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Leanne David - My donor mum

This is the story of my kidney transplant and the donor - my wonderful mum.

As the recipient of a kidney, I would like to tell you my story. I contracted the disease Lupus which was diagnosed when I was approximately 6 months pregnant. I was subjected to a series for tests before they discovered the disease Lupus. It was a total shock and I was very much the disbeliever. After I had my baby I thought the disease would go away, which was the dumbest thing because this disease was going nowhere and I really did not understand the logistics of it all. In any event, the disease continued to destroy my kidneys and eventually I ended up with complete kidney failure.

During the next ten years I continued to work on a full time basis, my marriage broke up and I was raising my daughter on my own. Eventually my doctor told me that I had to go on dialysis. I went into complete denial and was absolutely devastated - as far as I was concerned my life was over, which of course was a slight exaggeration. I chose peritoneal dialysis because it gave me the freedom to work and continue to have a normal life as much as I could. Dr Burke organised for me to have a machine which did the dialysis at home and I would hook up to it at night and by the time I woke up in the morning it was over. When I had the tube inserted I contracted Staft which caused the exit site to be very unsightly, oozy and would just not heal, therefore causing me to have numerous peritoneal attacks.

It was decided, around late 1996, I would have to have that tube taken out and have a new one inserted on the other side (matching scars).  My health was deteriorating and they were concerned my peritoneal was going to collapse. It was around that time Mum made the decision to become a Donor, I was on the transplant list but the waiting was difficult. When Mum told me that she was going to have the test to see if she was compatible, I had very mixed emotions. It was hard to remain calm and not get too excited but also to try and stick to a normal life as much as possible.

Mum started all the tests and it was discovered she had a cyst and she had to have it operated on straight away. I thought my God, this operation (kidney) was over - it is amazing how selfish one becomes, even thought at the same time you’re thinking, I hope nothing bad happens to Mum. Luckily for the family Mum pulled through that operation okay. She was still as determined as ever to do this donor operation and things went to schedule. We had the kidney transplant operation on the 28th July 1998.

The week in hospital was extremely emotional. One day you are up, the next day you are down. Mum and I were in different wards, so I would worry whether Mum was okay and she would be doing the same about me then I would go and visit Mum and we would both end up in tears.

Anyhow, the operation was successful, though I had a terrible time with the anti-rejection drugs, which was very trying. I had to have three biopsies to ensure it wasn’t the kidney rejecting and to prove that it was the drugs causing the problems (what a way to prove it). Finally the doctors sorted it out and I was on the road to a full recovery. After the three month period I was given the okay to get on with life and live it to the fullest.

I must say it was a very emotional time for the whole family as it was one of mixed feelings. Basically a family has to use all its resources and strengths to ensure that everybody gets through it.

My life has changed dramatically. I have already had my first overseas trip and my daughter can live her life without worrying about me. I have a wonderful man in my life - we are building a future together. I would not have been writing this story if my Mum had not been a Donor. Words cannot express how I feel about what Mum did for me and my repayment to my Mum will be that I shall live my life to the fullest and I shall be eternally grateful to Mum.

Just a final note I want to say to my Mum - who we have just found out has cancer on her toe and we are all waiting for the result of how serious this is - I love you with all my heart and we will pull through this.