Deven Naidu, from Mount Edgecombe, in KZN celebrated 11 years post transplant in February and shares his story.

1. Which organ did you receive, and in what year?
Kidney in 2012.

2. How long were you on the waiting list for your organ?
±1 year

3. What was life like before the transplant How did you spend your days?
Prior to my transplant, I was  consistently tired with very little energy. In between dialysis and work I had to manage my time by resting to gain enough energy to accomplish the most simplest of tasks.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you were told your donor is a match?
Ecstatic and emotional at the same time but also sad because I didn’t want my wife who is the donor to be in pain post transplant.

5. What is life like now, after the transplant?
Renewed energy and zest for life.

6. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?
Stay hopeful and be positive.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
People have very little knowledge on the benefits of becoming a donor.

8. If you could describe transplant in one word, what would it be?
Life-saving!