Life After Kidney Transplant
Reviewed by: Manipal Hospitals
Posted on
2 Min Read
Not sure what you’re looking for?
Get in touch with our representatives for help!
Contact UsThe success or failure of a kidney transplant relies upon its care after the surgery. The human body has been designed to reject foreign objects in its system. Therefore, proper precautions must be taken to prevent this from happening. Patients that have undergone the transplant require utmost care and attention post surgery in order to ensure that the body does not reject the new organ.
Immediate Care
If there are no other complications, the hospital recovery is generally 5-10 days. The first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery are spent in intensive care units. Here, the doctors monitor the patient’s condition and provide constant care. The next few days maybe spent in hospital care as the patient attempts to walk and adjust to the daily routine. The doctor will provide all necessary instructions, medication, and tests that need to be diligently followed by the patient.
Long Term Care
A dedicated team of doctors will regularly monitor your condition and you will be assigned a transplant coordinator who will be your primary source of long-term contact. For a year after the kidney transplant, you will see your coordinator and doctors on a weekly basis. Gradually you will be transferred under your personal nephrologist. Annual visits to your doctor are mandatory, where your doctor will undertake complete medical checkup and detailed assessment of the functioning of the kidney. Be prepared for a blood test during each visit to your doctor.
Medication
Patients should strictly follow the drugs and medication routine provided by doctors to prevent rejection of the graft kidney. Any side effects or problems arising out of use of these medicines should be immediately reported to the doctor so appropriate modifications can be made. Dosage and type of drugs can vary according to each patient and their body’s reaction to drugs prescribed.
At Home Recovery
At home, recovery is also very crucial to the patient’s well-being. Patients should take a minimum of two to four weeks off of their schedules to make a full recovery. During this time, complete rest and relaxation are advised. The patient should maintain the highest standard of cleanliness and take all precaution to avoid germs. Fast food and unhealthy food items should be eliminated from the patient’s diet for a few months. Hot, home cooked food should be prepared for the patient and vessels should always be washed before serving. The patient along with loved ones should regularly wash their hands and keep the patient’s room fresh and clean at all times.
Patients are advised to avoid crowded public places and limit physical activities. Always apply sunscreen before stepping out and avoid lengthy exposure to direct sunlight. Constantly be in touch with your transplant coordinator and report any discrepancies, no matter how minor. Kidney transplant patients can live a long and healthy life provided proper care is given. Dedication on the part of the patient, his loved ones, and skill of the doctor will ensure a speedy recovery.
Share this Article
Similar Blogs
Important Facts To Know About Kidney Transplant Surgery
24 Dec 20192 Min Read
This is a surgery where a kidney transplant takes place between a healthy and a viable donor and a person with a failed kidney. Possible donors The donated kidney can come from: A living related donor, related to the recipient, as a parent, a brother or a son. An unrelated donor of the recipient such as a friend or a spouse. A dead donor; a recently deceased person who has no known chronic kidney disease. PROCEDURE FOR A LIVING DONOR KIDNEY: If you are going to donate a kidney, you will be under general anesthesia before the surgery, which means you will be asleep and feel no pain. Currently, surgeons can use smaller surgical incisions with laparoscopic techniques to remove the kidney. PROCEDURE FOR THE RECIPIENT: Those who receive a kidney transplant are given general anesthesia before the surgery. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdominal area. The kidneys are left in place unless they are causing a health problem. Then, the wound is closed. The kidney transplant surgery takes about 3 hours. People with diabetes may also need a pancreas transplant at the same time. This can add another 3 hours after surgery. Why is the procedure performed? The most common cause of end-stage renal disease in the US is diabetes. However, there are many other causes. A kidney transplant cannot be done if you have: Certain infections such as bone infections or TB Liver disease, heart or lung disease Other life-threatening diseases Recent history of cancer Infections such as hepatitis The risks of a kidney transplant surgery are: Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) Heart attack or stroke Wound infections Side effects of drugs used to prevent transplant rejection Loss of the transplanted kidney After the procedure If you have received a donated kidney, you need to stay in the hospital for about 3 to 7 days. After this, you will need careful monitoring by a doctor and regular blood tests during one to two months. The recovery period is about 6 months. Often, the transplant team will ask you to stay near the hospital during the first 3 months. You need to have regular check-ups with blood tests and x-rays for many years. Prognosis If you donate a kidney, more often than not, you can live safely without complications with the remaining kidney for the rest of your life. Although the treatments to prevent organ rejection help, they put patients at an increased risk of infection and cancer. They may also cause cholesterol and high blood pressure among patients. If you take this medicine, you may need to get screened for cancer. TA successful kidney transplant requires careful co-ordination with the doctor and you always have to take the medicine as instructed.
Read NowCauses Symptoms and Treatment For Kidney Transplant
24 Dec 20193 Min Read
A pair of kidneys is an indispensable component of the human anatomy. Located at the rear end of the abdominal cavity, the main function of these bean-shaped organs is to filter the blood in the human body. This is done through nephrons, which are microscopic filters for blood. Each kidney contains millions of units of nephrons. Apart from this, the kidneys diligently remove wastes, control the body's fluid balance and regulate the balance of electrolytes. As with all organs of the human body, kidneys can be plagued with several diseases. While some of them can be treated with medication and changes in diet or lifestyle, advanced diseases such as End-Stage Renal Disease or kidney failure require more serious treatments. The kidneys in End-Stage Renal function so poorly that they cannot be reversed and are no longer capable of keeping one alive. In such situations, the only option is a kidney transplant. Causes It has been noted that there are two types of kidney failure. The first is acute kidney failure which occurs in response to severe illness in another body system or kidneys. This acute kidney failure may escalate very quickly and can cause major damage to the kidneys. It is a common occurrence for patients who are hospitalized for reasons other than kidney problems. The risk of acute kidney failure is heightened for those patients who are receiving intensive care. The second type of kidney failure is a prolonged, chronic kidney disease caused by long-term diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. This type of failure is a result of gradual deterioration in the health of one’s kidneys, thus leading to permanent kidney failure. Hereditary kidney problems are common and can be a cause of kidney failure as well. In some cases, substances such as excessive antibiotics, cyclosporine, heroin, other drugs, and toxins can create irreversible damage to the kidneys; resulting in failure. To know more, book an appointment now at the best kidney transplant hospital in Bangalore. Symptoms There are varying symptoms of kidney failure depending upon the cause of failure, the severity of the condition, and other body systems affected. Usually, the symptoms reveal themselves only after the condition has become severe or critical. Most cases of kidney failure depict mild or vague symptoms in the early stages. Some common symptoms are fluid retention leading to puffiness or swelling of arms and legs and shortness of breath. Decreasing frequency of urination, bleeding due to impaired clotting, fatigue, nausea, and easy bruising are other common symptoms of kidney failure. Treatment Kidney transplantation is the process of removing a failed kidney in a human body and replacing it with a new, fully functioning kidney. A kidney transplant requires a healthy, consenting person willing to donate their kidney to the patient. This person is known as the donor. It may take a long period of time to locate such a donor and in many cases, this has taken an immense amount of patience and strength on the part of the patient and their loved ones. While the procedure of transplant is not very challenging, the most critical part of a kidney transplant is to prevent rejection of the graft kidney. This can be controlled by a combination of drugs as prescribed by the doctor. Therefore, the prognosis of a kidney transplant is extremely important. Patients must constantly follow up with their doctor to monitor the progress of the transplant and ensure that there are no complications.
Read NowMyths and Facts About Kidney Transplantation
23 Dec 20192 Min Read
Kidney Transplantation is the best solution for any serious complications of the kidneys. Yet, in our country, there is a gross mismatch between the demand and availability of healthy kidneys. This is partly due to several misconceptions and a general lack of awareness regarding this life-saving treatment. Let’s clear some of the most common misconceptions and replace them with proven facts: Myth 1: A kidney donor will have to rely on medications for the rest of their life due to long-standing health problems. Fact: A donor will have to take medication only for a certain period of time post-surgery to help with the recovery. All donors are subjected to a thorough medical assessment and careful follow-ups. Myth 2: After kidney donation, a male loses the ability to support a family. Fact: Donating a kidney does not affect the productivity of a person. Myth 3: A donor will be on bed rest post-surgery. Fact: A donor will be able to walk independently before getting discharged from the hospital. Myth 4: A donor’s sex life will be adversely affected after the surgery. Fact: There is no correlation between kidney donation and the sex life of an individual. Myth 5: A female donor cannot get pregnant after donating. Fact: Provided the person waits for 3-6 months after donating to give time to the body for recovery, she can get pregnant. Myth 6: A donor will be subjected to dietary restrictions. Fact: There are no special restrictions and the common principle of a healthy, balanced diet is applicable to the donor too. Myth 7: A kidney donor cannot participate in outdoor activities. Fact: The donor can resume his normal sporting and exercise activities about 4-6 weeks following the surgery. Myth 8: Aged people cannot donate kidneys. Fact: Any adult over the age of 18 can be a donor and there are no age restrictions provided they are in good health and satisfy the medical requirements. Myth 9: Kidney donors are more likely to get kidney diseases. Fact: This is only partially true. While they are more susceptible to diseases compared to healthy non-donors, they are less likely than the general population to get such diseases. Myth 10: People who have tattoos cannot donate kidneys. Fact: People can donate even if they are tattoos. But, potential donors should avoid getting tattoos to prevent the spread of infection.
Read NowEverything You Need To Know About Kidney Transplants
23 Dec 20194 Min Read
Kidneys are fist-sized, bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine which are indispensable for the proper functioning of the human body. They perform the critical function of regulating the body’s salt, potassium and acid levels and expelling the wastes and excess fluids from the body in the form of urine. What is Kidney Transplantation and what is the eligibility criterion for donating kidneys? Kidney Transplantation is a treatment of last resort, opted for when the existing kidneys are incapable of functioning properly. It is a surgery which involves placing a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor in the recipient’s body. The artery and vein from the donor's kidney are connected to those of the recipient, and the ureter of the donor's kidney is connected to the recipient’s bladder to enable the flow of urine. The new kidney may or may not start working immediately after the transplant. In the latter case, dialysis is needed to carry out the kidney’s functions in the interim period, till the new kidney starts working normally. According to Dr. H Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman and Nephrologist at Manipal Hospital, in order to be eligible for donating a kidney, the donor should have been healthy enough with no major complications such as diabetes. Kidney transplants have a high success rate and so is the most recommended treatment prescribed for kidney diseases, provided of course, there is a match between the donor and the recipient. Kidneys can be donated by either a living or a deceased donor. The living donor might be a blood relative or a complete stranger. Dr. Ballal opines that the kidneys from a living donor are more durable, start functioning sooner in the recipient’s body and result in fewer complications post-surgery. If the donor is deceased, the recipient will be placed on a waiting list. In the interim period, regular check-ups and dialysis will need to be carried out to prevent the worsening of the condition. What are the steps involved in the process of kidney transplantation? Once it is determined that kidney transplantation must be carried out, there is a series of steps that are followed: Step 1: Testing Some medical tests such as blood tests, heart tests, breathing tests and, in some cases, even urine tests are carried out to ascertain the compatibility of the blood and tissue types, check for the presence of viruses such as HIV, and determine the condition of the heart and lungs and to screen for drugs. Step 2: Meeting with the transplant team The transplant coordinator is the patient’s point of contact and educates him/her about the process and the precautions to be taken before and after the treatment. The kidney transplant surgeon discusses the feasibility, benefits, potential risks and complications of the transplant and performs the actual procedure of placing the kidney in the body. A nephrologist or a kidney doctor performs the physical examination of the patient and oversees his/her condition after the surgery. A social worker helps the recipient follow a treatment plan and provides social support to the person such as helping out with finding employment, accommodation etc. A dietician ensures that the patient receives adequate nutrition before and after the transplant. Step 3: Recovery from the surgery Usually, a person who has just undergone kidney transplantation will need to stay in the hospital for several days to ensure complete recovery from the surgery. Since our body’s immune system is programmed to attack and destroy any foreign body, the patient must take immunosuppressants to tone down the effects of the immune system and facilitate gradual acceptance of the new kidney by the host body. The patient also needs to be aware of the medicines to be taken and the dietary restrictions to be followed after the surgery for the required time period. The immunosuppressants may have certain side effects such as weight gain, weakened immune system, cataracts, diabetes etc. and constant monitoring is required to monitor the kidney function and medical condition of the individual. There are also certain risks that need to be factored in post-surgery. Due to the intake of immunosuppressants, there is an increased risk of infection as the immune system becomes slightly less effective. The anti-rejection drugs may increase the risk of cancer such as skin cancer and cervical cancer. In some cases, the new kidney might start working after some delay, ranging from a couple of days to a few weeks. In such scenarios, dialysis is needed to keep the body going till the time the new kidney starts functioning normally. There are also chances of recurrence of kidney diseases. Due to the medications being taken by the recipient, there might be incidences of stress and psychological and social problems among the receiver and his/her family members. Notwithstanding the risks involved, Dr. Sudarshan Ballal says that kidney transplantation is often the best option for kidney diseases. Some of the benefits include a longer and better quality of life as compared to those who rely on dialysis as this is a permanent solution to the problem. The short-term and long-term advantages far outweigh the risks involved. Therefore, transplantation is and must be the most preferred option, provided there is a certain degree of match, for any serious complications related to the kidneys. Visit the best kidney transplant hospital in Bangalore to get the finest treatment.
Read NowRecent Blogs
Test blog - oct 1
01 Oct 20267 Min Read
Understanding Insulin Resistance: A Core Concept Insulin is a vital hormone In the intricate landscape of women's health, certain conditions often go unnoticed until they manifest into more significant concerns. One such silent yet powerful player is insulin resistance. It's a condition where your body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. For many women, understanding the early insulin resistance symptoms in females can be a game-changer, enabling timely intervention and preventing a cascade of health issues. In this blog, an experienced gynaecologist in Mysuru explains in detail the nuances of insulin resistance in women, highlighting the crucial early signs you should be aware of. Recognising these signs of insulin resistance in females is the first step towards taking control of your health journey. it. For women, the prevalence can be even higher, particularly in certain life stages or conditions. Causes of Insulin Resistance in Women While insulin resistance can affect anyone, women face unique physiological factors that can increase their susceptibility: Lifestyle Tips for Long-Term Liver Health The table below lists straightforward lifestyle tips to support lasting liver health and avoid extra damage. ljfslsdjksnfs3333333TestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTesting uiuiiuhghhjTip Description Avoid processed and fried foods Reduces excess fat intake and supports better liver function Include antioxidant-rich foods Fruits and vegetables help protect liver cells from damage Stay physically active Regular exercise improves metabolism and reduces fat accumulation in the liver Monitor weight regularly Helps in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing fat buildup Schedule routine health check-ups Enables early detection and management of liver-related issues These habits support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of future fatty liver problems.
Read NowTypes of Nerve Injury: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery Guide
24 Sept 20260 Min Read
Nerve injuries happen when a nerve is pinched, stretched, cut or damaged. These injuries can cause numbness, tingling, or sharp pain.
Read Nowtesting admin blogs
20 Sept 20262 Min Read
dislocated-hip-symptoms test https://manipaltest.cosmicnet.xyz/referral-program/
Read NowDislocated Hip: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
26 Aug 20265 Min Read
A dislocated hip is a severe injury that occurs when the head of the thigh bone (femur) is forced out of the hip socket (acetabulum). This traumatic event can be incredibly painful and immediately incapacitating, requiring urgent medical attention. This blog explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hip dislocation with expert insights from specialists at Manipal Hospitals, a top orthopaedic hospital in Vijayawada, offering comprehensive hip dislocation treatment in Vijayawada to help patients achieve the best possible recovery. Understanding the signs, causes, and available treatment options is crucial for anyone who has experienced or knows someone who has experienced this injury. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications and ensuring a successful recovery.
Read NowFluttering in Chest: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor
26 Jun 20266 Min Read
A sudden, strange tapping, flipping or thumping inside your chest can be highly unsettling. This feeling can match the sensation of a brief skipped beat or a sudden twitch. This sensation is commonly known as a fluttering chest. While a fluttering feeling in the chest can be alarming and cause your anxiety to spike, it is actually a very common experience. In many cases, it is harmless. However, in some cases, it points to an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Read Now10 Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Gut You Must Not Ignore
26 Jun 20266 Min Read
Your gut does much more than digest food. It plays a key role in your energy levels, immune system, mood, and overall well-being. When your gut is healthy, your body works smoothly. But when something is wrong, your body often sends warning signals. Unfortunately, many people ignore these signs or assume they are caused by stress, lack of sleep, or a busy lifestyle. Recognising the early signs of poor gut health can help you make changes before the problem becomes worse. Here are 10 signs of an unhealthy gut that you should never ignore.
Read NowWhat Creatinine Level Indicates Kidney Failure? Doctors Explain
22 Jun 20266 Min Read
Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles every day. Healthy kidneys remove it from the blood and pass it out through urine. When the kidneys are not working properly, creatinine can build up in the bloodstream. Seeing a high creatinine level in your blood test report can be working. Many people immediately think it's kidney failure. However, creatinine levels alone do not tell the whole story. Doctors look at several factors, including your age, overall health, and kidney function tests, before determining how well your kidneys are working.
Read NowStomach Cancer Lump: What It Feels Like & When to See a Doctor
22 Jun 20267 Min Read
Finding an unusual bump or swelling on your body can be alarming. If you notice a change in your tummy, it is completely natural to feel a wave of anxiety and wonder what it might mean. One thought that might cross your mind is whether it could be a stomach cancer lump. Feeling concerned is completely valid, but it helps to know that most abdominal changes may have very simple explanations. Understanding what to look for can help quiet some of that worry.
Read NowUnderstanding CT scan and its role in cancer detection.
15 Jun 20268 Min Read
When doctors suspect a serious health condition, imaging tests often play a crucial role in diagnosis. One of the most used imaging tools is a computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body`s organs, tissues, and blood vessels. These images can reveal abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer. However, understanding what a CT scan can and cannot do is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. However, can a CT scan detect cancer? A CT scan is extremely important in detecting cancer, but it is not always definitive on its own
Read NowTypes of Nerve Injury: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery Guide
15 Jun 20266 Min Read
Nerve injuries happen when a nerve is pinched, stretched, cut or damaged. These injuries can cause numbness, tingling, or sharp pain. Nerves are cords that carry electrical signals from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body and vice versa. These signals allow you to move your muscles and feel sensations like touch and temperature. When a nerve is damaged, these signals are disrupted.
Read Now