Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Kidney transplant changes mum’s life
An Airdrie woman has shared her story of receiving a lifechanging kidney transplant – saying: “The change it’s made to my life is quite unbelievable, and I have my donor to thank for that.”
Fiona Davies was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) at the age of 17, and went on to receive a transplant four years ago having reached end-stage kidney failure in October 2016.
Talking about her experience to mark the recent world kidney day, she told of her gratitude for the transplant that has given her back her life and the chance to see her young son grow up, and thanked the Monklands Hospital medics who have supported her for two decades.
She is also supporting the campaign to raise awareness of the new organ and tissue opt-out law coming into effect in Scotland this week, and hopes it will get people thinking about their donation decision.
Now aged 39, Fiona successfully managed her PKD from her teens until the birth of her son James in 2012 impacted on her kidney function; she was listed for transplant in March 2017, and her vital operation went ahead just three weeks later.
Fiona said: “Looking back, I had no idea how ill I actually was towards the end. I was getting through life, but was constantly tired and had no concentration, and motivating myself to do things became harder and harder.
“I wanted to hold off dialysis until my son started school, but could start to feel things dipping – I had restless legs and couldn’t sit for any length of time; I felt sick when I ate and was in bed for 7.30pm every night.”
She said of her transplant: “I got the call just minutes after my son’s fifth birthday party. The surgery all went to plan; I was home six days later and things just got better and better. The change it’s made to my life is quite unbelievable, and I have my donor to thank for that. Because of organ donation, my son has his mum back, and I have a future.”
Around 420 people in Scotland are currently waiting for a kidney transplant, many of whom are on dialysis.
Scotland’s new opt-out law, which will be introduced on Friday, means that if people aged 16 and over haven’t recorded a decision about donation, they will be considered a possible donor if they die in circumstances in which they could donate.
People continue to have a choice either to be a donor or to opt out of donation, and the campaign is encouraging people to record their decision on the NHS organ donor register, and share it with family who will still be consulted about their loved one’s latest views on donation.
Fiona said: “I’m very pleased that Scotland is moving to an optout system, and I hope it will help increase the number of viable organs available and help those waiting.
“You don’t truly understand the impact of organ donation until your life is touched by it.”
She praised the “amazing” renal team at University Hospital Monklands, saying: “They look after me so well. When I was dealing with kidney failure, I had to take a threeyear-old to appointments, and they were so helpful, working around my childcare and my circumstances, and what I needed was always put first.
“They held my hand when I cried and they would take my wee boy away to give me time to compose myself before being mum again.
“Post-transplant they’ve been
amazing too – the team are so considerate to the fact I’m working and managing a family. I regularly go for my bloods at 7am before I get the train to work as my nurse is happy to accommodate me then, and I can contact my nurse or consultant at any point which is such a comfort.”
Monklands Hospital renal specialist Jonathan Price said: “Fiona’s positive attitude to her kidney transplant has resulted in a new journey for her. She makes the most of her life every day and it’s a great pleasure for the team here at University Hospital Monklands to provide her care and support.”