Kidney transplants help many people, but some still experience chronic pain. This study looks at how bacteria in the gut, called the gut microbiome, and chemicals in blood, known as serum metabolites, might cause this pain. The microbiome is a group of tiny living things in our tummies that help with digestion and health. After a kidney transplant, people's diets and stress levels change, which affects this microbiome and might increase pain. Researchers will study kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) to see how their gut bacteria and blood chemicals change over time and how this relates to their pain levels. By understanding these changes, scientists hope to create better treatments for pain.
Key Points:- This study involves multiple check-ups over time to observe changes.
- Participants need to be 18 or older and receiving a kidney transplant at UI Health.
- Those with certain medical conditions or medications are not eligible.