A kidney transplant is a surgery to replace a diseased or damaged kidney with a healthy one from another person. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the ribcage on either spine. They filter wastes and excess fluid from the blood and produce urine. If the kidneys are not working properly, waste products and fluid can build up in the body, which is dangerous. You may need a kidney transplant if the kidneys fail or someone has a chronic condition that you cannot control with medication. If you are considering a kidney transplant, you should talk to a specialist in Kidney Transplant Cypress to learn all about this treatment. Here are some things you should know.
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It Treats But Does Not Cure the Problem
Usually, you need a kidney transplant if your kidneys have failed or if you have a chronic condition that cannot be controlled with medication. A kidney transplant is not a cure for the problem, but it can treat it. The new kidney will filter your blood’s waste and excess fluid and produce urine like your own kidneys. However, you will need to take medications for the rest of your life to keep your body from rejecting the new kidney.
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There Are Different Types of Kidney Transplants
There are two types of kidney transplants: living donor transplants and cadaver (dead donor) transplants. With a living donor transplant, the donor is someone who is alive and has two healthy kidneys. The donor gives one of his or her kidneys to the person who needs a transplant. With a cadaver transplant, the donor is someone who has died and has agreed to donate his or her organs after death. The kidneys are removed from the donor’s body and transplanted into the recipient’s body.
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You May Have to Wait in Line
There are not enough kidneys available for all people who need them, so you may have to wait in line for a kidney transplant. Depending on many factors, you will have to wait, including how sick you are and how well matched your donor is. You can improve your chances of getting a kidney transplant sooner by using the national waiting list and being as healthy as possible.
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You Will Need to Take Medications for the Rest of Your Life
After a kidney transplant, you will need to take medications for the rest of your life to keep your body from rejecting the new kidney. These medications are called immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants help to prevent your body from attacking the new kidney. They can cause various side effects, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and diabetes. You will need to see your transplant team regularly so they can monitor your health and adjust your medications as needed.
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There are Some Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, a kidney transplant carries some risks and complications. The most common risks are infection and rejection. Rejection is when the body rejects the new kidney. This can happen if the body’s immune system mistakenly thinks the new kidney is harmful. You can treat rejection with more medications, but it can also cause serious health problems. Other risks and complications include blood clots, kidney failure, and cancer.
In summary, a kidney transplant is surgery to replace a diseased or damaged kidney with a healthy one from another person. It can treat but not cure the problem. You may have to wait in line for a kidney transplant, and you will need to take medications for the rest of your life to keep your body from rejecting the new kidney. There are some risks and complications associated with a kidney transplant, but most people who have one can live a normal life.
