This clinic is for patients who have received a kidney transplant.
After a kidney transplant, patients require lifelong follow up. Many factors are monitored to improve the long term survival of both the kidney and the patient. These include general well being, blood pressure, weight and urine. Regular blood tests are important to measure kidney function, levels of immunosuppressive drugs, glucose cholesterol and bone chemistry. Blood counts test for anaemia and can also determine whether anti-rejection treatments are affecting the immune system too much. All medicines need to be regularly reviewed.
Complications including rejection are most likely to arise in the first three months after transplantation. So to start with, patients may be reviewed several times a week and problems if they occur, can be promptly handled. Over time and with stable kidney function clinic visits usually become less frequent.
After five years, patients are asked to attend the annual review clinic in the Institute of Transplantation once a year for a more detailed review, including consideration of bone health and a full assessment of the skin. Patients are also asked consider whether there are any other matters which are affecting their health for discussion at this appointment
What you can expect
You will be asked to provide a urine sample for testing and your weight, height and blood pressure will be recorded by the clinic nurse before your consultation with the doctor. Afterwards you may have blood tests.
Please bring a list of your medicines with you. A detailed letter will be sent to your GP and you will be asked if you would like a copy for your records.
