Managing Your Health While You Wait
Your day-to-day health plays a direct role in whether you can accept a kidney. Understand what to do and what to avoid to help stay eligible and prepared.
Medically reviewed by Jessie J. Danforth RN, BSN
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Medically reviewed by Jessie J. Danforth RN, BSN
Last updated: September 8, 2026
While you’re waiting for a transplant, your focus is staying ready at any time. Your day-to-day health can affect whether you’re able to accept a kidney when one becomes available, and staying proactive with your care can help you avoid delays and move forward when the opportunity comes.
What it takes to stay “call-ready”
It’s about consistency, not perfection Staying “call-ready” doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It means staying involved in your care and keeping your health as stable as possible so you’re ready for surgery and recovery at any time. Your daily habits make a difference What you do each day matters. Eating well, staying active, keeping up with medications, and managing conditions like blood pressure or diabetes all can play a role in whether you remain eligible for transplant. Medications need to be closely managed Your care team needs a complete picture of what you’re taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Always let your transplant coordinator know about changes or new medications before taking them to avoid interactions and ensure your treatment plan stays safe and effective. Small issues can cause delays Even minor health concerns can temporarily pause your transplant. Infections, dental problems, or unmanaged conditions may lead to being placed on hold until they’re resolved. Ongoing check-ins help you stay eligible Regular appointments and testing help your team confirm you’re still ready for transplant. Staying on top of these visits and speaking up about new symptoms or concerns can help prevent delays and allow any issues to be caught early.
Key Takeaway
Your daily choices can make a real difference, and they are something you can control. Staying proactive, consistent with your care, and connected with your care team can help you stay ready for transplant and avoid unnecessary delays.
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CareDx is committed to providing scientifically supported educational content for transplant recipients and caregivers. All content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice or replace guidance from your healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your transplant team with any questions you may have regarding your specific medical condition.