Kidney transplant patient celebrates 35 year anniversaryFriday, June 07, 2013Gloucestershire EchoFollow
By MICHAEL YONG
FOR the last three-and-a-half decades, Valerie Coombe has been living life to the full – thanks to a kidney transplant 35 years ago.
The 77-year-old, from Charlton Kings, was given her new kidney on June 7, 1978.
MEDICAL MARVEL: Valerie Coombe is celebrating having had a kidney transplant 35 years ago
She had spent more than three years on dialysis. She was admitted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol after suffering renal failure.
Doctors told her husband, Peter, she only had five years to live.
But defying the odds, the great-grandmother is now throwing a celebration for 35 years of health.
She said: "The kidney transplant completely changed my life. Dialysis and treatment was very difficult.
"I never though about the treatment that much, and I wasn't keen on it then, because everything was so new.
"Once you had your transplant, you don't look back.
"It certainly changed life for me and my family.
"They didn't tell you much in those days as it was still quite new then."
After the transplant, Mrs Coombe had to visit the hospital for blood tests every other day.
Her husband Peter, now 81, stood by her through the entire process.
Mrs Coombe said: "Peter has always been there for me.
"He looks after me, and he was my rock really.
"I looked after me all these years, putting me on the machine and off, he was great. He still is wonderful.
"The transplant just changes your life, and it frees you up to do things I didn't think I could do before.
"It has given me a new altogether, and I enjoy each day as it comes.
"I was a bit nervous at the beginning, but as each month and year came and went, I got stronger.
"I wake up each morning and think every day is a bonus.
"There were a few obstacles which I overcame during my time, and it's just a case of never looking back."
She will be holding a private family party at the Clocktower in Cirencester Road this Saturday to celebrate and raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation.
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