Going Home After Kidney Transplant Surgery

It has been about a week since your surgery, and you might now be ready to go home. You will need to continue a daily notebook to record your temperature, blood pressure, and weight. It is also important to measure how much you drink and the amount you urinate. Information about your medicine schedule is the most important information you will record in your notebook. Remember to keep the records in your notebook for at least 6 weeks, or longer if you have complications. Notify the Transplant Team before stopping your medicine record, and remember to always bring your notebook and medicines to each Transplant Clinic visit.

It is important to make sure you have each of these before you go home:

• Thermometer
• Blood pressure cuff
• Scale

To decrease the chance of infection, you must avoid people with colds or flu for at least 3 months. Also see the guidelines, Preventing Infection at Home". By avoiding illness now, you will be able to return to an active life within a few months

Prednisone (Deltasone), a corticosteroid or steroid hormone medicine, might cause vision changes or cataracts. Both conditions are correctable, but we recommend that you visit your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) at least once a year for a thorough exam. Be sure to contact the Transplant Team if you experience any changes in your vision.