Scots gran diagnosed with lupus opens up about life changing kidney transplant

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Lanarkshire gran has opened up on her experience of a kidney transplant - 30-years after she received one. Speaking for the first time on the anniversary of her transplant in 1994, Margaret Stewart, 66, said her world changed dramatically after her operation.Her health issues began in 1988, with a mystery knee pain.

Margaret went on to have further problems with her joints and skin as well as fatigue, anaemia and high blood pressure. Medics were initially baffled until a new doctor recognised her symptoms and she was diagnosed in 1991 with systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune condition. “I was told it could be managed and there was a one in 1000 chance it would affect my kidneys – but I was one of the unlucky ones,” recalled Margaret. “I started having kidney problems and the doctors at NHS Lanarkshire saved my life in 1993 when the lupus flared up and I was rushed to hospital for emergency haemodialysis to treat kidney failure.“I was an inpatient at Monklands Hospital for nearly five months, receiving dialysis and even chemotherapy to try to kick-start my kidneys.

In 1994, after lots more hospital visits, I was told I’d need long-term dialysis and I started using home dialysis, trying to get on with life while using it.” But Margaret knew a transplant was the ultimate goal and she was delighted when she was offered one only a few months after joining the list.

She had a six-hour operation at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow, receiving the new kidney to replace the function of both her ailing kidneys.Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is