Patients who have undergone kidney transplants ought to take exceptional care throughout their lives. They are bound to pay heed to several crucial aspects to lead a healthy life.

Post Kidney Transplant-Points of consideration

1. Follow up care: The long-term success of the kidney transplant is primarily contingent on the follow-up schedule. The patient should visit the transplant team on a regular basis, take his or her anti-rejection medications daily in the proper dose, follow the recommended plan for lab tests and clinic visits and follow a healthy lifestyle.

2. Avoid Infections: The rate of infection increases in patients who have undergone a transplant as the immunity is highly suppressed. Maintaining proper hygiene is evident- one must wash their hands after or before

•    Eating

•    Touching foods

•    Touching soiled items or surfaces

•    Using the toilet

Also, the patient is advised to refrain from being a part of crowds (church, public transportation, fairs and festivals) as contact with an infected person is more likely in such places.

3. Minimized Steroid therapy: The steroid use should be reduced to cut down the side-effects. Tapering off corticosteroids within four weeks after surgery can mitigate a variety of side effects including. Diabetes, weight gain, osteoporosis and bone fractures. Also, it reduces patient morbidity.

4. Rejection signs: The risks of rejection is high as the body's immune system considers the transplanted organ as "foreign" and starts to "attack" it. The rejection is categorized into two types including, acute rejection and chronic rejection. To keep a tap on the rejection rate, immunosuppressant medications need to be taken regularly.

5. Proper diet rich in proteins: When it comes to diet, intake of protein in proper amounts is a necessity. Protein helps to build muscle and recover the lost weight. One must take the suggestion of their dietician to figure out how much protein is required.

6. Avoid Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are a big No-No for patient who has undergone a kidney transplant. This is because some of the most common over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can lead to kidney dysfunction.

7. Avoid prolonged sun exposure: Due the medications prescribed post-transplant, the risks of skin cancer increases. So, the patient is advised to use sunblock rated SPF 20 or higher and keep away from lengthy exposure to the sun.

8. Hydration is the key: Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to ensure a successful recovery. The patient needs to drink at least 2 litres water daily.

9. Healthy weight: The patient is recommended to indulge in exercise as obesity or gaining too much weight can be a huge problem. It can hamper the recovery and increase the chances of side-effects.

10. Quit smoking and drinking: Habits such as smoking and drinking can lay a severe impact on the body of the kidney recipient. Hence, the patient is recommended to relinquish such habits for a better and faster recovery.