After Your Child's Kidney Transplant

Supporting You and Your Child After Kidney Transplant Surgery

Your care team at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is always here to support you, your child, and your family.

Call your child's kidney transplant team any time at 412-692-5182.

During the first month after your child's kidney transplant surgery, our transplant team will keep a close eye on them.

Kids don't always show signs of complications after a transplant. They need blood work two to three times a week for a few weeks post-op. This lets us make sure no problems arise.

You should plan to stay in Pittsburgh during this time so we can watch your child for any issues.

Most kids can go home around one month after surgery. You'll still need to come to Pittsburgh for routine post-transplant tests.

Caring for Your Child at Home Post-Transplant

You'll have many things to keep in mind once you get home. To help, we'll give you a Pediatric Kidney Transplant Patient Education Guide.

Our post-transplant guide will help you as you care for your child at home.

It includes:

  • Contact information for your child's care team members.
  • Signs and symptoms that should prompt you to call our team.
  • What to know about your child's meds, including which over-the-counter drugs your child can and cannot use.
  • How to care for your child's surgical site.
  • Guidelines for physical activity and nutrition.
  • Tips on how to prevent sickness and infections.
  • Guidance on aspects of daily life — such as pets, sun care, dental visits, and going back to school.

Tips for Success After Your Child's Kidney Transplant

Before you and your child leave the hospital, we'll give you details about:

  • Medicines.
  • Follow-up visits and testing.
  • Physical activity.

To make sure your child's recovery goes smoothly, please follow the care team's instructions.

During post-kidney transplant care, remember to:

  • Keep a list of your child's meds on hand.
  • Make sure your child takes all meds as prescribed.
  • Plan ahead for refills so you don't run out of meds.
  • Have your child wear a medical bracelet that says they received a transplant.
  • Know what drug side effects, signs of kidney rejection, and illness symptoms to look for. Call our team if you notice any of these.
  • Take your child for all blood work and follow-up visits.
  • Be patient with yourself and your child as you both adjust to life after transplant.

Learn More About Life After Pediatric Transplant Surgery

From the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)

Contact the Kidney Transplant Program at UPMC Children's

If you have questions or concerns about your child's kidney disease or transplant, call our team at 412-692-5182.