After Kidney Transplant
Talk to your health care team about your medications and discuss any guidelines you will need to follow to keep your new kidney working right.
A successfully transplanted kidney works like a normal kidney to filter your blood. You won't need dialysis. But you will need to take medications to keep your new kidney healthy.
Preventing Rejection
Many medications may be needed to keep your new kidney healthy.
The body's immune system attacks germs and prevents infection. Because the transplanted kidney is not a natural part of your body, your body's immune system may attack it. This is called rejection. Certain medications can help keep rejection from happening. These medications will have to be taken for the rest of your life.
Treating Rejection
Organ rejection is detected and confirmed by means of a kidney biopsy. Biopsy is done under local anesthesia (drugs are used to numb the area where the needle will be put into your body). A small sample of kidney tissue is removed through a needle and examined by a pathologist. If rejection does happen, treatment may stop it. If it can't be stopped, your new kidney will no longer work. You will then need dialysis to keep you alive. In time, you may also be able to have a second transplant.
Possible Side Effects of Transplant Medications
Medications to prevent rejection can have many side effects. The medications weaken the immune system, so you may get more infections and they may be more serious. Talk to your health care provider about these and other possible side effects.
Possible Complications of Transplantation
Kidney transplant surgery, like any surgery, can have complications. In addition, there is always the risk that the new kidney will be rejected. The medications that prevent rejection also have some side effects. Your health care provider can talk to you about all of these in more detail.
Eating and Drinking
If the kidney stays healthy you won't need dialysis. This means you will have more choices about what to eat and drink. A dietitian can teach you what guidelines you need to follow.
Special Precautions
Take your medications as directed. If you don't, your new kidney will stop working and you will need dialysis again.
Visit your doctor regularly for blood tests. These check how well your kidney and transplant medications are working.
Call your doctor right away if you get any kind of infection.