Kidney Transplant Recovery

Recovery from kidney transplant begins in the hospital and continues after you return home. Your transplant team helps you and your care partner understand what to expect and how to care for your new kidney during the first weeks and months after transplant.

Your Hospital Stay

Most kidney transplant patients stay in the hospital for about 3-5 days.

During this time, your team will watch your kidney function, blood tests, medications, and recovery. They'll also help you begin moving and preparing you and your care partner to manage your care at home.

Preparing to Go Home

Before you leave the hospital, you and your care partner will learn about:

• Antirejection medications
• Your medication schedule
• Signs of rejection and infection
• Blood pressure and other health monitoring
• Nutrition and food safety
• Activity and recovery
• Laboratory testing
• Follow-up appointments
• When to contact your transplant team

If you need dialysis during the time the kidney is healing, we will work with your local nephrologist to make those arrangements.

Your First Weeks at Home

The first weeks after transplant require close monitoring and support.

You'll have frequent blood tests to check your kidney function and medication levels. You'll also have regular visits with your transplant team.

Some laboratory testing may be done closer to home and sent to your UVA Health transplant team for review.

Your Care Partner

A reliable care partner is an important part of your recovery.

Your care partner may help you:

• Manage medications
• Monitor your health
• Get to appointments and laboratory testing
• Prepare meals
• Manage daily activities
• Communicate with your transplant team

You may need around-the-clock support during the first weeks after surgery.

Staying Close to UVA Health After Transplant

Depending on your individual needs, you may be asked to remain near UVA for a period of time after leaving the hospital.

Your transplant team will discuss this with you during the evaluation process so you and your care partner can plan ahead.

Returning to Everyday Activities

Recovery is different for everyone. Your transplant team will guide you on when you can safely return to driving, work, school, exercise, travel, and other activities.

As your recovery progresses, appointments and testing may become less frequent, but ongoing follow-up remains an important part of protecting your transplanted kidney. See how we help with life after kidney transplant.