Many people with failing kidneys can start over with the help of a kidney donor. People who are thinking about getting a transplant often have many questions and fears.Ncbi addresses the assistance a person needs in deciding whether to have a kidney transplant.
As the article notes, many find it difficult to comprehend their choices and the advantages and disadvantages of every volunteer opportunity. Many times, patients are ignorant of the death rates, quality of life, or wait durations following surgery.
Furthermore, it could be hard for them to balance the risks and benefits of various donor options, such as selecting a less-good kidney or giving a kidney that is still living. Kidney doctors want their patients to be honest with them regarding the probability that they will get better. Others need help from family and friends to figure out what’s going on.
So, we, as health providers for kidney transplants in Iran, decided to address people’s concerns about kidney transplants and educate them about making the right decisions. Here are some of the biggest worries and questions people have about kidney transplants along the different stages of the process (it means we separate every concern and question related to each stage of the transplant process).
Before transplant:
Finding a donor (This is a significant concern for many people):
Many worry about finding a donor. There aren’t enough kidney donors, so people often have to wait years until they are a candidate for a transplant.
If you get the opportunity to undergo surgery, it is crucial to address the following concerns before your procedure:
Surgery risks:
Kidney transplant surgery is a big operation, and any surgery comes with risks, like bleeding, infection, and rejection.
Anti-rejection medication:
People may be worried about the side effects of anti-rejection drugs, which are needed to keep the body from fighting the new kidney. These medicines might make you more likely to get infections, cancer, and other health issues.
Long-term health:
Patients may wonder how long a donated kidney will last and if they can continue to do what they usually do after receiving a kidney donation.
During and after the transplant:
- Pain: Remember that you will feel pain after surgery, but the good news is that you can take medicine to ease it.
- Recovery: Time is an essential part of getting better after kidney transplant surgery. After three days in the hospital, people would have to rest at home for a few more weeks.
- Rejection: Renal graft rejection is the worst thing that can happen when the body makes antibodies against the proteins of new kidneys. The first month’s family is the most likely to have a problem, but it can happen anytime.
- Infection: Because these people take drugs that weaken their immune systems, their risk factors for infection are higher.
- Diet and exercise: People receiving a kidney transplant should follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep their new kidney healthy.
Based on the information above and our experience as a health provider, here is the FAQ our kidney patients have by pointing out their pain points!
FAQ about the kidney transplant!
Please look at the previous patients’ questions from experts in kidney disease and their pain points in Iran.
1. Am I a good candidate for a kidney transplant?
(Pain Point: Not knowing if someone is eligible or suitable for the treatment)
2. How long is the wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor?
(Pain Point: Pain Point: Stress over wait times and needing dialysis)
3. What are the risks of surgery and anesthesia?
(Pain Point: Fear of problems and harm that could happen during the process)
4. How bad is the pain after surgery?
(Pain Point: concerns the pain and healing after surgery.)
5. Will I be able to return to work and my normal activities?
(Pain Point: Worry about limits and getting back to a good quality of life)
6. What are the side effects of anti-rejection medication?
(Pain Point: Stress over how medicine will affect your health in the long run)
7. How long will a transplanted kidney last?
(Pain Point: not knowing how long the new kidney will last.)
8. What happens if my body rejects the kidney?
(Pain Point: Fear of rejection and the potential need for re-transplant)
9. How much will a kidney transplant cost?
(Pain Point: Cost of the treatment and the ease of getting it)
10. How long is the wait list for a kidney transplant?
(Due to Iran’s unique system, there’s effectively no wait time for a deceased donor kidney transplant in Iran. However, this is because they primarily rely on compensated living-donor transplants. In the US and other western countries, you must wait 3–5 years.)
Based on the above question, we designed a checklist for making good decisions. A kidney transplant may not be an option you choose, like surgery for beauty, so it’s essential to have a clear picture of the process and talk directly about your concerns with your doctors.
Kidney Transplant Decision Checklist:
We have compiled this list to inform you about the critical decision to get a kidney transplant in Iran.
Understanding Your Options:
- Research:
- The National Kidney Foundation researches kidney transplants.
- Find out about the different transplants, like live donors and deceased donors.
- Know what the risks and benefits of each choice are.
- Consult with your Nephrologist:
- Talk about whether you should get a transplant.
- Find out how long you might have to wait for a dead donor kidney.
- Ask about the donation process and any problems that might come up.
- Support Groups:
- Contact kidney transplant support groups or services in your area or online.
- Learn a lot from people who have been through the process.
Considering Your Needs:
- Finding a Donor (if applicable):
- Discuss the possibility of a living donor with friends and family.
- Understand the evaluation process for potential living donors.
- If you cannot find a suitable living donor quickly, you might consider a paired exchange program.
- Financial Considerations:
- Check with your insurance company to see if they cover transplant surgery and anti-rejection drugs.
- Look into the financial aid options that transplant centers and non-profits give.
- Make a plan for how to handle the costs of the donation.
- Logistics and Support System:
- Consider work leave or disability benefits you may need after surgery.
- Identify family members or friends who can assist you during recovery.
- Plan transportation and childcare arrangements if necessary.
- Making Your Decision:
- Consider whether you’ll need time off work or disability payments after surgery.
- Find friends or family who can help you while you’re recovering.
- If you need to, make plans for transportation and child care.
Final thought:
Many people with kidney failure can get a new kidney and live again. It really changes your life when you can stop dialysis and start living a whole, busy life again. It can be scary to make choices, but there is a lot of help and support out there.
You don’t need to go by yourself. Helpful people and tips can be found at nephrologists, donating sites, and support groups like the National Kidney Foundation. People can get help with the prices of transplants from groups that help people raise money.
Remember that a considerable number of kidneys are successfully donated every year. A brighter future is possible if you get the proper medical care and have a network of people who can help. Before deciding to change your life, talk to doctors and look into the available tools.
Kidney transplant with IranHealthAgency
Here at IranHealthAgency, we help people worldwide find medical, health, and transplant services at affordable prices and, of course, of high quality. We also provide cosmetic services for those who want to look for beauty services.
With us, everything is taken care of for you from A to Z (from airport to airport).