Sashen Gounder, 49, was diagnosed with kidney nephritis more than 10 years ago, and is one of many people on the growing waiting list for a transplant. Picture: Supplied
FOR the past four years, a Durban North father remains hopeful that he will find a donor for a kidney transplant.
Sashen Gounder, 49, was diagnosed with kidney nephritis more than 10 years ago, and is one of many people on the growing waiting list for a transplant.
He said kidney nephritis was caused by an autoimmune condition which resulted in his kidneys being under constant attack by his immune system.
“I have no choice but to leave my life in the hands of the dialysis machine.”
Gounder, who was previously self-employed, said he was diagnosed after a sudden increase in his blood pressure and severe headaches at the age of 31.
“My general practitioner was concerned about my high blood pressure and decided to refer me to a nephrologist.
“The nephrologist said I needed to continue high blood pressure medication, maintain constant monitoring and continue with life.
“Initially, you do not worry as the doctors say that if you maintain a low protein diet, exercise and take care of yourself, you should be able to go on with life.
“At that time, there was no talk about my kidneys totally failing or needing dialysis. However, what is not known is that excessive stress is the biggest killer of the kidney,” he said.
Gounder, a father of one, said that before the diagnosis, he had led a stressful life.
“About 27 years ago, I graduated from university as a mechanical engineer and worked in multinational companies. I also went into senior management at a young age. This is where all the stress started, but I was young, ambitious and successful.
“However, my life was turned upside down when my son was diagnosed with severe autism when he was one-year and six months old.
“At that time, I thought we would be able to defeat autism within five years, but 16 years down the line, I realise that it’s an ongoing struggle, with no cure.
“The stress was almost unbearable over the years and exacerbated my kidney problem. Unfortunately, when my son turned nine, I had to start dialysis. By that time my kidney function had drastically deteriorated and I was in stage five kidney failure.
“Unfortunately, after two years, I became a single parent. But I am grateful for the support of my family, especially my mother, who is my angel. My son is totally non-verbal and needs constant supervision.”
Gounder said he had been waiting for almost four years to find a donor.
“I believe the waiting list has almost 1 000 people in need of a kidney transplant, but a massive shortage of donors in KwaZulu-Natal. I have been told I am an ideal candidate but nothing is happening.
“Sadly, I have no choice but to leave my life in the hands of the dialysis machine. Very simply, this machine is keeping me alive, but it can also affect a person’s heart in the long run.”
Gounder said undergoing dialysis was exhausting.
“You suffer from extreme fatigue. I had to eventually shut down my engineering business because I could no longer perform my duties. I currently receive dialysis three times a week, with each session being four hours long.
“There are also many side-effects of kidney failure. It affects your gums, balance, muscle deterioration and causes fatigue and a loss of appetite. You also experience constant anxiety and fear of death. A transplant is the only solution,” he said.
Gounder said becoming a donor was a selfless act.
“Every day, I pray for a donor. My life is ultimately in God’s hands. God is in total control. I have decided to remain positive and optimistic. My driving force is my son. I just have to stay alive to take care of him.”
The POST
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