Pre-Transplant Tips
You may have questions and concerns during the pre-transplant period at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. We have compiled tips to help you during this time.
Medical Questions
If you have any questions regarding medical issues before transplant, please call your pre-transplant nursing team (GI) at 513-636-4955.
Liver Transplant Questions
If you have concerns regarding the liver transplantation process, please call your liver transplant coordinator team at 513-636-4955.
Insurance Changes
Please inform us of any insurance changes as soon as possible by calling us at 513-636-4955.
Address Changes
If your address or phone number changes, please contact us with updated information immediately. If you will be traveling while your child is on the transplant waiting list, we also ask that you contact our office so that we know how to reach you. We must have current information in order to reach you when an organ is available for your child.
Pre-Transplant Visits
Until the time of transplant, we would like to see your child in the Pediatric Liver Care Center at Cincinnati Children's every three months. We may request more frequent visits based on your child's medical needs.
Lab Work
Your child will have laboratory work done on a regular basis to keep his or her PELD / MELD score up to date. The frequency of the lab draws will depend on the score. You will be notified when labs are due.
Primary Care Physician
As part of your child's ongoing care, it is important that you have a local primary care physician. We will work with you to help identify available local resources including a pediatric gastroenterologist if appropriate.
Changes in Your Child's Condition
If there are any changes in your child's medical condition, including infections or hospital admissions, please contact your GI nurse as soon as possible.
Immunizations / Vaccines
After your child is placed on the transplant waiting list, he or she should still receive inactivated vaccines as scheduled. Please consult with your Cincinnati Children's GI nurse if your child needs live vaccines such as varicella or MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
We may advise against your child receiving live vaccines while he or she is on the transplant waiting list. We ask that you also make your primary care physician aware of any needed vaccines. We will be happy to speak with the physician any questions arise.
Receiving a Pager
Because it is so important that we are able to reach you when a liver is available, we will provide you with a pager. Please check your pager batteries daily. Following the transplant, please return your pager to the liver transplant coordinator. If the pager we provide does not reach your specific area, we ask that you obtain a pager on your own so that you will be reachable at all times.
Lodging
The Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati
For out-of-town families, rooms may be reserved 24 hours in advance at the Ronald McDonald House. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The house is within walking distance of Cincinnati Children's. For further information, please call the Ronald McDonald House at 513-636-7642 or 1-800-344-2462, ext. 6-7642.
Even if you are not spending the night at the Ronald McDonald House, it is a comfortable place to relax and put your feet up. "Day Services" are available, including showers and laundry facilities. It is a nice place to unwind with other parents in between visits with your child.
For information about other accommodations, transportation and special discounts, call Guest Services at 513-636-5009. A representative is available to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm.
Cincinnati Children's offers a variety of services for our patients and their families including food services, a gift shop and ATMs.
Last updated: June 2005
