Several patients have an assumption that if they are old they cannot get a kidney transplant, but if you are otherwise healthy, age is not a factor in determining your transplant eligibility. However, there can be other factors that may prevent patients from getting a kidney transplant if:
• Current life expectancy is less than 5 years
• Recent cancer (other than most skin cancers)
• Untreatable heart disease/ psychiatric illness
• Missing dialysis appointments or signing off the machine early
• Active substance abuse (alcohol or drugs)
• Lack of health insurance or Medicare/ Medicaid coverage
• Blood group (A, B, O) compatibility of donor and recipient.
• Tissue typing: Once the donor’s blood group matches with the patient’s blood group, tissue typing is advised. Both the recipient and donors blood is tested HLA – A, B, & DR. Generally, 50% match is accepted. For spouse donor, even lower match is acceptable.
• We have got an experience of performing ABO incompatible kidney transplant. Even if blood group of donor & recipients are not matching, then also transplant can be done. In modern era with the availability of plasmapheresis, adsorption filters and few special drugs, it can be made possible with comparable results.
• Excessive bleeding
• Clotting of blood
• Rejection/failure of donor kidney
• Risk of severe infections from the donated kidney
Excessive weight gain immediately after a transplant can be dangerous. It can lead to problems like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes. You need to be careful in choosing your diet and consume:
• High-fiber foods rather than fried foods
• Initially, you must consume rich sources of protein like eggs (avoid raw or uncooked eggs), chicken, and low fat dairy products.
• At least 8 to 10 glasses of water. Refrain from having any calorie drinks, beverages or canned soups.
• You should try to use olive oil instead of saturated fats like butter.