AFTER five years of kidney dialysis and a failed double kidney transplant, Philippa Stone never gave up hope.

Now amazingly, 12 months after the transplant, one of her transplanted kidneys has started to work.

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   Philippa Stone

Philippa, 67, from Killay said: "At the time I was devastated the new transplanted kidneys didn't work. I had pinned my hopes on living a normal life again.

"I think it's a miracle. Nobody can explain why one of the kidneys is now working."

Philippa, a retired insurance clerk, worked at Swansea Enterprise Park for 40 years before retiring in 2004.

She started having kidney dialysis in January 2007.

Philippa had to have treatment at the Renal Unit at Morriston Hospital three times a week and thought things would be the same for the rest of her life.

Needles

"If you can imagine, having dialysis three times a week is like having a part-time job without getting paid," said Philippa.

"The needles used in dialysis are the size of matches — much bigger than the ones used when you have blood taken.

"The dialysis itself isn't painful, but the needles going in and out isn't pleasant.

"It's hard work having needles put in you and not knowing whether it's going to work or not."

She was placed on the transplant waiting list and was called to have a dual kidney transplant in 2010. But even though her body accepted the kidneys, they did not work.

A devastated Philippa continued having dialysis three times a week.

In November 2011 she had an operation to fix a hair line fracture of her right hip.

But while recovering at Morriston Hospital she started passing more and more urine.

It seemed impossible, but after lying inactive for 12 months one of her transplanted kidneys started to work and in January Philippa was told she no longer needed dialysis.

Philippa said: "I want to give hope to other people on kidney dialysis or who are going through the same experience I had.

"I want to let them know that good things like this can happen."

Philippa is busy enjoying normal life again.

"My life has totally changed and my diary is full of appointments with friends now, not dialysis.

"The nursing staff at the renal unit are amazing and truly a credit to the hospital.

"They have a genuine compassion and dedication for all the patients on the unit.

"I can't thank them enough for everything that they have done over the years."

Philippa still attends the renal clinic once a month for a check-up.

Paula Davies, a vascular access nurse, and Paula Davies, senior nurse in radiology, have praised Philippa's positive attitude and are delighted she no longer needs dialysis.

They said: "During the time Philippa required dialysis treatment she encountered a number of challenges. Her personality, her courage and faith in the medical and nursing profession helped her deal with these.

"She became a familiar face and well known character to the staff at the hospital.

"Despite the ongoing challenges she is an exemplary role model for others with chronic illness."

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