Fall from Height Led to Kidney Failure, Saved by Sister's Donation

Traumas can silence the kidneys along with the destruction of muscle tissue. An accident can unknowingly tie one's life to dialysis machines. This is exactly what happened to 41-year-old action scenes director Onur Ozan Önal... Six years ago, after a traffic accident and a subsequent fall, Önal lost his kidney function and sustained his life with dialysis treatment for a year. Thanks to his sister Nalan Önal, who donated her kidney without hesitation, Önal regained his hold on life. After the successful transplant operation performed by the General Surgery Specialist and his team, Onur, who regained his health, said, "I learned the true meaning of life again thanks to my loved ones."

The complaints of 41-year-old Onur Ozan Önal, a married father of two living in Istanbul, began to develop after a traffic accident he experienced in 2019. However, the cause that led him to kidney failure was the accident where he fell from a height. After this incident, Önal, who completely lost his kidney function, received dialysis treatment for a year. Onur, whose transplant surgery was completed without complications by the Head of the Organ Transplant Center at Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital and his team, was discharged on the third day of the operation, and his sister Nalan was discharged on the second day.

'Major Traumas and Some Drug Treatments Can Also Cause Kidney Damage'

Situations such as traffic accidents, severe traumas, or muscle crush injuries can cause serious damage to the kidneys. Experts point out that kidney failure developing after such traumas is often noticed late, emphasizing that individuals experiencing symptoms like trauma, weakness, or edema should have their kidney functions checked without delay. While thousands of people in Turkey struggle with kidney failure each year, Onur's story once again reminds us how life-saving organ donation is.

"I Completely Lost My Kidney Functions"

Onur Ozan Önal, who says he first learned about his illness after a traffic accident in 2019, described the process he went through: "After the accident, I started feeling weak and exhausted. During examinations, I was referred to nephrology due to edema. Tests revealed protein leakage in my body, leading to a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. Treatments continued for about five years. However, due to a fall from height trauma I experienced while working, I completely lost my kidney functions and had to start dialysis treatment. The dialysis process was quite challenging because you are connected to a machine for four hours. I have a job that requires me to be constantly on the move, but this process made it difficult to continue my work. Sometimes I would go to dialysis five kilos overweight and feel so weak I could faint. This situation negatively affected both my work and family life."

"Major Traumas Can Silence the Kidneys"

Our expert stated that patients with chronic kidney failure typically experience low energy, weakness, fatigue, and loss of appetite, continuing: "Our patient also presented with complaints of fatigue and low energy. He could continue his daily life, but there was a constant state of weakness. His donor was his sister. Genetic compatibility between siblings is generally higher. In this patient, there was a favorable match, what we call a three out of six match, in terms of risk."

Our expert noted that after the traffic accident Önal experienced six years ago, he received treatment in the hospital, and complaints like edema started during that period. "During long-term follow-ups, he was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure. His kidney functions gradually decreased, and he had been receiving dialysis treatment for the past year. In this specific patient's case, kidney failure emerged after the traffic accident. However, in general, major traumas, situations causing muscle crush like earthquakes, or some drug treatments can also cause kidney damage. Therefore, individuals experiencing symptoms like weakness, edema, or swelling must have their kidney functions checked."

"When Muscle Tissue Breaks Down, the Kidney Loses Its Filtration Function"

Our expert stated that Onur Ozan Önal's fall from height trauma also worsened the situation, saying, "Tests conducted after the incident revealed very high kidney enzymes and that the kidneys were no longer working, so dialysis treatment was started. This condition is similar to kidney damage seen in situations causing muscle damage and tissue destruction, like earthquakes. When muscle tissue breaks down, the kidney loses its filtration function and obstruction occurs."

Lost 10 Kilos Before Surgery

Umman, noting that the patient was also struggling with obesity, said, "Due to excess weight, we planned a preparation period of about three and a half months before the operation. Our patient lost 10 kilos during this process and became ready for surgery. In obese patients, abdominal fat can make it difficult to access the area where the kidney will be placed and to make vascular connections. Also, losing weight is crucial in terms of diabetes risk."

Fully Closed Kidney Transplant Accelerated Recovery

Our expert, stating that both the recipient and donor were discharged shortly after the successful operation, said: "Both of our patients are currently in good condition, their kidney functions are working healthily. One of the most important factors affecting recovery in kidney transplants is the closed surgery method. Thanks to this method, the donor experiences much less pain, wound healing is fast, and individuals can return to work and daily life in a short time. Similarly, our patient experienced a smooth recovery process. Organ failures, whether kidney or liver, are increasingly common in our country. Therefore, spreading awareness about organ donation is very important. Increasing donations from cadavers, in addition to living donors, will be life-saving for these patients."

After the Transplant, I Focused More on My Family and Myself'

Önal, who regained his health after the successful surgery, said that his outlook on life completely changed with this process, explaining: "After the transplant, my life completely changed. Before the transplant, I was more focused on work and the outside world; after the transplant, I focused more on my family and myself. During this process, I tried as much as possible to achieve a physically healthier, fitter structure. I pay attention to my diet, I exercise."

"Life is Beautiful When We Are with Our Loved Ones"

Nalan Önal, who donated her kidney to her brother, said, "After the accident, Onur was connected to dialysis the same day. At that moment, seeing my brother connected to the machine, I made my decision. Because life is beautiful when we are with our loved ones. I knew how exhausting dialysis was. I had people around me who had undergone kidney transplants before, so from day one, I was determined to give my kidney. I was discharged two days after the surgery and returned to my normal life in a short time. People shouldn't be afraid; this process is not as difficult as imagined. After all, many people continue their lives with one kidney without even realizing it. Nothing changed in my life either; my eating and drinking, my walks, my work performance continue the same. Most importantly, I will now spend a healthier and longer life with my loved ones."