It may be some time before you have your transplant surgery. While you wait, it is important to follow the steps listed below.

Take your child to the doctor and dentist regularly
We will ask you to schedule all needed doctor, dentist and clinic visits. This includes yearly exams and routine tests. It is important to complete your child's dental work before the transplant. A dental visit every six months is important while your child is waiting for the transplant.

Your child will need to have these vaccines. Please keep a record of these shots:

• A flu shot every year
• A pneumococcal vaccine (shot to prevent pneumonia), if you have not had one in the past five years
• Vaccines for hepatitis B. You may also need hepatitis A vaccines.

Help your child to eat the right foods
Kidney disease and dialysis change the way your child's body handles nutrients. Help your child to follow his or her diet plan. If you have questions about nutrition, call the dietitian at your child's dialysis or doctor’s (nephrologist’s) office.

It is important that we know how to contact you
If your child's kidney will come from a deceased donor, we will call you when a kidney is available. If we can’t find you, your child may lose the chance for this kidney. We will not leave a message on your answering machine or voice mail.

We must have current phone numbers where you can be reached 24 hours a day. This may include numbers for close friends, family and work. It helps if one family member always knows where to reach you.

Please call us right away if a phone number changes or stops working. Dial 1-800-328-5465, then choose 0. Do not leave a voicemail message.
Call the transplant office any time your child is in the hospital or if you go on vacation. If you are out of town, have someone call your cell phone to make sure it is working.

Call us if your child's insurance changes
If there is any change in your child's insurance, call your financial case manager right away: 612-273-6685 or 800-688-5252 (x36685). If you do not, your child might not receive a kidney transplant.

Plan your transportation
If your child's kidney will come from a deceased donor, arrange your ride to the hospital in advance. Plan more than one route in case of rush hour or bad weather.

You may need to arrange air travel if you live more than six hours from the hospital. It might be a good idea to call your local airlines to get their schedules. Have the schedules ready for when a kidney becomes available.

Some families arrange for a company plane. Check with corporations in your area—they may be willing to make a plane or pilot available. This is good public relations, which is why many are able to help.

Plan for your other children
You will be in the hospital for four to five days. If you have other children, now is the time to plan for their care while your child is in the hospital. Get them used to another home if they will be staying there. Your children may visit your child in the hospital, but they must be carefully supervised. They cannot visit if they’ve been exposed to any illnesses that might spread to others.

Plan where your family can stay
If family and friends will stay in the Twin Cities while your child is in the hospital, start looking for hotels. Start by checking our housing information on this Web site. You may also ask your social worker for options. Or call our Accommodations Office at 612-273-3695 or 800-328-5576.

Family members may not stay overnight in the hospital if your child has a semi-private room.

Plan what to bring to the hospital
Make a list of items to bring to the hospital for your child. He or she may be in the hospital for four to five days. Some children stay longer. Be sure to include:

• Comfortable clothes (jogging suits, sleepwear) that have soft, elastic waistbands or no waistbands
• A list of your child's current medicines (bring this to every clinic or hospital visit)
• Insulin or glucose testing equipment, if your child have diabetes. (Keep these with you on the plane or in the car.)
• Fluid and other supplies, if your child is on peritoneal dialysis
• Your child's favorite pillow or blanket, books, toys and videos

If your child's kidney will come from a deceased donor, be sure your packing list is ready when the doctor calls.

Prepare your family and friends
Please tell visitors that plants and flowers (cut or dried) are not allowed in your child's room. Your child's medicines will lower his or her immune system, and plants and flowers may increase your child's risk for fungal infection. When your child returns home, this will not be a problem.

Prepare yourself and your child emotionally
Waiting for your child's transplant is stressful. Patients have told us that being in the hospital after the transplant is also difficult. Please think about how you and your family have dealt with great stress in the past. Think about what helped you through these periods as well as what you would like to do differently this time.

If either you are or your child is having a hard time, please ask for help. Social workers, transplant coordinators, clergy and other support staff are here for you.

Finally, try to take a tour of the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital. This may be very helpful for you and your family. Your child's social worker can arrange the tour.