"A Breath of Fresh Air" By Valen Cover - (1st Place Winner of the KidneyTimes 2011 Essay Contest)
In 2002 I was lying on a gurney, ready to be taken to another operation. I had been in the hospital for several months, and my tiny veins couldnt handle the daily blood draws. A port was put in my neck so blood could be drawn easier. I was accustomed to being pushed through cold, dark hallways of Johns Hopkins, from one building to another, hearing the wheels squeak in the quiet hallways and feeling every bump along the way. The usual view was the plain ceiling and cement walls. However, one day my father asked the transport service: Is there any way we can get her some fresh air? They paused, and said: Sure, we can go a different way today....Read Valen's Winning Essay
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Am I a Germaphobe?
Germs are microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause disease and infection. Ta Duh, Ta Duh. Theyre everywhere. TA DUH TA DUH! For the most part, people whose immune system isnt compromised can live their lives without thinking too much about germs. But now that Ive received a transplant and have to take immunosuppressants, I must be extra careful not to get an infection and risk rejection of the kidney.
To Eat, or Not to Eat
Eating during hemodialysis could be a good idea for you. Dietitians are always reminding you to include enough calories and protein and not to skip meals. Since most hemodialysis shifts encompass a normal mealtime, you probably feel hungry when youre at the unit. Eating during dialysis would seem to make sense. Moreover, if you have diabetes, you shouldnt go for long periods without food, especially if youre taking diabetes medications. Low blood glucose could result.
How to Engage the Dialysis Team
In 2002, in an effort to promote patient safety, the Joint Commission along with CMS began a campaign called SPEAK UP (The Joint Commission, 2011). The aim is to encourage patients to become actively involved in their care by becoming informed consumers. I have adapted SPEAK UP for persons undergoing dialysis:
Lori's Lines "Building Your Confidence"
When the ups and downs of kidney failure get to me, it shakes my confidence, and I wonder whether I can ever do what I used to do or whether I have the courage to try something new. You see, I have this jury in my head: About half of the jurors think I should live freely and joyously, and the other half are ready to abandon me to my insecurities.
Understanding How Fluid Gains Affect Dialysis
Patients on hemodialysis have two basic fluid-related problems. First, gaining too much fluid between treatments damages the heart muscles by overstretching them. Second, when fluid is removed too quickly, theres an undetected but harmful effect on the heart muscles. This double-whammy is the norm for most patients who get conventional hemodialysis three times a week. Patients often exceed safe levels both in how much fluid they accumulate between treatments and in how fast that fluid is removed. Avoiding these problems can preserve heart health.
Fall Seven Times. Stand Up Eight
The rigors of treatment mean that its hard for dialysis patients to sustain employment, although many continue to work. One such patient is 23-year-old Jessie. Her kidney failure resulted from a disease called Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. She started dialysis at the tender age of 12 months. She did get a transplant once, but it lasted only 9 days. Despite all the challenges she has faced, she maintains a normal life.
Employment: Barriers and Solutions
Given the common knowledge that Social Security Disability Insurance is almost universally available to them, dialysis patients may wonder why they should bother to work. Besides increased income and possible employer insurance, there are tremendous psychosocial benefits. Work not only confers a sense of accomplishment and creates a sense of identity but it also fosters greater independence, creates increased opportunities for socialization, and ameliorates depression.
Honorable Mention - The Odd Ones - 2011 Essay Contest
Question:
"What hobby helps improve your quality of life and helps you forget the many challenges kidney disease presents?"
Answer:
When I arrive at the DCI Clinic in Crowley, Louisiana, the staff always gives me a friendly greeting, but makes no move to start my treatment for the first several minutes.
Why not?
Because Im one of them.
Honorable Mention - My Life with Clorox - 2011 Essay Contest
Since I was born, Clorox Wipes have always been in my life. From the time I learned to walk and talk, if my mom was cleaning, I remember her using Clorox. I learned a lot from my mom, so later on, when I was older and able to use Clorox myself, I would do exactly what she did: wipe the counters, clean my bathroom and my bedroom, sanitize the dishes and anything else I could get my hands on. Id found something that I enjoyed: cleaning.
Honorable Mention - For the Love of Cooking - 2011 Essay Contest
I knew my kidneys were failing. It was apparent several years before my doctor informed me that I would need dialysis or die. That was one of the worst days of my life. I was devastated. I thought to myselfgo to the same place, three days a week, four hours a day, needles stuck in me, a machine acting as an artificial kidney, I might as well be dead! What quality of life could I have?
After a few months of having pity parties, I examined all aspects of my life, not just the kidney disease. I decided, I have so much to live for! I had three children and two granddaughters (now I have four granddaughters). While theyre enough to live for, I began to ask myself, What do I love to do that would improve my quality of life and help me forget the many challenges kidney disease is about to present for me? I decided to put all my energy into what I enjoy doing most: cooking.
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"When I am enjoying nature, life seems clearer to me. I consume the simple beauties of the would and re-energize myself"
-Valen Cover, CA
Excerpt from RSN's 2011 Essay Contest
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