A kidney transplant is one of the foremost surgical procedures that is done to treat kidney failure. As we all know, kidneys are the vital organs that not only filter the waste materials from the blood and drain them out of the body through urine but also help in maintaining the fluid as well as electrolyte balance in the human body.
So, if your kidneys stop working, then it will perhaps cause the waste to build up in your body and eventually make you sick and unhealthy. Now, this is where medical procedures like kidney transplants come into play. Continue reading this post to learn more about kidney transplant, the potential risk factors of a kidney transplant, and the necessary precautions and lifestyle changes that you must take after a kidney transplant surgery.
An Overview of Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant typically refers to a surgical procedure that is performed to treat issues like kidney failure. When your kidneys lose its filtering ability, the harmful levels of waste and fluid begin to accumulate in your body and it eventually results in high blood pressure or kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease). It is important for you to know that the end-stage renal disease generally occurs when the kidneys lose about 90% of their ability to filter and function normally. Some common causes of kidney diseases or kidney failure may include:
- Diabetes
- Chronic glomerulonephritis
- Chronic and uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Polycystic kidney disease
So, people whose kidneys have failed completely or are not functioning normally usually undergo a medical treatment called dialysis. This medical treatment mechanically filters the waste that gets build-up in the bloodstream due to the improper functioning of the kidneys. Some people also opt for a kidney transplant procedure, in which one or both kidneys of the patient are replaced with the donor kidneys from either an alive or deceased person.
Risk Factors of Kidney Transplant
Even though the kidney transplant procedure is used for treating kidney failure or advanced kidney diseases, it is not a permanent cure. Many medical studies show that there are some forms of kidney diseases that may return even after a transplant. There are many health risks and complications that are associated with kidney transplantation surgery. Some of these potential risks and complications include:
- Bleeding and blood clots
- Blockage or leaking from the ureter (the tube that links the kidney to the bladder)
- Rejection or failure of the donated kidney
- Infection or cancer transmitted by the donor’s kidney
- Heart attack, stroke, or even death
After a kidney transplant procedure, it is imperative for the patient to be supervised by the doctor and take proper medications in order to prevent the body from rejecting the donor’s kidneys.
What To Expect After A Kidney Transplant
Once you’re done with your kidney transplant surgery, you can expect to:
- Spend several days in the hospital – Medical care experts such as doctors and nurses will keep you in the hospital’s transplant recovery area, monitor your health condition, and watch out for any signs of complications.
- Undergo frequent checkups as you recover – Once you leave the hospital, make sure you have frequent checkups and close health monitoring for a few weeks while you recover.
- Take medications continually for the rest of your life – After your kidney transplantation surgery is performed, you’ll have to take a number of medications such as immune-suppressants and other additional drugs to reduce the risk of health complications after your transplant.
Life after Kidney Transplant: Precautions and Lifestyle Changes
It is a well-known fact that after a successful kidney transplant surgery, your new kidney will function normally and filter your blood, thereby eliminating your need for dialysis. However, to prevent your immune system from rejecting the donor’s kidney, it is imperative that you take the necessary medications such as immune-suppressants to suppress your immune system. Your doctor may also prescribe you with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal medications in order to prevent the growth of infections within your body.
Along with these precautions, there are certain lifestyles changes that you need to take in this regard.
- Set realistic goals for yourself.
- Join a transplant recipient’s support group.
- Share your experiences on social media
- Find better rehabilitation services in your area.
- Adjust your routine diet.
- Get in touch with a nutrition specialist.
- Educate yourself.
- Eat at least 5 meal servings each day.
- Consume enough of fibre.
- Eat fish, poultry, and lean meats.
- Follow food safety guidelines.
- Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water every day.
So, this was all that you need to know about kidney transplant procedure/surgery and its recovery. Always remember to follow all useful tips that are discussed above, and once you recover from your transplant surgery, make sure you include physical activity and exercise as an indispensable part of your regular life in order to continue improving your health.