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Donor Nephrectomy - Information for Kidney Donors after Going Home

 Thank you for your great gift.  This will help with your care at home.

 

Pain treatment

 

  • It is normal for you to have some pain for 2-4 weeks.  Pain pills will be ordered for you.  Follow the orders for the use of these pills.
  • Avoid NSAIDS:  Ibuprofen is found in many over the counter drugs, like Advil®, Motrin®, Midol®, Nuprin® and Rufen®.  Naproxen is also known as Aleve®. 
  • We suggest the use of Tylenol® (acetaminophen) for most pain after your kidney donation.
  • You will be walking soon after your surgery.  This is very crucial.  The pain pills will help you to move around. 
  • Expect to get back to normal in 10-12 days.

 

Activity

 

  • Do not lift more than 5-10 pounds for the first 4-6 weeks after the surgery and for 3-4 weeks after laparoscopic surgery.
  • A walk is good for you.
  • Do not over do.  Lifting heavy things after 4-6 weeks is okay.  Slowly get back to your routine. 
  • You must not drive if you are still taking pain pills. 
  • In most cases, you may return to work after 4-6 weeks.  Some go back to work as early as two weeks.  This will depend on what kind of work you do.  Talk with your doctor.
  • You may shower.  Do not soak your incisions in a hot tub, bath tub, or swim until they are healed, at least 2 weeks.  You may wear Band-Aids® if you need to, if your incisions are in a skin fold, your clothes rub on them, or they are draining.  Change them daily and more often if they get wet or soiled.
  • Sex when you feel ready.
  • Drink at least 8 glasses of fluid per day (no alcohol).

 

Follow-Up Visits

 

  • You will have a clinic visit here with your doctor in one month. 
  • You will have a second clinic visit here in three months. 
  • You should see a doctor yearly for a complete check-up.  This exam should be a physical exam, blood pressure, blood creatinine level and urine testing to see how your kidney is working.  If you prefer to see your local doctor, please be sure to fax the records of the above items to us at (608) 262-5624.

 

How does having only one kidney change my life? 

 

  • Avoid long-term or heavy use of any drug.
  • If you have any questions about a drug talk with your pharmacist. 
  • If a drug is used over a long time or too much, it can harm your kidney.  You should always ask how any drug may affect you before taking it. 
  • As a rule, having one kidney will not stop you from going about your life.

 

When to Call the Doctor

  • Shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911
  • More redness, warmth, or swelling of an incision
  • Pus-like drainage from the incision or drain site
  • Fever over 100°F for two readings taken 4 hours apart
  • Less urine
  • Blood in urine

 

Phone Numbers

 

Urology Clinic:  (608) 263-4757

Transplant office: (608) 263-1384

Transplant office fax: (608) 262-5624

 

After hours  contact the paging operator (608) 262-0486.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor or nurse will call you back.

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.

 

Your doctor is _____________________________

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 05/28/2009

Copyright © 04/23/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6852

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