In this week’s episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, host BJ Odom takes on a topic that every transplant recipient knows about, but many fear: rejection.
Our scheduled guest, Randy, had to postpone his appearance due to experiencing a bout of rejection with his liver transplant. In his absence, BJ turns the microphone toward an open and honest conversation about what rejection really means, how doctors treat it, and why it doesn’t always spell the end of a transplant journey.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What rejection is and why it happens – the immune system’s role in protecting us, and how it sometimes mistakenly attacks a transplanted organ.
How doctors prevent and treat rejection – from daily immunosuppressant medications to regular bloodwork, biopsies, and adjustments in care.
The balancing act of transplant medicine – keeping the immune system calm enough to protect the new organ, but strong enough to fight infections.
The hopeful side of rejection – why early detection and treatment often mean rejection can be reversed.
BJ’s Personal Story: Donor-Specific Antibody Rejection
BJ also shares his own powerful experience with antibody-mediated rejection, a specific kind of rejection caused by donor-specific antibodies (DSA). He explains what it’s like when the body creates antibodies that attack the transplanted organ, and how treatments like plasmapheresis, IV infusions, and targeted therapies can help patients overcome it.
His message is clear:
You’re not alone.
Treatments exist.
With the right care team and follow-ups, transplant recipients can face rejection and still thrive with the gift of life.
Key Takeaway
Rejection is not the end—it’s a reminder of how important it is to listen to your body, stay consistent with medications, and never miss follow-up care. With vigilance, hope, and medical advances, transplant patients can continue living the second chance they’ve been given.
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