of interest to you
Obtaining a kidney from a donor and performing a kidney transplant and its success is the dream of every kidney patient who undergoes dialysis on a regular basis, but what are the results after a kidney transplant?
Many patients with kidney failure resort to a kidney transplant from a donor, but they still have a great fear of the failure of this operation and the possible complications that accompany it. So what comes after a kidney transplant?
Post-kidney transplant
Kidney transplantation is a medical procedure fraught with the risk of potential complications that may appear in the short or long term, as the success of the transplant depends on many factors, the most important of which are:
Patient adherence to immunosuppressive medications.
Doctors review.
Conduct periodic analyzes.
Follow a healthy regime of exercise and proper nutrition.
Rejection of the transplanted kidney
It is one of the most important risks after a kidney transplant, as the immune system recognizes the new kidney as foreign tissue and may attempt to reject it. Therefore, immunosuppressive medications, sometimes called anti-rejection medications, are prescribed:
1. Types of kidney rejection
Types of kidney rejection are divided into two basic types
Acute rejection: occurs within 3 to 6 months after a kidney transplant.
Chronic rejection: occurs slowly over the years after a kidney transplant.
2. Signs and symptoms of kidney rejection
Signs and symptoms of kidney rejection include
Flu-like symptoms.
Fever.
Urinating less than usual.
Severe high blood pressure.
Sudden weight gain.
Ankle swelling.
Pain at the site of the operation.
Feeling very tired.
It is worth noting that the occurrence of rejection of the transplanted organ does not necessarily mean that you will lose the functions of your new kidney, as inhibitory medications may help in treating this.
Risks and complications after kidney transplantation
There are many post-kidney transplant concerns related to the surgery itself and the medications used to suppress the immune system:
1. Short-term risks
The most notable are the following
Infection: ranging from a simple infection, such as: influenza, urinary tract infection, or a serious infection, such as: cytomegalovirus, and others.
Blood clots: Clots may form in the arteries connected to the new kidney.
Ureteral obstruction: The ureter can become obstructed after a kidney transplant.
Urine leakage: The patient may experience urine leakage shortly after the operation.
2. Long-term risks
Most of the long-term risks are related to side effects of immunosuppressants, such as
Risk of infection.
Risk of diabetes.
Hypertension.
overweight.
Increase hair growth.
Inhibitors that may cause hair loss.
Gingivitis.
Easy bleeding due to clotting problems.
Osteoporosis.
The appearance of acne.
Mood swings occur.
Increased risk of skin cancer.
The doctor will try to find the right dose that is high enough to suppress the immune system to stop rejection, but low enough so that you do not experience side effects.
Post-kidney transplant health system
After a kidney transplant, there will be fewer dietary restrictions than if you were on dialysis, but you may need some adjustments to your lifestyle. Some medications may increase appetite and make gaining weight easier. Here are some recommendations:
Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Avoid grapefruit and its juice as it interacts with some inhibitors.
Eat enough fibre.
Drink low-fat dairy products.
Eat poultry, fish and lean meat.
Eat foods low in salt and fat.
Follow food safety guidelines.
Drink enough water and fluids.
Regular exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and prevent high cholesterol and blood pressure. Shortly after the operation, you should walk as much as you can and gradually, as it is recommended to do moderate exercise for at least half an hour, five days a week.
General advice after kidney transplantation
Tips include the following
Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them to reduce the chance of infection.
Do not drive a car for two weeks after leaving the hospital.
Avoid heavy lifting for at least 6-8 weeks after transplant.
Quit smoking. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you need help quitting smoking.
Warnings related to keeping pets, as they may carry diseases.
Is it possible to get pregnant after a kidney transplant?
It is possible, but there may be risks to the mother and fetus, so it is important to discuss the potential risks with the doctor to be able to make the right decision. Generally, pregnancy is not recommended during the first year after transplantation.
Can any vaccine be taken after a kidney transplant?
It is recommended to receive the annual influenza vaccine one year after kidney transplantation, and if more vaccinations are needed, they must be vaccines against (dead virus).
Vaccines containing the live virus, such as: varicella, or the MMR vaccine, may not be permitted due to the risk of transmission. Therefore, caution must be taken when dealing with family members who have recently been vaccinated, especially children who receive the polio vaccine, as the virus will be transmitted in the stool. .
