Jennifer Hinkis, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.T.C., and Carmen M. Flores, R.N., Transplant Coordinators at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, offer a few important recommendations for people who want to take control of their health while they await a kidney transplant.
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Notify your transplant coordinator of any changes in your address or phone number, and provide as many important telephone numbers as possible to the transplant center. The more opportunity the coordinator has to contact you, the more likely it is that you can be reached when an organ becomes available.
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If you do not have access to a phone, ask your transplant coordinator about a pager. If you are using a pager, be sure the batteries are fresh and the pager is in good working order.
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See your primary physician for an annual physical, as well as whenever you are experiencing pain or any unusual symptoms.
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Notify the transplant coordinator if there are any medical issues that may affect your standing on the waiting list. The transplant team will want to address them as soon as possible.
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Do not skip dialysis treatments or cut them short. Stay as active as possible. Follow your dialysis diet closely. All of these things will promote optimum health.
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If you are planning to travel, inform your transplant coordinator about the dates you will be away, your destination, and a phone number where you can be reached. If a kidney becomes available, the transplant coordinator will contact you immediately so plans can be made for your swift return.
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See your dentist regularly. Good dental hygiene is an important factor before and after transplant. The presence of infection or an abscess can temporarily prevent transplantation.
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Know the medications you are taking, what they are for, what doses you take, and how frequently they should be taken.
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Wear a medical identification bracelet/necklace if you have any medical condition or allergies that health caregivers should know about (i.e., diabetes or allergy to penicillin).
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A review of your health status must be completed periodically while you are active on the organ transplant waiting list. You will be notified if a re-evaluation appointment is necessary.
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Be sure you have adequate insurance coverage including a prescription drug plan. Having this coverage in place at the time of transplantation can alleviate financial concerns during the postoperative period. Notify the financial coordinator of any changes in your insurance benefits.
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Be sure your dialysis nurse draws a monthly blood sample to send to the Sharing Network for use in the cross-matching. Notify the transplant center if you receive any blood transfusions.
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Educate yourself about the latest advances in renal transplantation. Attend the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Renal and Pancreas Transplant Centers’ annual symposia for people on the organ transplant waiting list.
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Lead a healthy lifestyle. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and drug use often cause complications. On the other hand, exercise and stress reduction will be beneficial. Maintain a positive attitude. We hope your transplant happens soon.
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