Page 25 - Changing Perceptions

Alison’s Story

“To me it was the most natural thing to donate a kidney to my husband
Rob. I wanted him to be happy, healthy and active. If anything, I donat-
ed for selfish reasons as I want us to grow old together and do all the
things and travel to all the places that we’ve always wanted to without the
worries and restrictions that life on dialysis can bring with it. I felt fearful
sometimes but that is a natural emotion to feel under the circumstances.

People often ask me how I’ve felt since donating and someone who was
thinking of donating to her sister asked me how her life would change af-
terwards. My experience has been that life after donating hasn’t changed
at all in fact I am actually healthier and living life to the full! I have my an-
nual check-ups but they are just a formality.

There have been some anxious times for us since the transplant at the
Royal London Hospital, but in general any changes have only been for
the better as my self and my husband have been able to start ticking
off those places on our travel wish list and have been able to get on with
enjoying life.” If you have a loved one with kidney failure, donating one of
your kidneys to them will be one of the best and most precious things you
will ever do.

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