In 1989, at just 23 years old, Jamie got the shock of his life. After going to the doctor because he was feeling unwell, he was told he had renal (kidney) failure.
“My kidneys were the size of a 50-cent coin, and the doctors said that dialysis at that stage was the only thing that was going to extend my life, and at the age of 23 I decided that was a good option!” Jamie shared.
Our kidneys’ main task is to clean our blood and filter waste out through your urine, and when they aren’t working as they should it can cause toxins to build up leading to serious health issues.
Two months later Jamie began dialysis, which involved going into hospital at Townsville three times a week to be hooked up to machines that did what his kidneys couldn’t – remove extra fluid and waste.
Jamie still remembers the call that changed his life in January 1992.
“I was on dialysis in the renal unit of the Townsville hospital and a nurse came over to me and said Jamie the call has come through that there is a match for transplant for you, we need to get you off of the machine and you will be flown down to the PA Hospital in Brisbane,” he said.
“After transplant I was able to build a life in Townsville and had three children and lived a normal life without being attached to a machine three times per week.”
In 2006, he moved to the Sunshine Coast and met his now wife Larney. Together they have faced another health challenge…Jamie was diagnosed with B-Cell Non-Hodgkinson Lymphoma…which gave them a new perspective on life.
“I was given the all clear so in 2019 my wife Larney and I brought a Toyota Coaster bus (which we called Macca) and travelled over to Western Australia and down through to Uluru and explored this amazing country for 6 months,” he said.
“Being able to receive this gift from my hero donor and their family is something I will forever be grateful for as it gave me the opportunity to have children, and now also grandchildren, and travel with Larney, not only in Australia, but also overseas. All of this would not have been possible without the generous gift.”
His transplant, which Jamie affectionately named Gert (after his nanna who he says was a tough old stick) lasted Jamie nearly 30 years before it started declining in 2020.
On his 56th birthday in 2022, Jamie began dialysis again and he now visits the Renal Unit at Caloundra Health Service three times a week.
March 12 is World Kidney Day, which is all about raising awareness of the importance of kidney health and reducing the burden of kidney disease worldwide.
Jamie and his wife Larney are known within the community as advocates for people with kidney disease and are passionate about supporting others on their journey.
Learn a bit more about Jamie:
Why is it important for you to spread awareness and help others?
Back when I first went on dialysis as a 23-year-old, there really wasn't anyone to talk it over with but I did form some great relationships with other patients once I started in the Unit and I remember the times back then when we were all able to sit around in a circle and play cards when we were dialysing. We sometimes even used to order pizza delivery! So, I was very fortunate to have positive people around me back then and when I had to go back on dialysis in 2022 having that lived experience has helped me accept going back on it again and it feels good to be able support others that are just starting out on this journey
How can friends and family best show up for someone on dialysis?
For me it’s about not treating me any differently than they had before but also being understanding that some days I will not feel well, some days I will feel a little sad, some days I will be really tired. I think it is also important that family and friends show not only support to the person on dialysis, but also to the person supporting them on this journey as it is a major life change for the whole family, and sometimes that support people, need support also.
Who has been the biggest support on your journey?
My beautiful wife Larney as her support is truly endless, there has been some crazy hard times over the last nearly 19 years we have been together, but she has been there supporting me through every single one of those times.
What message would you like to share this world kidney day?
Yes, this journey is hard, but you have to try your best to find the silver lining as it will be the thing will help you through it.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I really wanted to just give a big shout out to the wonderfully amazing nursing staff at the Caloundra Renal Unit and also the staff at the SCUH Renal Unit - you truly do make this journey a supportive ride to be on! Thank you for all that you do for not only me but for all of the patients that come through Units we would all be lost without you!