It is important for people with kidney disease
to learn all they can about renal transplantation before
their disease is advanced enough to require dialysis treatments.
Unfortunately, many people postpone thinking about a transplant
because they do not want to admit that their disease will
eventually lead to kidney failure. It is a fact that renal
disease is a chronic condition that inevitably results in
kidney failure and the need for some type of replacement
therapy. A kidney transplant provides a much better quality
of life than dialysis and the benefits far outweigh the minimal
risks associated with today's organ transplant surgeries.
It is the role of the nephrologist to support
your general health, manage your disease and slow the deterioration
of your kidney as much as possible. In addition, your nephrologist
can assist you in preparing for a kidney transplant and help
you to maintain the new kidney following transplantation.
Working in cooperation with the transplant center, the nephrologist
coordinates the variety of pre-transplant tests and screening
exams necessary for the medical clearance for transplant
surgery-- including colonoscopy, cardiac evaluation, cancer
screening (PAP and mammogram screening for women and prostate
cancer screening for men).
During the pre-transplant period the nephrologist
can also provide information and reassurance to family members
who may be thinking about living donation. While the transplant
team provides all the facts about transplantation and living
organ donation, potential donors often want to discuss their
choice with another medical professional.
Approximately three months after the kidney transplant,
organ recipients usually return to the care of their nephrologist.
Once the immunosuppressive medications are adjusted and the
new kidney's function is stable, care is transitioned back
to the nephrologist who cares for the patient's overall health
and monitors the function of the new kidney. To extend the
life of a transplanted kidney, it remains important that
the recipient maintains tight control of blood pressure and
diabetes. The nephorologist orders blood tests that trace
kidney function and watches for any symptoms of toxicity
that may result from the immunosuppressive medications.
Most importantly, patients can rely on their
nephrologist and the transplant team to work together in
their best interest. This partnership before and after transplantation
helps to make organ transplant possible and ensures that
the organ remains healthy for many years.
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