‘I Needed A Transplant So My Mom Gave Me Her Kidney'
Essentials|May 2017

Georgia Mountney, 24, talks about how her mother, Elizabeth, gave her the gift of life – twice.

Ang Lloyd
‘I Needed A Transplant So My Mom Gave Me Her Kidney'

When I was 19, my body started attacking itself. It began with joint problems, but it was only after seeing a number of specialists that I found out that both my kidneys were failing. The doctors didn’t exactly know what was causing my kidneys to stop working, but eventually I was given the diagnosis of lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease that has a plethora of symptoms, and unknown causes. They’re still not quite sure what made my immune response go into overdrive, but there was no doubt about it – my body was rejecting its healthy organs.

To try reverse the kidney failure, I was put on a huge dose of medication, which included immuno suppressants, daily antibiotics, and a lot of cortisone. Unfortunately, this cocktail of drugs didn’t work as intended, and, after two years of battling difficult side effects – like my face ballooning and feeling totally drained every day – my kidneys finally decided to completely pack up.

At 22 I found myself in ICU, being resuscitated. For two years I’d felt my health wasn’t improving and I was living in limbo, but after my stint in ICU the doctors decided I needed a kidney transplant. It was a huge relief to know that there was a solution, and a light at the end of the tunnel.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 2017-Ausgabe von Essentials.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 2017-Ausgabe von Essentials.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS ESSENTIALSAlle anzeigen
Find Balance In A Wired World
Essentials

Find Balance In A Wired World

Tech was supposed to make life easier, but have our days got more, not less, pressured? Here’s how to reclaim your time and your sanity by managing your online habits

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
Essentials

Food To Boost Your Mood

Are you feeling stressed out or lacking energy? Turns out can eat your way to happiness

time-read
1 min  |
June 2020
Are You Eating Your Emotions?
Essentials

Are You Eating Your Emotions?

Lots of us reach for food when we’re down, stressed or tired. Here’s why we do it – and how to break the cycle, fast!

time-read
5 Minuten  |
June 2020
‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'
Essentials

‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON PLAYING COMPLEX FEMALE CHARACTERS, RAISING HER DAUGHTER AND CO-PARENTING AFTER A DIVORCE

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN
Essentials

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

time-read
2 Minuten  |
June 2020
FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS
Essentials

FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS

Staying well has become our biggest priority. Fight the nasties with this expert insight

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Essentials

HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?

Life as we know it has changed – with social distancing and curfews putting nights out on hold, we find out if romance is off the table, too

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD
Essentials

DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD

Are you carrying remorse, regret and guilt around with you? You’re not alone...

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 2020
DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40
Essentials

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40

BUSY MOM LUCY PARLEY WANTED TO EMBRACE HER CREATIVITY

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 2020
Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby
Essentials

Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby

Esther Wane realised it was a shame to leave her talents in the past

time-read
3 Minuten  |
April 2020