What you need to know about a kidney transplant

The kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body. They are like a filter in our body. They filter the waste products in the blood and excrete them as urine. But sometimes, due to various reasons, the functioning of these two kidneys can gradually decrease or stop completely. We call this condition kidney failure. When that happens, we have to do dialysis or have a kidney transplant. So, today we will talk about what this kidney transplant is and what you need to know about it.

Simply put, what is a kidney transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney is removed and transplanted into the body of a person whose own kidney is failing. The new kidney then takes over the job of filtering waste from the body. It's like removing an old, broken filter and replacing it with a new one.

We can obtain the healthy kidney needed for this in two main ways.

1. From a living donor: This means that a living person with healthy kidneys voluntarily donates one of their kidneys.

2. Deceased Donor: This means receiving a kidney from someone who is brain-dead but whose other organs are still functioning.

Let's look at these two methods in a little more detail.

Who needs a kidney transplant?

A kidney transplant is mainly considered for people who are in the final stages of chronic kidney disease . This is called end-stage renal failure. At this stage, your kidneys completely lose their ability to filter waste products.

Typically, the two main options for a patient like this are:

• Dialysis: Cleaning the body's blood with the help of a machine.
• Kidney Transplant: Transplantation of a healthy kidney.

Of the two, a kidney transplant is the best option for a qualifying patient, as it allows them to live a better, more normal life than being confined to dialysis.

How do you qualify for a kidney transplant?

Each hospital may have different criteria for this, but in general, the following qualifications should be met:

• Being in the final stages of kidney disease and undergoing dialysis treatment.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) less than 20 mL/min.
• Having a good understanding of the instructions and medications to follow after surgery.
• Be in good physical and mental health to withstand the transplant.
• Having good family support (social support) to take care of you and help you.

How is the surgery performed?

Although many people are afraid of this, this is now a successful surgery in the world. During the surgery, doctors make a small incision in your lower abdomen, either on the right or left side, and insert the new kidney. Then they connect it to your nearby blood vessels. The new kidney's ureter is connected to your bladder. That's when the urine produced by the new kidney leaves your body.

"Then what will happen to my two old kidneys?"

In most cases, your old, dysfunctional kidneys are not surgically removed. They are left inside your body. However, in people with certain conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease, the old kidneys may need to be removed.

This surgery usually takes about four to six hours .

What happens after surgery?

After the surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for about three days. During that time, the doctors and nursing staff will take good care of you.

Sometimes the new kidney transplant starts working right away . But other times it may take a few days or weeks for it to start working. During that time, you may need to go on dialysis temporarily.

These medications work by weakening your body's immune system a little. Otherwise, your body will recognize the new kidney as "foreign" and try to reject it. These medications stop that from happening. So it's extremely important to take these medications exactly as your doctor tells you, without missing a single day.

How is life after the surgery?

A successful kidney transplant is like a second chance at life. You will start to feel more energetic and energetic than before. You will be free from the life that was limited by dialysis. You will be free to eat and drink whatever you like (of course, there are some restrictions). Problems like anemia that come with kidney disease will also be largely resolved.

Things to consider during recovery

The recovery period usually takes about six weeks . During this time, take care of these things.

• Do not lift heavy objects: Avoid lifting heavy objects for at least two months.
• Driving: Do not drive for about six weeks.
• Drink plenty of water: Drinking about 2 liters of water a day is very good for the health of the new kidney.
• Avoid eating raw foods: Since your immune system is weak, eating things like raw meat, raw fish, raw salads, and undercooked eggs increases your risk of getting sick.
• Don't eat these things:
• Grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with your immune system medications, so avoid them completely.
• Painkillers (NSAIDs): Some painkillers you can buy at the pharmacy, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen, can be harmful to your kidneys. Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor for any reason.
• Some vitamins and herbal supplements: These can also interact with your medications, so be sure to talk to your doctor before using any supplements.

When do you need to see the doctor?

You will have regular clinic visits. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• A fever of 37 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) or higher.
• New pain or tenderness in the area where the transplanted kidney is located.
• Body swelling (edema).
• Flu-like symptoms ( chills , body aches, headache, nausea).
• If the amount of urine you produce suddenly decreases.
• If you experience any unusual or unusual symptoms.