My dad lived with diabetes for over 20 years. He managed it well for a long time, but after a while the impact it was having on him started becoming more visible. His general health started going downhill, and it had a big effect of how he lived.
One day my parents sat down and explained to me that his kidneys had failed and he was being put on the kidney transplant waiting list. They had leaflets explaining what was involved in donating a kidney, and how a transplant from an immediate family member had the best chance of being a match. At that point it was a no-brainer – of course I was going to get tested to see if I could donate. I was sure that if the tables were turned, he’d do the same for me. All I wanted to know was what I could do next.
Testing wasn’t much of an issue. I had always been fit and healthy, and no issues came up to say I couldn’t donate. Logistically it was a bit more challenging as my dad and I were in a different NHS Trusts so I had to drive down to him for a few appointments, but the transplant team were great at working appointments around our availability and my work.
Before the process, I didn’t realise just how little donating a kidney affects you and how well your body can function with one kidney. I assumed you had two for a reason, but actually one kidney can do the job of both as long as you’re healthy.
Throughout everything, the team made sure that nothing was happening to put me in any unnecessary danger. It stuck in my mind that they said if there was a difference in the function of my two kidneys, they would take the weaker of my two, and leave me with the stronger organ. It would be great for my dad as he’d still be getting a healthy kidney, but would also be better for me in the long run.
We were given an initial date for the transplant, but sadly it had to be delayed a few times because of my dad’s health. It was frustrating as we all wanted to just get it done, but it had to happen at the right time to make sure the transplant had the best chance of being successful.
The operation itself went absolutely fine. My main worry was wondering how the operation was going for my dad. Thankfully I was able to see him after the surgery, and the difference it made to him was immediately noticeable. It was incredible. He was up and about on his feet quicker than I was! The transplant made an unhealthy man healthy again. He had his energy and his complexion back.
I stayed with my parents during the recovery period, which was nice as it meant I could see the difference the transplant had on my dad. It was also nice to have someone to put the kettle on for me!
After those first few weeks to allow my body to recover, I’ve been able to get back to the same life as before. I had done a marathon before donating and remember speaking to my consultant before the transplant about whether he thought I could still keep up running after the operation. He was a runner as well and had no doubt I could get back into it. He was right, it’s had no impact. I’ve done four more marathons since then! If anything the donation probably motivated me to do it even more, as I’m aware I need to keep healthy.
From my point of view, it’s made zero difference to my health and was overall pretty easy, but it’s made the world of difference to my dad’s health. He’s a grandad now with three grandkids, and he’s able to enjoy that now in a way he otherwise wouldn’t.
