Warning-sign checks
Kidney transplant: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Follow any emergency instructions supplied by your transplant centre.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
- Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
- Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
- Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
- Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
- Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
- Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
- Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
- Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen todayContact your transplant team promptly for:
- Fever, chills, or feeling suddenly unwell
- Reduced urine output or a clear change in urine
- Increasing pain or swelling over the transplant
- Redness, warmth, discharge, or opening of the wound
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that prevents you keeping medicines down
- New swelling, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath
- Possible exposure to a contagious infection
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointmentRoutine follow-up includes planned blood tests, medicine-level checks, blood pressure monitoring, and transplant clinic visits.
Contact the team if you cannot attend or miss an anti-rejection dose.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Kidney transplant. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.