Keeping your bones healthy

Reduced bone health is a common problem in the years post-transplant. This may be due to reduced kidney function, where nutrients like calcium and vitamin D are made available to the body. It can also be due to long-term steroid use.

When your bone health is reduced, your bones become weak and brittle (also called osteoporosis). If left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to fractures (tiny breaks), commonly found in your spine, hips, and wrists.

Talk to your transplant team about your risk for post-transplant osteoporosis, and treatments to help protect your bone strength. You may also want to discuss strategies for minimizing your dosage of steroids, if they are currently part of your medication regimen.

• Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D—the best source is through the foods you eat (such as dark leafy greens and dairy products), but vitamin supplements may be necessary
• Do weight-bearing exercise like walking, weight-lifting, and aerobics
• Talk to your doctor about medications that can reverse bone loss

Print this page