Just weeks before the world entered a lockdown, 35-year-old Sara Thompson, a devoted mother of four, was reclaiming her life after receiving a remarkable gift—a new kidney. No pandemic could dampen her spirits as she savored each moment with her family.
Sara was diagnosed with lupus at 16, but after six months of treatment, she returned to her daily routine without the burden of her illness. However, that burden returned fourteen years later during her fourth pregnancy when she noticed unusual swelling in her legs.
As time went on, Sara faced numerous hospital visits and fluctuating health, eventually leading to a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). She learned that to survive, she would need to start dialysis, a process that mimics the function of failing kidneys.
Initially, Sara began with in-center hemodialysis, but with the support of her nurses at Fresenius Kidney Care, she transitioned to peritoneal dialysis (PD). This method utilizes the blood vessels in the abdominal lining to filter waste from the blood. PD was ideal for Sara because it was less taxing on her body and enabled her to conduct treatments at home while staying in close contact with her care team, including her nephrologist, social worker, and dietitian.
Thanks to PD, Sara regained her life, allowing her to be with her children. The process was non-intrusive, and the quiet machine meant her kids rarely woke up during treatments. The flexibility of PD even allowed her to travel, enjoying family trips to the beach and celebrating her daughter’s 10th birthday in New York City.
Soon after beginning treatment, Sara noticed improvements in her well-being. While she still struggled to make it downstairs for breakfast and couldn’t return to her previous exercise routine, she managed to keep up with her homeschooled children. For Sara, this time spent together was invaluable.
Like many mothers, Sara was motivated by the desire to be a constant presence for her kids—both now and in the future. Her care team explained that the ultimate goal was to find a kidney donor. However, the decision to accept a transplant was complicated by fear and hope.
Sara joined two kidney exchange lists—one in her home state of New York and another in Pennsylvania. While she received calls about available kidneys, she turned them down, feeling unprepared for such a significant step.
The process of finding a donor can be daunting, as it involves either receiving a kidney from a deceased person or from a living friend. Asking a loved one to donate a part of themselves is not a decision made lightly, especially with the “what ifs” that accompany such a choice.
Sara was deeply touched by the support from her husband, family, and friends during her illness. The most humbling moment came when several friends offered to see if they were a match for kidney donation. After some time, her friend was matched with a different recipient, who had a friend willing to donate his kidney to Sara.
Once the four of them met, everything fell into place. Sara had been warned that the energy boost following a transplant would surpass her experience on PD, and that turned out to be true. Post-transplant, her vitality surged, allowing her to lead full homeschooling days and return to workouts she had missed.
Juggling motherhood and illness can be incredibly challenging, but Sara navigated it all with a positive mindset, faith, and a supportive network that helped her through the toughest times.
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Summary:
Sara Thompson’s journey through kidney failure and her triumphant recovery highlight the resilience of motherhood. Diagnosed with lupus, she faced significant health challenges but ultimately found strength through peritoneal dialysis and the unwavering support of her family and friends. The successful kidney transplant transformed her life, allowing her to be the engaged and active mother she always wanted to be.