Kidney transplant is a medical physical therapy where a new donor kidney is placed in your body. This needs to be done because of kidney failure. After the operation, the new kidney will do the job of your old kidney.
In order to avoid rejection from the new kidney, you must make sure to:
- Visit your transplant team regularly and follow their advice thoroughly.
- Follow the given schedule of patient caretakers and nursing rehabilitation center visits to make sure that your kidney is working properly.
- Take the anti-rejection medicines daily in proper doses at the right time.
- Take the neurological therapy services.
Dos after a kidney transplant
- Eat a healthy diet
- Your diet should have at least 5 portions of vegetables and fruits every day.
- It should also contain adequate amounts of bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and other starchy foods.
- You should add dairy, meat, fish, eggs, beans and pulses too.
- Exercise regularly
Once you have recovered from the effects of surgery, you should start doing some physical activity. Start with moderate intensity exercise of 150 minutes every week. Some of the examples include:
- Swimming
- Fast walking
- Tennis
- Riding a bike with level grounds
Do something that you thoroughly enjoy. Exercise will slowly help you regain your strength but don’t set unrealistic targets. Take advice from the experts at your rehabilitation center.
- Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the key to recovering successfully. Drink 2 liters of water typically every day. Do not drink any juices or aerated drinks as a substitute of water. Just stick to the basics.
Don’ts after a kidney transplant
- Do not drive
Avoid driving for a minimum of six weeks following the surgery. Also, avoid travelling on two-wheelers or in auto rickshaws. Take a cab or sit in a car and don’t forget to wear your seat belt.
- Avoid rough contact sports
Do not indulge in rough contact sports as that can injure your transplanted kidney. Also, ask your transplant team before indulging in any kind of physical activity.
- Do not lifting heavy objects
Do not lift heavy objects or weights for 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Also, do not lift anything heavier than 20 pounds for two to three months. Avoid lifting anything of more than 40 pounds for six months straight.
- Do not eat raw or undercooked food
Your immune system will be weak and so, it is best to avoid eating raw or undercooked foods like eggs and meat. If you eat such meals after your kidney transplant, you put yourself to a risk of severe illness.
- Do not take non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs
Do not take some very common over the counter drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen as they can lead to kidney dysfunction. Also, avoid antacids.
- Stop smoking
If you are a smoker, then you should quit immediately as cigarettes can reduce the life of your new kidney. You can also be at a risk of developing cancers.
Conclusion
These were some of the dos and don’ts of kidney transplant. It is recommended to live a healthy and well balanced lifestyle after the transplant.
If you are looking for home care services for a kidney patient, then check Avanta healthcare. Also, make sure that you have proper medical equipment at home for the patient. You do not have to buy it, you can always get it from medical equipment rental companies.