From dialysis to transplant

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After seven years on dialysis, Yadir Ramrathen is the grateful recipient of his brother’s donated kidney.

High blood pressure readings

When my doctor diagnosed me with stage five kidney disease the words felt surreal. After all, I was 21, went to gym regularly and was fit and healthy. I had no obvious symptoms.

My dad has hypertension (high blood pressure) and uses a home monitor to check his reading regularly. One day, I happened to check mine – which was suspiciously high. I ignored it at first. But when I realised subsequent readings were consistently off the charts, I knew I needed a medical check-up.

My doctor told me I had kidney failure, and explained that I ran the risk of having a fatal stroke. My uncle died from renal failure, and it’s known to be a genetic condition.

The impact of dialysis

Living with stage 5 chronic kidney disease isn’t just about managing a medical condition. It means you must restructure your entire life around treatment schedules. I’ve been on dialysis for seven years – which has meant going to the renal unit at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg for three hours, three days a week. This has had a massive impact on my life.  

For seven years, I’ve planned holidays, social commitments, and family gatherings around my dialysis sessions. As I run my own auto-parts business, I was able to arrange my working schedule around my treatment.  But every other decision had to factor in my dialysis sessions.

Family support through the transplant journey

I’m extremely fortunate that from the outset, my mother was willing to donate her kidney. While undertaking the necessary tests to ensure she was a good candidate, the pandemic happened. This meant no transplants took place for two years. Then, in late 2022, my mom suffered complications after an unrelated medical procedure and was ruled out as a potential donor.

My brother Akshay had been willing to donate his kidney from the outset. And now he was able to step up to the plate. As a potential donor, he had to undergo a whirlwind of medical tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest X-rays to check his heart and lungs. He also had a kidney function test called the Isotope Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) to ensure he could safely donate one kidney without long-term health problems.

As the recipient, I also had tests like blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, and scans to check my bladder. We also did tissue typing (HLA typing) to see if we were a good match and to lower the chance of my body rejecting the kidney.

Looking to the future

It’s such a relief to finally have a date (19 August 2025) for the transplant. I was disappointed when things fell through with my mom, but now I have so much gratitude to my brother for giving me this second chance at life. The transplant team – the psychologists, transplant coordinators – they're all brilliant. Dr Mitesh Singh and the team at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg have given us complete confidence. We’re in good hands.

My brother is surprisingly relaxed about the whole thing. For donors, total recovery is usually 4-6 weeks. As a recipient, I should be up and walking within two weeks, but then I'll need up to six months of controlled isolation and if I go into public places I’ll have to wear a mask. I’ll also be on immunosuppressants, which will help ensure that my body does not reject my new kidney.

What I’ve learned along the way

This experience has taught me invaluable lessons about health, resilience, and the importance of having a strong support system.

Here are some key insights I want to share:

1. Take your health seriously: If you have risk factors like family history of kidney disease or high blood pressure, don’t ignore them.
2. The power of family: Having a loved one willing to be a living donor is extraordinary, but the entire family’s support throughout this journey has been my anchor.
3. Trust your medical team: The transplant process involves many specialists, and their coordinated care has been phenomenal. They’ve guided us through every step.
4. Mental health matters: The psychological aspects of dealing with chronic illness and major surgery are real. Seeking emotional support isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a crucial part of healing.

Looking forward with gratitude

As I prepare for my surgery and the recovery that follows, I’m filled with hope and determination. This kidney transplant isn’t just a medical procedure – it’s a new beginning. I’m looking forward to planning trips without considering dialysis centers, sleeping through the night without medical interruptions, and simply living life with renewed energy. Best of all, I’m getting married in January. And I will be able to enjoy my honeymoon without having to visit a hospital.

A message to others

If you’re currently on dialysis, waiting for a transplant, or dealing with chronic kidney disease, be strong. The journey is challenging, but it’s also filled with moments of incredible human kindness and medical miracles.

To those considering organ donation – you have the power to transform lives. My brother is giving me the chance to travel with my wife, watch my children and grandchildren grow up, and to contribute meaningfully to my community for years to come. I will always be grateful.