Beccy’s journey: From diagnosis by screening to a new life through a living donor transplant

At just 24 years old, during a routine GP check-up, Beccy Hoddinott-Isaac - a nurse from Ampfield near Romsey - was diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension).

Because of her hypertension, Beccy was screened for chronic kidney disease (CKD). She underwent a scan of her kidneys that revealed that she had autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) — an inherited condition causing fluid-filled cysts to develop in her kidneys.

“I knew there were kidney problems in the family. My grandmother Olive and two of her children suffered, but I never thought much about it as I was busy enjoying life in my teens and early twenties,” Beccy recalled.

The signs were subtle at first, with occasional flank pain that she dismissed as normal. However, the discovery of her severe hypertension became a turning point.

Following her diagnosis, Beccy’s condition was managed with medication until 2018 when her kidney function began to decline, and she transitioned to consultant-led care under Dr Kirsten Armstrong and her team at University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

By her 50th birthday, Beccy’s kidneys had reached end-stage renal failure, prompting her addition to the organ donor waiting list after a number of essential screening tests.

“I lived life to the fullest despite my condition. I qualified as a nurse in 1998, got married to my wonderful husband Mark and had two beautiful children, Olivia and George. But in 2022, as my symptoms worsened, I knew things were changing,” she explained.

Beccy faced the possibility of dialysis three times a week while awaiting a transplant. Mark had long expressed his willingness to be her donor, but they had not explored the option until then. Remarkably, Mark was a match, and they began a year-long process of tests and scans to prepare for the live donor procedure.

In February 2023, Beccy underwent the life-changing surgery at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. Although her enlarged kidneys could not be removed, the transplant was successful. “I woke up in recovery and asked if I had a new kidney. When they said ‘yes,’ I was overcome with emotion. Seeing Mark in the bed next to me made it even more special.”

Despite some challenges post-surgery, Beccy now thrives with a functioning kidney and has returned to her roles as a mother, wife, nurse and friend.

“Living donor transplantation has given me a new lease on life. I cannot thank my husband enough and the incredible teams in Southampton and Portsmouth will forever hold a place in my heart. They’ve saved my life.”

Consultant nephrologist, Kirsten Armstrong, who is also the clinical lead for renal services at UHS, said: “Beccy’s story is a powerful reminder of why screening for chronic kidney disease in patients with risk factors such as high blood pressure, is so important. A simple check-up resulted in an early diagnosis of her inherited kidney condition and ensured that interventions to delay progression of CKD were instigated early, giving her the chance to manage her condition before it became critical. As healthcare professionals, we know that early detection can mean the difference between intervention and crisis. Screening for CKD isn’t just about finding illness it is about giving people the opportunity to live a normal life for as long as possible”