Complications of Kidney Transplants (Contd)
Q: What are the common complications after kidney transplant? (contd)
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is an increased level of sugar in the blood and it may be caused by some of the anti-rejection medication. A patient should notify his transplant team or doctor if he experiences any of the following symptoms: increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, blurred vision, and confusion. Blood sugar can be reduced through weight loss, careful diet, and exercise. An oral diabetes drug or insulin injections may be necessary.
2. Cancer - Transplant patients have a slightly higher risk of cancer than the general population. Skin cancers are the most common, but can be decreased by wearing sunscreen. Also breast and cervical cancers in women. After transplant it is very important to have routine cancer screening because early detection greatly improves the chance of cure.
3. Imbalances in electrolytes including calcium and phosphate which can lead to bone problems amongst other things.
4. Other side effects of medications include:
a. Gastrointestinal inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and esophagus
b. Hirsutism (excessive hair growth in a male-pattern distribution)
c. Hair loss
d. Obesity
e. Acne
f. Hypercholesterolemia and others.
Q: Which patients are likely to have complications?
A: There is no way to predict accurately which patients will have problems. The transplant team will do their best to reduce the likelihood of complications and to treat them promptly if they occur. Following instructions carefully and keeping the transplant team informed of any difficulties will help a patient return quickly to a normal, active life.
Q: When should a patient notify the transplant team?
· Has prolonged illness (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea).
· Is unable to take medicines by mouth due to illness.
· Thinks the directions on the label may be different from what he was told.
· Has a reason to take aspirin, paracetamol, other pain relievers, or cold remedies.
· Feels he is having a reaction to the medications.
· Has had a change in health or eating habits.
· Has a new prescription from his local doctor or a change in a current prescription.
· Is undergoing dental work of any kind.
Q: How does the recipient take care of the kidney after transplant?
A: The transplant team teaches the recipient the important things to know about taking care of the kidney. It is very important that the recipient take the immunosuppressive medications that are prescribed, and continue with follow-up appointments so that complications can be detected and corrected early.
Q: How much do anti-rejection medications cost?
A: Some of the immunosuppressive (anti-rejection) medications are expensive. For now, in Nigeria, recipients have to buy their own drugs which on average cost N150, 000 monthly, for the first year. This reduces subsequently as drug dosages are reduced.
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