Chris Madden, a 44-year-old from Edinburgh, Scotland, battled a rare kidney disease caused by debilitating headaches. After months of COVID-related delays, he was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and required dialysis and a kidney transplant. Thanks to a living donor, he received a life-changing kidney and has since made a remarkable recovery, rejoining his passion for football and joining the Scotland Transplant Team.
Chris Madden, a 44-year-old electrical engineer from Edinburgh, Scotland, was once a fit and healthy individual. However, his life took a drastic turn when he began experiencing excruciating headaches that felt as though his skull would explode. These headaches persisted for seven months, during which time he struggled to see a doctor face to face due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He relied on telephone consultations, where his symptoms were initially attributed to stress related to working from home and other pandemic-related issues.As the headaches worsened in August 2020, Chris finally managed to secure a face-to-face appointment with his GP. The examination revealed extremely high blood pressure, prompting an immediate transfer to the Royal Infirmary. There, doctors discovered that his kidneys were functioning at a mere 4 percent due to IgA nephropathy, a rare autoimmune disease. This condition causes a buildup of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys, leading to their progressive failure.Chris was informed that he would require immediate dialysis and potential transplantation. He started dialysis right away, enduring four hours of treatment three days a week after work. The grueling process, coupled with the constant uncertainty of his future, left him feeling drained and exhausted. He often had to retire to bed before his two children, yearning for the day when he could once again fully participate in their lives. Finally, after nearly a year of waiting and undergoing extensive tests to determine his suitability for transplant, Chris received a life-changing call on June 24, 2021. A living donor had come forward, willing to gift him a kidney. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, Chris underwent a successful operation and was able to regain his health and vitality. He was deeply moved by the selfless act of his anonymous donor and was eventually able to meet her, expressing his profound thanks for the incredible gift that had transformed his life. Chris's recovery journey wasn't just about physical healing; it also involved rediscovering his passion for football. He joined the Scotland Transplant Team, a group of individuals who had all undergone organ transplants, and found solace and camaraderie in sharing their experiences. Now, Chris actively participates in the team's training sessions and competes in various tournaments, including the upcoming European Transplant Football Championship in Oxford. He sees his involvement as a way to raise awareness about organ donation and inspire hope in others facing similar challenges.
Kidney Disease Iga Nephropathy Organ Transplant Living Donor Scotland Transplant Team Football
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