By writer to www.irishtimes.com
Sir, – I’ve been a medical physician for 36 years and a kidney transplant affected person for 5 years. The kidney was a present from my husband by way of a three-way paired organ donation in College Hospital Coventry facilitated by Beaumont’s residing donor programme.
I nonetheless discover it onerous to explain the sensation of wholesome exuberance I felt waking up from that transplant operation following the earlier 20 months of dialysis.
I’ll always remember that feeling.The one earlier feeling that got here near it was after the births of my two youngsters.
The transplant was a rebirth for me.
I really feel moved to boost consciousness of the reward of life that organ donation represents by the truth that acute kidney harm and failure are among the many many severe issues that Covid-19 can current.
Like all the things else with this virus, it’s an rising image.
The Lancet not too long ago reported that 20 per cent to 40 per cent of the sufferers in intensive care may have acute kidney failure and wish dialysis. A few of these individuals will proceed to want dialysis after restoration.
We all know that folks with hypertension and diabetes are most in danger however beforehand wholesome individuals have additionally been affected. Which may be somebody and love.
Dialysis is just not a straightforward lifestyle. I can say this from private expertise, despite the fact that I did handle to proceed to work half time and had two teenage youngsters residing at residence, with one doing the Leaving Cert, throughout it.
Should you’re questioning how you would assist in the Covid-19 battle, turn into an organ donor. Get the cardboard now and inform your loved ones. I’m residing proof that is the best reward of life.
I’ve my life again and have been again working as a physician normally observe and oncology, till in fact I needed to cocoon in March. – Yours, and so forth,
Dr TERESA KENNY,
Kilkenny.
— to www.irishtimes.com
