Different ways to keep a healthy kidney after a successful transplant.
Eating HealthyMost people with a kidney transplant have few dietary restrictions, but it's important to eat a healthy diet. In general, you should eat a heart- healthy diet (low fat, low salt) and drink plenty of fluids. If you have diabetes or other health problems, you may still have some dietary restrictions. A dietitian can help you plan meals that are right for you. Your Healthcare VisitsIt is important to take care of your overall health with your transplant. Having routine health screenings will help guide your care. You will also need regular blood tests to help find out how well your kidney is working, and to watch the levels of immunosuppressive medications. This will also help find any possible problems early, when treatment works best. You and Your Healthcare TeamGood healthcare is always a team effort—especially when you have a transplant. The people on your healthcare team help you most when you work with them as part of the team. You do that by sharing your concerns, asking questions, and by learning as much as you can about your transplant. Remember, you are the most important part of the team! Your Daily Medication ScheduleLiving with daily medications often means creating new habits so you can remember to take your medications in a way that fits into your routine. Talk to your transplant team if you are having difficulty sticking to your medication schedule. In addition, here are some common barriers to taking medication and ways to overcome them:
Barriers To Daily Medication | To Overcome Barriers |
I forget to take my medication, especially if:
|
|
Common Immunosuppressants
Generic Name | Tips | |
Tacrolimus |
| |
Cyclosporine |
| |
Prednisone |
| |
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) | ||
Sirolimus |
| |
Everolimus |
| |
Belatacept |
| |
Azathioprine |
|
Note: Different tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate products are not interchangeable.
Categories: Transplant, Kidney, Disease