dialysis and immune system

[Boxing]

hello all

I am aware a kidney transplant impacts our immune system as the meds are immunosupresssion. However, does this mean we have no immune system at all when we have a transplant?

lastly, with dialysis is our immune system suppressed?

I am current at 40 egfr and have no impact on my immune system to fight off viruses.

Thanks.

[Bassetmommer]

With a transplant, they give you very strong meds that indeed does suppress your immune system. you have to be extremely careful following the procedure. In time, your body adapts a bit more and in a much longer time, they will take you down of some of the meds.

Dialysis does not suppress your immune system.

[Darlenia]

My husband has experienced dialysis and transplant. Dialysis, in general, can lead to immune system dysfunction, increased risk of infection, and delayed response to vaccines, etc. There is some indication that dialysis reduces or alters t-cells responsible for some immune functions. In our situation, my husband began to struggled with utis once he was put on dialysis. Our center was aware that dialysis patients are more vulnerable than the general population. So he (and all other patients) were regularly monitored and immunized against a variety of illnesses, including Covid. On the other hand, the immunosuppressants used against kidney rejection are more significant and impactful. Yet the immune system continues to function to some extent. (Many return to work, to travelling, and more.) After his transplant, my husband contracted a cold and then covid. Thankfully, his immune system took care of both without medical intervention. However, he also contracted shingles which affected his eyes. That remains a problem still today. And of course, the utis are always present, too. One simply has to be mindful of one's surroundings and take precautions or seek medical attention when needed. Dialysis affects the immune system; transplant more so.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

WE are all different, but when you have a transplant your immune system is compromised due to the meds you take to prevent your body from rejecting your new kidney. Dialysis does not suppress your immune system. Those first few months you take a high dose of usually 2 immunosuppressants and Prednisone. Then the dose of the meds get reduced and becomes your dose. I take Myfortic and Neoral and my dose was reduced several times. Labs are taken to see what your blood level of these meds are. For me, I did get a bad case of the flu those first couple of months post-transplant. I did get dehydrated and was put in the hospital for a couple of nights. The meds did give me bad GI issues. At the time I was taking generic forms of my meds. A very smart Pharmacist figured it out that if I take name brand maybe things would get better. My doctor agreed and to this day I take MYFORTIC and NEORAL name brand.

eight months out I was in Glacier National Park in Montana hiking

I am now 25 years post kidney transplant and hardly ever get sick. I get the yearly flu and COVID shots. I did get COVID in 2022, but because I had been getting the shots, it was a mild case, similar to a bad head cold.

My advice - don't worry now. And my best advice, if you do have a transplant always work with your Transplant Team/Nephrologist. I f you have any issues tell them asap. You know your body better than anyone and you know when something isn't quite right.

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

Even stage 4 CKD means you have a weakened immune system. Back when they were rationing Covid vaccines, stage 4 (and 5) received early priority. My nephrologist also told me this when it hit stage 4.

This is not the same as “suppressed”.

Yes you still have some immune system on transplant drugs.

[Hawaiilover]

I am currently 1 year and 10 months post transplant. The medications taken post transplant are to weaken your immune system so that your body does not attack your new kidney ( as it will think it's a foreign object and doesn't belong and then reject it). Right after transplant, your body is a extremely susceptible to picking up diseases and getting sick. Very low immune system means your body at that point would be unable to fight off illnesses or infections which could be fatal. Over time your immune system will gradually come back up a bit, but will always be immunosuppressed due to the mess you will take the rest of your life. With your egfr of 40, I would just follow a kidney friendly diet that includes a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to help boost your immune system. Check with your Doctor to see what's best for your individual situation as everyone is different. Best of luck to you.