Life after transplant
Once your transplanted kidney is functioning well and you have recovered you will be discharged from the outpatient clinic and resume care in your local hospital. It may still take some months before you feel fully recovered.
By the end of the first year, most patients describe feeling fully recovered or close to that. If exercising and eating well, you will be strong and healthy. Each patient and family’s experience of “life after transplant” is individual and unique.
Support is available for all patients, any time in the weeks, months and years afterwards, to move forward with life after transplantation. It is vital the patients communicate with the treating team about their need for support, help, information, counselling or extra care.
Most transplant recipients will have returned to work, study or volunteering within a few months of the transplant. Read more about Employment.
The transplant team is always available to assist with your concerns. Because transplantation is a treatment, not a cure, there will be ongoing and lifelong medical reviews and management.
When medical issues arise
After the first year your GP should be your first point of contact for any medical issues. If transplant related complications arise, you may be readmitted to the transplant unit, infection management unit or other wards as required in consultation with the transplant team.
Regional patients might be admitted to their local hospital in the first instance if there is a medical issue. Staff there will liaise with the Transplant Unit and arrange a transfer if necessary.
Travel and vaccinations
Before embarking on overseas travel, contact the transplant assessment coordinators for information and advice about medications, vaccinations, follow up and what to do in case of medical emergency. They can provide information about transplant supports overseas.
Mental health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, however it can be overlooked during a time when you are experiencing a lot of change. Take some time after your physical recovery to reflect on your mental and emotional health and be sure to contact us to provide help and referrals to the support systems that best suit you. Read more about Mental Health.
Healthy eating and exercise
It is important to eat well and stay active to make the most of your transplant. If you need some help or advice please contact the transplant unit. There’s lots of healthy recipes, fitness and healthy lifestyle tips available on the Healthier. Happier. website.
Honouring your donor
The best way you can honour your organ donor and donor families is by making sure you treat your transplanted kidney well—take your medications as prescribed, eat well and stay active.
You may wish to write a letter of thanks and appreciation to the donor family which can be passed on by DonateLife. You may also attend a Service of Remembrance event, hosted by DonateLife, to honour the donor families who so generously consented to organ and tissue donation, enabling transplantation to occur.