Hooray! You have your kidney transplant; now how do you look after it! While each person’s journey is unique, there are a few key mistakes you’ll want to avoid after your transplant. Let’s dive into the top three mistakes and how you can avoid them!
1. Not taking medication as directed
When you receive a kidney transplant, your doctors will prescribe medication to help your body accept the new kidney and prevent rejection. It’s absolutely crucial to take these medications exactly as directed. This isn’t the time to skip doses or alter your routine.
How to avoid this mistake:
- If you’re ever unsure about your medications or how they’re affecting you, always reach out to your healthcare team for clarification. They are there to help!
- Use a medication tracker or a drug card to keep track of what you need to take and when. You can set reminders on your phone or maybe watch.
- Make sure you understand potential side effects and interactions. For example, some medications might need to be taken with food, or there may be specific times of day that are optimal for taking them.
2. Not monitoring your temperature
After a kidney transplant, your immune system is suppressed to help prevent rejection, which means you’re more vulnerable to infections. One of the easiest ways to catch an issue early is by monitoring your temperature regularly.
Take it three times a day to start with—don’t forget! I keep my thermometer by my bed and check it when I wake up and again before I go to bed.
3. Not getting enough rest
Recovery from a kidney transplant takes time. It’s not just about what your doctors do in the hospital; your own efforts in taking it easy can have a huge impact on how well your body heals.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects. Think about the heavy things – kettle, laundry basket, children etc. Talk to your loved ones about your recovery needs, and don’t hesitate to ask for help with tasks that involve lifting or heavy work. It’s important to pace yourself and avoid straining your body.
- Don’t rush back into your usual routine. While it’s tempting to jump back into work or house chores, it’s essential to give your body the time it needs to heal.
- Rest does not mean not walking! Make sure you’re walking regularly to keep your circulation going and your muscles active. Listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
Remember, healing takes time, and listening to your body is key. I hope you are able to avoid some of these common mistakes that I see in kidney transplant patients.