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Barbara Davis - A kidney for our daughter

Overall, the operation was the best decision I have ever made as the outcome was worth all the pain and suffering. Now our daughter is fit and well and happy, with a whole new life to look forward to.

My name is Barbara Davis and this is our family's story.

Approximately 10 years ago my eldest daughter contracted the disease LUPUS, otherwise known as SLE. The disease attacks the immune system and slowly destroys organs, and in my daughter’s case, it attacked the kidneys. In 1995 she was diagnosed with complete kidney failure and went on dialysis (peritoneal). Upon having the dialysis tube inserted into her body she contracted Staft, therefore the exit site to the tube would not heal. This caused her to have many peritoneal attacks requiring hospitalisation. She had approximately 7 attacks and it was then I decided to be a Donor. This was around Christmas, 1996.

After contacting the specialist, both my husband and I discussed the possibility of me becoming a donor. I was subjected to various tests for compatibility and also to ensure that I was basically 100% fit and well for this operation. It was during these tests that it was discovered that I had an 11cm cyst on my ovaries (luckily for me, I guess). I was operated on straight away because my daughter's health was deteriorating. Thankfully the operation was successful and not too painful. After a 3 month recuperation period I was again ready for the next operation. After a few checks to ensure that I was still 100% healthy, the operation was booked for the 28th July 1998.

To ensure that the operation was successful and well planned, my husband and I made arrangements to be in Brisbane. As my daughter had a child who also needed to be looked after and lead her life as normally as possible, my husband was to come down and take care of her whilst we were in hospital. I came down the week before the operation and saw the specialist once more and booked in at pre-admissions. Naturally, by this time, everybody was extremely emotional and anxious and very stressed, together with feeling very excited for my daughter, as she was about to begin a new life.

The operation was successful. The kidney was working well, although there were a few hiccups with medication for my daughter but it was sorted out and by the end of the three month period she was doing so well we all knew it was successful.

For me, the recuperation period was extremely painful at times, some days more than others and it was very emotional as well. Gradually, as each day passed, I was feeling a little more like myself and looking forward to the future.

From the time I made the decision to do this operation it became a very emotional time for everybody in the family (especially for my husband) and everybody had an opinion, good and bad. Overall the operation was the best decision I have ever made as the outcome was worth all the pain and suffering as now our daughter is fit and well and happy with a whole new life to look forward to.