How to prepare for a kidney transplant

When you’ve been told you need a kidney transplant, not knowing how the process will go can be stressful. But by knowing what to expect, you can make things a little easier. Here’s what to know.

What does it mean if you need a kidney transplant?

Your kidneys have an important job. These small, bean-shaped organs are responsible for keeping your body in balance. They do that through:

• Filtering waste
• Maintaining proper electrolyte levels
• Controlling blood pressure
• Regulating your blood’s pH balance
• Managing bone health

When your kidneys don’t work as well as they should, it means you have decreased kidney function. “If your kidney function gets low enough, you may need a kidney transplant,” says Pooja Sanghi, MD, a transplant nephrologist at Geisinger.

Before the transplant

Getting ready for kidney transplantation takes time. Over the course of a few months, you’ll meet with various members of your care team. During this time, you may see:

• Nephrologists (kidney doctors)
• Surgeons
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Transplant coordinator

Your team will work together to get you ready for your new kidney. Together, they’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation of your overall health. These may include:

Medical evaluation

Before you can get a kidney transplant, you’ll have several medical tests, including:

• A checkup and physical exam
• Blood work
• Heart tests
• Cancer screenings
• Other tests based on your health history

Mental health checkup 

You’ll also have a well-being screening with members of your care team. During this screening, they’ll assess:

• Your ability to follow a medication schedule
• Who will care for you after surgery
• Financial concerns
• How ready you are emotionally

“This helps make sure you can stay healthy after transplant,” Dr. Sanghi says.

Transplant education

Your team will walk you through the transplant process. And they’ll also discuss other considerations with you, like:

• Risks
• Which appointments you’ll need and how often you’ll need them
• Medication to prevent organ rejection
• Any necessary vaccines
• Diet and lifestyle changes to make

The goal is to help you stay as healthy as possible before and after your surgery.

Finding a donor

Getting a kidney transplant means finding a donor. “After all your testing is done, the transplant team will review your case,” says Dr. Sanghi. “And, if you’re approved for a transplant, you get placed on the waiting list.”

While you wait, the team will try to find a match based on a few factors, including:

• Your blood type
• How long you’ve waited
• Your overall health

Another thing to consider when looking for a kidney? Opting for a living donor, instead of a kidney from someone who has passed away. A living donor is a living person who chooses to donate a kidney.

Once a match is found, final compatibility testing will be done using your blood and the donor’s blood. This step is called crossmatch.

“During this step, your surgery team checks for the presence of antibodies that might cause your body to reject the new kidney,” Dr. Sanghi says.

Once crossmatching is done, if the new kidney is compatible, you’ll be scheduled for surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Once you know you’ll be getting a new kidney, it’s important to start preparing for your upcoming transplant.

Your provider will give you specific instructions to get ready for the procedure. You may need to stop taking certain medications or supplements about a week before surgery.

Start exercising regularly if you aren’t already. And if you don’t already, start eating a balanced diet — this will help both before and after your procedure.

Another habit to consider? Quit smoking.

“Smoking can increase your risk of complications,” says Dr. Sanghi. “It can also cause your wounds to heal more slowly.”

Try to quit smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery.

After the surgery

After surgery, you’ll have to stay at the hospital for a few days.

It’s important to have a plan for what happens after your surgery. You won’t be able to drive, bend over or lift anything for a few weeks as you heal. Talk to friends and family members who can drive and help you around the house.

After your kidney transplant, your doctors will prescribe medications to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney. Taking these medicines exactly as directed is crucial for your recovery. Skipping doses or stopping medications can raise your risk of rejection and other complications.

As you recover, work with your care team to develop a safe and appropriate exercise routine and diet plan. “Regular physical activity can help improve strength, energy and recovery, while a healthy diet supports healing and long term kidney function,” Dr. Sanghi notes.

Together, these habits can help your transplanted kidney last as long as possible, so you can focus on feeling your best.

See also: 

Learn about kidney transplants at Geisinger
Can kidney stones cause kidney failure?
What it means to have organ donor on your license