MITCHELL'S STORY BY MUM NICOLA
Mitchell was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome FSGS when he was 2 years old. During those first few years he spent a lot of time in hospital. He did not respond to any of the “usual” treatments and it always seemed like Mitchell was always the odd one out that nothing seemed to work for.
We’ve since realised that there are so many different types of kidney disease and so many treatments that work for some but not for others. I remember googling nephrotic syndrome on the first night in hospital and it saying that it can be treated with a course of steroids…easy. Well, not always.
Mitchell attended the day ward in the children’s hospital twice a week for almost a year. He made himself at home there, played with every toy available and made every crafty thing that they gave him. He loved visiting the Teddy Hospital and he still goes back to visit his favourite nurse from the day ward.
Mitchell was given a gastrostomy button because he had no appetite and we struggled to get enough calories and fluids into him. He still has this.
He eventually had both kidneys removed and was on peritoneal dialysis at home. During this time his dad and I put ourselves forward as donors and Mitchell got his kidney transplant aged 4.5. Unfortunately the FSGS returned to his new kidney but he has had 2 rounds of infusions and also plasma treatment and things are settled. We now attend the renal clinic every 6 weeks to check his bloods.
The transplant has changed his life. He’s a happy, funny, often cheeky wee P3 boy. He goes to Beavers with his friends. He loves building with Lego, playing with his Nerf Guns and his toy kitchen and still wants to be a chef when he grows up.
Mitchell just turned 8 and he continues to amaze us every day.
We can’t thank all the doctors, nurses and Kidney Kids enough for all the support we’ve had.
