Just weeks before the world entered lockdown mode, 35-year-old Sarah Thompson, a mother of four, was reclaiming her life. She had received a life-changing gift—a new kidney—and no pandemic could overshadow her joy.
Sarah was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 16. After six months of treatment, she managed to return to her regular life, free from the weight of her illness. However, that weight returned fourteen years later when, during her pregnancy with her fourth child, she noticed swelling in her legs.
Fast forward a few years, and Sarah found herself frequently hospitalized. Though there were periods of wellness, she ultimately faced end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or kidney failure, and learned she would need to start dialysis—a treatment that simulates healthy kidney function—to survive.
Initially, Sarah began with in-center hemodialysis but then transitioned to peritoneal dialysis (PD), a method that utilizes blood vessels in the peritoneum to filter waste from her blood. This choice was ideal for Sarah as it was gentler on her body and allowed her to perform treatments at home. She maintained regular check-ins with her healthcare team, consisting of nurses, her nephrologist, social worker, and dietitian.
PD restored Sarah’s life and enabled her to be present for her children. The treatment was non-intrusive, the machine operated quietly, and fortunately, her kids were sound sleepers, minimizing nighttime disruptions. The flexibility of PD even allowed her to travel, including a week-long beach trip and a memorable visit to New York City for her daughter’s 10th birthday.
Soon after she began treatment, Sarah noticed improvements in her well-being. Although she couldn’t always make it downstairs for breakfast or resume her former exercise routine, she could still engage with her kids, whom she was homeschooling. For Sarah, that family time was a precious gift she learned to cherish.
Like many mothers and caregivers, Sarah was motivated by a desire to be there for her children—not only in the present but also for their future. Her nurses had informed her that the ultimate goal was to receive a kidney transplant. However, the decision to accept a new kidney was complicated.
She registered on kidney exchange lists in New York and Pennsylvania. Although she received calls about available kidneys, she declined them. The reality was that she wasn’t ready yet. Accepting a kidney came with a mix of fear and hope.
There are two primary ways to receive a kidney: from a deceased donor or through a living donation from a friend, which involves both individuals ending up with one functioning kidney. Asking someone to donate a kidney is a daunting request, as it’s a part of them that can’t be replaced. While one healthy kidney can effectively perform 70-80% of the functions of two, as reported by Fresenius Kidney Care, the decision is fraught with “what ifs” for both donor and recipient.
Sarah felt overwhelmed by the generosity and support she received from her husband, family, and friends who helped shoulder her burdens. The most touching moment came when friends and family stepped up to see if they could be kidney matches for her.
Patience was crucial, and eventually, Sarah learned that a friend was a match—but for someone else. That friend was matched with a man whose friend was willing to donate a kidney for him. That donor turned out to be a match for Sarah.
After meeting, the four of them formed a bond, and soon after, Sarah underwent her transplant. She had been warned that the energy boost she would experience post-transplant would be incredible, and this turned out to be true. Her energy levels soared, allowing her to lead full days of homeschooling and resume workouts she had missed during PD. To her children’s delight, she was once again making breakfast for them each morning.
Balancing illness and motherhood can be a daunting task. Prioritizing her health while instinctively wanting to care for her children required navigating complex emotions. With a positive mindset, faith, and a robust support system, Sarah achieved not only her health goals but much more.
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- How to manage kidney failure as a parent?
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Summary:
Sarah Thompson’s journey through kidney failure and her eventual triumph through a transplant highlights the resilience of a mother. With the right treatment and support, she not only overcame her health struggles but also embraced her role as a mother, balancing her family life with her health needs.
Keyphrase: Kidney failure triumph
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