Life After a Kidney Transplant: What to Expect

A successful transplant restores much of the quality of life lost to kidney failure, but it brings a lifelong responsibility: daily medicines and regular follow-up. Most people stay in hospital for one to two weeks after surgery. The new kidney often starts working immediately, though sometimes it takes a few days. Anti-rejection medicines are taken for life. Missed doses are the most common cause of rejection, so consistency is everything. Signs to report include fever or pain over the kidney, less urine or new swelling, rapid weight gain from fluid, and any sign of infection.