Transplant Institute
The Transplant Institute, part of the Department of Surgery, offers nationally recognized patient care, research programs, and education and training opportunities.
Warning Signs After Organ Transplant
Know what to watch for and what to do
Contact Us
Recognize Possible Organ Rejection, Infection & Other Problems
After transplant, it’s important to pay close attention to any changes in your body. Organ rejection, infection and other problems are possible.
By actively partnering with your transplant team, you can protect your health. When you know what symptoms to watch for, you can bring any concerns to your health care team’s attention right away and get help quickly.
Danger Signs & Symptoms
For emergencies, such as shortness of breath associated with chest pain, always call 911.
Your care team is available to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 617-632-9700. If you have any of the symptoms listed below, or just don’t feel right, call us day or night.
- A six-pound weight gain in less than three days
- A temperature higher than 100.5° F
- Abnormal blood sugars
- Abnormal drainage near or on your incision
- Decrease in the amount of urine or no urine at all, or other problems with urination, such as pain, burning, frequent urination or very dark-colored urine
- Flu-like symptoms such as chills, aches, joint pain, headache or increased fatigue
- Increased pain, redness or tenderness over your transplant site
- Productive cough along with fever or chills
- Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or stomach cramps
- Sore throat
- Yellowing of your eyes or skin
Other Reasons to Call Us
We’re happy to answer any questions related to your transplant, care and recovery. If you have questions about non-urgent issues, please call during normal business hours, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
We can help you with these issues related to medication:
- Prescribed a new medication by a doctor other than your transplant doctor, or the doctor changes one of your existing medicines
- Cannot or did not take your anti-rejection medications
- Want to take an over-the-counter medication
We’re here to help if you have these or other general conditions:
- Catch a cold or another illness
- Have a drainage tube come out
- Have been exposed to chicken pox, measles, German measles or mumps, and have never had the disease
- Have mouth sores or blisters
- Have persistent stomach pain or indigestion
- Have symptoms of depression, anxiety or rage
- Have urine that appears cloudy, bloody or smells bad
- Lose three pounds in less than one day
- Notice increased swelling in your hands or feet
- Relapse to alcohol or drug use
- See white spots on your tongue or in your mouth
