Life After Transplant
The goal now is steady habits: take meds on time, show up for labs, move your body, and call early if something feels off. Most people return to full, active lives.
Anti-rejection medicines (immunosuppression)
Most people take 2–3 medicines long-term to prevent the immune system from attacking the kidney.
- What they do: lower immune activity enough to protect the kidney while still letting you fight routine infections.
- How they’re adjusted: levels are checked with blood tests; doses change over time.
- Common side effects (varies by person): tremor, headache, higher blood pressure or sugar, stomach upset/diarrhea, more bruising, mood or sleep changes (especially with steroids).
- Don’t skip or “self-taper.” If a dose is late, call the clinic for instructions.
- Interactions: some antibiotics, antifungals, seizure meds, and certain citrus (e.g., grapefruit) can change levels—always check before new meds or supplements.
Infection-smart living
- Hand hygiene, especially before eating and after crowds. Masks are reasonable indoors during the early months or outbreaks.
- Food safety: cook meats/eggs fully; avoid unpasteurized dairy; rinse produce well.
- Yard/pet care: gloves for gardening/litter; wash hands after.
Vaccines
- Stay up to date on non-live vaccines (e.g., flu, COVID, pneumonia, hepatitis B, shingles [recombinant]).
- Avoid live vaccines unless your team specifically approves.
Skin, sun, and screenings
- Transplant medicines raise skin cancer risk. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, hats, and long sleeves when practical.
- See a dermatologist regularly; do routine age-appropriate cancer screening.
Daily habits that matter
- BP & weight: keep a home log; high BP is common after transplant.
- Movement: aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate activity once cleared.
- Oral health: see your dentist; tell them you’ve had a transplant.
- Alcohol & tobacco: avoid smoking/vaping; keep alcohol modest and clear with your team.
Sex, fertility, and family planning
- Fertility often improves after transplant. Many people safely conceive after things are stable; timing and meds should be reviewed with your team.
- Use reliable contraception until you’ve discussed a plan with the clinic.
Work, travel, and life admin
- Work: ramp up as energy returns; request temporary accommodations if needed.
- Travel: pack meds in carry-on, bring extra doses, and keep the dosing schedule consistent across time zones.
- Keep a wallet card or phone note with your transplant date, clinic number, and medication list.
Questions to ask: Which vaccines are due this year? What drug/food interactions should I avoid? What’s my long-term target for blood pressure and labs?
This page is educational, not medical advice. Your team will tailor medicines and targets to you.