(214) 396-4950
(214) 613-2925
If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), there’s a chance you’ll eventually need a kidney transplant, which means you would need to undergo major surgery. Just as with any surgery, there are some important steps to take before the procedure if you want the best chance at a smooth recovery. Here’s what to do while you await the day of your kidney transplant.
Important Things to Do Before a Kidney Transplant
Attend all doctor appointments
Your team of doctors will be in close contact with you leading up to the kidney transplant. Avoid having to delay appointments, or tests, as your doctors need to stay in touch to ensure you stay healthy before the day of your surgery. You’ll also have some medications to take before the kidney transplant, and seeing your doctors regularly will help you keep up with this routine.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, it’s important to quit before the procedure, otherwise you increase your chance of facing life-threatening complications after surgery. Additionally, smoking can slow your recovery after a kidney transplant. If you’re having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor to get help.
Stay active
One of the best ways to be healthy before a kidney transplant is to maintain an active lifestyle. Regular exercise can help regulate weight, which is important when you have CKD. Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to complications during, and after surgery, so it’s best to get at least an accumulative 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week.
Follow a healthy diet
Another way to maintain your weight before the kidney transplant is to eat a balanced diet. In particular, your team of doctors might suggest a kidney-friendly diet to you, which involves limiting the levels of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus in your diet. Talk to your doctor to find out if you need this kind of diet before your kidney transplant.
Know what to expect from your kidney transplant
Your medical team should be keeping you informed on what to expect from surgery, and a transplant coordinator, or someone in a similar role, to guide you on how to prepare and recuperate.
Discuss with this person what to bring to the procedure, approximately how long it will take to heal, and what items you’ll need during recovery. Knowing this information should bring you peace of mind while you wait for a kidney transplant.
Get the Care You Deserve
Whether you have CKD and are not sure if you need a kidney transplant yet, or you’re already on the list to get a donor kidney, you deserve access to doctors with years of experience treating kidney problems. If you have questions about kidney transplants or chronic kidney disease, contact us today at Texas Kidney Institute to learn more!
