Guidelines for recipients of kidney transplants

 The more effective type of treatment for people with end-stage renal disease is kidney transplantation (permanent form of kidney failure). A kidney transplant is not without issues, though. Following are a few suggestions for kidney transplant recipients.

The kidneys can be a "silent killer" since renal disease typically goes unnoticed for a longer period of time. However, regular and routine investigations can detect kidney disease early on and treat it before it affects the patient's health. Diabetics, people who were born with low birth weight, people who have cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, obesity, or people who have a family history of kidney disease are at the highest risk of developing kidney disease. As a result, these individuals should have their kidneys routinely tested as they may be at risk.

The kidneys are crucial for removing waste and excess fluid from the body. They also govern body chemistry by balancing the levels of salt, water, and other chemicals. If the kidneys don't work as they should, they can lead to chronic renal disease. Although it is well known that kidneys use urine to filter waste materials, extra water, and other impurities from the blood, kidneys are also in charge of controlling pH, salt, and potassium levels in the body, as well as activating vitamin D to maintain good bone health and control muscle function. As a result, a lot of people still need kidney transplants.

The majority of signs of failing kidneys, such as weakness and appetite loss, are somewhat ambiguous, and in the majority of cases, patients already have end-stage renal failure when they first visit a doctor. Clinical signs including lower limb edoema, froth in the urine, and gradual lack of appetite are frequently disregarded by patients, but if such symptoms are present, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

Additionally, kidney transplantation is necessary for patients with end-stage kidney disease, so strive to take the best possible care of yourself. Health professionals advise taking medications only when prescribed by a doctor because taking medications impulsively can increase your risk of kidney disease and OTC painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen can harm your kidneys. If you're experiencing pain, talk to your doctor before choosing kidney-safe treatments.

According to Dr. Vinod Kumar, a consultant in nephrology and renal transplantation at Aster RV Hospital, kidney transplantation is unquestionably the best method of treatment for people with end-stage kidney disease (permanent form of kidney failure). Dialysis is an alternative option, although it has drawbacks as well. However, kidney transplantation is not without its issues too. The patient must be more watchful, cautious, and responsible after the transplant even though the quality of life is significantly better than it was before the kidney transplant when compared to dialysis. Following kidney transplant surgery, he offered some dos and don'ts. These consist of:

Dos:

• Drink lots of oral liquids. 3 to 5 litres of fluid intake are advised during the first several days following transplantation.
• Consume immunosuppressive treatments (anti-rejection medications) in the recommended dosage and timing, as directed by your doctor. Keep alerts or reminders in your phone so you won't forget to take your medication.
• When going outside, use a surgical mask and drink boiling and chilled water.
• Bring food that has just been prepared at home. If you're not a vegetarian, make sure to fully prepare the meat and fish before eating.
• Consistent physical activity for 30 to 45 minutes five days a week, at least (total of 150 minutes in a week). You can think of brisk walking, running, cycling, and swimming.
• If the clinical condition is stable three months following the transplantation procedure, you can return to work.
• It's crucial to follow up with the doctor as recommended on a regular basis. You might need to go to the doctor twice a week in the beginning, but over time, that frequency will decrease.
• Your appetite significantly improves following the transplant. Due to the medications used, there is a risk of weight gain, diabetes, and excessive cholesterol following kidney transplantation. Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial. Consume foods that are high in lean meats, poultry, fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fibre. Limit your intake of salt, fatty fats, and high-carbohydrate foods.
• If a family member becomes unwell with a fever, cold, or cough, isolate yourself until the illness passes.

   Don’ts:

• For at least one month after kidney transplant surgery, refrain from carrying heavy objects.
• Avoid skipping anti-rejection medication without seeing your doctor. Rejection may result from failure to take prescribed medication. Please take a tablet as soon as you remember if you miss a dosage.
• Steer clear of NSAIDs, as well as other nephrotoxic drugs (medicines which can damage the kidneys). Before taking any new medication, make sure to consult a nephrologist.
• Steer clear of grapefruit and its juice. Steer clear of pomegranate juice. These two fruits will both affect the anti-rejection medication.
• Additionally, some antibiotics affect how the anti-rejection therapy works. Before using it, get the treating nephrologist's opinion.
• Avoid eating undercooked meat. Avoid ingesting meals from the outside or receiving food deliveries from the outside.
• Steer clear of busy areas including malls, places of worship, and family gatherings. Use caution when utilising the public transportation system, especially in the beginning. Steer clear of busy areas including malls, places of worship, and family gatherings. Use caution when utilising the public transportation system, especially in the beginning.
• Avoid having too many visits in the first few days following surgery because the danger of infection is higher. In our nation, it is customary for friends, family members, and neighbours to make a person a courtesy visit following any serious sickness. That needs to be avoided at all costs.
• Anti-immunosuppressive drugs are administered to stop organ rejection. A missed dose may result in rejection. Additionally, these medications weaken your body's defences against infection, increasing your risk of getting sick. It is crucial to strictly follow infection control procedures. The success of transplanting depends on striking the correct balance between these two elements.