‘Organ transplant gave me a second chance at life’

RENAL FAILURE

- NADIA KHAN

ALMOST six months ago, Mahendran Naicker received a kidney transplant which he said had given him a second chance at life after he suffered renal failure.

The 48-year old, of Morningside, was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, or commonly known as Berger’s disease, nine years ago.

It is a kidney disease in which IgA antibodies build up abnormally. Over time, it leads to kidney damage or kidney failure.

Naicker, an IT support analyst, said prior to his diagnosis he sought treatment after suffering from a constant headache.

At the time he was 39 years old and worked in Johannesburg.

“Twas taking over-the-counter medication for pain, but the headache did not subside. I decided to see a general practitioner. He told me my blood pressure was high and gave me medication.

“However, it became worse. About four days later, | went to a general practitioner, whom I usually visited. He conducted various tests, including a kidney function test. He informed me that my kidney was deteriorating and was functioning at only 58%. The doctor advised me to see a specialist. At first I was scared and disappointed that I ended up with this issue in my life,” he said.

Naicker said he thereafter visited a nephrologist.

“He did a biopsy and informed me that my kidney had deteriorated due to high blood pressure and that I had Berger's disease. I was also in stage 3 renal failure. He advised me to try to keep my blood pressure down, do exercise and watch what | ate.