On #TransplantTuesday we feature the story of Themba Temba age 46, from Pretoria, Gauteng.

1. Which organ/tissue did you receive, and in what year?

I received a kidney transplant in 2013.

2. What was life like before the transplant? How did you spend your days?

Constraint, one would have to shorten visits due to dialysis times (Peritoneal Dialysis), staying indoors, feeling demoralised and angry as well as blaming oneself and limiting liquids intake.

3. Describe the emotions experienced when you received “The Call” for your transplant?

Relief, but on the other side fearful, there were a lot of what ifs; the kidney rejects, I die during operation.

4. What is life like now, after the transplant?

Renewed zeal for life, I’m focused and have regained energies and strength and back to normal life again but cautious.

5. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?

Stay focused, take your medication, do not skip dialysis, keep record of you doctors’ appointments and stay clear from possible infection.

Live a positive life: research has shown that people who has faith recover faster. Remember that if you keep getting infections you minimise your chance to receive a donation. The transplant team will see it as a risk to transplant a healthy organ into someone who doesn’t take care of his/her health.

6. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
I believe the following factors contribute to the shortage
-blood type
-stigmatisation
-cultural belief systems
-fear

7. If you could describe transplant in one word, what would it be?

Shift