Kidney transplant awareness

1. WHAT IS A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT?
 A kidney transplant allows a person whose own kidneys have
failed to receive a new kidney from another person.
 A successful kidney transplant can improve many of the
complications of kidney failure.
 A kidney may come from a living donor or from an individual
who has died (deceased donor). A living donor may be
someone in your immediate or extended family, or it may be
your spouse or a close friend. In some cases, a living donor
may even be a stranger who wishes to donate a kidney to
someone in need of a transplant.
 A deceased donor is someone who has consented to donating
his or her organs upon death. In situations where the wishes
of the deceased donor are not known, family members may
consent to organ donation.

2. WHAT DOES THE TRANSPLANT OPERATION
INVOLVE?
 The kidney transplant operation involves surgically opening
the lower part of your abdomen to place the new kidney
inside.
 The kidney will be put into the right or left side of the lower
abdomen, just above the front of your hip bone.
 The blood vessels of the new kidney are connected to your
existing blood vessels, and the ureter (urine tube) is
connected to your bladder.
 The operation usually takes about three to five hours.

3. WHEN CAN I GO HOME?
 Most patients can leave the hospital in two to five days.
 Once you are home, the most important work begins: the follow-up. For your
transplant to be successful, you have to be followed carefully and your
medications will need to be adjusted. This is done to watch for rejection.
 You may need to have blood tests several times a week just after the
transplant. Over time, follow-up visits and blood tests are required less often.
However, you will still need to have your kidney function and medications
checked from time to time.
 You must take your medications exactly as prescribed by your transplant
team. In addition, you must become familiar with the signs of rejection so
you can report them promptly and be treated early.

4. WHAT IS REJECTION?
 The most important complication that may happen after transplant is rejection
of the kidney.
 The body’s immune system guards against attack by all foreign matter, such
as bacteria. This defense system will recognize an organ transplanted from
someone else as “foreign” and act to fight or reject this foreign “invader.” You
will need to take antirejection medications (also called immunosupressants)
every day to prevent rejection of your new kidney. Most patients take three
types.
 The major one is usually a medication like cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus,
or everolimus. You may also need to take a steroid, such as prednisone, and
a third medication, such as mycophenolate or azathioprine. Additional
treatment may be needed if a rejection episode occurs. Regular checkups at
your transplant center will help find and treat signs of rejection.

5. WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF
ANTIREJECTION MEDICATIONS?
 Antirejection medications have a large number of
possible side effects because the body’s immune
defenses are lowered. Fortunately, these side effects
are usually controllable for most patients. If side effects
do occur, changing the dose or type of medication can
often lessen them. It is important to talk to your doctor
about this. Some of the most common side effects
include:
 lowered kidney function
 high blood pressure
 heart problems
 diabetes
 bone weakness
 weight gain
 increased risk of infections and cancer

6. WHAT OTHER TYPES OF MEDICATION WILL I
NEED TO TAKE?
 In addition to antirejection medications, many patients
may need to take medications for blood pressure and to
prevent infections and stomach ulcers.
 Depending on other health problems or conditions you
may have, you will usually continue to take these
medications. Patients will also receive antibiotics for a
few weeks or months following transplantation to reduce
the risk of common infections.

7. DIET & RECOVERY TIPS AFTER KIDNEY
TRANSPLANT
 Low intake of salt: Make a conscious effort to eat less salt in
your food, post your kidney transplant. This step is taken to
control the fluid retention and blood pressure. Also, avoid
preserved foods that are high in sodium content like canned
foods, processed meat, high sodium snacks, pickles and
packaged foods.
 Restrict fat intake to the minimum: There will be
elevated blood cholesterol levels after the kidney transplant
due to the anti-rejection drugs. Try to cut down on fried foods,
full-fat dairy items and anything that is loaded with excess fat.
A low-fat diet is a must after a kidney transplant.

8. DIET & RECOVERY TIPS AFTER KIDNEY
TRANSPLANT
 Ensure lots of protein intake: Till about six weeks after your transplant, extra
proteinaceous diet is recommended to speed up the post-surgical healing process.
Since high doses of corticosteroids are prescribed after the transplant, high protein
covers up for the muscle breakdown due to these drugs. A couple of months after
the surgery (healing period), you can again get back to your usual protein intake.
 Step up on phosphorus intake: Renal failure would have resulted in
significant reduction in bone mass. After a kidney transplant, the bones start to re-
build. Hence, post your transplant it is important to eat foods with high phosphorus
content since the blood phosphorous levels could drop.

9. DIET & RECOVERY TIPS AFTER KIDNEY
TRANSPLANT
 Monitor your weight: If you want a quick recovery, make sure you keep
your weight in control. Certain post-operative drugs might push you
towards weight gain after a kidney transplant, which is not good for
health. Consult your doctor about recommending exercises to help keep
your weight in check.
 Balance the potassium levels: Some drugs tend to cause a potassium
imbalance in your body, post the kidney transplant. Monitoring your
potassium levels is important to control or increase the potassium in your
diet. In case your potassium levels have fallen, introduce potassium-rich
in your diet regime like oranges, banana, potatoes, etc.

10. DIET & RECOVERY TIPS AFTER KIDNEY
TRANSPLANT
 Get sufficient rest: Postoperative care in kidney transplant not
only includes dietary modifications, but it also includes rest. After
you are discharged from the hospital, relax at home for
quick recovery. For the next 3 to 4 weeks do not drive or lift
heavy objects that weigh anything more than 10 pounds. If you
face no complications, you will be able to resume certain
activities as early as six to eight weeks after the transplant.

11. EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF TRANSPLANTATION
 Preparing for and having a kidney transplant is associated with a
range of emotions. Your life drastically changes and you must get
used to a whole new way of feeling and living. You may have many
emotions related to having a donated kidney, whether it came from a
deceased or living donor.
 You may have new financial responsibilities. Often the healthcare
costs to the recipient are higher than they were prior to the transplant
due to added medications and follow-up care.
 Let your doctors and other healthcare professionals know of your
challenges. Be sure to keep track of and describe your symptoms to
the staff at your clinic. Learn from other recipients.
 Reach out to other recipients who know what you’re going through.
Their ideas and experiences can offer help, comfort, and
encouragement. Ask your transplant team for groups in your area.