When the kidneys don't work properly, waste products and excess fluid accumulate in the body.... One way to treat this problem is dialysis, but a kidney transplant can also be an option.... This option can give you more freedom to go about your daily routine.... It may also give you more energy and help you feel better.... In addition, the survival rate is higher after a kidney transplant.

However, this surgery is considered a complex one.... Here are some things you should know before making your decision.

How to find a kidney donor?

If your doctor thinks a transplant is an option for you, he or she will refer you to a local transplant center. This is a hospital where organ transplants are performed. Then you will be given tests, imaging, and scans to make sure you are healthy enough for a transplant.

There are two different ways to get a healthy kidney....the first is what is known as "living donation"....it may be a close relative or friend who is willing to give you one of their kidneys....or it may be a stranger who is willing to give you one of theirs....the second way to receive a kidney is through deceased donors.

See more: Kidney and urinary tract surgeon

In any case, your blood and tissue must be tested to make sure they match the donor's blood and tissue. This increases the chance that the body's immune system will not attack the donor kidney when it is accepted.

If you have a living donor, you can schedule your transplant surgery.. Then, when a kidney is found, they will call you to go to the hospital as soon as possible.

What happens during kidney transplant surgery?

Kidney transplant usually takes 3 hours, but may take up to 5 hours.

You will receive anesthesia until you are asleep the entire time.... Then while you are in surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen, just above your groin.... Your kidneys will not be removed unless they are infected or causing pain, but the donor kidney will be placed inside and blood vessels will be connected to it (after which the surgeon will attach a tube to you) to the bladder...

The opening is closed with sutures, special glue, or a surgical staple or stapler.. A small drain may be placed in the abdomen to drain excess fluid that collects during surgery.. The surgeon also places a thin tube called a stent in the ureter to help with urination..

If you remove the damaged kidney, you can donate it to the Kidney Research Group.... Doctors study it to learn more about kidney disease and They hope with its help get closer to treatment... If you wish to do this, you should discuss this with your transplant doctor early.

How is the recovery period after a kidney transplant?

You may be able to get out of bed and walk the day after the transplant. Most people stay in the hospital for 5 days or less.

Although you should feel better after about 2 weeks, you won't be able to lift heavy objects or drive for about a month. Your doctor will probably advise you to stay off work for 6 to 8 weeks.

To prevent rejection of a donated kidney, you must take special medication every day... You may also need to see your doctor 2-3 times a week at first to make sure your body is healing as it should.... Over time, these visits will become much less common.

If you are active, you will recover faster.... Your doctor will tell you what exercises are safe to do and how long you can do them.... Many people start with walking and stretching, then gradually begin longer and more intense sports... However, defensive sports, such as football, are prohibited because they can damage the donated kidney.

Quitting smoking and alcohol is necessary to stay healthy... You can also consult a nutritionist about a healthy eating plan...you can eat more fruits and vegetables and drink more fluids than people on dialysis...but you must choose foods that will keep your blood pressure low and blood sugar stable.

Learn more: Is there a cure for kidney failure?

When should you see a doctor?

Getting a kidney transplant puts you at risk for health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes... You're also more likely to get an infection... This can happen at your surgical incision site. Or it could be a fungal or viral infection like shingles that affects the whole body.

Also, your body may start to attack the donated kidney (transplant rejection)... If this happens, you may experience:

• Fever
• Cough
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Pain, especially when urinating
• Urine production less than usual

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor right away...but most people who get a kidney transplant do very well.

For more information or to see a urologist, you can make an appointment online at the GCORP LLC website.