I am an Autosomal PKD person who went onto haemodialysis in 2016. My wife and I entered into the paired exchange program in early 2017 when a great pairing became available for me.
We went into surgery and on 6th April 2017 my wife gave one of her kidneys away and I received my new lease on life.
I had 2 minor rejection episodes, and since then the kidney specialists I have been seeing have titrated my medications to an amicable blend to maintain my health and new kidney operation. At this time, I still had both my native kidneys still inside me.
As the years progressed, along with our move from Victoria to Queensland, I found my right-side native kidney had continued growing with cysts, with no blood filtering action, and began pressing on my diaphragm internally stressing my breathing.
The right kidney was removed and relieved the breathing issues. This was around 2022.
In August 2025 I had my left kidney removed as it kept growing and impacted on my lifestyle and pain issues. I am still recovering from the abdominal surgery but feel incredibly good to have it out.
My transplant kidney is functioning well and able to maintain my blood filtering adequately.
I am now being monitored and cared for by a local kidney specialist and a great GP.
I was originally told that native kidneys were best remaining in the transplant recipient, I am feeling great while having them both out!
I hope this brief story of my journey is helpful to the PKD community.
