Here in the Ft. Myers area there are an estimated 85 people on the waiting list for a kidney. For many patients a successful kidney transplant provides greater freedom, increased energy levels and a less restricted diet.

Dr. Van Sickler states, "In essence with transplantation you're re-establishing normal kidney, your improving, hopefully improving one's quality of life."

In order to keep the patients body from rejecting their new organ, they'll have to take drugs to suppress their immune response.  "The medications that we use, the anti rejection drugs, all the suppression drugs that we use have become very, very sophisticated" said Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center's Director of the Kidney Transplant Center, Dave Mainous.

Taking these medications become an important part the patient's life after a transplant. They'll also need to focus on the active role they'll be taking to care for their new kidney.

"It's very much of a cooperative venture with the patient to get them to understand that this is very, very serious stuff."

Medications and proper follow up care are needed in order for a transplant to be successful.

"If they fail to see that and they don't want to follow the instructions they're going to lose their kidney transplant or they're going to be back on dialysis."

Ultimately, if you are the recipient of a donated organ, you really need to be a responsible guardian of your new gift.

If you're interested in being an organ donor, you can call 239-939-8442 for more information.