Bradley Arendse, a 40-year-old from Malmesbury (WC), received a kidney transplant after a six-year wait. He grew up in an impoverished community struggling with socioeconomic issues, low employment rates, and a high rate of alcohol abuse. Diagnosed with kidney failure in 2013, he began peritoneal dialysis and turned to cycling for strength.
1. Which organ did you receive, and in what year?
A kidney transplant in 2019.
2. How long were you on the waiting list for your organ?
Six years.
3. What was life like before the transplant How did you spend your days?
In June 2013 I was in hospital waiting to hear from the nephrologist regarding my test results. Shaken by the diagnosis that both my kidneys were functioning at twenty percent I had no idea what to expect, but going through my mind at the time was the thought that this might be the end of me. And I was not ready for what was coming. By October 2013 my kidney function came down to fifteen percent and I had to start peritoneal dialysis. I accepted the journey I was about to part on and even though I was not ready, unknowingly, this was to be my awakening.
In 2019 I pleaded to social media for anyone to assist me with a bicycle, nothing fancy, just something that I can use to regulate my blood flow and heart rate. The pressure of dialysis was heavy on my heart and blood clots were filtering through my lungs, making it difficult to breathe or move. I found that exercising helped a bit. A Good Samaritan responded and donated his brand-new bicycle.
Starting from five kilometres to forty in a matter of weeks. I was determined and committed to showcase that a life on dialysis without functioning kidneys was a possibility. The act of good faith and belief of one person changed my course with one gesture.
4. Describe the emotions experienced when you were told your donor is a match?
In 2019 whilst on the operating table just waiting to be put to sleep the mysterious red phone rang. With tears in her eyes, the surgeon spoke to me and I could feel the heartache and disappointment in her voice as she explained to me that I had to wait another thirteen hours to see if the donor’s kidney was viable as there were red flags that came up.
She placed a cooler box on my bed and said:
“Mr Arendse, this is your kidney. Hold it tight and we will see you tomorrow.”
The next morning they hauled me into theatre and the rest is history.
5. What is life like now, after the transplant?
Four months post-transplant just before lockdown I completed my first Cycle Tour wearing the pride colours of the South African Transplant Team for which I was recruited while I was still recovering in hospital. Completed three more in the following years.
Kidney disease humbled me and when life brought me down to my knees eleven years ago, I now know, that was the day that God`s plan for me started. It`s hard to believe that kidney disease is one of the best things that ever happened to me, but it is. Eleven years later I am at a stage in my life that I never even dreamed of.
6. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?
I strongly believe that the rollercoaster that is life is worth every ride.
Balance, that’s what life is about. Just like a battery, you have to take the negative plus the positive to make it functional.
7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
I believe that people are not well informed regarding organ donation and there should be more open discussions about the pros and cons. The sad reality is that people are afraid of the consequences, but so many lives can be saved.
8. If you could describe transplant in one word, what would it be?
Grateful!