The Operation

I was woken up at 06:00, and had my heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels measured. The saline drip that I was attached to during the night to hydrate me was removed and I was asked to take a quick shower and to return to my bed in only my hospital robe.

The next two hours was a sensory overload. I had so many nurses and doctors asking me procedural and medical questions, had more blood taken, and more injections I can't even remember what for anymore.

The reality of it all was starting to set in. I never hesitated for a moment, but I was definitely anxious to have my first operation done. I was so happy to have Natasja, Pieter, Lizelle and Pieter's Mom, Marietjie by my side. They tried their best to keep me calm and positive, and it certainly helped. And knowing that I had my family, friends and colleagues wishing me all the best gave me great comfort.

Just before I was wheeled off to surgery I had to endure another 40 minutes of pain for the trial experiment. At least it made me focus on something different than what was about to happen. There were so many people around my bed by now, including Ray, Lilly, a few doctors and nurses. I felt really well taken care off and in extremely good hands.

The big moment we've been waiting for 4 months finally happened. I was wheeled off to the surgery theatre, to be held in a waiting area. I remember Natasja, Pieter, Lizelle and Pieter's Mom gathering in the hall and I gave them a round of high-fives. Lilly was so kind she waited in the waiting area with me for about 30 minutes, keeping me company while the theatre was readied. We said our goodbyes and I was taken to a small room adjoining the theatre where I was met by the Anaesthesiologist and an assistant. She again asked me many health and medical question such as allergies, previous reactions to anaesthesia etc. I was asked if I had any questions, and all I could muster was: "Be gentle, and don't let me wake up during the operation." She snickered and promised.

When done, she gave me an injection, supposedly 1 of 3, and an oxygen mask was placed over my face to "help me relax and breath better". Thanks doctor I heard all these tricks before I thought, waiting for injection no. 2.... Well I don't know if it ever came, and the next thing I remember is waking up in the recovery room.

It felt like I had woken from a very deep sleep, very disorientated, but no pain which was a relief. I was told that the operation was a success and had gone extremely well. I was so happy and relieved it was over. For me anyway. I thought about Pieter, saying a quick prayer for him, and dozed off.

The rest of the day was just one big blur as I slept most of the time, and when I woke there were always very happy and relieved faces staring back at me. Natasja told me at some point that Pieter's operation also went extremely well. The surgeon called it a "beautiful kidney", and it started working almost immediately!

With all this good news I decided to call it a night and let the morphine do it's work, while I started my healing process.

Pre-operation

With nervous anticipation Natasja and I made our way to the hospital this morning. It felt so surreal sitting there on the train, thinking tomorrow is the big day we've been looking forward to for so many months.

When we arrived at Ward 9F of the Renal Unit at 11:30 I was told they were waiting for a bed to become available as they are full. We were told we could go visit Pieter in the meantime. When we got to his bed Lizelle and his mom Marietjie were there. It was so nice to see them all and especially to meet Marietjie in person. Until now we had only talked through emails. She is the same lovely, kindhearted and caring person I had imagined from her emails. She jumped up and gave me the biggest hug and started crying with happiness and grattitude. I was so touched by her emotions and again realised what this means to Pieter, his family and friends. It's such an amazing ability to bring happiness and hope back to these wonderful people. And to now be a part of the wonderful family.

As we sat there casually talking and getting to know Marietjie, Sister Lilly came to say hello. It's always nice to see her. She explained to us that we will have some blood taken, chest X-rays taken and an ECG done during the course of the day.

We also opted to volunteer for a trial experiment during which they restrict the blood flow from one arm for 5 minutes and release it for 5 minutes, which is done 4 times. This apparently forces the body to release a chemical aimed at protecting the arm from a perceived trauma. These chemicals in turn protect the major organs too, keeping it safe during the transplant process. This will be done once again in the morning before the operation.

At 15:00 my bed was finally ready in the room next to Pieter's. Natasja kindly unpacked my suitcase while nurse Jacky took my blood pressure, measured my weight etc. and checked my medical background. When this was done Natasja, Lizelle and Marietjie went home, leaving Pieter and I to sit and reflect on this huge miracle which has finally come to reality.

Pieter left for his very last dialysis at about 18:00, and I received my dinner shortly after. There is a nice selection of food, and I opted for Cornish pie with sweetcorn and mash, and a toffee yoghurt for dessert. Before I was able to start my dinner my surgeon, Dr Roberto Cacciola arrived to run the procedure by me again and for me to sign a consent form. He was again very kind and helpful and I'm very pleased that he will be performing my operation.

An hour later another doctor came to do a quick check-up with some medical history questions. After that I was sent to the X-ray department for my chest X-rays.

At 22:00 I finally had my ECG. Now I can finally get a good night's sleep before the operation. I have to get up at 06:00 to shower, get prepped, arm pressure experiment, see my loved ones, and get wheeled off for the operation at 08:00.

I would like to thank my amazing wife Natasja for all her love and support, she is my rock, and without her it would've been a much harder path. Also to my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me in my decision from day one. You are all amazing. And off course to Pieter, Lizelle, his family and friends for all their love, advice and kind words.

I know this transplant will go amazingly well and that Pieter and I will live full, healthy lives. I'll be doing a post operation post soon!

The boy and the starfish

Final blood tests before the operations

This morning Pieter and I had to go to hospital for what we hope were the last blood tests before our operations. They want to do a final cross-match test to make sure everything is still perfect, and I assume a few other tests judging by the 12 tubes of blood they took from each of us! Usually it's only 6-7!

When we arrived we were met by Ray Trevitt, who took us to his office. We had an informal chat with Ray about the upcoming operations, and he gave us some paperwork containing what to do/ expect before, during and after the operations.

We were also asked to give MRSA swabs to make sure we don't carry the disease. One from the nose, another from the back of the throat, and finally as Ray put it: "Any dark crevice between your legs". Say no more.

After our meeting with Ray we had our blood taken. Strangely enough I'm getting used to it, as long as I look the other way that is! But the nurse was so good that I hardly felt a thing. Poor Pieter was a little shaky before he even arrived, as the last dialysis he had was on Friday, so to give so much blood really takes its toll on him. But with Pieter being Pieter, he shook it off and carried on. What an amazing person. It just makes every other problem I have that I think is big seem insignificant.

Ray then took us for a tour through the Ward where we will be staying in a fortnight. It was all new, modern and clean, with wide corridors and large rooms. For the past two weeks I've been very tense and anxious over the operation, largely due to the fear of the unknown. But after seeing this I feel much more at ease. Especially seeing how friendly the staff are and how well patients were treated.

Tired, hungry and a little light headed we decided to have something to eat and drink in the hospital restaurant. Wow! We were both pleasantly surprised at how nice it was! It's so modern, bright and spacious, with a great selection of food and drinks, and such a nice atmosphere. We immediately looked at each other and said Natasja and Lizelle would love this place while waiting during our operations. We had another great chat, contemplating the before and afters, and agreed this is such a blessing and amazing event unfolding.

 

We both need to stay fit and healthy before and after the operations, which means we have to avoid public transport and unnecessary contact with strangers. So the next time we'll see each other will be on Monday 26 November, the day before the operation, when I will check-in, so to speak. Pieter needs to be there on Sunday 25 November as there will be a few more tests to be done on him. So until then we just have to wait patiently and calm the nerves.

A huge thank you

I would like to say a huge thank you to the management of PRP Architects for all their support and understanding over the past few months while I underwent all the compatibility test, and for letting me take the recovery time after the operation as company sick leave, even though it's a voluntary operation. Thanks also to my colleagues for your support and comfort, it means so much to me.

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