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If you’re like I was, you believe that kidney transplantation is the brass ring for which everyone with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) should strive. Well, it is and it isn’t. For many, transplantation will give you freedom, make you feel better and present you with a new lease on life! But it’s not always smooth sailing. According to Stanford Medicine, about 25 percent of kidney transplant patients will experience one rejection episode in their first year. There are many adjustments to be made especially that first year—with medications, avoiding germs and frequent visits to your transplant center. You have to be committed. For some ESRD patients, transplant may be too risky, and not really offer any improvement in their quality of life.

You can’t believe everything you hear.

As I’ve spent time talking with dialysis patients, those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those who take care of us, I’ve found there are many false tales and rumors floating around out there—everything from taking hands-full of pills for the rest of your life to rich people getting put at the top of the list. My recommendation: Ask a professional! Transplant centers have factual information. They know how the waiting list works, and they have an idea about what medications you’ll be prescribed. Your cousin’s neighbor’s brother who knows someone who had a transplant may not be an accurate source of information. And beware—even the internet can have false information. Every case is individualized and what happened with someone else may not be what happens with you. Seek out FACTS! Use reliable sources like a transplant center’s website.

Only family members can give me a kidney. FALSE!

Though family members may have an increased chance of matching, don’t stop there. Living donation can have better outcomes for those needing a kidney transplant. Friends or even strangers may be a match. (That’s how deceased donation works, after all.) Don’t be afraid to let people know you need a kidney. If you don’t want to talk about it let someone you know speak to people on your behalf. Use social media. Write it on your car. Get the word out. There are wonderful, generous people in the world who may be willing to give you a kidney. You never know who may actually call you with interest.

One call and I’m done.

Some people have the misconception that all you have to do is ask to be put on the list to receive a kidney. If only it were that easy! There is a barrage of tests that potential recipients must go through to evaluate their fitness for the transplantation. Everything from multiple lab tests, talking with a social worker, x-rays, heart evaluation to seeing a dentist. And that’s just to name a few. Surgeons just can’t put a kidney into a person whose body, mind and life situation isn’t ready to handle it.

Do your part.

Kidneys are a very scarce resource. We all hope that options are on the horizon that will make dialysis a thing of the past. Until that time, if you’re wanting a transplant you have to do your part. Keep yourself as healthy as possible. Show up for every treatment and stay the full time. Eat healthy. Quit smoking. Exercise. Lose weight. These ideas may seem like no-brainers and yet they may also seem impossible. It’s up to us to make choices day by day and moment by moment, to give up what we want right now for that thing we want the very most.

Questions? Call +254 718 994 368 / 733 994 368 or E-mail: wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

PATHWAY INTERNATIONAL: providing Global Healthcare Solutions.

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The success or failure of a kidney transplant relies upon its care after the surgery. The human body has been designed to reject foreign objects in its system. Therefore, proper precautions must be taken to prevent this from happening. Patients that have undergone the transplant require utmost care and attention post surgery in order to ensure that the body does not reject the new organ.

Immediate Care

If there are no other complications, the hospital recovery is generally 5-10 days. The first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery are spent in intensive care units. Here, the doctors monitor the patient’s condition and provide constant care. The next few days maybe spent in hospital care as the patient attempts to walk and adjust to the daily routine. The doctor will provide all necessary instructions, medication, and tests that need to be diligently followed by the patient.

Long Term Care

A dedicated team of doctors will regularly monitor your condition and you will be assigned a transplant coordinator who will be your primary source of long-term contact. For a year after the kidney transplant, you will see your coordinator and doctors on a weekly basis. Gradually you will be transferred under your personal nephrologist. Annual visits to your doctor are mandatory, where your doctor will undertake complete medical checkup and detailed assessment of the functioning of the kidney. Be prepared for a blood test during each visit to your doctor.

Medication

Patients should strictly follow the drugs and medication routine provided by doctors to prevent rejection of the graft kidney. Any side effects or problems arising out of use of these medicines should be immediately reported to the doctor so appropriate modifications can be made. Dosage and type of drugs can vary according to each patient and their body’s reaction to drugs prescribed.

At Home Recovery

At home, recovery is also very crucial to the patient’s well-being. Patients should take a minimum of two to four weeks off of their schedules to make a full recovery. During this time, complete rest and relaxation are advised. The patient should maintain the highest standard of cleanliness and take all precaution to avoid germs. Fast food and unhealthy food items should be eliminated from the patient’s diet for a few months. Hot, home cooked food should be prepared for the patient and vessels should always be washed before serving. The patient along with loved ones should regularly wash their hands and keep the patient’s room fresh and clean at all times.

Patients are advised to avoid crowded public places and limit physical activities. Always apply sunscreen before stepping out and avoid lengthy exposure to direct sunlight. Constantly be in touch with your transplant coordinator and report any discrepancies, no matter how minor. Kidney transplant patients can live a long and healthy life provided proper care is given. Dedication on the part of the patient, his loved ones, and skill of the doctor will ensure a speedy recovery.

Questions? +254 718 994 368 / 733 994 368 or E-mail wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

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Martin Gitonga gives a testimony of how Pathway facilitated his Kidney transplant in India.

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Mary Wamae volunteered to donate her kidney to her father Mr. Julius Mwangi who had been suffering from Renal failure.After getting in touch with Pathway International,within 24 hours they knew which hospital and connection to go with.They sourced the best prices for whatever things were needed. It serves to thank the welcoming,high class doctors in India and Pathway International for returning the dad to the strong and eager man and father he once was.He now lives like every other person.

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