When your kidneys are not working properly, they can't remove waste and excess fluids from your body. Many people treat this condition with dialysis . However, there is another option that can give you a better chance of living a more independent life. A kidney transplant can help you feel more energetic, more active, and healthier. Your chances of survival after a kidney transplant are also higher. However, this is a complex surgery. So before you make a decision, let's talk about it in more detail.
How do I find a kidney that suits me?
If your doctor thinks you can have a kidney transplant, he will refer you to a specialized hospital, called a kidney transplant center. There, he will perform various tests and X-rays to see if your health is suitable for the surgery.
There are two main ways to get healthy kidneys.
1. Living Donor: This could be a family member, a close friend, or someone who doesn't know you but is willing to donate a kidney as a gesture of kindness.
2. Deceased Donor: Organs from a person who has died due to an accident or other cause, but whose other organs are functioning well, are donated based on the wishes of the family. A kidney can also be obtained from such a person.
No matter how you receive a kidney, the most important thing is to make sure it's a good match for you. This involves testing your blood and tissue and that of the donor . The better the match, the more likely your immune system will "accept" the new kidney without attacking it .
If you receive a kidney from a living person, you can schedule your surgery the day before. But if you receive a kidney from a deceased person, you may have to wait a while. You will be put on a waiting list. Then, as soon as a matching kidney is available, the hospital will call you and tell you to come as soon as possible.
What happens during the surgery?
A kidney transplant surgery usually takes about 3 hours, but sometimes it can take up to 5 hours.
Before the surgery begins, you will be completely unconscious (anesthesia). So you will not feel anything until the surgery is over, you will be asleep.
After you are unconscious, the surgeon will make a small incision in your lower abdomen, just above your groin, to create a space. In most cases, your old, dysfunctional kidneys will not be removed. They will only be removed if they are causing pain or infection.
Then, the new kidney is placed in the prepared space, and its blood vessels are connected to your blood vessels. Next, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, the ureter, is connected to your bladder.
Finally, the incisions are closed with stitches, special glue, or staples. A small tube (drain) may be placed to drain any excess fluid that may have accumulated during the surgery. A small tube called a stent may also be placed in your ureter to help urine flow more easily. This is removed in a very simple procedure after 6 to 12 weeks.
A little extra thing...
If your old kidney is removed, you can donate it to a kidney research group if you wish. Doctors can study it, learn more about kidney disease, and try to find better treatments for it in the future. If you would like to do this, you should tell your doctor before the surgery.
How is the recovery period?
You will be able to get out of bed and walk around the day after surgery. Most people stay in the hospital for 5 days or less.
Even if you start to feel much better after about two weeks, it's still not a good idea to drive or lift heavy objects for about a month. Your doctor will probably tell you not to go to work for about 6 to 8 weeks.
The most important thing is to take the medicine you are given to stop your body rejecting your new kidney every day, on time. At first, you will need to see your doctor two or three times a week to make sure your body is healing properly and your new kidney is working properly. Over time, these visits will become less frequent.
The more active you are, the faster you will recover. Your doctor will tell you what kind of exercise is best and how long you should do it. Many people start with walking and stretching exercises, and gradually increase their exercise. But remember, high-impact sports, such as football and rugby, are not recommended. They can damage the new kidney.
Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol completely is very important for your health. It is also a good idea to meet with a dietitian to discuss a healthy diet that is right for you. You will be free to eat fruits, vegetables, and fluids more than someone on dialysis. However, it is important to choose foods that help control your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
When should you see a doctor immediately?
After a kidney transplant, there is a risk of developing diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. There is also a higher risk of infections. These can be related to the surgical wound, or they can be a viral infection that affects the whole body.
The most important thing to watch out for is that your body may start to reject the new kidney. If this happens, you may experience the following symptoms. In such cases , you should contact your doctor immediately.
| Kidney Rejection Warning Signs | |
|---|---|
| Fever | If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor or hospital immediately without delay. |
| Vomiting and feeling nauseous | |
| Pain when urinating | |
| Pain in the surgical area or abdomen | |
| Less urine output than normal | |
If you pay attention to these things, most of the time there will be no problems. Most people who have had a kidney transplant live very healthy and happy lives.
Take-Home Message
- A kidney transplant can give you the opportunity to live a better, more independent life than dialysis.
- A kidney can be obtained from a living person or a deceased person. The most important thing is that it is a good match for your body.
- After surgery, the medication given to prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney must be used exactly for the rest of your life.
- It will take some time to fully recover. During that time, follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
- Always be aware of warning signs of kidney rejection, such as fever, vomiting, and decreased urination. If you experience any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
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