My husband gave me gift of life

Kirsty Gibbins • Published 26 Nov 2009 06:05 Comments 1 Comment

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IT was the ultimate sign of their love for each other.

After four anxious years on a transplant waiting list, Jennifer Elliot's husband Jimmy gifted her with one of his kidneys and gave her a new lease of life.

The couple, of Seggarsdean Terrace, Haddington, are keen to use their experience to encourage other people to consider transplants - and have called on everyone to carry a donor card.

Jennifer was born with polycystic kidney disease - a genetic disorder - though the condition was not diagnosed until 10 years ago when she began experiencing dizzy spells and high fevers.

The couple, who have been together for 15 years and married for seven, became deeply worried as Jennifer's health grew worse - one kidney had to be removed, the other was in a poor state, and she was undergoing 3.5 hours of dialysis three times a week at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

"It was very difficult, we couldn't have a proper life. I couldn't socialise and we couldn't plan or do any of the things most people take for granted," said Jennifer, who was born and bred in Haddington and worked in a local gift shop before her illness forced her to take time off.

Jimmy, 57, insisted that he be tested as a possibly kidney donor for Jennifer - and turned out to be a good match.

He told the Courier: "When you live with someone who is going through dialysis, it is a truly horrible thing to experience. I would drive her to the hospital and bring her back and she was just like a zombie.

"After I passed the tests I didn't hesitate at all - it was the right thing to do and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

"The transformation since the transplant has been unbelievable."

Just over a year ago, after six months of preparation with the NHS Lothian transplant team, the pair were admitted to the ERI and underwent the transplant.

Now, after just passing their one-year check up, they are looking forward to many happy years together.

Jennifer said: "People can take it from me, the difference a transplant makes is incredible. We were very very lucky.

"I've got my life back now, we can go out again and enjoy ourselves and are even planning a trip to New Zealand next year to visit Jimmy's son and grandson."

The couple are hopeful that others will follow their example and get tested.

"There are hundreds of people out there waiting for organs, and donors don't have to be blood relations - as Jimmy and I have proven - so I would urge people to get tested," said Jennifer.

She and Jimmy also thanked the surgical teams led by John Forsythe and John Casey who carried out their operations.

Mr Forsythe, clinical director of the transplant unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, said: "A few years ago there were advances in the anti-rejection medicines that we use which have allowed those who are not blood relations to give a kidney to somebody who desperately needs one.

"It is great that this transplant has been such a success and has given a new lease of life to Jennifer.

"Hopefully, her husband will also benefit from her new found good health so that they can enjoy life together."

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Marina Ritchie
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Nov 26, 12:43
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What a fantastic story. It's a shame that 3 people a day have to die waiting for an organ. It will be 10 years on the 7th December since my son Steven received his amazing gift of life, a liver transplant. Hopefully your amazing journey will encourage more people to join the organ donor register.

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