Quality of Life after Renal Transplantation

Abstract

End stage renal disease invariably reduces the life span of patients. The treatment of choice for many patients is renal transplantation but this does not affect a cure.  The aim of treatment is to improve renal function and thus to enhance the quality of life as much as possible. Surprisingly little research has been done concerning  the quality of life after renal transplantation. In this study involving five patients with ESRD awaiting renal transplantation and five patients who had received a graft within the last six months, the method of exploratory study with qualitative design was used. All patients received abundant technical information about renal transplantation and preoperative preparation but detailed information regarding the negative effects  of transplantation including the side effects of immunosuppressive medication appeared lacking. The main source of stress preoperatively was the need to undergo dialysis, awaiting the summons to the hospital and the social isolation imposed by the chronic ailment, frequent hospital visits and resultant fatigue.  Post-transplantation patients were remarkably free of anxiety regarding having to attend hospital frequently for follow-up tests. Quality of life improved after transplantation despite the persistence of renal symptoms and patients felt privileged