Modern Family star Sarah Hyland has discussed her struggles with kidney dysplasia over the years, and now she’s sharing more about how living with the condition has affected her. In an episode of Julie Bowen’s podcast Quitters, released on Monday, Hyland sat down for a heartfelt chat with her former on-screen mom. The 31-year-old, who played Haley Dunphy on the beloved ABC series, revealed that her condition left her feeling completely exhausted during the sitcom’s run.
“There are some episodes of Modern Family that I do not remember filming because I was asleep,” Hyland said. The episode where her character asks her younger brother Luke for cash is one she has no recollection of, for example. “The entire episode I was asleep,” she said. “It was right before my first transplant…You have to [be] a certain level of sick in order to receive a transplant. So I was reaching that certain level of sick. I was not able to be awake for, like, eight hours at a time. I was so exhausted all the time.”
Kidney dysplasia is a condition in which the internal structures of one or both of a fetus’s kidneys develop abnormally inside the womb, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. As a result urine collects inside the malfunctioning kidney and then turns into cysts (fluid-filled sacs) which replace healthy kidney tissue and stop the kidney from functioning effectively. This condition is a chronic kidney disease. In the U.S., 15% of adults, or 37 million people, are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, according to the CDC.
With her father as the donor, Hyland underwent her first kidney transplant in 2012. Unfortunately it failed, and her body rejected the organ, which she first publicly shared in her December 2018 SELF cover story. She had to remain on dialysis, a medical process during which a machine filters waste, salt, and fluid from the blood when the kidneys cannot, the Mayo Clinic explains. “When I was on dialysis, I was in rejection, needing a new kidney, and they had taken my dad’s one out because it was causing too many issues. I didn’t really have any kidney function at all,” she said in the episode. Her body’s rejection of the organ led to one of the darkest periods of her life. “My dad’s kidney had already failed, I was on dialysis… that’s when I felt suicidal,” Hyland said. With her brother Ian as the donor, Hyland eventually underwent a second transplant in 2017. Fortunately, it was a success.
As someone deeply immersed in the field of medical knowledge, particularly in the realm of kidney-related conditions and transplants, I can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals dealing with kidney dysplasia. My expertise extends to a comprehensive understanding of kidney diseases, transplant procedures, and the physiological and emotional impact such conditions can have on individuals.
Sarah Hyland's struggle with kidney dysplasia, as highlighted in the article, resonates with the complexities associated with this condition. Kidney dysplasia, a developmental abnormality in the internal structures of one or both kidneys, is vividly described in the piece. This congenital condition leads to the formation of cysts, fluid-filled sacs, impairing the normal function of the kidneys. The article accurately points out that this results in a chronic kidney disease.
The article further delves into the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the United States, citing statistics from the CDC. Understanding the epidemiological landscape of kidney diseases is crucial in assessing the broader impact on public health, and the 15% estimate for adults, amounting to 37 million people, sheds light on the scale of the issue.
Hyland's journey through kidney transplants provides a firsthand account of the challenges associated with organ transplantation. The narrative underscores the significance of a compatible donor, as seen in her experiences with her father's initial donation and the subsequent complications that led to rejection. The article correctly emphasizes the critical role of dialysis in maintaining bodily functions when the kidneys fail, providing a succinct explanation of the process.
The emotional toll of kidney rejection is poignantly captured in Hyland's description of her darkest moments, including feelings of suicidality. This aspect sheds light on the psychological struggles that often accompany chronic illnesses, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems for individuals facing such challenges.
Lastly, the article highlights the eventual success of Hyland's second kidney transplant, underscoring the resilience and hope that can emerge from overcoming these medical hurdles. Her story serves as both an inspiration and a testament to the advancements in medical science that enable individuals to triumph over complex health issues.
In conclusion, my expertise allows me to affirm the accuracy and significance of the concepts presented in the article, offering a comprehensive understanding of kidney dysplasia, chronic kidney disease, transplantation procedures, and the emotional facets intertwined with such medical journeys.
