​How long can one live after a kidney transplant

Because of the advanced medical technology today, many people with kidney disease who are still unable to continue working after years of dialysis will resort to kidney transplantation. The prerequisite for a kidney transplant is that there must be a suitable kidney source so that the body will not have a rejection reaction after the transplant, and their lives can be extended at this time. So how long can a patient who has undergone a kidney transplant generally live?

The one-year renal survival rate after kidney transplantation is 95.2%, the three-year renal survival rate is 85.3%, the five-year renal survival rate is 74.2%, and the ten-year renal survival rate is 59.1%. The longest survival was 26 years. The main factor affecting the survival of transplanted kidney is chronic rejection.

In addition, it should be noted that: Precautions after kidney transplantation

Once the body has accepted the new kidney, the patient may feel like they are back to their normal life, although they will still need to take medication and have regular checkups.

1. Rest and exercise

It is important to get enough rest after transplant surgery, as it is easy to become tired due to surgery and hospitalization. But as long as kidney function returns to normal, energy will be restored quickly. In the initial period after kidney transplantation, the best exercise is walking. Of course, you can do some light housework, but you should avoid heavy lifting during the first two months after surgery. It is also best to consult a doctor before engaging in any strenuous exercise, especially to avoid exercise that may cause the body to collide, so as not to damage the new kidney.

2. Food

If you have symptoms such as high uric acid, high blood lipids, high blood sugar or high blood pressure, you should follow the doctor's instructions and make necessary dietary control. Because long-term high uric acid, high blood lipids, high blood sugar or high blood pressure will increase the complications of transplanted kidneys and even shorten the survival time of transplanted kidneys.

3. Work

How long you have to wait before returning to work depends on the type of work and how well you have recovered. Before returning to work, you should talk with your primary care physician and your work supervisor.

4. Sexual life

Sexual intercourse does not cause any harm to the transplanted kidney, and patients who have successfully received a kidney transplant can resume their sexual intercourse at any time. After a kidney transplant, sexual desire may increase compared to when you were on dialysis because your uremic symptoms and anemia have improved. Some drugs for controlling high blood pressure can reduce sexual desire or cause sexual dysfunction. If problems occur, you can talk to your attending physician and perhaps change medications, which may improve the situation.