Page 19 - More than a match

MY JOURNEY BEGINS

Today was the start of my donor assessment process. My brother
had contacted the living donor transplant team at Guy’s Hospital,
where he was receiving treatment, about me being his donor. This

was important because if I was found to be compatible, he might not
have to start dialysis. Prior to my appointment, I was sent a DVD
and booklet about living kidney donation. My first consultation at
the hospital was to see the clinical nurse specialist. As I live quite far
away, I spent the night at my brother’s house, which was convenient
for my morning appointment. We spent the evening reminiscing
about our childhood; I reminded him that he was not such a nice

brother when we were kids, and that he was lucky I did not hold a
forty-year grudge!
I had arrived early for my appointment. This gave me the
opportunity to observe what was going on in the kidney unit, as it
was all very new to me. I was surprised by the number of people with
kidney problems. There were people of all ages and nationalities,
ordinary people like myself who were struggling with major health
problems. It made me realise how fortunate I was to be healthy even
though at the time, I thought having a broken ankle and hobbling

around on crutches was my worst nightmare. The appointment put

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