Once you have completed the screening process
and are a
candidate for kidney or pancreas transplant, there is much
that you can do while you wait. Whether you will be the recipient
of a living donor transplant or are waiting for a compatible
organ donated through the regional organ procurement agency,
you want to be in the best possible health at the time of
surgery.
A proactive patient is the best transplant candidate.
The following recommendations will help you stay in good
overall health.
- Maintain a nutritious diet consistent with any restrictions,
and if possible, lose any excess weight.
- Strive for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, especially
on your non-dialysis days Regular exercise can improve
your health and overall sense of well-being.
- Keep your dialysis appointments and do not stop dialysis
sessions early. Restrict fliud gain between dialysis treatments.
- See your nephrologist regularly and take all your medications
as prescribed.
- Chronic illness such as renal disease is known to weaken
the immune system. Avoid situations that will expose you
to infection and keep up-to-date on your vaccinations.
- If you smoke, quit. Studies confirm that cigarette smoking
increases the likelihood of transplant failure and death.
If you need help quitting, the transplant center staff
can refer you to a smoking cessation program.
- Refrain from alcohol and illicit drug use.
- Stay in touch with the transplant center. Inform your
transplant coordinator about any changes in your health
status and be sure to forward new addresses and phone numbers
where you can be reached.
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