MILAAP SUCCESS STORY · KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
Beyond Dialysis: A Brother’s Fight to Give Abhishek a New Kidney
When my brother Abhishek’s blood pressure suddenly became dangerously high, our family had no idea the episode would lead to a kidney failure diagnosis and years of dialysis. After his transplant on April 27, I finally get to watch him rebuild a life beyond the next dialysis session.
2017
The year Abhishek’s kidney failure was diagnosed and dialysis began
2x / Week
Dialysis sessions, every Tuesday and Friday, for years
Stable & Recovering
Abhishek’s condition since his transplant on April 27
A sudden blood pressure crisis
It all began suddenly on September 17, when my family found that Abhishek’s blood pressure was extremely high. Medicines from a local clinic did not bring it under control, and an ECG later showed abnormalities. We rushed him to PG, where doctors carried out detailed tests before shifting him to the Nephrology department.
Further tests showed serious kidney damage, and dialysis was started on September 22, 2017. After a biopsy and several investigations, Abhishek was discharged and placed on maintenance dialysis. He eventually began dialysis twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday, as we explored options for a transplant.
“Every week had to be planned around his treatment. Between the fatigue, the high blood pressure and the fluid restrictions, our whole family stayed constantly focused on his health.”
— Nitin, Brother
Years of dialysis, and a financial challenge
For Abhishek and our family, dialysis became a demanding routine. Every week had to be planned around his treatment, while he also dealt with fatigue, high blood pressure and shortness of breath. His fluid intake had to be strictly limited, making everyday life difficult and leaving us constantly focused on his health.
The biggest challenge, however, was not only the treatment itself but the cost. We struggled to understand how we would manage the large amount required for a transplant. Our father was already over 50 and had health problems of his own, making the financial burden even harder for our family to carry.
How we found Milaap
We eventually learned about Milaap through our neighbour, Chhatrapali, who guided us towards crowdfunding. With the fundraiser, we were able to seek support beyond our immediate family and raise the funds needed for Abhishek’s transplant. For me, the financial support from the Milaap community became the biggest relief during an otherwise extremely difficult treatment journey.
“The support from donors meant more than simply meeting a fundraising goal. It helped Abhishek reach a stage where he could move beyond the exhausting routine of twice-weekly dialysis and begin rebuilding his life.”
— Nitin, Brother
Where Abhishek is today
On April 27, Abhishek finally underwent the kidney transplant. The procedure was successful, and he is now recovering. His health is currently stable, and he is doing well after the transplant. Life after the transplant is still different — he has to take precautions, avoid unnecessary outings and crowded places, and wear a mask when he goes outside — but compared with the days of twice-weekly dialysis, the change has been remarkable.
Before the transplant, even basic things like drinking water were restricted, and dialysis left him extremely tired. He also struggled with high blood pressure and breathlessness. Today, he can drink water more freely, follow his diet, eat properly and walk around without the constant burden of dialysis.
We are especially grateful to the doctors and hospital staff who cared for Abhishek throughout his treatment — our experience with them was very good, and the medical team was extremely helpful and treated us like family. Looking back at the journey, the difference between life on dialysis and life after the transplant has been enormous. I hope other families facing kidney failure will seek timely medical guidance and explore transplantation when doctors consider it suitable. For our family, the successful transplant has brought back something we had been missing for years: the freedom to look beyond the next dialysis session and hope for a more normal life.
Facing a kidney failure diagnosis and the cost of a transplant?
Life-long dialysis and the eventual cost of a transplant can quickly outpace what a family’s income and savings can cover. We help families reach a wider circle of support so treatment doesn’t have to stop.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kidney transplant cost in India?
Costs vary by hospital and city, but a kidney transplant, along with the years of dialysis that often precede it, can run into several lakh rupees. Abhishek’s family spent years managing the cost of dialysis twice a week before they were able to raise the funds needed for his transplant.
How often do dialysis patients typically need treatment?
Most patients on maintenance dialysis need it two to three times a week, with each session lasting several hours. Between sessions, patients are usually advised to strictly limit their fluid intake and follow a special diet to manage their kidney function.
What precautions do kidney transplant patients need to take after surgery?
After a transplant, patients are usually advised to avoid crowded places, wear a mask in public, and take extra care with hygiene, since the medicines that prevent organ rejection also weaken the immune system. Doctors typically ease these restrictions gradually as recovery progresses.
How do I start a fundraiser for a kidney transplant?
You typically need a diagnosis report, a treatment cost estimate from the hospital, and identity proof for the patient or the person raising funds on their behalf. Our team helps applicants gather and verify these documents before the fundraiser goes live.
Story shared with permission · Written by Milaap
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