WHEN Deven Naidu of Mount Edgecombe experienced high blood pressure in 2011, he had no idea that the ailment would be the start of an intense journey for him and his family; ending in hope, inspiration and the gift of life.
Due to spikes in his blood pressure, Deven was diagnosed with kidney failure and was told by doctors that he would need to be on dialysis.
As August is Organ Donor Month, Deven shares his story with Northglen News readers and encourages all to become organ donors.
READ ALSO: uMhlanga organ failure survivor becomes a mother
“I was entering my 40s and I was really looking forward to the next chapter in my life. I never thought for a moment that I would be diagnosed with kidney failure. A typical day would start with me battling to get out of bed because I was tired all the time. I could no longer play sport and never got to spend time with my family due to fatigue. I was on dialysis for a year and that also took a lot out of me. After sessions I would feel drained. At one stage I even needed crutches to walk,” he said.
Naidu’s wife Raveena suggested a kidney transplant and said she would like to get tested to see if she is a match.
At first Deven was reluctant as the procedure to have a living donor was not straightforward.
“While I kept saying no to my wife, she kept researching and was adamant that she wanted to donate her kidney to me. I eventually agreed and so our journey began. She was a match and in February 2012, the transplant was done. We took several months to recover. I turned 50 in June and had it not been for my wife giving me her kidney, I would not be here to tell my story,” said Deven.
“I mean, what are the odds that my wife would be a match for me. Call it fate, call it destiny; I am eternally grateful to my wife for giving me the gift of life. I have had nine years of healthy living and I am now able to lead a normal life again,” said Deven.
He said after the transplant, he was able to play the sport that he so thoroughly enjoys, and give his all to his work and family life. Due to Covid-19, Deven has stopped contact sport and works from home which has made him less prone to contracting infections.
“Life went back to normal, but it’s also changed ironically. I see life differently. My mindset has changed and I now all that matters to me is family and spending as much time with them as I can. I would like to thank my wife and daughter, Aradhana, for always being there for me throughout this journey. They were my support structure and they helped me fight on. I am also grateful to my work family for their continuous support, and my family and friends too.” he said.
His wife Reevana said: “When faced with end stage renal disease your world is crashing, but don’t loose hope. Pray and never give up. It was a long journey before and after our transplant with many obstacles. To those who are in a similar situation support, patience, and courage is of utmost importance. I wish everyone who needs an organ receives one. Save a life – that’s what matters.”
Although Deven can’t play sports right now, his passion for it lives on and his goal is to participate in the 2023 World Transplant Games in Australia.
“I am member of the South Africa Transplant Sports Association (SATSA) and I am looking forward to participating in these games,” he said.
He encourages organ transplantees to join SATSA by following the link https://transplantsports.org.za/
To become an organ donor, follow the link www.odf.org.za
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
