Trending
Autistic teenager’s kidney transplant ‘a success’ following lengthy legal battle
Doctors previously expressed concerns over the effectiveness of a kidney transplant
The mother of an autistic teenager who underwent a life-saving kidney transplant following a lengthy legal battle has said the operation was a success.
Ami Mclennan said her son William had ‘defied all odds’ after a donor match was found just over three weeks ago.
The seventeen-year-old has a rare kidney disease called steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome, which means his kidneys functioned at just 5%.
Because of the disease, William has been a patient at Manchester Children’s Hospital since November 2019, where he underwent dialysis at least four times a week.
Ami Mclennan / Facebook
Without a kidney transplant, William’s doctors said he only had twelve months to live.
However, medical professionals expressed concerns over the effectiveness of a kidney transplant, with some arguing the chance of disease recurrence from a transplant would be near to 100%.
They also opposed a transplant as a result of William’s autism and ADHD, factors medics believe would cause psychological and physical harm with post-operation sedation and ventilation.
But after Ami appealed the decision, a Court of Protection judge ruled a transplant as essential for his ‘long-term survival’ back in March, despite doctors arguing it was not in his best interests.
Ami Mclennan / Facebook
William underwent the transplant at the start of the month, and is yet to show any sign of disease recurrence, though he is still being closely monitored.
He remained on a ventilator for seventeen days and, while he remains in intensive care, he has been able to sit up, chat with his mother and siblings and play on his Xbox.
Doctors say if his new kidney remains healthy, his life expectancy will have increased by at least fifteen to twenty years.
Ami has since spoken of her pride, saying her son ‘has proven everyone wrong’.
Ami Mclennan / Facebook
She told the BBC: “I can’t believe he was sedated for so long – it was terrifying watching them taking the ventilator out, not knowing how he would react, how he would feel.
“He just looked at me and gave me the biggest smile.”
“He’s desperate to get back into all the things he loves doing, playing golf, snooker, and just being back at home.
“Despite all the odds stacked against him, and being told that he wouldn’t be able to cope with all the lines and wires attached to him, he’s kept going – and I’m so proud of him.”