Kerala man had double kidney transplant 35 years ago: His health secrets | Health

Koothattukulam: Mattakkattu K Mohanan is grateful that he is healthy and thriving even 35 years after undergoing a double kidney transplant. Mohanan’s face beams with confidence when he says that September 18 marked the 35th year of his second surgery. Meanwhile, Mohanan, who is 63 years old, retired as a deputy director from the agriculture department. Besides managing a small patch of vegetable farm at his house, Mohanan engages himself in sports like volleyball, badminton and cricket.

Transplant at 27 
Mohanan’s life turned upside down when he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 1988, just before he got a permanent appointment as an agriculture officer. Doctors said that kidney transplantation was the only way to save his life. Immediately after attending the PSC interview for permanent employment, Mohan headed straight to the Kozhikode Medical College for the kidney transplantation surgery. Mohanan, who was just 27 years old then, had received his mother’s kidney. The family spent around Rs 8 lakh for the transplantation surgery. 

However, the transplanted kidney failed within six months. Mohanan had to continue treatment and regular dialysis to sustain his life. He underwent another kidney transplantation surgery at a hospital in Chennai on September 19, 1990. The surgery was followed by months of recovery. Mohanan, who has worked in various districts across Kerala, including Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Ernakulam and Kottayam, focuses on a healthy lifestyle to preserve his kidneys.

Health secrets 
Mohanan says he completely avoids junk food and follows a strictly vegetarian diet. He smiles with joy when he says that he does all kinds of chores like any other healthy person. Lots of people struggle with hefty expenses for follow-ups and other treatments. Meanwhile, Mohanan urges the government to make benevolent interventions to ensure help and support for the transplant survivors.