New kidney ‘transformed’ my life

A TALLAGHT woman who said a kidney transplant “transformed” her life, presented a case study of her own experiences at a briefing session for Oireachtas members this month.

Lisa Fitzgerald, who lives in Kiltipper, shared her experience of being on dialysis and the all-consuming wait for a kidney transplant.

In 2018, when she was pregnant with her second child, Lisa became aware of an underlying issue with her kidneys which escalated after she gave birth.

Both of her kidneys began to rapidly fail after she had her baby, and she had to undergo dialysis both at home and in St Vincent’s University Hospital while also caring for her newborn.

“I didn’t know what my future held,” Lisa previously told The Echo.

“I didn’t know if I’d be around for my children.

“I was a very sick mam. Until you’re in this situation you don’t know anything about it.

“There was no family history.

“I didn’t know what the future meant.”

In February 2019, however, Lisa received news that would change her prospects and, in a very literal sense, give her a new lease of life.

At that point, she had been on dialysis for over four months when she got the call she’d been waiting for – a kidney had become available, and it was a match for her.

“It transformed my life,” Lisa previously told The Echo.

“Energy-wise, the difference was massive.

“I’d been on dialysis four times a day with a young baby.

“It was a gift for me and for my family.

“After I received the kidney, I wrote a letter thanking the donor’s family not only for my life but also my kids, they knew they were going to have their mam around.”

Lisa presented her experience at a briefing session led by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) on November 8, in Leinster House.

The focus of the event was on how early intervention, as well as transplantation, is essential to improving the lives of chronic kidney disease patients.

The briefing also highlighted that early intervention could lead to direct savings in both healthcare and legal costs.

Speaking following the briefing session, CEO of the Irish Kidney Association Carol Moore said: “Chronic Kidney Disease is a widespread health concern in Ireland, affecting approximately 500,000 people.

“This equates to between one in ten in the general population and one in seven of the over 65s population.

“Earlier diagnosis and intervention are critical and will reduce costs and deliver better health outcomes for the estimated 500,000 people in Ireland with Chronic Kidney Disease.

“Our briefing session with TDs and senators today was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the silent epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease, with its health, economic and environmental impacts, and focus on the urgent need for comprehensive action by policymakers and its inclusion as part of the HSE Chronic Disease Management Programme.”

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.

Thanks for your ongoing support.