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Joshua - A gift from his grandfather

Ross said;

When my Grandson, Joshua, was born, it was revealed he would need a kidney transplant. All the family volunteered to be tested. Jan, my wife (and Joshuas Grandmother), was scheduled to be the donor after passing all the necessary tests at RPH, but unfortunately at the last moment it was discovered that she had a narrow artery and was rejected as a donor. This was a very sad blow to Jan.

Then it was my turn to be tested at RPH. I was a little worried when they started testing me, in case they found something wrong with me as well. As the tests progressed, so did my hopes. When I was told I was compatible, it was my chance to do something for Joshua. The 15^th October 2003 was selected as the transplant date and plans were made to travel to Melbourne from Perth, where the operation was scheduled to take place at the Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne.

Before the transplant could take place, Joshua was required to undergo a hernia operation and he reacted badly to the anaesthetic. In addition, he also had to have surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids, with the same adverse anaesthetic reaction and the transplant was postponed again until 6^th November 2003. Two days before this date, Joshua had to have surgery to remove his dialysis tube, resulting in the same bad reaction to the anaesthetic. This postponement was a strain on both families as the wait began all over again.

The transplant was now rescheduled for the third time to 3^rd March 2004. This time the transplant went ahead as planned. I felt great joy and extreme pride when I woke up in recovery and was told that the transplant was a great success. The recovery was virtually pain free due to the care shown and drugs used in hospital. It is now ten months after the transplant and it is great to see Joshua dialysis free and growing into a healthy young boy. So far I have had no complications or any adverse reactions.

It would not be possible to go through such an ordeal like this without great support from family and friends and I thank them sincerely. My deep appreciation and thanks goes to the Associate Professor from Royal Perth Hospital and the Surgeon and Associate Professor from the Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne.

The overwhelming support and enthusiasm from these people made this procedure a lot easier for both Joshua and myself. Every day, Joshua goes from strength to strength, running around and enjoying life to the fullest. It is in watching him and his family that I know I made the right decision to be tested and go through with the transplant. My thanks to everyone involved.

Ross