The kidneys are crucial because they rid the body of waste. They filter roughly 45 gallons of blood daily, keeping them very busy. Waste and fluids accumulate as a result when they stop functioning as well. Problems like high blood pressure and kidney failure result from this.
There are two major choices for someone with chronic renal disease. They can undergo a transplant to get a functioning kidney from a donor. Alternatively, patients could begin dialysis, a procedure in which a machine or a special tube inserted into the stomach filters blood.
Although kidney transplant cost is much higher than dialysis procedure it’s a one-time treatment, unlike dialysis which goes on untill the patient is alive. People need knowledge about life after a kidney transplant, and this post will help them:
What is a kidney transplant?
To replace the function your kidneys can no longer perform, a healthy kidney is surgically implanted within your body during a kidney transplant. Positively, there are fewer restrictions on what you can eat and drink, but you should consume foods that are good for your heart. It ought to be better for your health and vitality.
A successful kidney transplant may allow you to resume your previous way of life. According to studies, those having kidney transplants live longer than those who continue to get dialysis.
The procedure of kidney transplant
An average kidney transplant lasts three hours but can last up to five. The anesthetic will be administered to keep you unconscious for a long time. The surgeon will next make an opening in your abdomen right above your groin once you are ‘under,’ just above your pubic bone.
Your kidneys won’t be removed unless they are painful or infected. Instead, the donor kidney will be implanted. It will have linked blood vessels. The ureter will next be joined to your bladder by the surgeon.
Stitches, adhesive tape, or staples will be used to close the incision. A small drain may be inserted into your abdomen to remove any surplus fluid accumulated during the procedure. It will be taken out in a quick surgery 6 to 12 weeks later.
You have the choice to donate your damaged kidney to a kidney research team if it is removed. To better understand kidney illness and maybe, find a treatment, doctors will research it. You must inform your transplant doctor in advance if this intrigues you.
What to expect right away following surgery?
After surgery, you will likely spend a week or longer in the hospital. After a day, you will be forced to stand up and take a little stroll. Because your body won’t start peeing immediately, keep in mind that the dialysis catheter will still be in place. There may be some soreness and itching in the vicinity of the surgical site, which will pass quickly. Immunosuppressants will now be a part of your prescription regimen to improve renal acceptance.
Life after a kidney transplant
When a new kidney is replaced in your body, you need to change your lifestyle. Small changes in your routine after surgery will help extend your lifetime. Here are the lists of tips to take care of your life after a kidney transplant:
Precaution and Tips After Kidney Transplant
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Clean your hands often
The easiest entry point for germs and viruses to enter you is your hands. It is essential to keep your hands highly clean. From your hands, it will travel to your mouth without much effort, and you might not be even aware of it. So, you must use the hand wash liquid or soap and wash your hands properly. Don’t forget to wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, or touching foods and soiled items. Additionally, it is advisable to do the same things as others around you.
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Quit smoking and alcohol
If you smoke and drink alcohol, it is highly advised to give it up as soon as possible. Both are highly harmful to your kidney. It can shorten the lifespan of your replacement kidney and raise your risk of contracting certain types of cancer. Your GP may also suggest and prescribe medicines to help you stop smoking. There are some authorized websites that can offer support and advice. If you want, you can also use them to find a way to quit smoking.
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Be cautious when handling Pets
Never touch pet waste with bare hands. Even though you love your pets more, kindly don’t do it. Put on gloves and a mask, and then thoroughly wash your hands. Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or more, and stay out of the sun for as long as possible. Before you return home, your transplant coordinator will provide you with more details. One more thing, your chance of acquiring skin cancer may increase due to your drugs.
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Mental health
Transplant recipients frequently experience stress, anxiety, and even guilt following a transplant. There may be some mood changes as a result of the immunosuppressants. Even those nearby may be experiencing some emotional alterations. All of these responses are normal ones. Just make sure that you make an effort to go over this stage. Include and interact with your family and close friends, and do not be afraid to seek professional assistance if you feel you need a counselor.
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Exercise
Exercise is a common health tip that does exercise. Starting with stretches and walking is what your doctor will advise. Jogging, hiking, biking, playing tennis, golf, swimming, and aerobics are additional great exercises. You can begin gradually with all of these once your incision has healed, and they can all help you restore your strength.
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Diet
The last but not least important tip for maintaining the quality of life after a kidney transplant is maintaining the diet. After a kidney transplant, most individuals can eat a much wider variety of foods. However, you might be told to avoid some after the procedure until the kidney functions correctly.
Avoid eating foods with a significant risk of food poisoning in the early stages following a transplant when taking higher doses of immunosuppressant medicine. The foods such as unpasteurized milk, yogurt, and cheese, foodstuffs with raw eggs such as mayonnaise, and uncooked or undercooked seafood should be avoided.
Summing it up
Before kidney transplants, most surgeons advise women to finish their planned pregnancies. In certain donors, kidney donation has been shown to raise the risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. In general, donors offer high levels of life satisfaction and little remorse about their donations. Follow the tips highlighted above and lead a happy life. Never lift the heavyweight after a kidney transplant.
Read here about: Ruby May
