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Kidney transplant: Regain your independence with a donor kidney
From MayoClinic.com
Special to CNN.com Kidney failure is a life-threatening condition. A kidney transplant is often the best treatment option. It's major surgery, but consider the benefits of a successful kidney transplant. You'll be free from dialysis. You'll feel better. You'll have more energy. You'll enjoy fewer diet and activity restrictions. You'll have a better quality of life. If you're considering a kidney transplant, here's what you need to know about receiving a donor kidney. What should I consider when choosing a transplant center?If your doctor recommends a kidney transplant, you may be referred to a transplant center. You're also free to select a transplant center on your own or choose a center from your insurance company's list of preferred providers. When you're considering transplant centers, ask about the number and type of transplants the center performs each year, as well as its organ and recipient survival rates. You can compare transplant center statistics through a database maintained by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Also consider additional services provided by the transplant center. Many transplant centers coordinate support groups, assist with travel arrangements, help secure local housing for the recovery period and offer referrals to other helpful resources. Do I need to be accepted by the transplant center?Yes. When you select a transplant center, you'll need an evaluation to determine whether you meet the center's eligibility requirements for a kidney transplant. The team at the transplant center will assess whether you:
Whether you're waiting for a donated kidney to become available or your transplant surgery is already scheduled, it's important to keep your mind and body healthy.
If you're waiting for a donated kidney — which can take several years or even longer — make sure the transplant team knows how to reach you at all times. Keep your packed hospital bag handy, and arrange transportation to the transplant center in advance. What happens during the transplant?Kidney transplant surgery usually lasts three to five hours. The surgeon will place the new kidney in your lower abdomen. Unless your own kidneys are causing high blood pressure or infection, they'll probably be left in place. The blood vessels of the new kidney will be attached to blood vessels in the lower part of your abdomen, just above one of your legs. The new kidney's ureter — the tube that links the kidney to the bladder — will be connected to your bladder. Your new kidney will make urine just like your own kidneys did when they were healthy. Often this starts immediately. In other cases it takes up to a few weeks. Expect soreness or pain around the incision site while you're healing. Recovery time in the hospital is usually four to seven days, followed by close monitoring for an additional three to four weeks. During this time, you'll need to stay fairly close to the transplant center. What can I expect after the transplant?Even with the best possible match between you and the donor, your immune system will try to reject the new kidney. Your drug regimen will include medications to suppress your immune system. You'll likely take these or other drugs for the rest of your life. Some of these medications may cause noticeable side effects. Your face may become round and full. You may gain weight, develop acne or facial hair, or experience stomach problems. These effects may decrease as time goes on. Because medications to suppress your immune system make your body more vulnerable to infection, your doctor may also prescribe antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal medications. Some immune system medications can also increase the risk of developing or aggravating certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer. Your post-transplant treatment will be a delicate balancing act between preventing rejection and managing unwanted side effects. Your doctor will monitor your treatment closely and adjust it as needed. You'll also need to follow a diet designed to keep your new kidney healthy — although it'll likely be less restrictive than a diet associated with dialysis. You may need to count calories and limit your salt intake. What are typical survival rates?Most people who receive a kidney transplant enjoy a high quality of life. About 97 percent of people who receive a living-donor transplant are living after one year and almost 87 percent after five years, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. When the organ is a close match, nearly 96 percent of people who receive a deceased-donor transplant are living after one year and more than 80 percent after five years. What if my new kidney fails?Organ rejection is possible, and sometimes the underlying cause of kidney failure damages the new kidney. If your new kidney fails, you can resume dialysis or consider a second transplant. You may also choose to discontinue treatment. This important decision depends on your current health, your ability to withstand surgery and your expectations for maintaining a certain quality of life. Discuss the choices with your doctor, transplant team and family to determine what's best for you. October 13, 2006 |
