How long does it take to recover from a kidney transplant?

Wondering how long recovery takes after a kidney transplant? GetWellGo provides insights for international patients on recovery timelines, care tips, and more.

How long does it take to recover from a kidney transplant?

Kidney Transplant Recovery Time​

The duration of kidney transplant recovery will differ from one patient to another. However, the following is a typical procedure:

Hospital Stay:

Symptoms and results may persist up to 5 to 10 days (this depends with the complication and general health condition of the affected individual).

Kidney Transplant Recovery Stages​

Initial Recovery (First 6 Weeks):

  • Do not carry or lift heavy objects that are more than 5-10 lbs.
  • Minimal ambulation is allowed and recommended this should not be a cause for concern in as much as one engages in light walking during any physical activity.
  • Frequent check-ups (twice a week or more)
  • Anti-rejection and anti-infective drugs to utilise after organ transplantation

Intermediate Recovery (6 Weeks to 3 Months):

  • Gradual return to normal activities
  • Increased mobility and energy
  • Proper dieting and medication regimen should be maintained.
  • Control kidney illness from developing by conducting routine blood tests

Full Recovery (3 to 6 Months):

  • The symptoms depicted also indicate that most people can return to their duties and other daily activities.
  • Continued monitoring of kidney function
  • Ongoing lifelong medication for rejection prevention

Post-Kidney Transplant Care​

As for the procedure of a kidney transplant, it is obligatory to follow the rules of treatment and take care of the organs’ well-being as much as possible. Here is what you need to concentrate on:

Medications & Follow-Ups

  • Take immunosuppressants: These reduce the likelihood of the body rejecting the new organ (a kidney in this case). Never skip a dose.
  • Regular Check-ups: Routine blood testing either for kidneys function that may be characteristics in the initial year post-transplantation.
  • Minimize the Side Effects: Certain drugs cause side effect such as; weight increase, diabetes, high blood pressure and ought to be reported early.

Diet & Hydration

Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet:

  • To decrease the level of blood pressure, low-sodium foods
  • Foods that improve digestion particularly in preventing constipation caused by medications
  • Moderate protein intake (not too much, not too little)
  • Do not consume raw fish, milk, and dairy products, as well as rare meat (to reduce chances of getting infected).
  • The kidney should therefore be properly lubricated by drinking a lot of water and other fluids.

Avoid:

  • Grapefruit and Pomegranate: these are known to affect the effectiveness of transplant medications.
  • Potassium rich foods such as banana, oranges, potatoes etc. 
  • Sodas, Chips and Candy (popularly known as junk foods which are likely to affect the overall health)

Lifestyle & Activity

Gradual Physical Activity:

  • Light mobility in the early postoperative period, gradually increasing the veins after a few days.
  • Do not lift objects that may be heavy (at the time of pregnancy for at least a period of six weeks).
  • It was also important not to participate in any contact sports to avoid putting the new kidney at risk.
  • Rest and Stress: Sleep for at least a minimum of 6 hours, reducing stress to the extreme limit.
  • Minimize Intake of Cigarettes and Alcohol: Both these substances are injurious to the newly formed kidney.

Infection Prevention

  • This includes hygiene where people are advised to wash their hands regularly in a bid to minimize standings on the infection.
  • Stay Away from Sickness Prone Individuals: By taking immunosuppressants, your body becomes secluded and very sensitive to illnesses.
  • Vaccinations: Never be out of date – however, certain ‘live’ vaccinations should be taken no closer than 2 weeks prior to the mission.

Long-Term Monitoring

Watch for Signs of Rejection:

  • Decreased urine output
  • Swelling in hands/feet
  • High blood pressure
  • Fever, fatigue, or pain near the kidney site

Kidney Transplant Recovery Diet​

Proper dieting is mandatory after a kidney transplant as it enables the body to gain the adequate nutrients necessary for proper function and recovery. Below is the diet after kidney transplant surgery:

Foods to Eat:

Protein (in moderation, as per doctor's advice)

  • Skinless chicken, fish, lean meats
  • Eggs especially should be limited to their yolk if one is a victim of high levels of cholesterol.
  • Low-fat dairy (unless lactose intolerant)
  • Plant-based Protein: Lentils, tofu and chickpeas (phosphorus contains should be controlled)

Fruits and Vegetables 

  • Apples, berries, grapes, pears, pineapples
  • Cabbage, carrots, green beans, cucumbers, cauliflower
  • Cooked onions, peppers, zucchini

Whole Grains

  • Brown rice, whole wheat bread, oatmeal
  • Whole wheat pasta, quinoa

Hydration

  • People should also take adequate water (as suggested by the doctor) to ensure that one’s kidney is healthy.
  • Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks

Healthy Fats

  • Olive oil, nuts (in moderation), avocado
  • Omega-3-rich fish (salmon, mackerel)

Returning to Work after Kidney Transplant​

It is important to understand that everyone’s recovery can progress in a different way, your type of work and your general state of health after the kidney transplant will determine when you can go back to work. Others may be discharged to return home within 6-12 weeks but this depends with the situation that the patient was admitted in.

Kidney Transplant Recovery Timeline

First 6 Weeks:

Focus on rest, recovery, and follow-up visits
Avoid heavy lifting and physically demanding activities

6 to 12 Weeks:

Many people gradually return to work (part-time or modified duties)
Desk jobs can often resume earlier than physically demanding jobs

After 3 to 6 Months:

Most people fully return to normal work routines
Continue monitoring kidney function and avoiding infections

Tip for Managing Medications after Kidney Transplant​

Stick to a Routine

  • It is advisable to take medications at a fixed time in a day
  • Some elderly person may require a pill organizer or use a medication tracking application.
  • Set phone reminders for doses

Never Skip or Adjust Doses without a Doctor’s Advice

  • Missing doses may lead to rejection 
  • May lead to unfavorable side effects in an individual when taken in excess.

Monitor for Side Effects

  • Symptoms such as swelling and fever, or extreme tiredness.
  • Regime of blood check-ups enables to maintain the right dosage of the medications.

Watch Food & Drug Interactions

  • Be sure to stay away from grape fruit and pomegranate because they interference with the absorption of many medications
  • It is recommended to restrict high potassium intake (like bananas, oranges)
  • No-Over-the-Counter NSAIDs, as they are the cause harm to the kidneys

Regular Check-ups

  • Involves blood tests that are conducted quite regularly.
  • Some alterations may have to be made according to the stage of kidney disease.

Complications after Kidney Transplant​

Although the kidney transplant is beneficial to patients, it has its short-term and long-term side effects. This is why it is important that measures for diagnosing and handling be implemented early.

  • Organ Rejection
  • Infections
  • Delayed Graft Function
  • Chronic Rejection
  • High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Bone Weakness
  • Increased Cancer Risk

Kidney Transplant Recovery Tips​

Each patient has to take necessary medications, follow a special diet, leads an appropriate lifestyle and regularly monitor the state of the transplanted organ. Here are some important general tips that will help one get back on his/her feet and have healthy kidneys in the future.

  • Follow Medication Routine Strictly
  • Monitor Your Health Daily
  • Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet
  • Stay Hydrated & Active
  • Protect Yourself from Infections
  • Manage Stress & Mental Health
  • Attend Regular Check-ups

Physical Activity after Kidney Transplant​

0-6 Weeks: Light Activity

  • Exercise for 5 to 10 minutes preferably walking as one is increasing the level of activity.
  • Gentle stretching to improve flexibility
  • Breathing exercises to reduce stress    

6 Weeks - 3 Months: Moderate Activity

  • Longer walks (30-45 minutes per day)
  • Low-impact yoga
  • Running (moderate intensity), swimming (light intensity), Sit ups, push-ups, lateral leg raises
  • Cycling on a stationary bike

3-6 Months: Strength & Endurance Building

  • Swimming (if there is no suture or staples at the operation site)
  • Light weightlifting (avoid heavy weights)
  • Resistance band exercises

6 Months & Beyond: Full Activity (With Caution)

  • Jogging or brisk walking
  • Strength training (with doctor’s approval)    
  • Low-impact sports (golf, badminton, table tennis)

Signs of Kidney Transplant Rejection​

Rejection is a condition whereby the immune system of a patient responds with aggression to the newly implanted kidney. It can occur at any time although it is most likely to occur in the first 3 to 6 months post-operative period. 

  • Flu-Like Symptoms
  • Swelling & fluid Retention
  • Changes in Urination
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Pain over the Transplant Site
  • Lab Test Abnormalities

Long-Term Care after Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant is not a cure but patients have to learn how to live with this new kidney for the rest of their lives. Below are the following guidelines to following in order to facilitate long term sustainability:

  • Medication Adherence
  • Regular Check-ups & Lab Tests
  • Healthy Diet & Hydration
  • Physical Activity & Weight Management
  • Infection Prevention
  • Monitor for Signs of Rejection
  • Mental & Emotional Well-Being

Best Hospital for Kidney Transplant

  • Fortis Memorial Research Institute - Gurugram
  • Medanta The Medicity - Gurugram
  • Artemis Hospital - Gurugram
  • Max Hospital - Delhi
  • Apollo Hospital - Delhi

Top Doctors for Kidney Transplant in India

  • Dr. Anil Mandhani
  • Dr. Shyam Bihari Bansal
  • Dr. Varun Mittal
  • Dr. Dinesh Khullar
  • Dr. S N Mehta

Why Choose GetWellGo for Kidney Transplant?

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

  • Complete transparency
  • Fair costs.
  • 24 hour availability.
  • Medical E-visas
  • Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
  • Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for kidney transplant.
  • Expert urologist/nephrologist with a strong track record of success
  • Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
  • Language Support
  • Travel and Accommodation Services
  • Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
  • Local SIM Cards
  • Currency Exchange
  • Arranging Patient’s local food

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