National communication manager for Kidney Health Australia Ron Smith hears about Cranbourne MP Jude Perera’s live kidney transplant he received this year. Both are encouraging people to become live kidney donors. 30849 Picture: Meagan Rogers
By Bridget Brady
CRANBOURNE MP Jude Perera says he has a new lease on life after undergoing a kidney transplant earlier this year.
Mr Perera, 56, was out of action for about three months after receiving a kidney from his cousin in February.
Speaking about his ordeal last week, Mr Perera said he had a new outlook about his health after his successful transplant.
“It changed my way of thinking health-wise,” he said.
The Skye resident was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2007 after his blood pressure shot through the roof. He also experienced itchiness and swollen ankles.
Possibly facing a long wait on the kidney transplant list, Mr Perera’s other option was to organise a compatible live donor, which he did.
His first cousin Lalitha travelled from Sri Lanka for the live kidney transplant.
“She put her hand up. She was happy to do it,” Mr Perera said.
“People shouldn’t be scared of donating a kidney. They can live with one perfectly fine.”
Mr Perera said he did think about death during his treatment.
“But mainly I was worried about quality of life rather than death. I knew you could survive on dialysis.”
Mr Perera said he wanted to encourage people to donate their organs and raise awareness about the importance of live kidney donations.
“Organ donation is not a big deal.”
National communications manager for Kidney Health Australia Ron Smith said live kidney donation was the preference for patients and taxpayers because there was a lower risk of rejection during the transplant and dialysis treatment costs $83,000 for every person each year.
“In 2007 9642 people received dialysis. These are people on the transplant waiting list,” Mr Smith said.
He said it was not unusual for people to wait up to seven years for a transplant.
Mr Perera said one of the aspects the government could look into was providing better support mechanisms for live donors.
Because donors required several weeks off work after the operation, Mr Perera said it may not be financially viable for some people to go ahead with the transplant, especially if they were the sole source of income for their family.
“That can put a very big burden on people, families and donors,” Mr Perera said.
Mr Smith said kidney disease was the “silent killer” in Australia because one in three people were at an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
“People don’t realise the size of the problem.
“We’re really pleased Jude has recovered and that he is prepared to speak out about it. We’re pleased to see him back fit and well and I’m sure his message will spread on the importance of live donors.”
