The Australian government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
The story of my kidney problem began in 2002. I was working in my own community of Numbulwar on the Gulf of Carpentaria when the visiting doctor told me I was suffering from the beginning of kidney failure.
I have been a kidney dialysis patient since the beginning of 2003. I was still able to work in Darwin part-time for the Department of Education for 2 days per week and have dialysis 3 days a week. I continued on my treatment for about 3 years.
One day I decided to get some tests done so I could be listed as a possible kidney transplant recipient. I had completed all the possible tests that were required by the medical teams, so there I was patiently waiting for the big event to happen.
I was on dialysis at the Nightcliff Renal Unit, doing my usual routine when I had a phone call from the Nephrologist Paul Lawton, and he told me that a kidney was available. I had to fly by myself immediately and my husband Mick would come the next day.
The transplant team were very caring and gradually I regained my strength, really learning how to walk again and care for myself. I spent 5 weeks in Adelaide and learnt how to manage my tablets and daily medications. I have now retired from the workforce and with the kidney transplant I am able to visit my relations at Numbulwar and enjoy the freedom of no dialysis.
I thank my renal nurses and doctors and my immediate family for their wonderful care and support during my time on dialysis and the follow up now I have the kidney transplant.
