If you wish to play contact sports, please discuss this issue with the transplant team prior to starting any contact sport. Usually there are no restrictions on resuming sexual activity following transplantation. It is critical that both men and women who have successful transplants discuss methods of birth control with the transplant team. In general, it is recommended that women have adequate organ function and be in good health for 18 months after transplant prior to becoming pregnant. After transplant, most patients report that they enjoy life more and have an improved sense of well-being.
Many patients are able to return to work full time.
Patients who have been on dialysis find they have more time for normal activities once they are free of the time commitment of dialysis. At the same time, many patients are anxious about rejection. Other patients experience changes in body image which can require an emotional adjustment. It is important to discuss these feelings and any other reactions with the transplant team. It is also important to remember that, while fear of rejection is a normal reaction to transplant, the likelihood is relatively low and grows smaller with time.