Hverdagen etter nyre–pankreas-transplantasjon

Abstract

Background: A successful kidney-pancreas transplantation (KPT) is the most effective treatment for patients with diabetes who develop late-stage chronic renal failure. Although studies show an improvement in self-reported quality of life following a KPT, daily life can nevertheless be challenging due to the risk of organ rejection and side effects from immunosuppressive drugs. Little is known about KPT recipients' personal experiences of the transition from chronic disease to daily life after a KPT. Objective:To examine patients' experiences in the transition from a life with diabetes and chronic renal failure to daily life in the rst year after a KPT. PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH AuthorsMethod: The study has an exploratory design, and data are collected through semi-structured interviews. Six men agreed to an interview at the one-year follow-up after their KPT, and we used a stepwise deductive-inductive method to analyse the interviews.Results: Transplant recipients' new daily life was characterised by greater autonomy, independence, coping and motivation, but also by new elements of uncertainty. The main uncertainties related to fear of the new organs being rejected and side effects from immunosuppressive drugs. Conclusion:The study provides an insight into the everyday challenges faced by transplant recipients in the rst year after a KPT. One key nding of the study was the need for a greater focus on good information before and after a KPT, both for patients and their families. More tailored patient education and psychosocial support over time can be crucial the rst year after transplantation.