Page 34 - More than a match

More Than a Match

in the assessment process and would determine if I would continue.
As it was a day surgery, my eldest daughter, Bimmi, came with me. I

was admitted into the kidney day ward, where I immediately had a
blood test as the results were needed for the biopsy. Whilst I waited
for the results, Bimmi and I wandered around the ward. We were
deeply moved by the number of people on dialysis. I don’t believe
what we read or hear paints a true picture of the daily challenges
and struggles people on dialysis have to face. The dialysis machine,
when connected up to a patient, can look quite intimidating while
it filters and cleans the blood. Some of the patients I met looked
tired but still managed to give me a smile as I walked past their bed.

Whilst listening to Guy’s lunchtime concert, I reflected on what I
had seen. The walk brought home to my daughter and me why being
a donor is so vital to our loved ones’ health. It showed us that our
act of kindness can play a big part in adding quality to their life.

The Kidney Biopsy:
The doctor to perform the biopsy explained the procedure and

the risks involved. The main risk was bleeding; and about 1 in
every 10 people had signs of visible blood in their urine after a
biopsy, however the doctor said it would eventually stop on its
own. The biopsy involved taking small samples of kidney tissue
to be analysed. I was given a local anaesthetic and remained
fully awake during the procedure. The doctor inserted a special
needle into a tiny incision he made on my back and, with the aid
of a camera and TV monitor, was able to navigate the needle to
obtain the sample. The doctor talked me through each stage of the

procedure which lasted about 30 minutes.

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