One of South Africa’s longest surviving kidney transplant recipients, Jean Andrew, was given a clean bill of health after her latest check-up earlier this week, nearly 46 years after receiving her transplant.
Not that she was worried though, as the East London woman said on Thursday: “I know I’m fine. I’m perfectly healthy.” Andrew, who is now 81 years old, was just 36 when her kidneys failed her, shutting her body down and landing her at death’s door.
She was flown to Groote Schuur where she received a transplant after months of dialysis. The average life-span of a kidney recipient is said to be 15 years after transplant. In February next year, Andrew celebrates thriving for 46 years after her transplant.
When the Saturday Dispatch visited her at her Beacon Bay townhouse, Andrew had just returned from a shopping spree. “I’m always at the shops, I love nice things,” she said.
The great-grandmother of four fills her days knitting, crocheting, gardening, reading her Bible and spending time at the shops. She remembers asking God to keep her alive when her kidneys failed.
“I asked God to heal me. My children were still very young then. I’ve lost my husband and my son, but I’ve lived to see my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I’m truly and thoroughly blessed.”
Andrew recalled her experience in 1971, when one morning while getting ready for work, her legs buckled beneath her.
“I never got to meet my donor, but I believe he was a 19-year-old man who fell off Table Mountain and suffered brain damage. I would’ve loved to thank him for giving me an opportunity to live a full life.”
She said her health has remained strong over the years. The only major operation she had was a hip replacement in the 80s.
“I am honoured to still get to enjoy a full life after so many years. I am healthy, happy, and still very full of life. My longevity has surprised the doctors, and a lot of people. I’m sitting here because of faith.”
Still thriving 46 years after receiving her new kidney
Not that she was worried though, as the East London woman said on Thursday: “I know I’m fine. I’m perfectly healthy.” Andrew, who is now 81 years old, was just 36 when her kidneys failed her, shutting her body down and landing her at death’s door.
She was flown to Groote Schuur where she received a transplant after months of dialysis. The average life-span of a kidney recipient is said to be 15 years after transplant. In February next year, Andrew celebrates thriving for 46 years after her transplant.
When the Saturday Dispatch visited her at her Beacon Bay townhouse, Andrew had just returned from a shopping spree. “I’m always at the shops, I love nice things,” she said.
The great-grandmother of four fills her days knitting, crocheting, gardening, reading her Bible and spending time at the shops. She remembers asking God to keep her alive when her kidneys failed.
“I asked God to heal me. My children were still very young then. I’ve lost my husband and my son, but I’ve lived to see my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I’m truly and thoroughly blessed.”
Andrew recalled her experience in 1971, when one morning while getting ready for work, her legs buckled beneath her.
“I never got to meet my donor, but I believe he was a 19-year-old man who fell off Table Mountain and suffered brain damage. I would’ve loved to thank him for giving me an opportunity to live a full life.”
She said her health has remained strong over the years. The only major operation she had was a hip replacement in the 80s.
“I am honoured to still get to enjoy a full life after so many years. I am healthy, happy, and still very full of life. My longevity has surprised the doctors, and a lot of people. I’m sitting here because of faith.”
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