This study aimed to describe the consequences experienced in the life of a person with kidney transplantation. This is a descriptive and qualitative approach, using the Critical Incident Technique, in which the interview content was analyzed, in an attempt to isolate the consequences of the kidney transplantation, showing positive and/or negative references. When confronted with what kidney transplantation provided to people’s life, the independence from the hemodialysis machine, the existence of a quiet and normal life, the sensation of well-being, and the possibility of performing activities were demonstrated. In compensation, the transplantation provided changes that led them to another reality. Although some changes in the life of these people occurred, the process of transplantation did not represent significant change, which could install suffering. © 2015, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. All rights reserved.