An Edinburgh local shared his experience of being clinically dead for seven minutes and advised individuals with concerns to consult their GP for medical guidance. Mark Davison, aged 50, was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2022 while living in the United States. Despite mild symptoms, he became alarmed when he noticed blood in his urine, leading to hospitalization. Since then, he has been undergoing thrice-weekly dialysis sessions, expressing how it has significantly drained his energy.
In a terrifying incident last May at Western General Hospital, the 50-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest and was unconscious for two days in intensive care. Medical professionals revealed that he had been deceased for seven minutes, a rare event described as ‘one in a million’. The dialysis nursing team performed CPR, which he credits for saving his life.
On World Kidney Day, Mark emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about the condition and encouraged those with concerns to seek advice from their GP. Recalling his ordeal, he mentioned returning to the UK in October 2024 for dialysis treatments at Western General Hospital, which he finds physically and emotionally draining.
Despite the challenges, Mark tries to remain positive, acknowledging the impact of kidney disease on his daily life. He vividly remembered the moment he collapsed while awaiting dialysis, only to wake up in the ICU after seven minutes of being clinically dead. Grateful for the nurses’ swift response, he refrains from dwelling on the traumatic experience.
Due to his health condition, Mark had to give up his career as a photographer, a decision he regrets but hopes to reverse by finding a kidney donor in the future. He emphasized the life-saving nature of dialysis, despite its side effects, and urged people to prioritize their health by seeking medical attention when necessary.