Kidney transplant living

Overview

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure that places a healthy kidney from a donor into a person whose own kidneys have stopped working well. It is a treatment that can give you more energy, better health, and a more normal life, but it also requires lifelong care and attention.

Kidney transplants are one of the most common transplant operations worldwide. Every year, thousands of people receive a kidney transplant from either a living or deceased donor.

It affects people of all ages who have kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease. These include children, adults, and older adults who have had a transplant. Life after the transplant is a journey shared with your transplant team and family.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever (temperature above 100.4°F / 38°C)
• Pain or tenderness over the transplant site (usually in the lower belly)
• Decrease in urine output
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or face
• Feeling very tired or unwell

Symptoms in children

• Irritability or crying more than usual
• Fever
• Less urine than normal, or not wetting diapers as often
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Pain when touching the belly

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or changes in mental clarity
• Fatigue or weakness
• Low fever even without obvious signs
• Swelling in the legs or feet
• Loss of appetite

Causes

Main causes

• Kidney failure, when your own kidneys can no longer keep you healthy
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes and long-standing high blood pressure
• Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis) or polycystic kidney disease

Risk factors

• Not taking the anti-rejection medication as prescribed
• Having high blood pressure or diabetes
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Exposure to infections
• Older age or other long-term health conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Contact your transplant team the same day if you notice any warning signs such as fever, transplant site pain, or a drop in urine output.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Follow-up appointments as scheduled, usually every few weeks to months, and regular blood and urine tests.

Diagnosis

Your transplant team monitors your kidney health using blood tests to check waste products in your blood, urine tests to check for protein or blood, and sometimes scans.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests for creatinine and other waste products
• Urine tests to check for protein, blood, or infection
• Ultrasound or other imaging of the kidney
• Kidney biopsy (a tiny sample of tissue) if rejection is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

At each check-up, you will have blood taken, leave a urine sample, and discuss how you are feeling. These tests are quick and painless. If a problem appears, your team will explain the next steps clearly.

Treatment

The transplant itself is the main treatment. After surgery, your job is to protect your new kidney with medications and healthy habits. You will take anti-rejection medicines (immunosuppressants) for as long as you have the transplant.

Self-care at home

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed, at the same time every day
• Keep all appointments with your transplant team
• Protect your skin from sun (immunosuppressants raise skin cancer risk)
• Wash hands often and avoid contact with people who are sick

Medical treatments

Your transplant team will prescribe a combination of medicines to weaken your immune system just enough to prevent rejection, and other medicines to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, or infections. The exact plan is personal to you. Never stop or change these medicines without talking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

If the transplanted kidney stops working, some people may need another transplant or return to dialysis. Your doctor will discuss options if this happens.

Living with this condition

You will need to settle into a new rhythm. Many people return to work, school, and hobbies within a few months. Organising your medicines, keeping up with appointments, and tracking how you feel will become part of daily life.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and recreational drugs
• Limit alcohol
• Stay physically active as advised by your team
• Protect yourself from infections
• Use sunscreen and avoid intense sun

Diet and exercise

Most people can eat a normal, balanced diet. You may need to adjust salt, potassium, or fluid intake if your kidney function changes. Gradual exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps your strength and mood. Always ask your transplant dietitian for personalised advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A transplant can bring joy but also anxiety, guilt (especially if a loved one was a donor), and worries about rejection. These feelings are common. Talking to a counsellor, your doctor, or a support group can help.

Prevention

You cannot prevent the need for a transplant if your kidneys have already failed, but you can help protect your transplant by taking medicines correctly, attending follow-ups, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar.

Vaccines

Stay up to date with your vaccines. Ask your transplant team which vaccines are appropriate, because live vaccines are not recommended while taking immunosuppressants.

Screening programmes

Regular blood and urine tests are a type of screening for rejection or kidney damage. You will also need skin checks because of a higher risk of skin cancer.

Complications

If left untreated

• Rejection of the transplanted kidney
• Infections from weakened immunity
• High blood pressure or diabetes
• Damage to the transplant from missed tests or medicines

Long-term outlook

With modern care, many kidney transplants last many years. You can enjoy a full and active life, but it requires commitment. Most people say the transplant gives them a new chance at life. Your team will be with you every step of the way.

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