Kidney transplant recipients hail new lifestyle programme

AS WORLD Kidney Day is celebrated, kidney transplant recipients have hailed a new lifestyle programme at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH).

Those who took part in the new diet and exercise programme have this week said that the classes not only improved their overall physical health but also boosted confidence.

The eight-week virtual programme took place twice a week and included an exercise element led by a physiotherapist and an education session with a dietician.

Sarah Williams, who is 14 years post kidney transplant, said that the programme came “at a time” when she needed it most for her physical and mental health.

“It has been great, the combination of exercise and nutrition is so important”, Sarah said.

“I have even started sea swimming.

“I am more confident and the regular checks with the team in TUH, help keep me on my toes.”

Oonagh Smith, Clinical Specialist Renal Dietitian with Francis Davis a Kidney Transplant Patient

Sarah was among a number of people to complete the second round of the programme, which fellow participant Simon Appleby said resulted in a “marked improvement” in his health.

Simon, who is nine years post kidney transplant, said: “This was the first time I had done something like this, the programme was great.

“The focus on diet and fitness means I am a lot healthier than I was and can do a lot more.

“It also gave me the confidence to try up new things and I have taken up yoga and am doing a lot more walking.

“I can see a marked improvement.”

Oonagh Smith, the Clinical Specialist Renal Dietitian at the local hospital, this week explained how the healthy eating element of the programme took the form of a 15 to 20 minute discussion.

“As part of this, participants were encouraged to ask nutrition-related questions with a different topic discussed each time,” Ms Smith said.

These topics included, for example, what constitutes a healthy diet for kidney disease alongside menu planning and behaviour change techniques.

According to Professor Peter Lavin, Consultant Nephrologist and lead Clinical Director at TUH, chronic kidney disease affects over 11 per cent of patients in the Irish Health System.

“There are currently 5,000 adults and children requiring treatment by dialysis or kidney transplantation in Ireland,” Prof Lavin said.

“This is an increase of nearly 50 per cent in 13 years.

“I want to compliment the team at TUH for introducing this important initiative.

“It is showing real benefits not just for the physical but also the mental health of our patients.”

To mark World Kidney Day this Thursday, March 9, Tallaght University Hospital has an interactive stand in the atrium to help raise awareness around what individuals can do to prevent kidney disease or detect it at an early stage.