On #TransplantTuesday we feature the story of Daphney Mmatau Maluleka, 68 years old, from Danhouse Hammanskraal.

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

I received a kidney transplant in 2015.

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

My life before the transplant was stressful, anxious and filled with sadness. I was in and out of hospital and even had to stay indoors as my movement was limited due to time of peritoneal dialyses. Later on I switched to hemo-dialyses. During this time I was struggling to travel by myself since I was weak and in pain.

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

When I received a call about the transplant operation I was excited and scared
at the same time that what if the operation goes wrong or the transplanted
kidney rejects.

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

I was glad because the operation was successful, now I am healthy, hopeful and back to normal day to day activities. Thanks to my son Pontsho who volunteered to be my donor, may the good Lord richly bless and keep him healthy.

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

I would like to advice those who are on waiting list:
– don’t skip your dialyses,
– take your medication
– stay clean and avoid infection
– visit your doctor, failing to do so this will minimize your chances to get transplant. While waiting for a donor; have a faith, hope and be patient.

6. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?

Remember there is a shortage of donors in South Africa due traditional beliefs, some people still believe that their ancestors will not accept them with missing organs (misconceptions). Some people are scared of stigmatisation. There is lack of compatibility and that limit the chances of having many donors in our country. So with a long list of recipients waiting for matching ones it becomes much harder to get a donor in a specific time.

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

To me transplant is life and reinforcement.

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