What Is a Kidney Transplant?
Kidney transplant means another person’s kidney is surgically placed in your body to do the work your kidneys can no longer do. It’s not a cure, and you will continue to need medical follow-up after a transplant, including medications to keep your body from attacking the transplanted kidney. But you won’t need dialysis, and patients who have had transplants have better health and a longer life on average.
The donated kidney can come from a living donor, usually a friend or relative, or from a deceased donor. There is a long waiting list for a deceased donor kidney.
Not everyone is a good transplant candidate. There’s an evaluation process that can take several months, so it’s good to start early. Your eGFR must be below 20 to be eligible for a transplant. If you’re interested in transplant, ask your doctor if transplant is right for you and when you should start an evaluation.
• eGFR
• About kidney transplant
Northwest Kidney Centers offers a free class, Choices, to help you learn more about dialysis and transplant and how to plan.