Kidney transplant waiting stories – Ace and Lauren | NHS Organ Donation

We spoke to DJ Ace, from BBC Radio 1Xtra, and Lauren Goodard while they waited for a life-changing kidney transplant. Both had experienced kidney failure and spent a long time on dialysis.

People of Black heritage often have to wait significantly longer for a successful organ match than white patients, due to a shortage of suitably matched donors. Before the pandemic, there were 31 people of Black heritage on the transplant waiting list for every donor.

A special thank you to Georgia Barrett, a specialist nurse in organ donation, for her work on producing and editing this film.

#KidneyTransplant #Dialysis #OrganDonation

[PaulaGPDX]

I'm Black and I donated a kidney to my brother in 2019, and we're both doing great! Honestly, if you have access to an experienced and thoughtful donor program and an established team of healthcare professionals, for most people it's much like getting any other major surgery. Honestly, I imagine giving birth is probably more complicated and stressful.

I got Shingles a few years ago and that was FAR more painful, stressful, and debilitating than recovering from the kidney donation. I was back at work within four weeks and up and back to my regular life in six.

It's such a wondeful thing you can do, especially for someone close to you. And if you can find a good healthcare center and donation team, it's practically routine for them. Very few complications!

[laurenmccollin]

Such an important message. Happy to be involved with filming and sharing these experiences.

[stefanjones]

I'm going tru the same thing it's mind blowing and very heavy at times please keep strong and things will change very soon....

[michelleannegutierrez]

How many yrs you will wait if you are listed in UK

[robertsavino]

Lauren please reachout to me. Ive done both peritoneal and currently hemo and I was just listed. I can answer any questions you may have.

[leticiasim]

Very moving i was on the transplant list but removed myself dut to various reasons. Also I dont know if I was to donate that it would go to a Black person or just the next person who needed it.

Thanks you for sharing good insight

[monirali]

My hasban has kidney failure. Pray for my husband 🙏

[franciscotoribio]

I need a kidney am 33 years old positive O