medication will I need to take? In addition to antirejection medications, many patients may need to take medications for blood pressure and to prevent infections and stomach ulcers. Depending on other health problems or conditions you may have, you will usually continue to take these medications. Patients will also receive antibiotics for a few weeks or months following transplantation to reduce the risk of common infections. When can I return to work? How soon you can return to work depends on your recovery, the kind of work you do, and your other medical conditions. Many patients can return to work 3 to 8 weeks after their transplant. Your transplant team will help you determine when you can go back to work. What are the chances that a transplanted kidney will continue to function normally? A number of factors affect the success of kidney transplantation. Generally, the chances that a transplanted kidney will continue to work correctly are between 89 and 95 percent one year 16 NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION after the operation. Success rates of transplantation are improving steadily as research continues. For example, research has led to improvements in surgical techniques, preservation of donated kidneys, and antirejection drugs. In the event that a transplanted kidney fails, a second transplant may be a good option for many patients. Can people who are older or who have other health problems have a transplant? Yes. In many cases, older people and people with diseases such as diabetes and other health conditions can have successful kidney transplants. Careful evaluation is needed to understand and deal with any special risks. When you are being evaluated for a transplant, you may be asked to do some things that can reduce risks and improve the chances of successful transplantation. If I have diabetes, can I also have a pancreas transplant? Sometimes. It may be possible for patients with type 1 diabetes to receive a pancreas transplant along with a kidney transplant. Your doctor can advise you about this possibility. WWW.KIDNEY.ORG 17 Will my sex life be affected? People who have not had satisfactory sexual relations due to the complications of kidney disease may notice an improvement as they begin to feel better after a transplant. In addition, fertility (the ability to conceive) tends to increase. Men who have had a kidney transplant have fathered healthy children. Women who have had a kidney transplant have had successful pregnancies. Women should avoid becoming pregnant too soon after a transplant. It's best to talk to your doctor when considering having a child. Birth control counseling may be helpful at this time. (See the National Kidney Foundation brochure Sexuality and Chronic Kidney Disease #11-10-0504.) It is important to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Be sure to use protection during sexual activity. 18 NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION Will I need to follow a special diet? One advantage of a successful kidney transplant is that there are few dietary restrictions. If you were on dialysis before, you may now be able to eat more of the foods you had to avoid. Your progress will be followed closely, and your doctor and dietitian will change your diet as needed. Generally, transplant recipients are advised to eat a heart-healthy diet (low fat, low salt) and drink plenty of fluids. (For further details, see the National Kidney Foundation brochure Nutrition and Transplantation #11-10-0404.) How can I pay for my transplant? Medicare Part B will cover 80 percent of the cost of your antirejection medications. You will need to apply for Medicare Part B and pay a monthly premium. The 20 percent of the cost that Medicare Part B does not cover can amount to hundreds of dollars a month. Therefore, Medicare Part B is not enough insurance. Recipients also need a supplemental or secondary insurance policy. WWW.KIDNEY.ORG 19 For most other medicines, like those to treat infections or high blood pressure, Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan benefit) can help. If you don't have Medicare Part D, you may need to apply and pay a monthly premium. The financial counselor or social worker at your transplant center will be available to answer questions about insurance and your coverage options. Emotional Aspects of Transplantation Preparing for and having a kidney transplant is associated with a range of emotions. Your life drastically changes and you must get used to a whole new way of feeling and living. You may have many emotions related to having a donated kidney, whether it came from a deceased or living donor. You may have new financial responsibilities. Often the healthcare costs to the recipient are higher than they were prior to the transplant due to added medications and follow-up care. Let your doctors and other healthcare professionals know of your challenges. Be sure to keep track of and describe your symptoms to the staff at your clinic. Learn from other recipients. Reach out to other recipients who 20 NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION know what you’re going through. Their ideas and experiences can offer help, comfort, and encouragement. Ask your transplant team for groups in your area. Contact NKF's Peers Lending Support Program to be matched with a peer mentor who has been in a similar situation. Call 855.NKF.PEERS (855.653.7337) or email