Tim Andrews faced end-stage kidney disease and relied on dialysis, but it left him feeling exhausted and lifeless. As he struggled with treatment, thoughts of missing his grandkids weighed heavily on him.
Despite being alive, the experience didn’t feel like living at all.
Then, in a surprising turn, he considered an organ transplant from a pig.
The 67-year-old became part of a groundbreaking medical procedure, having received an experimental kidney from a genetically modified pig. He’s now among a few individuals in the U.S. with this unique situation.
Andrews was aware of the risks but believed that if this kidney could provide even one additional day free from dialysis, it would be worthwhile for him and others.
“This will do something for humanity,” he remarked.
Having managed diabetes since the ‘90s, Andrews was first diagnosed with stage 3 kidney failure over two years ago. He learned to manage it with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
A month later, however, his condition worsened, and he was told that only dialysis would keep him alive until a transplant could happen.
And while dialysis effectively cleansed his blood, it was a heavy emotional and physical burden. Initially, Andrews felt optimistic, but after six months, he suffered a heart attack.
“It takes a toll,” he explained, reflecting on his experience in New Hampshire.
Confronted with the option to stop dialysis altogether, a doctor bluntly informed him about the urgent need for treatment, hinting that his life could end soon if he didn’t comply.
For three days a week, he spent six hours each session hooked to a machine, feeling exhausted afterward. By the time he recovered, it was time to begin the next session.
As he considered the burden of dialysis, Andrews appreciated the efforts of medical staff but felt it dampened his spirit.
He struggled with fatigue, lost the ability to perform everyday tasks, and was often forced to avoid crowds to protect his weakened immune system. Attending Red Sox games or enjoying time with family was now out of reach.
During the long hours of treatment, thoughts of death overshadowed any sense of gratitude.
Andrews wanted to quit but was grounded by his wife, Karen, and the voice of his father urging him to fight back against his circumstances.
He soon realized that his chances of receiving a kidney donation were slim; nearly 90,000 others were waiting, many of whom might become too sick while they waited.
His rare blood type further reduced his odds. Typically, donors took three to five years, but Andrews faced a wait of seven to ten years. His doctors suggested he might not survive more than five more years on dialysis.
“I was a little short there,” he admitted, fully aware of what end-stage meant.
His research into potential alternatives led him to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he met with Dr. Leonardo Riella, who was exploring organ transplantation from genetically modified pigs.
During their initial meeting, Riella was struck by Andrews’ determination, noting that his eyes lit up at the mention of this innovative approach.
“He said, ‘Tell me what I need to do,’” Riella recalled.
Andrews was advised to improve his health and fitness ahead of any procedure.
“Prepare your body for battle,” his wife remembered the doctors saying.
In the following months, Andrews worked on his strength, losing 22 pounds and preparing himself for the journey ahead.
When he returned to the clinic, Riella noted Andrews was practically running.
They discussed the transplant further, raising concerns about the possibility of viruses and requiring Karen’s consent due to the potential risks involved.
Though initially surprised, Karen ultimately agreed, believing the transplant was their best path forward.
“It has to be better than dialysis,” she affirmed, recalling her husband’s suffering.
Finally, in January, the day of the procedure arrived.
As his family bid their goodbyes, Karen gave him a high-five and wished him well.
What was meant to be a four-hour surgery concluded in just over two hours. The early call from the doctors brought relief; they had completed the procedure without issues.
The surgical team successfully connected the genetically modified pig kidney to Andrews, and upon activation, he was able to urinate almost immediately, prompting cheers in the operating room.
“Of course, I started bawling like a baby,” she recalled, overwhelmed by the moment.
Despite the rapid progress, even the surgical team was taken aback by how well it went.
“It worked right away,” Riella shared, noting the improvement in Andrews’ condition.
Upon waking from anesthesia, Andrews felt “reenergized and revitalized.”
“I was alive when I hadn’t been in a long time,” he exclaimed.
With newfound energy, he felt almost buoyant and invigorated.
“It was a miracle,” he declared, even dubbing the day his new birthday.
“I said ‘look at me, it’s like I’m a new man,’” he shared, marking January 25 as his new beginning.
Post-surgery, he spent a week in observation, mainly out of precaution.
In the months that followed, Andrews did encounter some minor setbacks, but the pig kidney behaved just like a human donor organ would.
Life began to return to a semblance of normalcy. Andrews found joy in cooking, cleaning, and enjoying walks with his dog, Cupcake.
Now, he manages over 50 medications daily as his doctors continue to refine his treatment.
“I was just sleeping and sick all the time; now I can do anything,” Andrews expressed.
Excited about the future, he looks forward to seeing his grandkids again.
“They saw me at my lowest, and now they’ll see me alive, laughing, and being the Grandpa I want to be,” he said.
With hopes of traveling to Europe with Karen next year, they’re eager to explore what the future holds.
Andrews is aware that the pig kidney may not be a long-term solution, as he remains on the waiting list for a human organ. His hope is that this transplant can sustain him long enough to find a human match.
As the fourth recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney in the U.S., he emphasizes that there will be more patients to follow. With ongoing trials, there is optimism about the future of xenotransplantation with several biotechnology firms working towards this frontier.
Doctors acknowledge they are still learning from each case. The experience awaits to guide the development of future procedures.
“It’s a learning curve,” Riella noted, hopeful for the day xenotransplantation could alleviate the world’s organ shortage.
“Patients like Tim will be seen as heroes,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of their participation in advancing medical science.
Reflecting on his journey, Andrews understands the weight of his decision. The harsh reality of facing mortality taught him resilience.
“It’s tough,” he admitted. “I was going to die in this building.”
But escaping that fate has reignited his belief in the power of hope.
“I see too many people give up,” he said, encouraging others not to lose faith.
