News GIFT OF LIFE
Wendy and Adam on holiday a few years ago.
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A Goole mother this week spoke out about how she bravely donated one of her kidneys to her son and has told how she hopes that her story will encourage others to consider organ donation.
Earlier this year, when care worker Wendy Exelby from Old Goole found out that her 16-year-old son Adam needed a new kidney as a result of a disease he had as a child, she knew immediately that she wanted to be the donor and set about undergoing tests to learn if she was compatible.
Adam was diagnosed with cystinosis when he was 18-months-old. This is a rare inherited disease that initially leads to kidney problems and can progress to other parts of the body.
Adam's parents always knew that his kidneys were leaking and that one day a kidney transplant would be necessary.
After undergoing blood tests and DNA tests and learning that they were compatible, mother and son went into St James' Hospital in Leeds on July 26 and Wendy successfully donated one of her kidneys to Adam, ending his need for lifelong dialysis.
Wendy told the Goole Times this week: "It was a simple operation and it has made life easier for Adam, as he now by-passes dialysis.
"I went into hospital on the Thursday and had the operation on Friday. I was sitting up on Saturday and I left hospital on the Monday, so from a donor's point of view it was fine. I hope this inspires other people to consider organ donation."
Wendy had to undergo some preparation for the operation, which included losing a few pounds in weight to protect her health, so she successfully took part in Slimming World's Sponsored Slim and had the bonus of raising £230 for charity as a result.
She added: "I had to consider my financial situation before undergoing the operation, as you are not allowed to work for six weeks, but my colleagues at New Concept Care and Nursing in Market Weighton have been excellent through it all.
"My partner, mother and father and friends have been there for us, so there have been a lot of people involved in this, but it is all worth it in the end."
The pair made it through the operation without any serious complications, although there was some initial concern over whether Adam's new third kidney was working, but staff at St James' Hospital discovered the kidney was 'sleeping' at the time and his new organ is now fully functional.
Now the family are looking to the future and Adam is awaiting the results of his GCSEs, which are to be released next Thursday, August 23.
Adam is currently visiting St James' Hospital three times a week for blood tests and to regulate his medication, but the frequency of the visits will be reduced over time.
"The doctors at St James' Hospital were spot on, they really were excellent," said Wendy.
"You just don't realise sometimes what a good job they do."
This week Wendy's parents, Adlingfleet residents Frank and May Fenwick, told the Goole Times: "We would like to say how proud we are of our daughter Wendy and our grandson, Adam.
"Although Adam will still have to have a lot of medication for a long time, we wish them both good health and happiness for the future."
Published on 16th August 2007 in News.
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