In This Together: How Dialysis Centers and Transplant Centers Support You
If you’re on dialysis and are considering seeking a kidney transplant, it’s good to know that two key teams—your dialysis center team and the transplant center team—will take care of your needs. Both teams can give you and your family the support and care you need throughout your dialysis and transplantation processes.
Dialysis center team
Your dialysis center team can help you in your pursuit of a kidney transplant; their number one priority is your health. Your dialysis team will check in with you to make sure they have the most accurate and up-to-date health records, as well as keep you as healthy as possible so you can remain a candidate for a transplant. During the evaluation process, your dialysis care team may assist with making needed appointments, ensuring you understand why the medical tests are necessary, and can act as an emotional support for you and your loved ones. From your nurse to your social worker, the people on your dialysis care team are available to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Waiting for a transplant can be an emotional process that your dialysis social worker is fully equipped to walk you through, as well as assist you with how to have conversations with your support system.
Transplant center team
The transplant center team will ensure that all testing is completed, usually meet with you annually to review tests and confirm you’re still physically and emotionally ready for a transplant. The team can also assist with resources available to you following a transplant, such as financial assistance programs for immunosuppressants (drugs that suppress your immune system, allowing your body to accept its new kidney) and other prescription medications. The transplant center can provide emotional support during your time on the waitlist, and offer guidance on how to ask potential living donors to consider donating a kidney.
It takes two
Each dialysis center and transplant center can work differently, particularly from state to state, but keeping the lines of communication open about your goal of getting a kidney can help in this transplantation journey. Lean on these two support systems and you can get one step closer to receiving a transplant.
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.
