Kidney Group

Mandy and I walked 4 miles along a new route to The Original Pancake House this morning, and met up with K for lunch. K said she was reminded that she really likes driving my new car (Uh, oh... ;-) The walk seemed to fly by, as I was chatting with Bob and Mikele for most of it. I really do think cell phones, free weekend minutes, and bluetooth ear pieces (when used responsibly ;-) are just the cat's meow of technology!

We went to a meeting of the Front Range Kidney Patients' Association at Porter Hospital this afternoon. For information contact George Bravdica at 303-934-0077 or gp134b@yahoo.com. We heard some interesting stories by people who have been in dialysis for years. One fellow was wearing a "House of Blues" baseball cap, which had me wondering if he went to Chicago for his transplant. We were even able to relate a tale or two ourselves. We learned some more about peritoneal dialysis, and why it might be a very attractive alternative to hemodialysis. For one thing, it can make traveling much more possible. For awhile, I was finding it difficult to get completely immersed in the dialysis scene, with the potential for a transplant (hopefully just) around the corner. However, hearing stories of transplanted kidneys failing after a few years brought home the reality that dialysis will always need to be an option. The most important thing I heard, was a reaffirmation of the thought that K needs to always stay on top of the caregivers at the dialysis center, and immediately elevate any problems to the next level, when she's not being treated appropriately. This was in response to the issue that arose with the IV antibiotics last week. The worst part of that event was when they just plain weren't listening to her.