Preparing for a Kidney Transplant

Going through a kidney transplant can be difficult at best.  Generally a patient is on dialysis before undergoing the transplant and is on a kidney transplant list.  Usually, the sicker the patient is, the higher they are on the transplant list.  There are many things a patient must go through before the transplant is approved.

An individual must be found to be stable enough for kidney transplant.  He or she must undergo a physical exam, have a chest X-Ray to make sure the lungs are okay and have a complete history done of their past medical and surgical problems.  They must have an evaluation of their heart by means of an electrocardiogram.  A Doppler Ultrasound must check to make sure the iliac arteries are healthy.  The new kidney will use the iliac artery for a blood supply and not the renal artery as in a normal kidney. Blood tests for a complete blood count, blood chemistries and immune function need to be checked.  Every transplant patient must have blood typing and HLA typing, which helps the doctor tell which kidneys will be a match and which won’t.  Finally an evaluation of the stomach, esophagus and lower bowel is performed. 

When you’re preparing and waiting for a kidney transplant, it can sometimes be stressful.  You need to be tied to a cell phone at times.  You need to think about ways to reduce your stress by finding creative outlets like hobbies, spending time with family or friends and possibly talking to a therapist.  You’ll need to eat right, take your prescribed medications and do an exercise program that fits with your abilities.  You’ll need to see your doctor relatively frequently and be set up with all of your information ready at the transplant team’s office. 

Before your kidney transplant, you’ll need to figure out how you’ll get to the hospital when you get the call that a kidney is available.  If you live close to the hospital, you will want to have a designated driver.  If you need to fly to the transplant center, you’ll want to contact the airlines in advance.  You’ll need an updated schedule of flights to the center and plan on taking a direct flight, if possible.  Because flights can be delayed, you should have a backup plan available.  Loved ones should arrange to stay fairly close to the kidney transplant center. 

Your kidney transplant team is one you should become familiar with.  Your team should consist of a transplant surgeon and a specialist in kidneys, called a nephrologist.  You should also have a transplant coordinator at your disposal and one or more staff nurses who will care for you during and after the transplant takes place.  As a matter of habit, most transplant teams have a psychologist or psychiatrist available and a social worker that helps you with any logistical issues you may have.  A pharmacist is on the team to help with the careful dosing of medication you’ll need before, during and after surgery.

You will have very little notice that the kidney transplant surgery is taking place.  This is why you should pack beforehand and be ready at all times.  Use your team to help you get through the waiting and continue dialysis until your transplant day arrives.