Care Nursing Suggestions for People after Kidney Transplant

“I have just finished my kidney transplant. What can I do? How much water should I drink each day? Please suggest me………”

Kidney transplant is a big surgery. After kidney transplant, the new kidney will be regarded as foreign by the immune system. The patients will need immunosuppressive medicines to reduce the rejections and quiet the immune system. For the patients, after kidney transplant, improving immune status is important, since use of immunosuppressant may reduce immunity and make the patients more prone for infections. Taking special care for the details in daily life will help the new kidney to live better in the human body. Some tips will be recommended to people after kidney transplant.

A positive mood is always important. Thinking and acting positively will help you to better accept the disease and cope with it. Follow the immunosuppressive medicines as prescribed by the doctors. After kidney transplant, there will be a process for gradual recovery. The patients will need to take care to restrict their intake of nutrients. If the patient doesn’t have obvious swelling or reduction in urine output, there is no need to restrict the intake of fluid, which will help to prevent occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTI). Sugary drink or cola are not suggested. Take care for dietary hygiene. High quality animal proteins, such as egg white and milk will be good to improve nutrition status, and fresh vegetables are also favorable as they will supply plenty of vitamins.

After kidney transplant, you will need to get rid of all bad living habits, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, etc. You may do some moderate and aerobic exercise, such as riding, walking, jogging, Tai Qi, etc. Avoid strenuous exercise like weightlifting, balls, etc. Develop regular timetable. Have a respite at midday each day. Avoid staying up at night. The patients can go back to work when their kidney condition is stabilized after the transplantation, however, never give yourself too much pressure because this is bad for the kidneys. After transplantation, the patients have lowered immunity and are more prone for infections, so it is better to restrict the times of visiting public places. Some may want to have a baby after transplantation. Before the decision is made, communicate with the doctors and often pregnancy is not suggested before kidney function recovers well.