John's story - A fight for survival

John Scott was first diagnosed with kidney failure when he was 27 years old. At the time, Doctors were unsure of the cause and prescribed several months of chemotherapy as part of a research project. Gradually, John’s health improved and the cause had been attributed to an autoimmune disease. They didn’t know if the Chemotherapy had been beneficial. It was still life changing for John, who ended up marrying one of the nurses injecting him with the treatment.

Around 15 years later, John’s kidneys failed and he went on haemodialysis, causing him to struggle physically due to lack of energy. This was a stressful time for John and his family.

John explains: “The new year was not looking good for me to retain my job. This was also quite a stressful time for my wife who continued to work full-time and look after us all. The critical role that carers play in the wellbeing of renal patients and their families cannot be understated.”

John taught himself to self-dialyse before receiving his transplant. He received overwhelming support from his church community and neighbours. Seventeen years later, John’s transplanted kidney failed for unknown reasons and he went back to dialysing himself at home overnight. After three years of this, another donor kidney became available, which remains successful to this day.

Because of John’s experience he has been actively involved with the Renal Service for the ACT and adjoining Southern NSW Local Health District, holding monthly morning teas for new renal patients.

John is very thankful for this second opportunity at life, and would like his donor to know:

“You have made an enormous contribution to my life and the lives of my wife and children. I can’t thank you enough for all that you have given me! Your gift has meant that I am able to contribute more fully to my community, and I thank you so much!”