A mum-of-two who struggled with kidney problems throughout her entire life has received the ultimate gift from her husband.
Lisa Lee, 46, says she is feeling healthier then ever before after her hubby Martin, 51, donated one ofhis kidneys to her.
The Stoney Stanton mum underwent the transplant at Leicester General Hospital.
Lisa said she had previously suffered from breathlessness so bad she could barely make it up the stairs.
“I feel like a completely new person. My function now is higher than it’s ever been”, she said.
Lisa has had to adapt her life since she was a child to cope with on-going kidney problems, putting off a transplant until she began reaching the end stages of kidney failure, reports Leicestershire Live .
Lisa said her husband of seven years was quite relaxed about the procedure, but that as they were waiting to go into theatre the situation became quite tense for her.
She said: “It all got a bit overwhelming when we were actually there going through it. He’s my hero, he’s saved my life.
“I can’t think Leicester General Hospital enough. The surgeons are just amazing people. We have had such brilliant care.
“I would also like to thank family, friends, work colleagues and customers, and neighbours for all their support and good wishes to us both.”
The procedure has left Lisa with a very low immunity so she will have to keep contact with others to a minimum over the next few months.
The couple had to go through a long series of tests before doctors could confirm they were a match.
Lisa has also had to adapt her life to maintain her health and fitness in preparation.
Checks are designed to ensure that the donor is healthy enough to give a kidney, as well as physically and emotionally prepared, a process which involves urine and blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, x-rays and in some cases counselling sessions.
The hospital performs around 120 kidney transplants each year.
Lisa said: “I’m hoping to get back to leading a proper normal life, to be able to do things I’ve not been able to do.
“I’m just looking forward to being normal.”
