Are you worried about kidney transplant rejection? Let's talk about it simply.

If you or someone you know has had a kidney transplant, it is truly a new hope for life. It feels like a new life has begun. But it is very important for all of us to be aware of a condition that can sometimes occur after this major surgery. That is, the body "rejects" the newly transplanted kidney. This word can be a bit scary to hear, but if you understand it correctly and pay attention, this condition can be managed successfully to a large extent. So, let's resolve all the questions that are on your mind about this today.

Simply put, what is kidney rejection?

Imagine that our body is like a country with a good defense system. This country has a very capable army. We call that army the immune system . The main duty of this army is to protect the body by recognizing any foreign objects, such as germs (bacteria, viruses), attacking and destroying them.

Now, when you get a kidney transplant, you're getting a new, foreign organ in your body. No matter how well the donor is matched to you, your body's "army," the immune system, sees the new kidney as "not one of us, this is an invader." So, to protect your body, this army starts attacking the new kidney. This is what we call "rejection," when the immune system tries to damage the transplanted kidney.

To prevent this, doctors give you immunosuppressants , or as we call them, "anti-rejection drugs." These drugs reduce the power of that army a little, calm them down. Then they won't attack the new kidney.

There are two main types of rejection.

Kidney rejection can be divided into two main types depending on the time it occurs.

1. Acute Rejection

As the name suggests, this is something that happens quickly . It usually happens within the first year after surgery, especially in the first few weeks. This is the type that most people fear. But the best part is, this type of rejection can be largely managed with the advanced medications available today.That's why you're asked to come to the clinic frequently in the first year and have blood tests. The doctors are monitoring you very closely during this time.

2. Chronic Rejection

This is a little different. It happens very slowly, over many years . In other words, it's like the body's immune system is waging a "war of hurt" on the new kidney. Over time, the kidney begins to be damaged. The symptoms may not be obvious at first. That's why it's not a good idea to stop going to the clinic or taking your medication, even if it's been years since your surgery. Regular blood tests are the only way your doctor can detect this slow-moving damage.

What symptoms should you watch out for?

As a kidney transplant recipient, it is important for you to be aware of these symptoms. If you experience any of these, notify your doctor or transplant unit immediately . These symptoms may be due to other causes, but that is up to your doctor to determine.

What is the main cause of kidney rejection?

The shortest and clearest answer to this is, "Not taking the immunosuppressants prescribed by the doctor exactly."

This is the number one reason. These medications are what keep the army in your body under control. If you skip a dose, don't take it on time, or stop taking it without telling your doctor, what happens is that the previously controlled army wakes up again and starts attacking the "invader." It's like putting the guards to sleep and then waking them up again.

Apart from that, rejection can also occur due to some infectious conditions or other health problems that stimulate the body's immune system. But the main and preventable cause is not taking the medication properly.

How do doctors find this?

When you go to the clinic, the doctor will use several methods to investigate this.

• Blood Tests: This is what is usually done. It measures the creatinine and BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) in your blood.Levels are checked. These are waste products in our body. If the kidneys are working well, they filter these from the blood and excrete them in the urine. If the kidney function decreases even slightly, the levels of these in the blood increase. This can be an early sign of rejection. In addition, there is a complete blood count (CBC) and special tests that check for antibodies against the kidney.
• Kidney Biopsy: This is the best test to confirm rejection if you suspect it. This involves making a small incision in your skin and using a very fine needle-like instrument to remove a small piece of tissue about the size of a grain of rice from your new kidney. It is then examined under a microscope to see if immune cells are attacking the kidney. This is not something to be alarmed about.

Things you can do to avoid rejection

This is like a team game between you and your doctor. While the medical team is doing their best, you also have a great responsibility.

• Medication, medication, medication: Most importantly! Take the anti-rejection medication your doctor has prescribed, at the exact time and in the exact dosage, and never miss a single dose . If you have any questions about the medication or experience any side effects, talk to your doctor. Never stop taking the medication on your own.
• Don't miss the clinic: Be sure to attend all clinic appointments and blood tests that you have been given. It is essential to attend these appointments even if you have no problems.
• Report any changes: If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, tell your doctor immediately without delay.
• Healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet. If you have other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, keep them well controlled.
• Protect yourself from infections: Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Stay away from people who are sick. Because your immune system is weakened by medication, you are more likely to get sick.