Haemodialysis in the 1970s

by Mr S. Wilson, 2003

It was early in 1970 when I first experienced dialysis on a kidney machine in Wordsley Hospital. I had my shunt inserted in my right wrist by Dr Hilton and when ready was connected to the kidney machine for the first time, on Mondays 6pm until 6am and on Fridays 6 am until 6pm 12 hours at a time then.

I drove myself to the hospital after work each Monday, and did my normal work in the week, but on Fridays did not go to work.

It always felt to me that I belonged to an exclusive club, where we were looked after by angels. Food and drinks (soft, tea, coffee, etc) were plentiful. Away from the machine food was salt-free and tasteless with three cups of liquid per day the limit.

After a month or two my shunt decided to pack in, so I was given a fistula in my left wrist by another surgeon.

Everything was going quite well for nine months, when on April 26, 1971 I had a telephone call from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, to say we have a kidney for you.

On April 27, 1971, I had my transplant. I was 46^th on the list and I was aged 46, with the odds for survival being 46% and against 54%.

I have always been optimistic in my outlook and have put my trust in the medical profession. My advice to anyone who has kidney failure is not to be pessimistic and dont look on the black side. It is very gratifying to see that there are so many dedicated people caring for the kidney afflicted.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

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