Sunday, October 25, 2009

Kidney Transplant?

My dad had a kidney transplant about 12 years ago, how long do kidneys normal last in ones body? I don't want to ask him, i feel bad. He hasn't had any serious problems since the transplant.
Answer:
As long as he hasnt had any serious problems or infections it can last as long as he does. Dont feel bad, ask him. He is a great resource for any questions because he has BTDT and asked all of the same questions you have. Phrase it to him as "Hey Dad, I saw something about transplants on TV, etc but they never say how long they last. How long do donor kidneys last?" He will be more than happy to ease your concerns.
As long as the medication keeps doing it's job by helping his body not reject the kidney, he should be fine. Also, as long as he is taking care of himself properly.
Kidneys are meant to last a lifetime. If your father takes care of himself and takes his medications, it should last for a good long while. Why did he have the transplant in the first place?
dont know if you mean how long do you expect your own kidneys to last, or how long your dads new one will last. it all depends on how he manages his disease. the average current prognosis is around 10-15 years post-transplant. the life expectancy is much greater for younger patients.
A kidney can last a lifetime. Just be sure he takes care of himself and takes his rejection medication regularly. I work with alot of dialysis patients, if anything were to happen it would be his kidney will fail and simply he'll go onto dialysis. He then could get back on the transplant list and have another transplant. Even if he should ever have to have second transplant it could last the rest of his life. Just because one fails doesnt mean the next will. Also, there is better chance the transplant will take if it comes from a live donor. Dont worry about things. Be happy he has a working kidney and is doing well. I have seen everything from simple kidney failure to amputations to death. Renal failure is very serious. Like I said please do not worry about when his kidney will stop just enjoy your time with him.
It is normal for you not to know about , or understand the whole thing but the person you should be asking is him..it would let him know that you care and want to know about it. if he has lasted 12 years then every thing is going good and so there isn't any lingering bad news..some day he might need another kidney and understanding is the first step to donation and at the least donation awareness..

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