Receiving a kidney transplant can be life-changing, restoring health and quality of life for many people living with kidney failure. But even after a successful surgery, it’s important to remember that the body’s immune system may still see the new kidney as “foreign” and try to attack it in a process known as rejection. The good news is that when warning signs are recognized early, doctors can often treat rejection effectively and protect the transplanted kidney. Understanding what symptoms to look for, and knowing when to call your transplant team, can make all the difference in maintaining long-term kidney health.
In This Blog:
- What Is Kidney Transplant Rejection?
- Common Warning Signs to Watch For
- Changes in Urination
- Swelling and Fluid Retention
- Lab Results and Blood Pressure Changes
- When to Call Your Doctor Right Away
- Tips to Help Prevent Rejection
What Is Kidney Transplant Rejection?
When you receive a kidney transplant, your immune system recognizes the new kidney as something that isn’t naturally yours. Because the immune system’s job is to protect the body from “foreign” invaders, it may mistakenly try to attack the transplanted kidney. This reaction is called rejection.
Rejection doesn’t mean your transplant has failed. Instead it means your body needs extra medical support. With early detection and treatment, doctors can often control the immune response and help your transplanted kidney keep working well. There are different types of rejection:
- Acute rejection can happen weeks or months after surgery.
- Chronic rejection develops slowly over time.
- Hyperacute rejection is rare and happens almost immediately after transplant.
Common Warning Signs to Watch For
Kidney transplant rejection can sometimes begin quietly, but your body often gives you early signals that something isn’t right. These symptoms may feel similar to being sick with the flu or just “not yourself.” Because rejection can progress quickly, it’s important to know what to look for and act promptly.
Some of the most common warning signs include:
- Unusual fatigue or weakness: Feeling drained, even after a good night’s rest, may mean your kidney isn’t filtering waste properly, leaving toxins in your system.
- Fever or chills: A rising temperature can be a clue that your immune system is working overtime and attacking the transplanted kidney.
- Swelling (edema): Extra fluid can build up around the eyes, ankles, feet, or hands. This swelling is a sign your kidney may not be keeping your body’s fluid balance in check.
- Body aches or flu-like discomfort: General muscle soreness, joint pain, or that “coming down with something” feeling can accompany early rejection.
- Decreased appetite or nausea: When waste builds up in the body, it can affect your digestive system, leading to loss of appetite, queasiness, or even vomiting.
While each of these warning signs can be linked to other health issues, they should never be ignored after a kidney transplant. Even mild or vague symptoms can be an early sign of rejection. The sooner you alert your transplant team, the faster they can run tests and adjust treatment to protect your kidney.
Changes in Urination
One of the main jobs of your kidney is to filter waste and produce urine. When your transplanted kidney isn’t working as it should, you may notice:
- Less urine than usual: even if you’re drinking the same amount of fluids.
- Changes in color: urine that looks dark, cloudy, or has blood in it.
- Pain or burning with urination: which may also signal infection, but should never be ignored.
Since changes in urination can be one of the earliest clues of rejection, it’s important to track your daily patterns and let your care team know if something doesn’t seem right.
Swelling and Fluid Retention
When the kidney can’t filter fluid properly, the extra fluid builds up in the body. This often shows up as:
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands
- Puffiness around the eyes
- Sudden weight gain due to fluid retention
- Shortness of breath if fluid begins to affect the lungs
These changes may develop gradually or come on quickly. If you notice sudden swelling or difficulty breathing, it’s important to call your transplant team immediately.
Lab Results and Blood Pressure Changes
Not all warning signs of rejection can be felt. Sometimes, the first clues show up in your lab work or vital signs:
- Rising creatinine or BUN levels: these blood tests measure how well your kidney is filtering waste. An increase can mean the kidney is under stress.
- Protein in the urine: another signal that the kidney may not be working properly.
- Higher blood pressure: even if you’ve been stable on medication, uncontrolled or rising blood pressure can be a red flag.
Because these changes may not cause obvious symptoms, regular blood tests and checkups are essential after a kidney transplant.
When to Call Your Doctor Right Away
Some signs of rejection require immediate medical attention. Contact your transplant team or your Northern Chicago nephrologist right away if you notice:
- Sudden decrease in urine output
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Rapid swelling or unexplained weight gain
- High fever or chills that don’t go away
- Severe pain around your transplanted kidney
It’s always better to call sooner rather than later. Your care team would rather check on a concern early than risk delayed treatment.
Tips to Help Prevent Rejection
While some risks of rejection can’t be fully avoided, there are important steps you can take to protect your new kidney:
- Take your medications exactly as prescribed: Immunosuppressants help prevent your immune system from attacking the kidney. Skipping doses, even occasionally, can raise your risk of rejection.
- Keep up with lab tests and follow-up visits: These checkups allow your doctors to spot early warning signs before symptoms appear.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, staying active as recommended, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol all support kidney health.
- Prevent infections: Since transplant medicines lower your immune defenses, wash hands often, avoid close contact with sick people, and get vaccines recommended by your doctor.
- Communicate with your care team: Report new symptoms, even if they seem minor. Open communication can lead to early intervention and better outcomes.
By staying consistent with your care routine and partnering closely with your North Chicago nephrologist, you give your transplanted kidney the best chance for long-term success.
Conclusion
A kidney transplant can give you a new lease on life, but protecting your new kidney requires ongoing care and attention. By learning the warning signs of rejection, such as changes in energy, swelling, urine patterns, or lab results, you can take quick action if something seems off. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to keep your kidney functioning well for years to come. Remember: even small changes should never be ignored. Staying consistent with your medications, follow-up appointments, and communication with your transplant team is key to long-term success.
At Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana (NANI), our experienced nephrologists are here to guide you through every stage of your kidney transplant journey. With clinics across Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey, our team provides personalized monitoring, advanced treatment options, and the support you need to protect your kidney health.
If you’ve had a transplant or are considering one, don’t wait until symptoms appear. Schedule a consultation with NANI today and let us partner with you in protecting your transplant and your future health.
