Just weeks before the world faced unprecedented challenges, 35-year-old Sarah Thompson, a devoted mother of four, was on a path to reclaiming her life. She had recently received an extraordinary gift—a new kidney—and nothing, not even a global pandemic, could dampen her spirit.
Early Struggles
Sarah’s journey began at age 16 when she was diagnosed with lupus. After six months of treatment, she returned to her daily routine, free from the shadow of her illness. However, that shadow reemerged fourteen years later during her pregnancy with her fourth child when she noticed unusual swelling in her legs.
Fast forward a few years, and Sarah found herself frequently hospitalized, oscillating between periods of health and illness. Eventually, she faced the harsh reality of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and learned she would need to undergo dialysis—a procedure that replicates the function of failing kidneys—to survive.
Transitioning to Peritoneal Dialysis
Initially, Sarah began with in-center hemodialysis but, with the guidance of her nurses at Reliable Kidney Care, transitioned to peritoneal dialysis (PD). This method uses the blood vessels in the peritoneum—the lining of the abdomen—to filter waste from the bloodstream. PD proved to be an excellent fit for Sarah for several reasons. It was gentler on her body and, crucially, allowed her to perform treatments from the comfort of her home while maintaining regular contact with her healthcare team, which included her nurses, nephrologist, social worker, and dietitian.
Thanks to PD, Sarah was able to regain a sense of normalcy and remain engaged with her children. The treatment was minimally intrusive, and fortunately, her kids were good sleepers, rarely waking her during the night. In the rare instances of emergencies, Sarah had the flexibility to disconnect the machine when necessary. The portable nature of PD even allowed her to travel, enjoying a week at the beach and a trip to New York City, where she celebrated her daughter’s 10th birthday at the American Girl doll store.
A Journey Towards Transplant
After starting treatment, Sarah noticed a gradual improvement in her health. While she couldn’t always make it downstairs for breakfast or return to her previous fitness level, she was able to keep up with her homeschooling duties. Each moment spent with her children became a treasured gift.
Like many mothers around the world, Sarah was motivated by her desire to be there for her children, both in the present and for their futures. Her medical team emphasized the ultimate goal: receiving a new kidney. However, the decision to accept a transplant was not as simple as it might seem.
Sarah registered with two kidney exchange lists—one in her home state of California and another in Texas, where a friend lived. Although she received calls about available kidneys, she initially declined them. The choice to accept a kidney was fraught with anxiety and, paradoxically, hope.
Kidneys can be sourced from either deceased donors or through living donations from friends or relatives. Asking someone to donate a kidney—a part of themselves—can be daunting. While a single healthy kidney can function effectively, the implications of such a decision weigh heavily on both the donor and recipient.
The outpouring of support from her husband, friends, and family was profoundly humbling, especially when they expressed willingness to see if they were a match for a kidney donation. After some time, Sarah discovered that her friend was a match—but not for her. Instead, her friend was matched with a man whose friend was willing to donate a kidney for him, and that friend turned out to be compatible with Sarah.
The Transplant Experience
After the introductions were made, the transplant journey began.
Sarah had been warned that the post-transplant experience would feel astonishing compared to her time on PD, and those predictions held true. Following the transplant, her energy surged, allowing her to lead a full day of homeschooling and return to her previous workout routine. Most importantly, she was back downstairs making breakfast for her children in the mornings.
Finding Strength in Challenges
Navigating the challenges of illness and motherhood is no easy feat. Prioritizing personal health while instinctively wanting to care for children can evoke a complex array of emotions. With a positive mindset, faith, and a solid support system, Sarah managed to navigate this journey and emerge stronger than ever.
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Summary
Sarah Thompson’s inspiring story chronicles her battle against kidney failure and her triumphant return to health following a life-changing transplant. Her journey highlights the importance of support, resilience, and the complex emotions surrounding health decisions, all while maintaining her role as a dedicated mother.