KIDNEY TRANSPLANT AFTER CARE

[niyajul1111]

Anyone have a kidney transplant complete,, please how to take care patient?

[Eyak1971]

You should contact you transplant center for guidance. There are general instructions but each case can be very different. But basically avoid possibility of infections and keep hydrated. And of course follow doctors instruction and medication regiment to the T.

[DexterLab]

The patient also has to avoid even moderate weight lifting until the incision heals. Plus lots of visits to the docs to make sure all is well.

[Kaybee615]

I'd encourage you to ask any questions you have while you are there about concerns, any symptoms you hadn't Bern told to expect or are concerning..

[Palmtreeguy]

Basic rules: (a)follow ALL directions from the transplant team (b) pay attention to the required diet (c) follow ALL directions from your transplant team (d) ask all the question you need to ask - to you doctors (e) take all of you meds WHEN you are supposed to (f) it is a journey - and your lifestyle will change (g) follow ALL directions from your transplant team.

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

The hospital should most definitely provide instructions to you. Any questions, call them. They will provide you a list of symptoms for which you should call any time of day or night, such as weight gain more than 4 pounds overnight, fever etc.

Patient’s temperature will need to be taken twice a day, blood pressure twice a day, weigh every morning, urine output measured If the doctors want that. All that should be written down and brought to follow up appointments.

Double check medications and doses taken, they should give you a handout. Take the at the same time each day. Either with or without food, but be consistent. Make sure to get refills promptly so you do not run out. Carry a list of the patient’s medication at all times.

Do not let the patient walk on a treadmill. They could fall. Do not climb many stairs at a time.

Do not take any medicines or supplements or over the counter drugs until you have asked the doctor that they are safe to take.

Don’t even take medications other doctors prescribe before checking with your kidney team to be sure it’s safe.

Some drugs may be constipating. Miralax is usually safe to take daily, but ask. The doctor may also want patient on a stool softener (colace) or a stimulant (Senekot)

Due to immune suppression, everyone who is not the patient or caretaker in the room should be wearing a mask, and the caretaker should wear one in public as well. Limit the number of visitors.

Practice food safety. Hot food hot cold foods cold. No sushi or rare meat or runny eggs.

Rinse all fruits and vegetables for 20 seconds before preparing.

All foods should be cooked to proper temperature, usually 165 F.

No birds or reptile pets allowed in room.

Reduce sun exposure. Some medicines make you more likely to sunburn and skin cancer is a risk.

Drink as much fluid as the doctors tell you. Usually is 2-3 Liters a day. HYDRATION IS CRITICAL TO KIDNEY HEALTH!!

Do not miss any appointments.

If you have questions write them down and bring to appointment to remember to ask.

[Darlenia]

Hi! I'm another caregiver (now health partner) to a kidney transplant patient. You and I are very fortunate to see our loved ones receiving that gift. If your loved on is still in the hospital, there's not much to do. In fact, some transplant patients don't really receive many visitors since many have to travel long distances to get there. However, it's very important for caregivers to be there when your loved one is about to be discharged. In our case, a nurse came in on the last day and went over everything...to say that food needed to be fresh and well cooked, to stay away from live vaccines, to not lift heavy items, to not drive, to stay home as much as possible to avoid viruses, etc. At that time, the nurse (and pharmacist) also reviewed my hubby's medications. They were all neatly sorted (day/time) in a pill sorting box. They also provided a nice notebook with all instructions inside it along with a patient sheet that we needed to fill in daily with weight, blood pressure, sugars, etc. It seemed a lot to do, but it was manageable. We also were required to return frequently to the transplant center so they could take new labs, adjust medications, etc. As they lowered the medications, restrictions were also lifted. (Most restrictions only lasted a few months for us, then we were told to use our discretion.) There are some that are lifelong like staying out of the sun to prevent skin cancer, to drink lots of water, etc. Once your loved one is home, don't hesitate to call the center for advice if you have concerns. They are there for you. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how well your loved one will do. My husband was able to walk around the house, cook meals, take showers, etc. I did the outdoors things - get groceries, medicine, mail, etc. It's a lovely thing to see someone receive a kidney and return to a rather normal life. We are blessed beyond measure.

[littlelinda50]

I want to add to have a suit case packed and take with you to every visit but leave it in the car. This way if they get admitted when they go for one of their aftercare appointments you have everything. Also, have a backpack of snacks, drinks, phone cords and charging cubes, and anything else to help pass the time during the waiting time of visits. I did this after getting admitted out of the blue and I didn't have anything with me. Also, we made a "transplant backpack" for the waiting times because sometimes we sat for a long time in the waiting room for my aftercare. I also had all my meds with me too. Hope this helps.

[Darlenia in reply to littlelinda50]

Good advice. There was a time I desperately wanted to take a nap in our car - my hubby had a bed, but not me. Later I kept a pillow and small blanket in the car. After we got caught in a surprise snowstorm, we also keep a days worth of transplant meds in the glove box for emergencies. All things we learned the hard way.

[Jayhawker in reply to littlelinda50]

excellent suggestions!