How long does it take to get back to normal after a kidney transplant?

How long does it take to get back to normal after a kidney transplant?

Recovery tips: Transplant patients usually return to normal activities within four to eight weeks. It’s important to avoid any heavy lifting during this recovery period. You can help your recovery and reduce the risk of complications by: Taking your medications as directed.

What can you not do after a kidney transplant?

You should also avoid taking any illegal drugs after a kidney transplant, as they can damage your kidneys, cause a sudden rise in blood pressure and react unpredictably with your immunosuppressant medications.

How long does the pain last after a kidney transplant?

Your belly and side will be sore for the first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. You also may have some numbness around the cut (incision) the doctor made. You may feel tired while you are healing. It may take 3 to 6 weeks for your energy to fully return.

How long do you stay in hospital after a kidney transplant?

How long will I need to be in hospital after a kidney transplant? If you’re receiving a kidney from a living donor – the usual stay is 4 to 6 days. If you’re receiving a kidney from a deceased donor – most patients stay in hospital for 6 to 10 days.

How painful is a kidney transplant?

The operation takes about four hours. You’ll be sore at first, but you should be out of bed in a day or so, and home within a week. If the kidney came from a living donor, it should start to work very quickly. A kidney from a deceased donor can take longer to start working—two to four weeks or more.

Can you live a normal life after a kidney transplant?

People can live normal lives with only one kidney. As long as the donor is evaluated thoroughly and cleared for donation, he or she can lead a normal life after the surgery. When the kidney is removed, the single normal kidney will increase in size to compensate for the loss of the donated kidney.

How long does kidney surgery take?

Typically, the surgery takes 3–5 hours with time in the recovery room afterward for observation. Removing your kidney may be done by laparoscopy or open surgery. The surgery to remove a kidney is called a “nephrectomy.”

How big is the incision for a kidney transplant?

Once the kidney is freed, it is secured in a bag and pulled through an incision that is about 3 inches long and is several inches below the umbilicus (belly button).

What is the longest someone has lived with a kidney transplant?

A woman who had a life-saving kidney transplant back in 1970 this week celebrates 50 years of healthy active life. Angela Dunn, now 74 and living in France, is thought to be the longest-surviving transplant* patient in the world, still leading a healthy life with the same kidney.