|
 |
3505 E. Frontage Rd.
Suite 315
Tampa, FL 33607 |
800-749-2257 phone
813-636-8122 fax
info@aakp.org |
|
 |
|
The transplant process is a team effort. You are the number one member of this team, but there are several other members of the team who work together for the best possible outcome.
Some members of your transplant team may be:
Nephrologist: As a kidney patient, you see this person on a regular basis. Your nephrologist is responsible for monitoring your kidney function along with other medical concerns.
Transplant Coordinator: This person is usually a registered nurse and plays an enormous role in the transplant process. They may schedule pre-transplant testing, evaluate health status of potential donors, contact you when an organ becomes available and more.
Social Worker: Every transplant recipient is assigned to a social worker who completes an assessment to ensure your needs are met prior to the transplant. The transplant social worker is highly skilled at assisting patients and their families with adjusting to life as a chronic disease patient. The social worker also acts as a sounding-board so you and your family can feel comfortable having open discussions with him. The social worker may also be able to advise on Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance related issues.
Transplant Surgeon: The transplant surgeon communicates with the team to determine if you are a candidate. He/She performs the transplant surgery and monitors you after the surgery for any complications such as infection or rejection. The surgeon also works with the transplant team to make sure test results and adjustments to medications are proper.
These are only a few members of your transplant team. To learn more about other members of your team, please visit the AAKP Web site. Remember, YOU are the leader of this team!
This article originally appeared in aakpRENALIFE.
This article originally appeared in the October 2008 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.
Back
|
|
|
