Are you currently on the waiting list or about to have a kidney transplant and wondering how to best prepare for surgery and your time with your new kidney? In this article, we have summarized the most important steps you can take to best prepare for your transplantation.
Transplantation is a huge step for most people with kidney disease. For many people who were previously on dialysis, it means a step back towards normality and a regular everyday life. At the same time, it also comes with some big changes and questions. How can you best prepare for the transplant? What precautions can you take? How can you keep your new kidney as fit and healthy as possible? In this article, you will find some helpful answers to these questions.
How do I best prepare for transplantation?
If you are currently waiting for your kidney transplant, there are some preparations you can make right now to best prepare yourself for the new chapter and the procedure it entails. The most important thing is to stay as fit and healthy as possible, despite possible underlying or secondary diseases. A healthy body and lifestyle lay the foundation for a quick recovery after your transplant. At the same time, you create an optimal environment for your new kidney and give it an ideal start in the new working environment. You will quickly see that your new kidney will thank you!
A healthy lifestyle before and after your transplant consists of several factors:
- Giving up nicotine & cigarettes
- Regular exercise & physical activity
- A healthy & balanced diet
- Little to no alcohol
- Regular & check-ups with your medical team
- Monitoring blood pressure & blood sugar
But you don't need to worry - your medical team will always be by your side, also during the preparation for the transplantation. They can support you and answer any questions you may have. You can also find more information on many of the above topics in the Mizu app.
What examinations do I need before transplantation?
Proper preparation for transplantation typically includes a series of preliminary medical examinations. These allow your medical team to determine if certain preventive or therapeutic measures are necessary to prepare your body for the upcoming surgery. These include the following preventive examinations in particular:
1. Electrocardiogram (=ECG)
An ECG can be used to examine the health of your heart and cardiovascular system. This is done with the help of some electrodes and cables that are placed on your chest. Since existing kidney insufficiency and possible dialysis therapy often affect the health of your cardiovascular system, it is important to take a closer look at your heart health before the transplant.
For example, an ECG can determine your heart rate, the alignment of your heart and possible imbalances in the heart muscles. This examination is completely uncomplicated and painless for you.
2. ENT examination & dentist
A medical ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination and a check-up by a dentist serve primarily to identify possible sources of infection. It is not uncommon for germs to hide in the area of your teeth, which can also spread to other organs of your body via your blood.
Especially after transplantation, there is an increased risk of infection due to the therapy with immunosuppressants, which slow down the function of your body's own defense system (=immune system). These drugs are necessary to prevent your new kidney from being recognized as an invader and rejected by the cells of your own immune system. So you can see that by scheduling follow-up appointments, you can already go a long way toward making it easier for your new kidney to acclimatize in your body.
3. Cancer prevention
Taking immunosuppressants can also result in other unwanted side effects. These include, for example, a slightly increased risk of cancer. It is therefore all the more important to have a close look before the transplant to see if there is a potential danger lurking somewhere in your body. This way you are on the safe side after the transplant and can relax and enjoy the time with your new kidney.
Cancer screening examinations include, for example, an examination of your intestines and, for women and men, screening for gender-specific cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. In some cases, your medical team may also use laboratory tests to help. If you want to learn more about this topic, feel free to check out the other cancer screening articles in the Mizu app.
How do postmortem donation and living donation differ?
There are differences between the various forms of kidney transplantation. This is especially true for postmortem and living donation.
- Postmortem donation: In this form of transplant, you receive your new kidney from an organ donor who has recently died. Therefore, the timing of the organ transplant cannot be planned exactly.
- Living donation: In living donation, you receive your new kidney from a trusted person close to you who can donate a kidney.
Living donation can often be planned much more precisely because of the circumstances mentioned above. With post-mortem donation, it is important that you perceive regular check-ups and remain available by phone, especially during the waiting period. In addition, you should inform your transplant center of any travel or other events that may briefly affect your status for transplantation.
Where can I find help with preparing for my transplant?
People who need a donor organ and are dealing with the topic of transplantation for the first time usually have many questions about their situation. Even people who have been on the waiting list for a long time often need more information about organ transplantation. To inform you comprehensively about the transplantation and the preparation phase, there are various contact points for you. These include, for example, your medical team, your transplant center or local and national support groups. In Germany, for example, the Bundesverband der Organtransplantierten e.V. (=BDO) and the Bundesverband Niere e.V. (=BNEV) are important groups that can help you prepare for your transplantation.
Also in the Mizu App you will find a number of helpful articles, a logbook to document your most important values and a nutrition diary for the right diet before transplantation. In this way, you are best prepared for your new phase in life and the freedom that comes with it.
