Transplants - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantage and disadvantages of kidney and pancreas transplants?

Advantages include:

• Freedom from dialysis
• Increased strength
• Fewer dietary and fluid restrictions
• Decreased anemia
• Better blood pressure control
• Normalization of blood sugars after a pancreas transplant

Disadvantages include:

• No guarantees that the kidney and/or pancreas will work
• Taking anti-rejection medications for the rest of your life
• Medication side effects, including increased chance of infection and malignancies
• Medications are very expensive
• Very close follow-up with the transplant surgeon in Peoria (two to three times a week) for several weeks following the transplant.
• Getting blood tests regularly for the rest of your life

Are there age limits for kidney and pancreas transplant candidates?
The transplant team at OSF Saint Frances Medical Center evaluates each candidate on an individual basis. The decision is based on the physical condition of the candidate, not chronological age. There are risks involved with older candidates, and these are discussed with the candidates and their families so that everyone understands and is comfortable with the situation.

How concerned do I need to be about my body’s rejection of a new kidney or pancreas?
The body’s immune system is designed to keep you healthy by sensing “foreign invader” such as bacteria and rejecting them. Your immune system will also identify your “new” kidney and/or pancreas as “foreign” and try to reject them. Therefore, you will have to take medications that suppress your immune response. You may have to take two or more of these immunosuppressant medicines daily. It is important that you watch for signs of rejection, such as fever, or soreness in the area of the “new” kidney and/or pancreas or a change in the amount of urine you make. Report any such changes to your transplant team.

What side effects might I experience from my new medications?
Immunosuppressant medications work by diminishing the ability of immune cells to function. This can lead to an increased risk for infection and, over time, an increased risk of developing cancer. Other side effects of these medications include changes in appearance such as weight gain, acne, and increased facial hair. Not all patients experience these problems, and diet and make-up can help. Some immunosuppressants can also cause cataracts, diabetes, extra stomach acid, high blood pressure, and bone disease. When used over time, these drugs may also cause liver or kidney damage in a few patients.