Meet Naomi Khumalo, a 37-year-old from Morningside Manor, Sandton. Her journey to receiving a kidney transplant was long and challenging, involving extensive hospital stays due to complications with her access (fistula and graft) and other health issues. Today, she is thriving and exemplifies the remarkable benefits of organ donation.
1. Which organ did you receive, and in what year?
I received a kidney transplant in 2023.
2. How long were you on the waiting list for your organ?
I believe six years.
3. What was life like before the transplant How did you spend your days?
I was diagnosed with SLE (Lupus) in 2010. I only officially commenced dialysis full time in 2014. It was quite a juggling act to be working full time, studying part time and then having to slot in dialysis sessions three times a week, for four hour sessions. I eventually stopped working in 2016 as I was constantly in hospital, and had to tend to my health.
4. Describe the emotions experienced when you received “The Call” for your transplant?
The day I received “The Call” was actually my third call-up. On other occasions, after having done the preliminary final tests, I would return home and pack a bag, in preparation for the call back. On that particular day, I returned home at 9:30 and slept. Early afternoon, I was awoken by the Call that said “Congratulations”. Now I am a headless chicken trying to gather everything together. But there was joy and excitement. I was overwhelmed and anxious at the same time. I will never forget the day I received my freedom.
5. What is life like now, after the transplant?
It is quite an adjustment, getting back into a ‘new normal’. I had been so accustomed to life on dialysis, now to having so much time on my hands. I have yet to plan a long-awaited vacation , free from dialysis. Even prior transplant, I would advocate for conversation and awareness around Organ & Tissue Donation, which I continue to do.
6. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?
I believe my greatest strength was having a strong support system and a warrior spirit. Mindset is everything. Having a positive outlook in every situation gets you through the toughest of storms. Understanding your condition, adhering to your treatment and medical team advice is of utmost importance.
7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
There is definitely a lack of awareness and conversation around Organ & Tissue Donation particularly due to our diverse religious and cultural beliefs in our country. Being from a Xhosa background, I understand this fully. Another issue is the law around donation, in which your family has the final say despite your wishes of being an organ donor.
8. If you could describe transplant in one word, what would it be?
Blessing