After being diagnosed with high blood pressure three years ago, Devan Naidoo (36) enjoyed a healthy, full life until January last year.
Devan became very ill and according to his wife Annie, his face was swollen and he could not eat or drink for days. “He was practically dying at home. We consulted a private doctor who said it was possible that Devan had pneumonia, but he wasn’t certain. We were referred to a hospital for a proper check-up,” Annie said and added that she purchased over the counter medicine.
The next day Devan was taken to the emergency unit. “By this time I knew something was seriously wrong with him. He hadn’t slept for almost a week. We were still in the admission ward when one of the doctors approached us to find out more about his medical history,” Annie said. She said the doctor feared kidney failure and after blood tests were done, he was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The doctors immediately started with dialysis. They inserted a fistula (tube) in the right thigh and he started haemodialysis three times a week for about three months.
Having had no history with diabetes, Devan was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in May last year. “He had to take a lot of medicine every day, including insulin and also and an additional Recormen injection three times a weeks because his body no longer produced red blood cells,” Annie explained. Devan was on haemodialysis for almost five months when the doctor decided to include Peritoneal Dialysis at home every four hours. Annie said he also had a catheter inserted because he was still on haemodialysis three times a week. “There were complications with the dialysis. His body was overloading on fluids and he had to be admitted to hospital again for fluid on his lungs.
He also had a heart attack in June last year.”Despite being in constant pain, he also suffers from insomnia, is anaemic, had five blood transfusions and suffers from Restless Leg Syndrome, he remains positive and adamant that this will not get him down. Annie said he has to follow a specific diet for his diabetes and a different one for having kidney failure. “We are struggling to keep the financial boat afloat. Although he is not on the kidney transplant list as yet, we are hoping it will happen very soon. If he does get a donor, the after care and medicines are extremely expensive because we have to make sure his body does not reject the kidney.”
Devan continuous to work to ensure an income and Annie has also started with a new job recently. “He is an inspiration to me and my children, Andrea (15) and Anniston (11). He is loved by many and through it all, he remains positive. But we have reached a stage where we need assistance from the community. Any form of donation will be appreciated. We have set up a trust account D Naidoo T/A Kidney Support Fund with FNB. The number is 62514856783 and the branch code is 250409.”
Annie said she would do anything for him to ensure their children have a healthy father for many years to come. If anyone can assist, contact Annie on 074 380 0648 or Devan on 076 979 9420.
What is ESRD
ESRD is the most feared consequence of kidney disease. ESRD results when kidney function has deteriorated and is no longer adequate to sustain life, and renal replacement therapy – dialysis or transplantation – becomes necessary to maintain life. Conditions that may lead to ESRD include hypertension, diabetes and fluid in the kidneys.
It has been estimated that the first year cost of a kidney transplant is almost R120 000. Remember to keep in mind of the 20% cost of surgery and immunosuppressive medication. It is necessary for every transplant recipient to take several different medicines to keep their body from rejecting or damaging the new kidney. Currently the costs is estimated to be around R150 000 for immunosuppressive medications for three years after the kidney transplant.
