Care After Kidney Transplant

It is a new life after kidney transplant and it needs to be taken care of sincerely. Most of the kidney transplants fail due to lack of basic precautions. Read further to know more.

Daily Regime

The patient is supposed to take anti-rejection drugs every day. These drugs are to be taken life-long and are prescribed by the surgeon in order to make the body accept the new organ. Any negligence may lead to rejection of the organ by the body leading serious complications, including death.

The patient must be helped to keep the surgical incision clean. Bath in tub must be avoided till the time the cut heals completely. Shower may be taken. In case of a dressing on the cut, change it every day.

The weight, blood pressure and temperature of the person must be checked every day for initial 3 months. The pulse rate can be checked randomly 3-4 times of the day.

The patient must be encouraged to go for long slow walks. He/she should be given company. A person who undergoes a kidney transplant shows symptoms of increased emotional sensitivity and anxiety.

Role of Diet

The diet must be low on salt, proteins and should be high in fiber. Excess salt (sodium) in the diet will increase water retention and hence raise the blood pressure. This is very dangerous for the kidney. The new organ may not be able to function properly. This may raise the risk of renal failure.

The patient may gain weight suddenly hence healthy diet needs to be given which will help in maintaining optimal weight. They need to drink 2 to 3 liters of water every day to help the kidney work properly.

Including more fluids in diet would be beneficial. The person should be given 4-5 small meals than 3 big meals.

Things to Remember

The person who recently got transplant done must be given a healthy atmosphere. He/she must be kept away from any possibility of infection. In case of any infection the patient must be given treatment right away.

Swelling in hands or legs must not be ignored. In case of blood in urine, nausea or any type of discomfort, the patient must be rushed to the transplant support team.