3 Tips for People Waiting for a Kidney Transplant
Patience can be a hard virtue to practice when you’re waiting on a kidney transplant. But just because you’re waiting, doesn’t mean you should put your life on hold.
Take advantage of life’s opportunities by following these three tips for people on the kidney transplant waitlist:
1. Engage in life
Continue to engage in activities that you enjoy and bring quality to your life. Whether it’s spending time with family and friends, participating in hobbies, working, going to church, etc., it’s important to do what you love. This can also be a good time to pursue new interests that you have wanted to try. Carpe diem!
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Emotions can vary throughout the time you’re waiting for a transplant. Some days will be easy, and some might be hard. When you’re feeling down, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Talk to your dialysis center team about your thoughts. As part of your team, your social worker is trained to be an emotional support to you and your family throughout the entire kidney transplant process.
3. Communicate with your teams
Keep an open dialogue with your dialysis center and transplant center teams to ensure your health records and personal information are up-to-date. The more they know, the better they are able to assist you and keep you on the kidney transplant waitlist.
No matter what comes your way or what your health status is, these tips can help you live life to its fullest while you are on the kidney transplant waitlist. Take these steps in stride, one day at a time, and you may realize your goal.
Know someone who would like to donate a kidney? Visit the to start the process.
Want to become an organ donor? Visit to sign up.
