A kidney recipient who is "running on spare parts" has promised to donate his body to science .
Michael received a kidney transplant almost 23 years ago at Beaumont Hospital after being diagnosed with inflammation of both kidneys. His quality of life greatly improved post transplant and he has attended exercise and diet classes specifically tailored for organ recipients at Tallaght University Hospital.
He said that the new virtual classes organised by the hospital are a huge support for those managing their healthcare after organ donation. Michael said that he wants to give back to the medics who have helped him and will one day generously donate his body towards medicine.
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He said: "I have a few extra bits and pieces thanks to my transplant. I’m running on spare parts! I hope when I'm gone that people can learn something from me and that I could help someone who's on dialysis or undergoing a kidney transplant."
Michael would encourage anyone thinking about organ donation to get in touch with a healthcare professional. He spent several years on dialysis before his transplant and didn't fully grasp how sick he had been until he received his transplant.
He added: "I did a type of dialysis where they put a tube in your abdomen. They drain fluid in, leave it for four hours, and drain it out to get rid of toxins. I did that four times a day while I was still working."
The 67-year-old has had a strong support network through the organ recipient community in Ireland. He has taken part in the World Transplant Games, which give the international transplant community a chance to thrive.
The 2023 games will go ahead in Perth, Australia this April. Irishwoman Sinead McGowan has previously competed in the games, having bagged numerous medals over the years.
Michael explained: "It’s so important for people who have been in sport and don’t know what to do after their transplant to get in touch with the Irish Kidney Association. You end up meeting people from different countries and discussing pains and aches, the tablets you’re on- it's a great community."
The new diet and exercise classes at Tallaght University Hospital are now in full swing at the hospital. They take place twice weekly over an eight week period and give people important information on managing their post transplant health.
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