Since being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2009, Sita has been treated in several London hospitals and has had two transplants. She explains why the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex University Hospital will mean so much to so many.
My diagnosis came totally out of the blue – I went to the GP for routine blood tests and when the results came back, my GP sent me straight to West Middlesex University Hospital. I was a single mother to a two-year-old, and I felt so alone.
I had to go to West Middlesex or Hammersmith every two months to have blood tests to check my creatinine – a high level indicates poor kidney function, so they had to keep a close eye on it. I knew I might have to start dialysis at any moment.
‘For five years, I fought to keep the kidney working’
In 2012, I began peritoneal dialysis at home. I had to be hooked up to a machine six days a week, eight hours a day. Then, in 2014, my father offered to give me his kidney. He came all the way from India and I had the transplant. My daughter was seven years old by now, and I thought, ‘OK, my life is going to be fine now. I can be a normal mother to my child.’
For five years, I fought to keep the kidney working, enduring many scans, biopsies, blood tests and painful angiograms. But slowly, slowly, it failed, and I returned to dialysis. This time it was hemodialysis, which has to be done in hospital. I could have been sent to Ealing or Charing Cross or Hammersmith, but thankfully they found space for me at West Mid, which is much closer to home for me. During the pandemic, however, I was moved to Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow because of COVID restrictions.
‘Having to travel long distances made treatment even tougher’
I felt emotionally very weak during this time. Each session of dialysis is in itself like running a marathon, so having to travel long distances three times a week for treatment made it even tougher. I’m grateful that the hospital arranged transport, of course, but there was a lot of waiting around, and then up to an hour and a half on the bus each way because the driver had to pick up and drop off several patients.
As a single mother and sole breadwinner, I found it exhausting and worrying. Sometimes I didn’t get home until midnight, so I didn’t get to spend any time with my daughter. It was such a relief when I could return to West Mid, where I continued dialysis for another year or so.
‘Today, my new kidney sustains my life’
Despite the struggles, I found strength in the pain. I laughed, I cried, but I never lost my faith. My battle was not just for me but for my daughter, my parents, my friends, and for everyone who stood by me like a rock.
Then one day, I got the call – a kidney was available for transplant. Today, my new kidney sustains my life. It’s a life filled with medication and blood tests, but it’s a precious, beautiful life. I am eternally grateful to the anonymous donor.
‘Being treated close to home makes the world of difference’
CW+ is now raising money for the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid. It’s such an important cause – it will be a lifeline for our community, helping thousands of local people.
Having dialysis or chemotherapy is physically and mentally draining, so being treated close to home instead of having to travel to Ealing or Charing Cross, for example, makes the world of difference. Many patients have young children, or jobs they need to go to, or parents to care for – or sometimes all three. Having to travel long distances makes a challenging time even more difficult.
‘The renal unit will be twice the size’
The new facility will be full of natural light, which always helps with positive thinking! Being able to watch the world go by during long treatment sessions is a welcome distraction. The renal unit will be twice the size, with the latest equipment and more comfortable beds – something that is much appreciated when you’re spending three hours, sometimes five, having dialysis. The CW+ Arts Team also has plans for wonderful artwork, and visits from musicians and artists. These are the extra things that help you to feel more relaxed during long stints in hospital. Things that can make you laugh, motivate you. Nobody wants to stare at a blank wall!
‘Your gift has the potential to make a huge impact’
To those who are thinking of supporting this appeal, I’d say a huge thank you. Life is unpredictable – nobody knows what is around the corner, but your gift has the potential to make a huge impact on so many people in your community, now and long into the future.
CW+ is raising £1.5m towards the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre being built at West Middlesex University Hospital. This cutting-edge facility will expand day services for cancer and renal disease, providing care and transforming health outcomes for more people in Hounslow, Richmond and Ealing.
Find out more about this new development and how you can show your support.
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Help us open this landmark facility
The new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre will ensure that more people in our community will have access to the tests and treatment they need, closer to home
