Born into a family affected by polycystic kidney disease, Jacoba “Kinnie” Steyn recalls Christmas 2021 when she received the shocking diagnosis that her kidneys had failed, and she would be reliant on dialysis three times a week for her survival.
Three years later, she is looking forward to her first festive season since her lifechanging kidney transplant.
“I was about 20 when I was first diagnosed with polycystic kidneys, which both my mother and brother had too. Knowing the health risks, I was careful to take care of myself with an active lifestyle and eating right to keep healthy in light of my condition,” Kinnie, now 51, recalls.
She said even with all the precautions she took, it caught up with her eventually in December 2021 when she went for a check-up, and the doctor immediately had her admitted to hospital.
“It was a huge shock to learn my kidney function had come crashing down and from then on, I was reliant on dialysis.”
National Renal Care (NRC) provides person-centred renal care, overseen by nephrologists including dialysis treatment, either at home or in healthcare facilities, to people living with chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
Transplant nephrologist Dr Hon-Chun Peter Hsu, who practises at Netcare Milpark Hospital and provides the nephrology service at the renal care centre in Midvaal and NRC Sedibeng, explained that dialysis is needed to artificially purify the blood and remove waste when a person’s own kidneys are no longer able to perform this vital function.
“Although dialysis provides a lifeline for people with kidney failure, it does take up a lot of the person’s time every week. Some patients describe dialysis as running a marathon three times a week, and the only chance to live without dialysis is to have a kidney transplant,” Hsu explained.
“It was a difficult Christmas in 2021 when I was coming to terms with my kidney failure. I had already invited the whole family when I received the diagnosis. Luckily, everyone jumped in and helped with the Christmas preparations while I absorbed the news.”
Kinnie’s mother had also been on dialysis before receiving a transplant. “But nothing could prepare me for going through this journey myself,” Kinnie remembered.
In January 2022, she had a shift of mindset. “I decided I would not give up – if I had to be on dialysis, I would be a fighter and do my best to live a full life. You never know what tomorrow brings.”
She was fortunate to have so much support from her family and her medical team where she had dialysis near her home in Vanderbijlpark.
“To be added to the waiting list for a kidney transplant, the person needs to be as healthy and fit as possible aside from their kidney function. However, not everyone can find a match, whether from a willing loved one or an organ donor who has passed away,” Hsu said.
He commended Kinnie for putting her head down as she got on with the tests and preparations needed for transplant work as the waiting list is long and there are very few registered organ donors.
“She was determined to do everything she could to be ready for the transplant if a matching donor kidney became available.”
“My husband, Johan, wanted to donate one of his kidneys to me. Although he was found to be a good match, he is prone to kidney stones and living with one kidney could have placed his health at significant risk,” Kinnie said.
After three years on the waiting list, Kinnie received a call from her transplant coordinator, telling her that a matching donor kidney had become available and to prepare for her surgery in just two hours’ time.
“Although the Vereeniging Vaal area has a large population who are on dialysis, we have not seen many people having this opportunity for transplant in quite some time. The need for transplants far outstrips the number of organ donors needed for suitable matches,” Hsu said.
“When we see the remarkable difference it makes to individuals like Mrs Kinnie Steyn to have a second chance at life, it brings home the significance of registering as an organ donor and the importance of discussing our wishes with our families while we have the chance,” he added.
Her journey and successful transplant offer hope for others who are on dialysis and has inspired some patients to join the transplant waiting list. Some patients are reluctant to consider receiving a kidney, but the outcomes in terms of quality of life and survival are better than remaining on dialysis in the long term, even though it is possible to live for 20 years and more on dialysis, the doctor explained.
Kinnie, meanwhile, said she wanted people on dialysis to know there is hope. “The difference the transplant has made in my life is indescribable – I got my energy back and a second chance to enjoy a full life.”
Looking forward to her first Christmas with a healthy kidney, she said a kidney is the most precious gift one can give.
“One thing I am especially looking forward to for Christmas is eating ice cream. On dialysis, you have to watch your phosphates, so I couldn’t have a lot of dairy products, and I also couldn’t eat much meat previously, so this year, I think I will indulge a little.”
By choosing to become an organ donor, you can save up to seven lives after your passing, as the heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and lungs may help others in need of organ transplants.
Pretoria News