Last updated on June 11th, 2024 at 06:45 pm
It is hard to imagine what you would do without your kidney, but it’s not a question that will ever have to be asked. Kidney transplant patients typically have a life expectancy of 5-10 years after the procedure. In this article, learn about how to resume your life after having one of these amazing organs transplanted into your body.
What’s life like after a kidney transplant?
After a kidney transplant, patients are encouraged to take things slow. They may experience mild shortness of breath but should be able to go out in public and participate in activities they enjoyed before the surgery. The most important thing after the transplant is following up with the nephrologist. Patients are also encouraged to stay away from high-stress events until their body becomes accustomed to their new organ.
The Transplant Process
After a kidney transplant, there are a few things that you should know. First, your doctor will probably prescribe plenty of medicine to ease the side effects of the transplant. This process may last anywhere between three and six months depending on your health and drug tolerance. Second, it is important that you take care of yourself in order to avoid any complications. The best way to do this is by getting plenty of rest and exercising as much as possible.
Monitoring Your Kidney Function
It’s important to monitor your kidney function while you are trying to recover from a kidney transplant. Part of that process includes using blood tests to check calcium levels, triglycerides, and blood pressure. The best way to monitor your kidney function is with an ultrasensitive blood test. You can order a blood test at home that will tell you if you are doing well or not. Your doctor will also be able to order the same blood tests for you. Monitoring your kidney function can help make sure your body is working properly and that all of your medications are as effective as possible.
Your Diet After the Transplant
The first thing you need to do after a kidney transplant is eat a high-protein diet. This diet helps your body to heal and recover, while also increasing your energy level. The diet includes foods such as eggs, peanut butter, lentils, and lean meats. These types of foods are also good because they will reduce the chances of infections that may occur in your body.
Therapy and Physical Activity
Kidney transplant patients have a long road ahead of them. It’s important to understand the process and take it one day at a time. Start with small goals in your therapy and physical activity, such as walking for ten minutes a day, and slowly build up from there.
How to Approaches Insurance Companies
Transplanted kidneys typically survive for three to five years, but some organ transplants can last up 10 years or even the rest of your life. In the United States, people wait an average of two to five years to be put on a kidney transplant list. It is important to try and obtain insurance prior to going on dialysis or receiving a transplant in order to receive financial benefits. If you are looking for information on how to approach insurance companies after receiving a kidney transplant, there are many books that will provide helpful information
Benefits of Social Media During Kidney Transplant
Social media has been a huge help for kidney transplant patients and their families. Social media can be a valuable tool for connecting with other kidney transplant patients, getting information about the process, and finding support from others.
Conclusion
One of the most difficult things you might ever go through is a kidney transplant. If you are currently in this position, there is no reason to feel ashamed. Life after a kidney transplant is not as hard as it seems.
