Chris Madden shares his journey from debilitating headaches to a life-saving kidney transplant
For seven long months, he had phone appointments during Covid. Finally, he got to see a doctor in person. That’s when they discovered his blood pressure was sky-high.
In August 2020, Chris was rushed to the Royal Infirmary. His kidneys were barely working, only at four percent. He was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a rare kidney disease.
Chris had to start dialysis right away while waiting for a transplant. He felt exhausted, often going to bed before his kids. Dialysis was tough, but it kept him alive.
After nearly a year of waiting, he got a call about a living donor. He was over the moon! Most people get the call after a tragedy, but this was different.
He had to isolate for two weeks before the surgery. There were worries about rejection, but the operation went well. The kidney was functioning, and he could finally be with his family again.
Meeting his donor was emotional. They exchanged letters and eventually met. Chris wanted to express his gratitude for such a selfless act.
Just eight weeks post-surgery, he was back to running. He joined a football team for transplant patients, connecting with others who shared similar experiences.
Now, he’s gearing up for the European Transplant Football Championship in 2025. The team trains monthly, and they’re raising funds to bring the trophy back to Scotland.
Chris loves being part of this community. It’s a unique bond, and they support each other through the ups and downs. He’s determined to make the most of the gift he received.
