The Call and Transplant Surgery
A call about a possible kidney can move quickly, and not every call leads to transplant. If surgery proceeds, the hospital phase begins a new set of instructions that are specific to your transplant center.
What to focus on now
Open the topics that are most useful to you. You do not need to read everything at once.
When a possible offer comesFollow your center’s instructions first.
The transplant team may ask about your current health, recent infections, medicines, travel time, or when you last ate or drank. Do not make assumptions about food, drink, or medication instructions—follow the team’s directions.
Know why plans can changeAn offer can be canceled.
The donor kidney, final matching, recipient health, or other information may change the plan even after you arrive. A canceled transplant can be deeply disappointing, but it does not necessarily mean you have lost your place on the waitlist.
Bring the essentialsKeep preparation simple.
Have identification, insurance information, a current medication list, transplant-center contact information, and the practical items your center recommends. Avoid creating a large universal packing list that conflicts with center instructions.
Expect frequent teachingHospital education begins immediately.
Before discharge, the team typically reviews medicines, follow-up, laboratory testing, incision or wound care, activity, food and infection precautions, and when to call for help.
Questions you may want to bring to your team
- Who should I call back if I miss a transplant-center call?
- What should I do about food, drink, and medications when you call me?
- Who can come with me, and where should we go?
- What must I understand before I leave the hospital?
Useful starting points
These links are for general education and planning. Review important decisions with your own team.