Kidney transplant success ends 18 years on dialysis

[okarol]

Kidney transplant success ends 18 years on dialysis

By SARAH CODDINGTON - North Shore Times
Last updated 05:00 20/10/2009

Susi Malota is rediscovering life after being on dialysis for the past 18 years.

The Rothesay Bay resident suffered from renal failure but had a kidney transplant from a deceased donor about three months ago.

Ms Malota had another transplant about six years ago that failed. Since her recent transplant she has not needed to undergo dialysis every other day for five hours of the night.

"I was working fulltime and not sleeping till 1am. It is amazing what your body can adjust to when it has to," says Ms Malota.

When she got the call to say there was a suitable organ for her she had mixed feelings: "People might say ‘how exciting’ but I thought what about the family? For me it was not easy but I’m very grateful."

She thinks family members should discuss if people wish to donate organs after death.

Organ Donation New Zealand notes that family members will always be asked if they would like the deceased relative’s organs to be donated.

Ms Malota says it must be a difficult decision for the family if they are not aware of the person’s wishes. "The families – they’re the unsung heroes."

Ms Malota says people should not be forced to donate their organs but should be open to discuss their wishes. "Because life can change in an instant."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/north-shore-times/2978601/Kidney-transplant-success-ends-18-years-on-dialysis/