I went on Google and started searching for information. My nearest transplant unit was in Coventry, so I rang them up and expressed my interest.
I spoke to a wonderful transplant coordinator called Jane, who was such a lovely person and really put me at ease right from the start. She talked me through the process and what was involved from beginning to end. She made it clear it wasn’t a short process and involved lots of checks to make sure I was healthy and able to donate. It felt just like donating blood, but with more checks. That really solidified it for me – if I could help someone, then I wanted to do it.
I didn’t do too much research outside of the meetings I was offered. When they told me what the next test was then I’d look it up, but I didn’t do much more than that. Jane was right, there were quite a lot! But everything went on well and there were never any problems.
I did discuss my decision with my husband. He’s a very laid-back person and knows what I’m like! But we did have a big discussion about it all. He asked the same questions that the professionals had already spoken to me about. What would happen if something went wrong? What if our children needed a kidney in the future? My thought to that question was – I’m doing it for somebody in need right now. If we were in that position in the future, then hopefully my act would inspire someone else to give back to our family just as I had given to someone else.
Also, we had no history of kidney disease in the family. We were all healthy, while others out there aren’t. You have to live life for today, and this seemed the best use of my good fortune for everybody. Besides, there was a chance my kidney wouldn’t even be a match for our kids! Why give up my chance for giving someone a better life for that small possibility? In the end, he understood that this was something I had to do for myself.
Once all the tests were complete and I was given the go-ahead that I was able to donate, it was just a matter of sitting and waiting for them to find someone in need of a kidney who was a match for mine. I didn’t find that too hard – I live a busy life. Before I knew it, a month had passed and Jane called me to say they found someone who needed my kidney.
That phone call felt really exciting! However, almost as soon as I put the phone down, I realised I actually had to face the reality of getting ready.
I work as a midwife, and had already told my team that I was going through the process. They were always supportive, letting me take the time I needed for appointments and understood when I told them about the recovery time I’d need after the operation.
