Afternoon people!
I’ve only recently joined this website so here’s a bit about me…
My name is Luke Hooper and I’m 21 years young. I got diagnosed with Kidney failure April 2012 and went on to Haemodialysis. After nearly a year of ups and downs I was lucky enough to receive a kidney courtesy of my amazing ginger Mum on the 13th February 2013. I suppose we all wonder how our lives are going to change after a life threatening illness; but if I’ve realised anything over the past year, it’s that we have to take each day as it comes and try to never let anything get you too down.
Before I was diagnosed with kidney failure I was an industrial roofer and lived with my Mum. Since my transplant I have managed to take up a career in something I’ve always wanted to do, programming and IT. I got a job within 4 months of my transplant and had my own house within 8 months. I guess a bit of hard work and determination can carry you a long way!
I feel fantastic! I’ve drunk and ate way too much over Christmas but we’re only here once, right? I couldn’t live a day without trying to enjoy every minute of it and leading as much of a normal life as possible.
If anyone would like to share their story with me it would be much appreciated! I’d love to be able to hear about the ups and downs of other transplant recipients and hopefully I can help out it any way possible!
Happy new year you beautiful people!
Luke x
Hi Luke,
I’m considerably older than you so don’t have your energy but it sounds as though everything is going well. I recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of my transplant, and although it hasn’t all been plain sailing, my kidney function has remained solid. What struck me most after the transplant and leaving home haemodialysis behind was the feeling of having a life again. Good luck for the future and I hope you enjoy your career in IT, it served me well.
Rob F.
Luke
I’m an old experienced renal nurse who now does a lot of research into chronic kidney disease and your story is inspirational. I am just developing a study to explore the impact of chronic kidney disease on employment and the labour market, as often people fail to continue working soon after being diagnosed for many different reasons, for which there is little or no support. It is fantastic that you have the strength of character to continue to work but also to seek out a career you are interested in, I wish you all the best in the future.
Paula