A kidney transplant is more than a single event. It is not something you rush into, and it certainly does not start or end with surgery. It is a long process with many steps, emotions, and adjustments. At Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center, we guide you through each part so you are not left figuring it out on your own.
Getting Cleared First: Tests, Talks, and Timing
Before anything happens, your body has to be ready. That is where everything starts. We run tests. We ask questions. We look at how the rest of your health lines up with surgery.
This stage is called kidney transplant preparation. It helps us see the full picture.
You may need:
- Bloodwork to check for matches
- Imaging to look at your organs
- Heart checks
- Infection screenings
You might get matched with a donor quickly. Sometimes it takes longer. Either way, we stay in touch. If you are considering kidney transplant, we will walk both of you through the process clearly.
What the Surgery Looks Like in Real Life
Once the plan is set, you will be scheduled for surgery. The operation usually takes a few hours. The new kidney goes into your lower abdomen. Your old kidneys? In most cases, they stay right where they are.
You will be under full anesthesia. After surgery, you move to recovery where our team keeps a close watch. When the new kidney starts working, many people feel a change — more energy, clearer thinking, even better appetite.
The Days and Weeks After
Right after the procedure, you are not out of the woods — but you are on the path.
You will need:
- Meds to prevent rejection
- Follow-up visits
- Blood tests
- Good hygiene habits
- A way to track how you feel daily
This is the post-transplant recovery phase. It is not always smooth, but it is manageable — and we are with you the whole time. That includes adjusting meds, watching for warning signs, and helping you stay steady.
How Life Changes After Transplant
You might expect life to return to “normal.” In many ways, it does — but it is a new kind of normal. You will still need meds every day. You will still visit us regularly. But for many, there is more energy and less day-to-day kidney stress.
If your transplant came from a living donor kidney, healing might happen a bit faster. Still, each person’s recovery moves at its own pace. Stick with what works. If anything feels off, say something early — it makes all the difference.
Ready When You Are
Kidney transplant bring up a lot of questions — that is normal. You are not expected to know everything right away. If you are unsure where to start or just need honest answers, reach out. You can always talk to our transplant care team. We are here to help, not rush you.
We are not here to push. We are here to explain, listen, and help you decide what feels right.
No pressure — just support.
