What will it be like when I wake up?

When you wake up after your operation, you will be closely monitored, either in the Intensive Care Unit or by a nurse who is looking after you only. This is so the transplant team can make sure your new kidney is working and you are not having any problems.

You will have some pain around the operation wound. This is normal, and you will be given pain relief to manage this.

As the blood begins to flow through your new kidney, it should start to make urine. For some people, this happens straight away. 

Sometimes, though, it can be a while before your new kidney starts to work. In this case, you might need to go on dialysis until your new kidney starts to work properly.

When the doctors are sure that everything is stable and your new kidney is working properly, you will be transferred out of the Intensive Care Unit to a general ward