A kidney transplant recipient has spoken about the reality of living with kidney disease on World Kidney Day today (11 March 2021).
Fiona Davies, 39, from Airdrie was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), has shared her gratitude for the transplant that has given her life back, and the chance to see her son grow up.
Fiona has backed the campaign to raise awareness of the forthcoming organ and tissue opt out law, in the hope that it will get people thinking about their donation decision.
There are currently around 420 people in Scotland waiting on a kidney transplant, many of whom are on dialysis to keep their kidneys working.
Fiona was diagnosed with PKD as a teenager, which she successfully managed until the birth of her son James in 2012 impacted on her kidney function. She reached end stage kidney failure in October 2016, and was listed for transplant in March 2017. Her transplant went ahead just three weeks after she was put on the waiting list.
Scotland’s opt out law, which will be introduced on 26 March, 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 have a choice – 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.
Informing family is important, as under the new law, they will still be consulted to check what their loved ones latest views on donation were. This is to ensure donation doesn’t proceed where the individual didn’t want it to.
Speaking about the impact kidney disease and her subsequent transplant had on her life, 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. 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.
“I got the call just minutes after my son’s fifth birthday party and the transplant surgery all went to plan. I was home six days later and things just got better and better. It’s quite unbelievable the change it’s made to my life and I have my donor to thank for that.
“I am very pleased that Scotland is moving to an opt out system. You don’t truly understand the impact of organ donations until your life is touched by it and I hope that the move will help increase the number of viable organs available and help those waiting. Because of organ donation, my son has his mum back, and I have a future.”
Talking about the care she receives from the renal team at University Hospital Monklands, Fiona added: “The renal team at Monklands have looked after me since I was diagnosed at 17 years of age. They are amazing. When I was dealing with kidney failure I had to take a 3 year old to all appointments and they were so helpful. They worked 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 have also been amazing too. They look after me so well. The team are so considerate to the fact I am 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. I can contact my nurse or consultant at any point which is such a comfort.
Jonathan Price, renal specialist at University Hospital Monklands, commented: “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.”
For more about the law change, and to record your donation decision, visit organdonationscotland.org or call 0300 303 2094.
