Georgina Beyer undergoes kidney transplant operation

Former politician Georgina Beyer has undergone an operation for a kidney transplant, and is on her way to a full recovery.

The world’s first transsexual MP was scheduled for the life-saving operation in late March, but this was cancelled at the last minute due to heart failure.

The 59-year-old, who was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in 2013, told Woman’s Day last month it had been difficult coming to terms with the news her transplant operation had been postponed.

“I’ve had enough,” Beyer said at the time, “I’m prepared to die. I’m not scared. If it all ended sooner rather than later, I’ve had an amazing life.”

Now, the ex-Wairarapa MP and Carterton mayor has undergone surgery for a kidney transplant. It is understood both her and her long-time friend and donor, Grant Pittams, are doing well.

Pittams first offered up one of his kidneys late 2015. The Carteron resident says seeing his friend deteriorate in front of him moved him to help.

“Every time I saw her, she was thinner and sicker. It was sad and frustrating, and there was no prospect of an end to it unless someone did something. Finally, I decided it had to be me.”

The New Zealand Herald reports Beyer has had “textbook perfect” results while Pittams has been able to return to his Carterton home.

While a full recovery for Beyer will take some time, she plans to return to Wellington where she’ll have some help over the coming months as her body adjusts.

Beyer says that although she knows it will take time, she’s looking forward to being able to enjoy life’s simple pleasures again.

“When you’ve got kidney failure, you can’t eat anything with potassium and sodium, so I haven’t been allowed to have bananas, citrus fruit or carrots. I can’t wait to have a big fruit salad. It’s those ordinary things that are part of living that you don’t notice until they’re taken away from you.”

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