6 Myths About Kidney Transplantation

If you have kidney failure, a kidney transplant can help you feel better and live longer. Unfortunately, many myths persist about kidney transplant, including when you should get it, how much a kidney transplant costs, and who is eligible.

Myth: You have to wait a long time for a kidney transplant. #

Fact #

• Living donation and other options make it possible to get a kidney faster.

• You can control when you get a kidney transplant by working with a living donor.

• If you’re uncomfortable having that conversation, counselors can help you with that process.

• If you have a compatible donor, kidney transplant surgery can be scheduled when you and your donor are ready.

• In addition, kidneys that were once discarded because they were exposed to infection such as HIV or hepatitis C are now being used in transplants.

• These kidneys have significantly shortened the wait time for quality kidneys that will work for a long time, and result in positive outcomes for recipients.

Myth: I’ll stick with dialysis. I’m afraid of kidney transplant surgery. #

Fact #

• Your quality of life will be better with a transplant.

• Surgery is not without risks, and it can present a financial challenge, but it’s important to thoughtfully weigh the risks and benefits when deciding how you want to live your life.

• Many studies show a kidney transplant has multiple benefits over dialysis, including improving the quality and quantity of your life.

Myth : Kidney donation is very complicated and donor will have to face lot of complications for a lifetime. #

Fact #

• Kidney donors go through a lot of screening before they are declared medically fit to donate a kidney.

• These tests help in ruling out any possibility of health issues like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease.

• Also lifestyle changes that they might have to adapt are explained in detail.

• This reduces the possibility of the donor falling ill because of donation.

Myth : A donor will have to follow many restrictions when it comes to physical activity and eating out. #

Fact #

• You do not have to make major changes in your eating habits.

• You just have to focus on eating healthy.

• Your diet remains nearly same as the diet before the operation.

• You can also return to your exercise routine within a few weeks after the operation.

• The only exception is carrying heavy weight i.e. weight of more than 5 kg for the first three months.

Myth : Having one kidney will put the donor at a greater risk of kidney problems later in life. #

Fact #

• The fact is that even one kidney is capable of performing all functions in the long run.

• You just have to take care of your diet, eat healthy and be physically active to lead a normal life.

Myth : After kidney donation you will have to visit hospitals regularly throughout life. #

Fact #

• No, this is not true.

• You would have to initially take few tests that too once in three to six months after the surgery.

• Post that a regular or annual check-up is required.

• This helps in noticing any early signs of medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.