4 Handy Tips To Recovery After A Kidney Transplant!

Kidney transplant is a tricky thing, there are a lot of parameters involved, matching blood groups and many such issues come into play. It’s not easy and even if you do get a donor, there is the matter of the whole surgery being successful. Yet a kidney transplant if successful is a great feeling and a lot better than being on dialysis. The number of restrictions and precautionary measures is much lower for one thing, and you can go back to an almost normal lifestyle.

There are a few measures you must acknowledge but those are just short-term steps and will help you to recover from a kidney transplant. So here are some handy tips to keep in mind post a successful kidney transplant:

1. Medication: There are a series of medical instructions that you need to follow, and religiously adhere to them. Usually, immunosuppressant is prescribed which helps prevent organ rejection, but that too comes with its own set of side-effects. Medicine dosages are readjusted to find the perfect balance and you need to keep your health care professionals updated about every little change or discomfort you feel after you take your medication. You also have to keep in mind the time of the day you need to take them, so best set an alarm for each time.
2. Protect yourself: Immunosuppressants while helping your body accept the new kidney, lower your immunity so that your body doesn’t resist the change and tag the transplanted kidney as a foreign object. This, in turn, makes you highly susceptible to infections and that is dangerous for your new kidney. Inform your caregiver if you find wounds on your skin that are not healing, go for all your vaccine appointments and wash your hands with antimicrobial gels and hand wash. Avoid coming in contact with anyone with a contagious disease.
3. Diet overhaul: Your diet is integral in helping you on your path to recovery. After a successful transplant you don’t have to make too many changes to your normal diet but at the same time not go overboard. You have to avoid the intake of undercooked or raw food items as your immune system is currently not at its full strength. Increase protein intake but the trick is to not overdo it, so consult a dietician for the recommended quantity. It is generally advised to stay away from grapefruits and its constituents as your immunosuppressants will react badly to them.
4. Hydration: You need to drink a lot of water to keep yourself constantly hydrated, to help your kidney transplant. Do not try other substitutes for water like carbonated water or fruit juices. Drink two litres of water daily and avoid caffeine as it causes dehydration.

A kidney transplant provides a new lease on life. Do not squander it and take all the necessary measures to protect yourself and enjoy a healthy life. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!