Having tests and meeting with your pre-transplant team is only part of planning for your transplant. There are other steps you can do to help prepare for your transplant that will also help you focus on recovering after your transplant.
Plan ahead
Waiting for a transplant can be a stressful and emotional time. You don’t know when you will get a call from the transplant team to tell you that they found a kidney match. For those waiting for a transplant from a living donor, it may also be hard to wait while your potential donor is being checked to make sure that donation is possible.
There are steps you can take to lower your stress and get you ready for your transplant. Having certain things ready before the transplant will make it easier for you and your support people when the time comes. It will also help to lower last minute stress when the call comes, which is often in the middle of the night.
You may want to do the following to help you prepare:
- Have a bag packed and ready to go.
- Have someone that you can call to drive you to the hospital if you can’t drive yourself. Keep in mind that even if you can drive, you may be too stressed or worried to be able to drive safely, especially if you have a long drive.
- Have someone that you can call to look after your children.
- Have someone to help you care for your home while you are away, such as looking after your pets, shoveling the snow, cutting the grass, and getting the mail.
Take care of your health
It’s important that you stay healthy while you wait for a transplant. This includes getting exercise, controlling your weight and blood pressure, and managing your stress. Taking care of your health will help your mind and body prepare for the transplant and recover from the transplant more easily.
