Frequently Asked Questions What are the advantage and disadvantages of kidney and pancreas transplants?
• Freedom from dialysis • Increased strength • Fewer dietary and fluid restrictions • Decreased anemia • Better blood pressure control • Normalization of blood sugars after a pancreas transplant Disadvantages include: • No guarantees that the kidney and/or pancreas will work • Taking anti-rejection medications for the rest of your life • Medication side effects, including increased chance of infection and malignancies • Medications are very expensive • Very close follow-up with the transplant surgeon in Peoria (two to three times a week) for several weeks following the transplant. • Getting blood tests regularly for the rest of your life Are there age limits for kidney and pancreas transplant candidates? The transplant team at OSF Saint Frances Medical Center evaluates each candidate on an individual basis. The decision is based on the physical condition of the candidate, not chronological age. There are risks involved with older candidates, and these are discussed with the candidates
