EDZ649
MB Enthusiast
About five years ago my father was diagnosed with renal failure. He was told that he would need a Kidney transplant within the next five years and that if he didn't have one he would almost certainly have to go on dialysis.
Needless to say my father and indeed the whole family were devastated.
After the dust had settled and the reality had sunk in we started to look at what options were available.
From the outset it was clear that a transplant from a living or deceased donor was his best chance.
For me it was a no brainer, this was my father after all, without whom I wouldn't be were I am today. I immediately put myself foward to be tested to see if I would be a good match and after several months and trips to the Sussex Kidney Unit at Brighton Hospital we were told that I was a very good match.
Fast forward two years and my fathers health had started to deteriorate. It was decided that the transplant should go ahead within a few months and on the 19th December 2012 we went into St Georges Hospital in Tooting and the transplant was carried out.
Seven months on and my father is doing really well, he's even back playing Golf which he hadn't been able to do for about 4 years or so.
My father was fortunate that he didn't have to wait on the transplant register for a donor but there are many people out there who are waiting and have been for many years.
It's not until something like this happens to you or a family member that you realise the importance of being registered as a donor so I wanted to share my experience with you all to highlight this great cause and to encourage anyone who isn't already registered to do something amazing.
Leigh.
http://www.transplantweek.co.uk/
Needless to say my father and indeed the whole family were devastated.
After the dust had settled and the reality had sunk in we started to look at what options were available.
From the outset it was clear that a transplant from a living or deceased donor was his best chance.
For me it was a no brainer, this was my father after all, without whom I wouldn't be were I am today. I immediately put myself foward to be tested to see if I would be a good match and after several months and trips to the Sussex Kidney Unit at Brighton Hospital we were told that I was a very good match.
Fast forward two years and my fathers health had started to deteriorate. It was decided that the transplant should go ahead within a few months and on the 19th December 2012 we went into St Georges Hospital in Tooting and the transplant was carried out.
Seven months on and my father is doing really well, he's even back playing Golf which he hadn't been able to do for about 4 years or so.
My father was fortunate that he didn't have to wait on the transplant register for a donor but there are many people out there who are waiting and have been for many years.
It's not until something like this happens to you or a family member that you realise the importance of being registered as a donor so I wanted to share my experience with you all to highlight this great cause and to encourage anyone who isn't already registered to do something amazing.
Leigh.
http://www.transplantweek.co.uk/