Ian’s Story

Almost two years ago I read something about kidney disease/donation that moved me. I’d looked online, to see how I might go about donating one of my kidneys. I made contact with the Robert Dangoor Partnership, not actually realising I could have addressed my query more locally within the NHS.

The Robert Dangoor Partnership provided me with lots of information, I asked questions and was able to discuss them directly. Whilst I was then going through the extensive tests, scans, interviews etc at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, it was noticeable that the Robert Dangoor Partnership kept in contact throughout; indeed it was through them that Mary (my wife) and I spoke with a previous altruistic donor via their buddies scheme.

The NHS transplant coordinator in Aberdeen – Gemma – was excellent to deal with, even though almost every time I met her she’d be taking blood from me!

After 18 months of those investigations at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – with sometimes long waiting periods between – it was a surprise to be matched so quickly with a Tier 1 recipient, and even more of a surprise to hear the operation would take place in two weeks time! But from that moment I felt a strong feeling of being linked with the recipient; the following day we had bloods being taken simultaneously (and being merged in Edinburgh I assume) to ensure compatibility, and I was withdrawing from badminton so that I didn’t jeopardise the operation (I throw myself around, so a broken wrist would not be surprising).

Two days before I would be checking into Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, I attended a ‘Living Kidney Donation Session’ at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, to which I’d been invited by Gemma. Wow!  I was moved to tears, especially when hearing first-hand experiences from recipients. Now I was really appreciating the impact a living-donation can have on a person suffering from renal failure. I left that session with excitement, for what I potentially was going to be able to do for someone.

Two days after the operation the dressings had been removed (by me in the shower), I was welcoming visitors, and feeling quite perky. However, whilst taking walks around the ward, I was appreciating how weak I was, and how sore it was to be too active!

Over the next few weeks I slowly increased the walking distances. It was noticeable how weak I was, and I had to listen to my body; not hesitating to stop, ask for help etc. It was definitely two months before I felt my energy levels had been restored, and then I had to carefully work on my fitness again.

A journey which was definitely worth taking. The transplant coordinators in Edinburgh and Aberdeen have been brilliant. The surgeons did a ‘neat job’. My family – from an initial stage of “what on earth?!” – have been so courageous and supportive over the last 18 months. This gift of a kidney is from them, as much as from me. Mary, in particular, has excelled in her role as ‘Nurse Mary’ over the two months since the operation, and I love her for the extra care and attention (without me exploiting it, honestly).

The recovery was as expected (and intimated). I guess there is a slight let-down from the feeling of pre-operation excitement, but I’m confident that someone, somewhere has had a Christmas they couldn’t have imagined otherwise. And of course I hope their life is transformed with receipt of my kidney. The link has been forged, and they will remain in my thoughts and prayers.