Kidney Matters - Issue 17 Summer 2022

FEATURE ARTICLE PART 2
18
My recovery bible
By Alison Brown
The diagnosis of kidney disease often
feels like a life sentence. A successful
transplant is life changing, but the
journey through recovery is tough, both
mentally and physically. My experience
of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
(ERAS) project empowered me to take
control, helping to reduce the risk of
post-surgery complications and my
length of hospital stay.
Receiving a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
at the tender age of 13 was heart breaking. I had no
symptoms and despite preventive medications,
it was a crushing blow to find out years later that
pyelonephritis was well underway.
My mental health was affected; I felt out of control and
vulnerable. I had to leave my job, which was difficult
because we were struggling financially and still are.
I was terrified and suffered from anxiety attacks.
Complying with fluid restrictions, the new diet, and
medications was overwhelming. It affected our lives,
both financially and structurally. Our routine was new,
we were living on one income, and I was always tired.
But I was blessed to have a supporting husband and
two beautiful children, who I felt grew up prematurely
because of my illness.
First transplant
In May 2013, my mum donated her kidney to me.
During the recovery. I lay in bed overthinking
everything: What are the doctors thinking? Is
everything ok? Are my results normal?
I was constantly anxious about not knowing what was
going on and didn’t feel confident to ask questions.
Recovery was still quite antiquated and bed rest was
deemed appropriate.
Day four post-transplant, I became unwell and felt
pain when passing urine. My antibodies had surged
due to an undetected urine infection. Despite various
treatments the transplant failed, and three days later
the kidney was removed.
The journey back to dialysis the next day was the
worst experience of my life. The weight of the
transplant failing after everything my mum had done
was distressing.
I went home, my body was weak, my muscles were
depleted, and I felt out of control and hopeless.
The following weeks at home were a blur, I was
shaking and dragging myself up and down the stairs to
increase my mobility.
Home dialysis
I started home haemodialysis and my dining room
was converted into a hospital room with machines
and equipment. I dialysed during the time my children
were at school. I felt they were shielded from the
treatment despite the fact it was at home.
Seven years of dialysis eventually took a toll on my
health. This time, my cousin Christopher offered
to donate his kidney. After several setbacks due to
Covid-19, we finally got the date for the operation in
June 2021.
The ERAS booklet – my recovery bible
Before the operation, I received a letter containing
The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) booklet,
describing a new process that offered a faster
recovery. I was excited about the opportunity to take
control of my journey and it gave me something to
focus on.
I got a phone call from Carrie, the Lead nurse for ERAS.
She explained the new process allowed the patient to
be in control of their recovery.
The booklet contained information on what to expect
from day zero onwards, monitoring my fluid balance
and meeting daily targets for walking and sitting. It also
included a plan of what the team were aiming for. My
mind was at ease.
At the hospital, it was great to have the ERAS team on
the ward. The doctors told me what I needed to know,
but the ERAS team provided in-depth explanations
and implemented this into my daily activities.
www.kidneycareuk.org