Double Organ Transplant Survivor's Remarkable Story During Covid-19
Sanjay Mistry, a 45-year-old father from Cambridgeshire who underwent a life-saving double organ transplant amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, shares his extraordinary journey to full recovery.
A Silent Killer
Sanjay was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) back in 2017. Renowned as a "silent killer," the disease meant he would require a kidney transplant. As a long-term sufferer of type 2 diabetes, and with his kidney function rapidly deteriorating, Sanjay opted for a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK), beneficial for patient survival and to hinder diabetic complications.
A Waiting Game
Sanjay found himself on the transplant list, eagerly awaiting that lifesaving phone call whilst shielding during the pandemic. Despite two last-minute dashed hopes, Sanjay finally received his transplant call on 3rd July 2020 and underwent surgery the next day at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
"We started the operation just before midnight and that was a really surreal experience... all I saw was people in hazmat suits with oxygen masks."
The Road to Recovery
When Sanjay woke, he was in a high-dependency unit, informed the procedure had been successful. However, subsequent complications placed him in six weeks of hospital isolation, during which he grappled with loneliness and the fear of not making it.
"I had FaceTime and everything, but it’s not the same. You’re viewing your family’s life through a lens and you should be there but you’re not.”
These dark days are behind him now as today, Sanjay is thankful for his health. He is back to working full-time, playing with his children, going to the gym, and coaching his son's football team. Speaking about his journey, Sanjay emphasised his gratitude towards the "amazing, selfless, and utterly brilliant NHS".
Future Prospects
Sanjay now uses his experience as an advocate for Kidney Research UK, aiming to raise awareness about CKD and the urgent need for transplants. He admits his transplant may not last forever but is relieved he can once again participate fully
"I know I’ve got this transplant and it’s not going to last forever – it might fail tomorrow, or it might fail in 10 years’ time – but I’m able to participate in life again.”
Medical Developments
As for future treatment possibilities, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the medication Jardiance for adults with CKD. Nevertheless, Sanjay believes that more awareness is needed for this "silent killer", affecting approximately 7.2 million people in the UK.