In 2017, I was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (glomerulonephritisI started treatment and the disease went into remission. But in February 2023, I got COVID. After I recovered, I started to feel easily fatigued and uncomfortable throughout the year. In November, I was admitted to the hospital in a very serious condition, and the doctors there determined that my kidneys had severely impaired function, and my options were hemodialysis or a transplant!
My whole family and our close ones were in shock about what was happening! Both perspectives were terrible, and we didn't know how to cope! Then, through our friends, we got in touch with a father and son who had undergone transplantation. The son had been on hemodialysis for 10 years and was in critical condition before the transplant. We were somewhat relieved that, at least, we knew where and how the surgery could be done. In our case, my mother would have been the potential donor. The doctors said the transplant would happen within a month or two (they were monitoring my creatinine levels), but my creatinine remained at 260 for a year and a half.
In July 2025, my creatinine began to rise significantly. I was admitted to the hospital I had chosen at the time, and the necessary pre-transplant tests began. But just before the surgery, they told us that my mother had kidney stones and was not a suitable donor! My creatinine was 1099, and they refused the surgery. It was another shock for all of us. I started hemodialysis! It lasted for 4 months. We started looking for a place that would accept us for a transplant, but after presenting the results of the tests, we kept receiving rejections. Until we contacted Zvezdelina Kara – we told her our situation, and she set everything in motion!!!
At Koc University Hospital, they welcomed us and reignited our faith that the transplant could happen! First, they assessed my mother's condition as a donor. Then, they called me in for examinations. After that, they admitted both of us for pre-operation preparation. Throughout the whole process, they guided us with confidence, endless care, and a wonderful attitude! For the first time in my life, I wasn't afraid of a hospital! Both my mother and I were calm. The surgery went well! Without exaggeration, I felt good – it was over! The joy remained that we have a second chance for a good and fulfilling life!!! I'll stop here; it's incredibly exciting, as gentle and caring as possible at every step! I'm timid, very timid, but fear didn't overcome me because I had the full support of people with brilliant minds and skills! Thank you!
„Medical Karaj“ - excellent! Wonderful care from the beginning to discharge and follow-up of treatment! Perfect team! They have a perfectly organized way of working! With attention and concern for the patient!!! Thank you!!!
S.A.; 41 years old; Koc University Hospital
