6 Years Later

It's been just over 6 years since my organ donation to Pieter. The time has really flown by! It's also World Kidney Day 2019 which calls for celebration and an update!

Thankfully Pieter and I are still both healthy and doing very well. For anyone considering becoming a living kidney donor, from personal experience I can say with much gratitude that I've not felt any difference physically between before and after the donation. In fact because I'm so conscious of looking after my only kidney, I've actively improved my health and lifestyle by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing my stress levels. I've recently become a Vegetarian, and by reducing my protein intake, you'll notice from the table below an increase in my kidney function this year compared to previous years.

Here is a comparison of my GFR and Creatinine levels:


                                                GFR: (ml/min)                  Creatinine 

Before the operation                        84                                   78
Day of discharge                        not tested                           109
6 weeks later                                  62                                 117
1 year later  (2013)                          79                                  96
2 years later (2014)                         74                                 101
3 years later (2015)                         67                                 109
4 years later (2016)                         57                                 122
5 years later (2017)                         61                                 113
6 years later (2018)                         71                                  99

Creatinine is a chemical waste product in the blood that passes through the kidneys to be filtered and eliminated in urine. The chemical waste is a by-product of normal muscle contractions. Creatinine is made from creatine, a supplier of energy to the muscle. Creatinine tests help doctors determine kidney function. Normal values are between 80 and 120 depending on age and size. 

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used by physicians and other medical professionals to see if the kidneys are working correctly. In basic terms, it is a measurement of how much liquid and waste is passing from the blood through the tiny filters in the kidney, called the glomeruli, and out into the urine during each minute. The test measures how much creatinine is in the blood. This shows how well the kidneys are performing. In a normal healthy person the GFR stays close to the same value all of the time. The test is done by taking blood from a person and sending it to a laboratory. Normal values are between 80ml/min and 110ml/min depending on age and size.

My annual check-up test results

I just did a happy dance through the house for the past 30 minutes, after I received my test results! To call it miraculous would be an understatement!

Here is a comparison of my GFR and Creatinine levels:


                        Before the operation    Day of discharge     6 Weeks later    One year later

Creatinine:                   78                               109                       117                   96
GFR: (ml/min)              84                           not tested                   62                   79

Creatinine is a chemical waste product in the blood that passes through the kidneys to be filtered and eliminated in urine. The chemical waste is a by-product of normal muscle contractions. Creatinine is made from creatine, a supplier of energy to the muscle. Creatinine tests help doctors determine kidney function. Normal values are between 80 and 120 depending on age and size. 

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used by physicians and other medical professionals to see if the kidneys are working correctly. In basic terms, it is a measurement of how much liquid and waste is passing from the blood through the tiny filters in the kidney, called the glomeruli, and out into the urine during each minute. The test measures how much creatinine is in the blood. This shows how well the kidneys are performing. In a normal healthy person the GFR stays close to the same value all of the time. The test is done by taking blood from a person and sending it to a laboratory. Normal values are between 80ml/min and 110ml/min depending on age and size.

So as you can see from this comparison, my kidney function with just one is almost as good as it was with two! Compare this to the fact that I was told during my tests not to be alarmed if the GFR is as low as 40, because that's apparently acceptable for donors. 

Now you'll understand why I'm so happy and grateful! I saved my friend's life and I'm physically no worse off because of it. It's truly a miracle.

Our 1-year transplant anniversary!

It's surreal to think that it's been exactly a year today since our very successful transplant operation! Some days it feels like yesterday, and other days like a dream.

What's undeniable is how well we're both doing. Pieter's creatinine levels have been normal since the day he received his new kidney, and is making the most of his good health. Pieter and Lizelle are finally fulfilling their dream of moving out of the city to leafy Surrey this weekend to enjoy a quieter life amongst all their friends. They also recently had a lovely 3-week tour of Italy. Pieter is healthy, positive, full of energy and most of all full of life.

I've been back to my full health after just 3 months and feel extremely grateful and blessed to be my old self as before the operation.

We would again like to thank everyone involved in this miracle: family, friends, colleagues, blog visitors, and everyone at the Royal Free London Renal Unit. Without all your love, support and expertise this would not have been possible.

Today I had my annual check-up, which is routine and which I  will have every year for the foreseeable future.  I was told that I'm still in very good health and that everything is normal, as can be expected. How amazing that one can give someone an organ and still lead a normal life!

My lovely wife, Natasja wanted to do something special for those unfortunate people who are still struggling with kidney disease/ failure, to show them there are people in the world who care about them, and to bring them comfort and hope.  So on 09 November she organised a crochet event to raise funds for Kidney Research UK, raise awareness about kidney disease, and to crochet granny squares which were used to create beautiful blankets for dialysis patients. The event was a big success and we managed to raise £504 on the day, with enough granny squares to make 7 blankets. You can read all about the event on her blog my clicking HERE.

Today I had the honour and privilege of hand delivering the blankets to the Royal London Hospital's Dialysis Centre.

These lovely ladies have offered to give the blankets to a few of the most needy individuals to bring them some comfort in these difficult times. I wish to show them that there are altruists out there, willing to help the sick and needy, asking for nothing in return. I'm sure our story will give them hope and keep them positive, that they can also experience the miracle of a new life.

I had the pleasure of personally handing over two of the blankets to two very happy and amazed people. They were so pleasantly surprised that a complete stranger would come and hand over such a lovely gift to them. And that's exactly why we decided to do it. We're all connected, and we're all a part of God (not apart from God) so what we do for others, we also do for ourselves.

Happy days

This weekend, which marks a year since Pieter and I met, we had the pleasure of spending some great quality time together. We are both doing extremely well and are so very grateful for it.

We both love fast cars, and we were in heaven when we had the opportunity to attend a super car event at the Top Gear test track in Dunfold, England. The event was held and organised by The Children's Trust to raise awareness and funds. All the drivers donated their time and cars free of charge, and the money we paid to be driven around the track in style and at great speed went to The Chidren's Trust. Everyone was a winner! I was driven around the track in an Ariel Atom and an Aston Martin DB9, and Pieter in the Audi R8 V10!

I made the following video as a bit of fun, with the events highly exaggerated, but not impossible!

Every time I see Pieter he looks healthier and happy. And it reminds me why I donated a kidney to him; not for money or fame, just one man seeing the need in another, wanting to help him, without expecting anything in return.

In this world, the sad reality is that everything revolves around money and power. Many people will do anything to obtain it, thinking that's what will bring them happiness. "If I have more money, a bigger house, a better job, I will be happy" we all think at some point. And without these motivations and rewards, many people wouldn't even consider helping a loved one, let alone a stranger. And that's what's wrong with this world. Most of the wrong in this world is not something someones God is doing to us, we are doing it to each other.

I often get asked what I received in return for helping Pieter. I received a truly grateful, happy, healthy and amazing life-long friend. And that is more valuable than any possesion this world has to offer.

The road less travelled...

Advice for potential living donors

They say there is no better teacher than experience. So through my own experience of being a living kidney donor, I'll share some important tips should you consider becoming a living donor too.

Most importantly: do your research and find out as much as possible about the benefits, process, procedure and risks as you can. There is a lot of information available on the internet, where I found most of mine. You can also speak to the Renal Co-ordinator at a hospital. Below are links to a few very useful sites:

http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/how_to_become_a_donor/living_kidney_donation/

http://www.uhb.nhs.uk/living-kidney-donors.htm

http://www.giveakidney.org

What helped me in my decision to make the donation was reading all the success stories of other donors. There are more than a hundred personal stories to be found here:

http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/experiences/experiences.htm

Before hospitalisation:

• Ensure that you are as healthy and fit as possible with a healthy diet and physical exercise. The better shape you are in before the operation, the faster your recovery time will be and the smaller the risk of complications.
• Minimise your daily stress as best you can. Stress is bad for your body and state of mind. Being overloaded by work before I left on sick leave with the fear of a very large operation caused me two weeks of agonising tension headaches. Try to stop working a week before the operation if possible. It's also best not to think about the "what ifs" during this time, as it can also cause stress.
• If you haven't already, update your will and ensure you have sufficient life insurance. It's not nice to think about, but there is a 1 in 3000 mortality rate for living donors. Telling your life insurance provider before the operation of your intention will ensure that you are covered during the operation, and for any event that may cause your death as a result of the donation.
• Pack a trolley suitcase with comfortable clothes, underwear and toiletries. I took Crocs shoes to walk around with because they are comfortable to walk in on the cold hospital floors, and you can shower in them. The main cut which is about 12cm long is about 3cm below the belly button, which is right on the belt line for most trousers/skirts. Make sure you wear tracksuit trousers on the day of discharge as the cut will be very sensitive.
• Take something with you to keep you occupied as you will be in bed for 3-6 days. Books, music and movies on a tablet or smartphone are a great way to pass time. 
• Take earplugs and eye flaps to block light and noise. There is normally activity in and around the ward all throughout the night.
• Have a very light meals the day before the operation, I can't stress this enough. The operation will cause your digestive system to go to sleep for a day or two, and any food left in there will remain in there until your first bowel movement. You don't want that to be a something spicy, trust me!

At the hospital:

• Stay positive and focussed on what you are there to do. You will constantly be surrounded by sick people, loud machines and staff which can add to your stress levels.
• Be insistent. There are only a few nurses and doctors attending to many patients, and you can easily be forgotten about. I waited from 3pm to 10pm the night before the operation for my chest x-ray before making a fuss, and had to go to the Emergency Room x-ray department as the local one was already unmanned, and only got to bed at around midnight.
• Ask questions. Nurses and doctors may give you injections and medication without explaining what they are and their side effects. If you're not happy with it, ask for an alternative. I remember being given pain tablet that only days later I was told contributed to my nausea!
• Go easy on the morphine if you haven't had it before. As I mentioned previously, I had a bad reaction to it and the anaesthesia, causing severe nausea, shivers and sweats. Only use it when you start feeling discomfort.
• Since childhood my mom has always given me Ginger Ale to drink for nausea. Peppermint is also very good. Take some peppermint lozenges with and keep them in your bedside drawer. They are also very handy for the days when you don't get up to brush your teeth.
• As uncomfortable as it is, try to get out of bed and walking the day after the operation. This will wake up your digestive system. The sooner you can pass urine, the sooner you will have the catheter removed. You will not be discharged before you have a bowel movement! Because I couldn't eat or drink for two days due to the nausea, I had to stay in hospital for an extra two days.
• Try not to lie in one position for too long. Being in bed for about 20 hours a day takes its toll on the back and muscles, and you can easily develop bed sores. Even if you can't stand upright, try to sit upright in the bedside chair.
• Put your hand on your cut and apply light pressure before coughing and sneezing. The will minimise the pain.
• Drink plenty of water to ensure you are passing enough urine - this is vital to monitor the function of your bladder and remaining kidney. Otherwise you will be connected to a drip to keep you hydrated.

At home:

• Get as much rest as you can during the first few weeks after the operation. Your body will be working hard at healing the cuts and adjusting to the single kidney, using up all your energy. 
• You may not feel like it, but try to eat healthy, high-energy foods to give your body the energy it needs.
• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, and no caffeine or artificial sweeteners.
• Bend with your knees, not your back when bending over. Avoid any strain on those scars.
• Take showers, not baths until the scars are closed and healed. Cover them with waterproof plasters to keep the water from softening the skin which may cause tears.
• Don't strain yourself by lifting heavy items or doing too much exercise. Those orders were given by the doctor for a good reason. Take it slow and be patient. It takes time for the body to heal and adjust.
• Keep hourly track of what you eat, drink and the medication you take. This will help you keep an eye on your fluid intake, and help it figure out what medication gives you any side effects.

If after reading all this and you're still motivated to go through with it, I'm very proud of you. It's tough, both physically and mentally, but only for a short time. After a few months you will be back to your old health and radiate with pride and love for what you've just done. Someone at work told me last week that I look different, that it looks like there is a halo around my head. I do feel different. I feel like I have finally done something really amazing with my life, made a difference, on a human scale. It makes the strive for success and the gaining of wealth feel almost feeble. As a society we are brainwashed to join the rat race and climb the corporate ladder at any cost, and we become blind to the needy, the poor, and the sick among us.

Keep focussed on the life you are saving, there is no greater motivator. Your altruism will echo through all eternity.

Medal of Honour

I was pleasantly surprised when I received an envelope from NHS Blood and Transplant in the post this morning. Inside was a beautiful letter of thanks for my kidney donation by Chief Executive Lynda Hamlyn, and a blue box containing a silver pendant.

Thank you NHS for the kind gesture, I'll wear my medal of honour with pride.

My 6-weeks check-up

My 6-week post-operation check-up was due today. However on Wednesday 02 January I bent over slightly and felt a sharp pain in my large scar in my stomach. I looked down and saw that it had opened up in the corner by about 1cm. The next morning after a shower I noticed some redness and yellow fluid in the opening. I didn't want to take any chances at this early stage so I went to the hospital to have it looked at.

I was seen by Ray Trevit, who told me it didn't look too serious and it could be that an internal stitch may have pierced the scar and caused the inflammation and tear. Just to be on the safe side Ray took a swap of the fluid for testing for an infection. Whilst I was there Ray also took my blood pressure, urine sample and some blood, which was going to be done today. I was told to keep the scar clean and keep Ray updated.

The following morning after a shower I noticed the tear looked slightly purple! I gave it a bit of a squeeze (as you do!) and something purple came to the surface! I grabbed a tweezer and pulled on it, and out came a large piece of undissolved stitch! A few weeks ago one of the keyhole scars wouldn't heal, every morning I noticed that it had opened up again. One morning I saw a tiny piece of stitching stick out, and pulled out a similar undissolved stitch, only this one was clear, so I was relieved because I knew that was what caused the tear in the large scar. Over the next few days it closed up again.

I received my test results today. Ray was very happy with the results and so was I. Every test came back normal, my kidney function is good at 62% (It was 82% before the operation with 2 kidneys), creatinine level is 117 which is normal for my size, age and single kidney, blood pressure is normal, and the swap for the infection came back negative. We discussed my health and recovery and I mentioned that I felt fine and almost as good as before the operation. I only have some discomfort from the internal stitches that still have to dissolve fully and the tissue to mend and the swelling to dissipate, and my energy levels are still a bit low. So I was told to rest for a few more days and only return to work on Monday 14 January 2013. I now only need to return for a check-up once every year.

With the worst now behind me and my recovery almost complete, it feels great knowing what I did for Pieter and seeing him also recovering so well. I won't lie to you, it was a tough few weeks both physically and mentally. But it's only for a few weeks, soon it will all be a distant memory. But for Pieter it means a normal, healthy life.

Happy New Year!!

As amazing as 2012 was for Pieter and I, 2013 will be the one to keep a close eye on this blog!

Follow Pieter's progress as he gets healthier and stronger. I can't wait to see what he gets up to this year will all his new energy, health, time and determination!

Here's to wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous year! Thank you all for following our blog and your support.

Merry Christmas everyone!

We would like to say a huge thank you to all our family, friends and colleagues for all your love and support the last few months. Also to all the staff at the Royal London Hospital for the amazing work you have done for us to give Pieter a normal life, and for all the other lives you help make better.

Merry Christmas!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

My first check-up

The donor's first check-up is usually a week after the operation, but because I was feeling poorly for the first, week I wanted to wait until I was well enough to make the 90 minute journey to the hospital by train. So I went back ten days after the operation. Natasja came with to make sure I was okay and to keep me company. She even kept some food, sweets and water in her handbag just in case I needed it.

When I arrived at the hospital I checked-in at reception and asked for Sister Lilly, who in turn referred me to Dr. Hector, the surgeon who looked after Pieter. He had a look at the wounds and took my blood pressure, and was very satisfied with my progress, saying everything look extremely good. He told me again how proud he was of me for my sacrifice, by not only saving Pieter's life, but also prolonging it. It's was so nice to hear how much Dr. Hector cared for the health and well being of Pieter, and that he understands everything that the donor goes through to make such a sacrifice. I reiterated again how grateful I am for being in a position to make such a donation to Pieter, and that I would gladly do it again. He also felt that now that we've paved the way for Directed Altruistic Donations, more living donors may come forward.

After my check-up Natasja and I visited Pieter, Lizelle and mom Marietjie. Lizelle was kind enough to drive us to and from the station as by then it was freezing cold and I had done more walking than I should have in one day.

It was amazing to see the transformation in Pieter in only a week since I last saw him! His skin colour was back to normal, he looked healthy and energised, like he just returned from holiday! It brought tears to my eyes. They were all so happy and in such good spirit, which was wonderful to see.

One week after the operation

The first few days after the operation felt like a lifetime while I was struggling with the sickness caused by my bad reaction to the anaesthesia, morphine and pain medicine. I had never felt so sick and weak for so long.

This was largely due to the fact that I was constantly encouraged by doctors, nurses and patients to use the kindly supplied morphine button as often as they allowed it, which was every 5 minutes. With every press of the button a small dose of morphine was injected into my arm. So for the times on the day of the operation that I was awake, and during that night when I awoke, I pressed that button. On top of that I was given oral pain medication every 6 hours too. In hindsight it was obviously too much for my system to handle, and I probably didn't need that much as I wasn't in that much pain. The aim seemed to be to stop the pain from starting instead of relieving it as and when it started. My advice to anyone else would be to use it only when needed if your tolerance for pain is higher than that of sickness and nausea.

Thankfully exactly a week after the operation all the pain medication is out of my system, the sickness and nausea is completely gone, my appetite is back, and my digestion system is back to how it was before the operation.

I was told by my surgeon that the intestines don't like being touched or moved. They apparently react by going into a sleep mode. This coupled with the gasses created by the anaesthesia make for a very uncomfortable stomach, especially when you are forced to eat all your meals and drink as much fluid as possible. For this reason the doctors force you to get out of bed and start walking as soon as the next day after the operation. This helps the intestines move and re-align to a new comfortable position, and to kickstart it back into action. Mine wasn't so co-operative so I was given some laxatives, not great if you find it difficult to move anywhere fast, but it certainly brought some relief.

Now that the internals are working well again, I'm looking forward to the wounds healing so that I can have my movement and flexibility back to normal. I'm not allowed to bend down too far or lift anything heavier that 2kg for 4 weeks. I went for a few walks during the day but with Winter well and truly here and temperatures not much higher than freezing during the day, I decided to give the elliptical cross-trainer a go this morning. It went better than expected and I managed a whole 2 minutes all the while staying warm and comfortable inside.

I'm extremely grateful for making such a speedy recovery, it certainly helps to have a positive frame of mind and so much love and support. Thanks to each and every one of you.

We made UK history!

On the 27th of November not only did I hear that the transplant operation was a success, but also that it was the first of it's kind the United Kingdom!

According to the Human Tissue Authority (HTA)'s Code of Conduct (which can be found here), and is summarised below, there are two basic types of living organ donation:

Types of living organ donation:

1.  Directed donation: A form of donation where a healthy person donates an organ (usually a kidney) or part organ (for example liver or lung lobe) to a specific recipient. The recipient could be known to the donor (in the case of genetically or emotionally related donation) or unknown to the donor (in the case of paired donation).

• genetically related donation: where the potential donor is a blood relative of the potential recipient

• emotionally related donation: where the potential donor has a relationship with the potential recipient, for example, spouse, partner, or close friend

• paired donation: where a relative, friend or partner is fit and able to donate an organ but is incompatible with the potential recipient, and they are matched with another donor and recipient in a similar situation, so that both people in need of a transplant receive a compatible organ

• pooled donation: a form of paired donation whereby the pair are matched with other donors and recipients from a pool of pairs in similar situations, and more than two donors and two recipients are involved in the swap, so that more than two people in need of a transplant receive a compatible organ

2.  Altruistic non-directed donation: A form of living donation whereby an organ (usually a kidney) or part organ (for example liver or lung lobe) is donated by a healthy person who does not have a relationship with the recipient and who is not informed whom the recipient will be.

Seeing as I had only met Pieter twice before offering to donate my kidney to him, I technically did not have a relationship with him therefor it could not be a Directed donation. It could also not be an Altruistic non-directed donation seeing as we do know each other. What swayed the HTA was the fact that we had grown to become very good friends in the 3 months of tests and built an emotional relationship. On this basis it was approved as a Directed Altruistic donation.

A situation like this has never occurred in the UK, and was not allowed by the HTA until now, because it's would encourage the unlawful sale of organs.  Thankfully they saw the sincerity of my donation and approved it, making my Directed Altruistic donation the first of it's kind in the UK!

Post-operation

During the night after the operation all the drugs and painkillers were taking their toll. I had really strange and upsetting dreams about the operation and complications as a result of it, but I wasn't able to tell the difference between the dreams and reality. What made it even more stressful, was that just about every hour there was a doctor or nurse waking me up, wanting to check my vitals, my wounds, ask me questions, take blood, give injections etc. etc. I knew they were all concerned for my well-being but I really felt like chasing them away at least during the night so I could just rest.

The day after the operation I woke up, saw a doctor by my bed and immediately asked how I was doing after the strange dreams. He told me not to worry, that everything was good, and to stay positive. What a relief! I immediately felt great, and just wanted to get out of bed to go visit Pieter. Unfortunately with so much staff, and each person doing only one task, by the time my vitals were checked again it was mid-day.

Getting out of bed wasn't as bad as I thought, and my body and neck & shoulders were more sore from lying down for too long, than my wounds. I was helped into a chair beside my bed, where I sat for a few minutes to gather my strength, when Natasja helped me up to take the short walk down the corridor to my dear friend Pieter.

When Pieter and I saw each other, we couldn't help but smile with a huge sense of relief that it was finally over, and that it had gone so well.

Pieter and his family were in such good spirit, it gave me goosebumps, and made me feel incredibly honoured to have done this for him. He told me how even though he felt ill from all the medication, he could feel this amazing energy inside of him, and could already feel the transformation happening. Small things that we take for granted like a smooth, soft, oily skin, he only just started experiencing again!

We all sat there talking about this wonderful miracle that just happened with huge gratitude to everyone involved.

Unfortunately within minutes I was starting to feel quite ill. I said my goodbyes to everyone and returned to my bed. For the next three days I had a very bad reaction to the combination of anaesthesia, morphine and painkillers. I felt nauseous, weak and feverish. That coupled with all the hourly tests, being overloaded with saline and glucose through a drip, being forced to eat and drink at every meal, forced to get up and walk as much as possible, and forced to go to the toilet and release my bladder and bowels regularly, really took it's toll on me and I had never felt so poorly in all my life.

My aim was to go home on Thursday, but there was no way. I could barely speak. Thankfully Natasja, Lizelle and Marietjie took turns to be by my side, encouraging me to get better and stay positive. More friends of Pieter kept stopping by to wish me a speedy recovery.

By Friday I had a huge conversation with myself, and told myself that I had to beat this thing if I wanted to get out of there to the peace and comfort of my house, with only my amazing Natasja to take care of me. Then I remembered my mom always giving us ginger ale to drink for nausea, and I asked Natasja to bring me some. And what I difference that made! I was gradually beginning to feel better that day and started eating again, and by the evening everyone was saying I looked like the old John. What a relief! On Friday afternoon Lizelle brought me some South African Biltong (Beef Jerkey) and Fanta Grape soda.  It's something I grew up with in South Africa, and brought back so many fond memories that it boosted my energy and made me feel so much better. So much in fact that I decided come hell or high water, I would go home on Saturday.

When Saturday finally came, I was up at 06:00 and felt so much better. I had a wash, walked over to Pieter, had a nice conversation with him, and when I bumped into my doctor told him I was going home, no questions asked. He was very happy to see my progress and ordered one final round of tests before I got the all-clear. I was so positive that I told Natasja to come to the hospital earlier to help me pack as I was coming home! With all the paperwork, medication and transport finally arranged by 13:00, I said my goodbyes again to Pieter and his family, and I was finally and literally on my way home to a speedier recovery!

The hour cab ride home was quite painful and uncomfortable, but all worth it when I walked into my house, and received a huge hug from Natasja. She made me sit on the sofa, wrapped me up in a blanket and made me a nice cup of tea! I was so happy I could literally cry.

For someone who is always healthy and fit to go through such a huge operation took a greater toll that I could've imagined, both physically and mentally. I am grateful to infinity for all the support I have received, and for my lovely Natasja who has been at my beck and call every second of the day, never getting tired or irritated, even on my toilet runs during the early hours!

But from day one I told myself that even if that type of discomfort and pain lasted a few weeks, it would be nothing compared to what Pieter had gone through over the last few year, and still be worth every minute.

There are no words that can describe the joy that I feel for helping my friend, nor for the incredible bond this has forged between us. You are a true hero and inspiration to me and many others Pieter, for never letting your health get you down, and for staying positive and fighting through all the illness and symptoms for so many years.

Here's to seeing you healthy and happy well into your twilight years.

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.