Kidney transplant surgery is the only "cure" for End Stage Renal Failure.
With a successful transplant, patients can stop kidney dialysis, as the
transplanted kidney can perform all the functions which the patient's own
kidneys are not able to perform. Since the 1950s, when the first kidney
transplants were performed, numerous patients have received this procedure.
While, can transplant change patient's lifestyle?
The answer is "Yes". As with any organ transplant, patient will need to stay
in the hospital for about one week to recover from surgery, and longer if he has
any complications. Besides, life-long treatment with anti-rejection medications
is inevitable. Why?
The usually job of the immune system is to fight invaders into the body, such
as bacteria, and rejecting them. But the immune system will also sense the new
transplanted kidney is foreign and try to "reject" it from the body.
To keep the body from rejection, patients have to take drugs that turn off,
or suppress, the immune response. Two or more of the immunosuppressant
medicines, as well as drugs to treat other health problems are required.
In some cases, even patients have do everything they are supposed to do, the
body may still reject the new kidney and they may need to go back on dialysis
once again.
Another problem is brought by long-term use of immunosuppressants. These
medications can weaken the immune system, leading to infections. Other side
effects including change of appearance, weight gain, acne or facial hair. Long
period of diminishing the ability of immune cells to function increases the risk
of developing cancer. Other severe diseases like Diabetes, hypertension, bone
disease, cataracts, excess stomach acid, and liver or kidney damage may occur in
some patients.
In conclusion, there are several potential lifestyle changes associated with
this procedure that Renal Failure patients should be informed. If there is still
anything unclear, you can send an email to kidney-treatment@hotmail.com. It's a
pleasure to help you!