AFTER hearing the news that he would soon be a dad, a young man's world "completely flipped upside down" as he was told his kidneys were only working at 3% capacity.
While Jason Lamb had been experiencing mild symptoms for some weeks, such as tiredness and leg cramps, he did not think much was wrong and put this down to exhaustion from work.
However, after going for a check-up following his partner's pregnancy test in December 2021, Jason was given the devastating diagnosis of acute kidney failure and end-stage renal disease.
With the 26-year-old's kidneys only functioning at 3% capacity, doctors at Whiston Hospital told him he could have died if he had waited any longer, and he now relies on dialysis treatment in order to survive.
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Although the dialysis initially resulted in serious health problems, a second round of treatment has thankfully done the trick.
While the dialysis treatment has allowed Jason to survive, it means that he has to spend 12 hours a week attached to a machine that cleans his blood and fluid.
The treatment is also not a long-term option and the dad-of-one admitted he is desperate for a kidney transplant so that he can live as long as possible for his son.
Jason, who lives in Thatto Heath with his young family, said: "When I first got the diagnosis, my world completely flipped upside down but the only thing that got me through was thinking about the baby and that they will need their dad.
"It's been more than two years now so he has been there through the whole journey with me, and he has really got me through it.
"The treatment can be very draining and at times I don't feel like getting out of bed, but he's kept me busy and stopped me thinking too much about the diagnosis."
As Jason has had to take a step away from work, rugby, and the gym due to his condition, he posted his story on social media over the weekend in an attempt to raise awareness of kidney failure and obtain a successful transplant.
With more than 500 shares, his post has evidently connected to those in the community and the dad said that this has given him hope moving forward.
Jason, now 28, added: "The reaction to the post has really taken me back and I've had so many messages from people who have been in a similar position.
"I don't think too many people understand kidney failure and transplants, and a donated kidney doesn't need to be a complete match these days.
"Because of my age, there is potential that I will have to have multiple kidney transplants so getting a living kidney is so important to help me to live longer.
"This could help me live a more-or-less normal life for myself, my son, and my family."
More information about kidney transplants can be found here, and potential donors can ring doctors at Liverpool Royal Hospital on 0151 706 4725.
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