Post-Kidney Transplant Specialist

What does post-kidney transplant care involve?

Successful kidney transplantation involves you and the specialists at Consultants in Kidney Diseases working together to optimize your chances of enjoying long-term function of your new kidney.

You should see your kidney transplant team regularly, follow their advice, and raise any issues immediately. You should also ensure you have the blood and urine tests required to check your kidney function.

It's important to adopt healthy choices with your diet, avoid harmful habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, and exercise regularly.

What is the main aspect of post-kidney transplant care?

While every aspect of post-kidney transplant care is important, avoiding rejection is critical. 

Your immune system — the body's built-in defense mechanism — rejects anything it sees as not being part of your body. In the same way it defends you from invading viruses and bacteria, your immune system treats the new kidney as an enemy and attacks it.

Post-kidney transplant rejection typically takes one of two forms. Acute rejection occurs during the first year and is usually treatable. Chronic rejection happens more slowly, and treatment is more challenging. If it's not possible to reverse the rejection, you need to go back on dialysis.

To avoid the risk of rejection, it's vital to take your prescribed medicines. Anti-rejection or immunosuppressant medications reduce your immune system's response to the transplanted kidney, stopping rejection.

Even if you feel fine, you should never miss your anti-rejection medication. You can't tell that post-kidney transplant rejection is happening at first, so it's essential that you take every dose of your anti-rejection medication, or you could lose your new kidney.

What else do I need to consider after my kidney transplant?

While taking your anti-rejection medication is critical, you could be more vulnerable to infections because it lowers your immune system response.

Finding and treating any infection quickly can help you stay healthy, so visit Consultants in Kidney Diseases if you have symptoms of colds, flu, or urinary tract infections. Try to avoid infection by washing your hands frequently and avoiding people who are sick.

Another problem you might encounter is new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT), a side effect of your anti-rejection medication. Post-kidney transplant, you're also at greater risk of:

• A heart attack
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• High cholesterol
• Weight gain
• Bone disease (chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder or CKD-MBD)
• Anemia
• Gout
• Anxiety and depression

Consultants in Kidney Diseases can help you manage all these risks and optimize your health for a long and happy life.

For the best post-kidney transplant care and support, call Consultants in Kidney Diseases today or book an appointment online.