Nephrologist

Short Description

The transplant nephrologist leads your medical care after surgery. They track labs, tune anti-rejection medicines, catch problems early, and guide long-term kidney health.

Main Priorities

• Immunosuppression tuning: adjust anti-rejection doses based on drug levels, creatinine, and symptoms.
• Lab & vitals oversight: watch creatinine/eGFR, urine output, electrolytes, blood pressure, and weight.
• Problem detection: sort out dehydration vs. rejection vs. medication side effects; order tests/biopsy if needed.
• Whole-health management: treat BP, sugar, cholesterol, anemia, and bone/mineral issues that affect graft health.
• Follow-up plan: set visit/lab frequency and clear thresholds for calling early.

Issues They Work With

• Rising creatinine, falling urine, rapid weight gain/swelling, or new pain over the kidney.
• Abnormal drug levels, tremor, headaches, stomach upset/diarrhea, or sleep/mood changes from medicines.
• Electrolyte drifts (potassium/magnesium), high BP, dizziness from over-diuresis, or dehydration.
• Infection risk planning and vaccine timing (non-live vaccines).

When to Go to Them

• Early months: very frequent visits/labs, then spaced out as things stabilize.
• Call promptly for: fever, vomiting that affects meds, less urine, sudden swelling/weight gain, new wound redness/drainage.
• Before new meds/supplements: check for interactions that change drug levels.
• Bring to visits: exact med schedule with last dose times, home BP/weight logs, recent outside records (ER/urgent care), and questions.

What They Don’t Handle (Boundaries)

• Day-to-day scheduling, refills logistics, or paperwork — nurse coordinator/social worker.
• Insurance approvals and detailed cost questions — financial coordinator/insurer.
• Early surgical wound/drain decisions — surgeon team.