What You Cannot Do After a Kidney Transplant?

Dr.Girish Sharma, 3 mins read

A kidney transplant is a life-saving procedure for patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease. It allows you to begin a new life, free of dialysis, and full of hope to return to normal activities.

You can do most of your activities and routine work after eight weeks of the transplant. Your doctor will guide you on what activities you should do and what you should avoid. You will be advised to eat and drink healthy foods, quit smoking and alcohol, consider regular exercise, and follow up on scheduled dates.

What to Avoid After a Kidney Transplant?

Please note the following restrictions can vary from person to person. It’s best to consult your doctor to understand what you cannot do after a kidney transplant.

Don’ts

• Lifting heavy weights or doing weight training before doctor’s advice.
• Exercising other than walking before eight weeks.
• Playing heavy contact sports like rugby, boxing, martial arts, etc.
• Smoking, using tobacco products, and consuming alcohol.
• Missing doses of immunosuppressive or anti-rejection medicines.
• Taking any NSAIDs (Pain medications) or medications without a doctor’s prescription.
• Eating street, processed, or packed food, especially meat.
• Holding urine for a longer time or using unhygienic washrooms.
• Eating foods like grapefruit, pomegranate, unpasteurized milk, natural supplements, undercooked/uncooked foods, unhygienic foods, raw foods, leftover foods, etc. Consult your doctor about what foods you should eat.
• Going to crowded places or using public transport, especially in the initial days.
• Ignoring any symptoms or signs and delaying hospital visits.
• Playing with pets before eight weeks.
• Meeting sick people.
• Missing follow-ups, lab tests, or regular vital tests.
• Ignoring doctor’s advice.

What Can You Do After a Kidney Transplant?

Dos

• Join normal activities, college or office after 12 weeks of the kidney transplant. Those with heavy manual jobs should consult their doctor.
• Start driving after six weeks of transplant. But be mindful, don’t drive too fast to avoid damaging the wound.
• Do sex, however, wait for at least six months to let your wounds heal.
• Go to your favourite destinations for holidays after a few months to fuel your exploration zest.
• Join moderate exercise like jogging, swimming, cycling, etc. after 12 weeks.