I was a bike champion... dialysis left me suicidal
AFORMER champion cyclist who says kidney dialysis left him suicidal has called for more psychological support for younger patients.
Stephen Blom, 38, says he struggled to cope with hours hooked up to machines in a hospital bed after living an adrenalin-packed life competing in the sport all over Europe.
Stephen, who was nicknamed the ‘Flying Dutchman’ and has since had a kidney transplant, says he was aware of several people who had decided to stop dialysis and, “allowed themselves to die.”
He says there is an “alarming” lack of support for younger patients, particularly those who are transitioning from paediatric to adult care.
Figures show there are around 179,850 patients in Scotland aged 18 and over recorded with chronic kidney disease.
Around 580 people are waiting for a transplant, with the majority in need of a new kidney, which is the only cure for renal failure.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government agreed to press ahead with a new opt-out transplant system, which it is hoped will help drive up organ donor numbers.
Stephen said: “When I was on dialysis, the daily symptoms were horrendous. Constantly vomiting, feeling dreadful and losing the will to fight on.
“After spending many weeks in and out of hospital I was nearing suicide.
“There is a lack of social infrastructure for all renal patients but more alarmingly a serious lack of support for young people.
“For young adults who are in going from the children’s hospital to the main hospital, the level of care they receive completely changes going over to the main building. “You are left to your own devices. “Many young adults suffering renal failure lose motivation and give up. They find dialysis too hard to deal with.
“I have known several people who have decided to stop dialysis and allow themselves to die rather than continue with it.
“The average age for commencing haemodialysis is around 65 years and almost half of patients are over the age of 70.
“To be younger than 55 is unusual and for patients who have previously