Article talks about transmission also.
CNN quoted Dr. Redfield, the director of the CDC with staging that “This virus is probably with us beyond this season, beyond this year, and I think eventually the virus will find a foothold.. and right now we’re in an aggressive containment mode.” See link below.
Thankful for Every Breath
This tells me that until a cure for the Corona Virus is found, the rest of the world will start living like organ transplant patients do.
We are grateful to be alive and well, and taking every precaution to avoid possible contamination from any virus, bacteria, or other disease. I wish you all the best in remaining calm during our world health crisis. Please contact your medical provider with any questions. I’m just a patient, like you.
16 thoughts on “The Corona Virus and Liver Transplant Patient”
Your the best Karen! 💚
Vickie,
You’re the best hunnyo! I saw you had your third trip and know that your organ transplant is coming soon. Love you dear friend.
xo Karen
Yes…. washing hands often am well is HUGE!
Oh my gosh! The amount of washing is hilarious and HUGELY important. Many transpant recipients carry hand sanitizer. I never did past the first few months. All that is changing now and I’ve got a bottle in my purse and in my car. That’s since the Corona virus started.
Thank you, Karen. You are always right on time! Although I only had a liver injury and not a transplant I don’t want to knowingly put myself into a position of further injury or the need for drugs. I tell my friends to wash their hands and wash their faces. People usually have no idea how much they touch their faces over the course of the day until you start paying attention to it.
You’re so right! I never really noticed until after getting sick. As a teacher, there was always a box of tissue on my desk and also sanitary wipes. When students were sniffly, I reminded them to use sanitary habits, and if they had a fever, they knew I was going to send them home.
Now that I’m out in the public less, it’s still important to watch how often I touch things. For example, I was thinking that even my ATM card could use a wipe after a swipe in the card reader at a gas station.
We can’t live in a bubble, but being aware actually takes stress off of us.
Thanks for the feedback. I whole heartedly agree that we don’t want to put ourselves in the position to need more drugs, or further injury our liver.
All best,
xo Karen
Thanks Karen your post are so helpful.
Thank you so much my friend. It’s good to be connected with people who “get it”. I’m always happy to see comments. It really helps us to get that personal touch. I appreciate you! Have a great day and stay safe!
xo Karen
I had a liver transplant and yes i look at myself but awake of Carinavirus
With the CoronaVirus and liver disease, you never know. I think that some of the gastro problems can leave us weakened. I’m using probiotics and staying tucked at home.
I hope you’re able to find all the support you need. Please let me know if you have any concerns. I’m always happy to research!
Much Love,
Karen
Thank you for taking the time to write this! Every little bit of information is appreciated!
Yes and you’re so very welcome. I’m isolating right now against the coronavirus. I’ll venture out with my yoga class, but with 2 cases in my city, I’m being cautious.
Great to hear from you and I hope to stay in touch.
xo Karen
You’re so right about being cautious Karen!
We met at the Global Liver meeting in DC a couple of years ago.
I have PBC so I too am being cautious. I’ve found grocery shopping to be more relaxed since I started wearing latex gloves and not worrying about the impossible task of sanitizing an entire grocery cart! I may look silly in blue gloves but I’d rather look silly than bring home the flu or the virus home with me.
You take care of you dear. We need your wisdom now more than ever!
Cheers! Paulette
I remember you Paulette!
Primary Biliary Cholangitis can put you at diminished immune response for sure. Life is simply too short to worry about what others think and that’s especially true with liver disease and the CoronaVirus. It’s in Tulsa now, so I’m wearing my blue gloves too.
I worry about people with hepatic encephalopathy and those who need help from caregivers. It’s easy for people to become marginalized when they don’t feel good with any liver disease. Especially with cirrhosis.
Picturing you with your blue gloves at the store. My husband has shut me down on shopping. I’m beginning to feel like a kept woman and that’s just fine for now. 🙂
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. I always love connecting and maybe we’ll see each other in DC again soon. The AASLD Hill Day was canceled this week. Maybe next year?
All best,
Karenxoxoxo
I have the same problem i did liver transplant before 4 years
from one week am stating at my house but my husband will drive me crazy everyday he goes to men gathering and he don’t care about my situation and when i ask him to stop going outside he make fun of me and said that am so worry …god help me
I’m about 4 (almost 5) years out too! So have to talked to your husband about how it makes you feel inside? I’ve heard these tips are good for someone like us who lives with someone who goes out and works or attends gatherings.
1. When you get home, remove outer clothes and put them in a bag and then toss it all into the washer.
2. Hop in the shower as soon as you get home in case you were with someone who is exposed but not having symptoms.
3. At the very least, keep some hand sanitizer in your pocket and also in your car. Wash your hands frequently, and shower when you return home.
I hooked my hubby up with a small spray sanitizer, and also some hand sanitizer and some wipes for his car.
Please try to remain calm when you talk about this dear one. Your immune system needs you to relax as much as possible.
Stay in touch and let me know how it goes. I’m canceling a doctor’s appointment today and wonder how I will deal with labs. Much love to you.
Here we go,
xoxo Karen
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