Donating a kidney to my husband saved my life too
A WOMAN who saved her husband’s life by donating a kidney insists he saved her too – after doctors found she had a deadly heart condition during the operation.
Elaine Geekie, 45, had agreed to give a kidney to husband Mike, 63, when his failed due to Type 2 diabetes.
But she almost died during the surgery after an unknown heart problem was discovered during the procedure.
Elaine, a funeral director from Aberdeen, said: “In a way, Mike has saved me too. Without going through the op, I might never have known about my heart.
“It was scary that my heart almost failed me while I was on the table, but I have no regrets.
“When we found out Mike’s kidney was failing I knew I wanted to see if I was a match.
“I wanted to do what I could to save him and help him have a life again.
Amazing
“It was so difficult to see him so ill. Giving him a kidney really was an amazing thing I could do.
“I feel so privileged I could.” Mike said: “I can’t thank my wife enough for all she has done for me.
“She’s quite literally saved my life and made my quality of life so much better.
“Almost losing her was terrifying. I am so relieved she pulled through and we’re both here to tell the tale.”
House inspector Mike was told he had a failing kidney and needed a transplant in order to survive.
After discovering his wife was a match, the couple went ahead with the surgery at Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
The transplant proved to be life-changing for Mike – who can now go on walks with his dogs again. Elaine insists had it not been for the procedure, she might never have known about her heart condition. She is now undergoing tests to find out what it is and has been put on beta blockers.
Mike had been told he needed the transplant just a few months before the pair were due to be married.
He had already had his hernia removed a year previously, in June 2019, and desperately needed a new organ to survive. They were still able to have their wedding, but admitted it was a huge weight on their shoulders on their
big day. Although the operation was a success, Mike had to be rushed back into hospital a few days later as his testicular cord had wrapped around the kidney.
After removing the cord, Mike was able to recover and is now back to good health.
Elaine said: “His colour has returned and he can take the dogs for a walk. I’ve got my husband back and it feels amazing.
“I feel so proud of him and I know he is proud of me for donating my kidney.
“But to me it was the least I could do.”
Mike added: “I don’t think I realised quite how bad I was.
“I am so proud of my wife.”