Question 1

Part One: Transplant Basics

Accepted Answer

In the first video below, Julie answers questions about the fundamentals of organ donation. These are all good things to be familiar with when starting to understand the process of intestinal transplant.
 
We hope this video helps to shed light on key parts of the process.
 
In the video the following questions are addressed:
 •   What is UNOS?
 •   What organs can be donated?
 •   What factors are considered for organ matching for the intestine?
 •   When was the first successful intestinal transplant performed?
 •   How many intestinal transplants are performed every year?
 •   What medication changed the feasibility of intestinal transplants in 1990?
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Question 2

Part Two: Intestinal Failure and Indications for Transplant

Accepted Answer

In this video Bethany answers questions about the reason for getting an intestinal transplant. It is important to note that this is her specific experience. Each center and each patient will have their own unique set of circumstances, criteria and experience.
We hope this video helps to shed light on the process and gives you an idea of some of the potential experiences of transplant.
In the video the following questions are addressed:  
 • What is intestinal failure?
 • What common causes of intestinal failure?
 • What are the approved indications for intestinal transplant?
 • What are the four types of intestinal transplant?

Question 3

Part Three: Intestinal Transplant Evaluation

Accepted Answer

In this video Bethany answers questions about the transplant evaluation process. It is important to note that this is her specific experience. Each center and each patient will have their own unique set of circumstances, criteria and experience.
We hope this video helps to shed light on the process and gives you an idea of some of the potential experiences of transplant.
In the video the following questions are addressed:  
 • How do I get referred for an intestinal transplant?
 • What is a transplant evaluation?
 • What transplant team members will I see during the evaluation process?
 • What tests might I have to undergo during transplant evaluation?
 • What happens after the transplant evaluation?

Question 4

Part Four: The Waitlist and Getting the Call

Accepted Answer

In this video Kayla answers questions and reflects on waiting for transplant. It is important to note that this is her specific experience. Each center and each patient will have their own unique set of circumstances, criteria, and experience.
We hope this video helps to shed light on the process and gives you an idea of some of the potential experiences of transplant.
In the video the following questions are addressed:  
 • How long will I wait for an intestinal transplant?
 • Well will the call come?
 • What happens when you receive the call?
 • What happens when I get to my hospital for transplant?

Question 5

Special Edition: Living with Short Bowel Syndrome while on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).

Accepted Answer

In this video Swapna answers questions about living with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) since birth and being on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). It is important to note that this is her specific experience. Each center and each patient will have their own unique set of circumstances, criteria and experience.
We hope this video helps to shed light on the process and gives you an idea of some of the potential experiences of living with Short Bowel Syndrome and receiving nutrition through TPN.
In the video the following questions are addressed: 
 • What gut rehabilitation interventions did you have done prior to transplant?
 • Have you ever been a participant in a clinical trial?
 • Why did you receive a small bowel transplant?
 • When did you assume responsibility for the management of your TPN?
 • When on TPN were you able to eat food?

Question 6

Part Five: Transplant Surgery Stay

Accepted Answer

In this video, Marea answers questions about her experience post-transplant surgery. These are all good things to be familiar with when starting to understand the process of intestinal transplant and also when being listed for transplant.
We hope this video helps to shed light on key parts of the process.
In the video the following questions are addressed:
 • What should I expect when I wake up from an intestinal transplant?
 • What is an ileostomy and why will I have one post-transplant?
 • What is an ileoscopy?
 • How long will I be in the hospital post-transplant?
 • Why is it important to get up and walk after an intestinal transplant?

Question 7

Part Six: Post-Transplant Complications

Accepted Answer

In this video Jamie answers questions about the fundamentals post-transplant. These are all good things to be familiar with when starting to understand the process of intestinal transplant and also when being listed for transplant.
We hope this video helps to shed light on key parts of the process.
In the video the following questions are addressed:
 •   What are common complications after an intestinal transplant?
 •   What is rejection?
 •   What is an immunosuppressant medication?
 •   What are the common immunosuppressants after an intestinal transplant?
 •   What is a prophylactic medication?

Question 8

Part Seven: Discharge

Accepted Answer

In this video Jamie answers questions about the steps towards going home after transplant. These are all good things to be familiar with when starting to understand the process of intestinal transplant and also when being listed for transplant.
We hope this video helps to shed light on key parts of the process.
In the video the following questions are addressed:
 • How soon will I be able to eat after intestinal transplant?
 • Will I be able to get off of TPN post-transplant?
 • How will the team prepare me for discharge?
 • When I go home, what will I have to do to take care of myself?

Question 9

Part Eight: Transplant Advice

Accepted Answer

In this video, Jamie answers questions about her experience with intestinal transplant. These are all good things to be familiar with when starting to understand the process of intestinal transplant and also when being listed for transplant.
We hope this video helps to shed light on key parts of the process.
In the video the following questions are addressed:
 • What was the hardest adjustment you had to make post-transplant?
 • What advice would you give a person just starting the transplant evaluation process?
 • What is something that surprised you most about intestinal transplant?

Question 10

Part Nine: Life after Intestinal Transplant

Accepted Answer

In this video Julie answers questions about life considerations after transplant. We hope this video helps to shed light on key areas.
In the video the following questions are addressed:
 •   What is the most common post-transplant cancer?
 •  What are important considerations to take with food after transplant?
 •  What types of activities should be avoided after an intestinal transplant?
 •  Am I able to have a pet after transplant?

Part One: Transplant Basics

Part Two: Transplant Indications

Part Three: Transplant Evaluation

Part Four: The Waitlist and Call

Part Five: The Surgery and Recovery

Part Six: Complications and Medications

Part Seven: Transplant Discharge

Part Eight: Transplant Advice

Part Nine: Life After Transplant

Special Edition: Living with SBS