Kidney Transplant 101: What Candidates Should Know
How Do I Get a Donor Kidney?
If your doctor thinks a transplant is an option for you, they’ll put you in touch with a local transplant center. That’s a hospital that does organ transplants. You’ll then have exams, X-rays, and scans to make sure you’re healthy enough to go through the transplant process.
There are two different ways you can get a healthy kidney. The first is through what’s known as a “living donors.” This might be a family member or close friend who is willing to give you one of their kidneys. Or, it could be a stranger who’s willing to give you one of theirs. The second way you could get a kidney is from a deceased organ donor.
What Happens During Surgery?
A kidney transplant often takes 3 hours, but can last as long as 5.
You’ll be given anesthesia so you stay asleep the whole time. Then once you’re “under,” the surgeon will make an opening in your abdomen, just above your groin. Your own kidneys won’t be removed unless they’re infected or causing pain, but the donor kidney will be put in. Its blood vessels will be attached. Then, the surgeon will connect the ureter (the tube that carries urine from your kidney) to your bladder.
What’s Recovery Like?
You may be able to get out of bed and walk around the day after your transplant. Most people stay in the hospital for 5 days or less.
Although you should start to feel much better in about 2 weeks, you won’t be able to drive or lift heavy objects for about a month. Your doctor will probably advise you to take off work for 6 to 8 weeks.
Giving up smoking and alcohol are key to staying healthy. You may also think about talking to a dietitian about healthy meal planning. You’ll be able to eat more fruits and vegetables and drink more liquids than someone on dialysis. But you’ll also need to choose foods that can keep your blood pressure low and blood sugar stable.
Disclaimer : This article has been taken from https://www.webmd.com/ as it is. Click here to read original article.