“Since the transplant in February 2024, we’ve both been doing really well. The amount that George’s life has improved compared to the small risk of my life getting worse has been the best trade-off ever.”
Spotting symptoms
Swollen ankles were the first sign that George was experiencing problems with his health. It worsened over the following days, as his calf and ankle seemed to merge as one. This prompted George to see his GP, where he had his blood tested.
George was shocked when he received a call from his doctor just a couple of hours later advising him to go to hospital immediately. There, he discovered that his kidney function had fallen to just 27%.
George says: “Going to hospital became my whole life, I was there numerous times a week and my kidney function kept falling rapidly. I was unable to work and moved in with Ed and his wife, Izzy, to be near Hammersmith Hospital where I was treated.
“It was heartbreaking seeing my test results constantly getting worse and not knowing what that meant for my future. It changed my outlook on what is important in life, and I will always be thankful for the support I received from friends and family.”
Our kidney transplant
As George’s kidney function declined, the need for a transplant to avoid dialysis treatment became more urgent.
George says: “I was fortunate to have a few options for live kidney donation, but the idea of asking somebody to go through a transplant was uncomfortable. When it came to Ed, I tried to consider what I’d do if the roles were reversed, and I knew I wouldn’t hesitate to donate a kidney, so that put me more at ease.”
After months of testing to ensure both brothers were healthy enough to go-ahead with the transplant, George and Ed went into surgery in February 2024.
Ed explains: “By the time our transplant happened, we had become very comfortable with needles and medical equipment throughout the matching process. It just felt straightforward to go and get the transplant done.
“It felt rough for a few weeks post-surgery, but the transplant has been a resounding success. George’s new kidney immediately started filtering his blood and continues to function well. He’s been able to get back to work and move forward with his life. For me, after the initial recovery from surgery, I’ve not had any problems whatsoever.”
