Patient stories - PD 

Yvonne Russ-Bell

Yvonne Russ-Bell, 53, from Daytona Beach, FL, has a motto: “Enjoy your life.” It may sound simple, but for someone living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), that’s not always the case.

Yvonne still isn’t clear why she developed CKD in 2008, but she has made the best of her situation by choosing peritoneal dialysis (PD), which fits best into her schedule. 

Her nighttime PD routine reminds her that it’s time to go to bed, so she is able to stay on a routine and get plenty of rest each night. 

Her medical team helped her feel at ease with how PD works from the beginning of her treatment. 

“My nurse, made me feel comfortable almost right away. She brought in a video to explain methods of dialysis,” she said 

Yvonne also reminds herself to be thankful that a treatment such as dialysis exists. “My advice to anyone is to keep looking up. It is just the beginning of a good thing,” Yvonne said. “When I think about it, I’m always in awe. Someone’s idea is keeping me alive.” 

Yvonne also keeps lighthearted about her new diet by making a game out of guessing which ingredients are in the food she buys at the grocery store. She uses the phosphorus intake list from DaVita to help identify the many foods and ingredients that contain phosphorus. She continues to be amazed by how many foods have phosphorus in them.

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Doug Curtis

Doug Curtis has never let life’s obstacles slow him down. Even when he faced kidney failure a year and a half ago after years of dealing with kidney stones, he chose to approach it in a way that would let him maintain an active lifestyle and a busy travel schedule. This is why he chose peritoneal dialysis (PD).

“I travel more than most people due to my work, and enjoy boating, walking, golf, dinners, dancing, etc. I refuse to have an attitude of being defeated,” Doug said.

At 67, Doug has found that PD has not only facilitated this lifestyle, but also enabled him to find a new sense of calm and fulfillment.  

“I guess you can say I’m more at peace with myself than ever before and I know I‘m more in control of myself than ever before,” he said.  

In the past 12 months, Doug has traveled over 100,000 miles and visited such places as Mexico, France, England and Puerto Rico. Doug credits his home dialysis team, including his nurses, doctors, dietitian and social worker at his DaVita center, for his ability to stay focused and maintain a positive outlook. His wife, who is also his business partner, has been there to encourage him every step of the way.

“My attitude was simple: I had no trouble in the past lugging my golf clubs around, so why would I not carry the necessary luggage — in this case a cycler, medications and syringes — to do what I love to do,” Doug said. “I also thought my days of kayaking may have been over. Not true. I live on the water and I go whenever I feel like it.”

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David McGrail

David McGrail was having kidney problems because of a rare illness called Wegener’s granulomatosis. The complications escalated to kidney failure and David was told he had to go on dialysis.

David discovered that he didn’t have to do dialysis in-center because there was a better option for him. His kidney health care team turned him on to peritoneal dialysis (PD), a home dialysis modality that doesn’t use needles. David was ready to change treatments. 

David is an active person, so he was happy to learn how PD works and the modality’s benefits. “[Peritoneal dialysis] is so much better than other types of dialysis. I have more energy and feel much more normal,” says David. He is also grateful that his diet is broader now that he does PD, making mealtime an enjoyable occasion. 

Having time to be outdoors is something David appreciates too. He works on projects outside, takes walks around his neighborhood and makes time to play golf. Now that David does dialysis at home he is able to enjoy the everyday tasks that he wasn’t able to do as easily as when he had to go to a center for treatments. 

David’s positive attitude and support from his peritoneal dialysis health care team is what helps him move forward. “Never give up, keep faith and take one day at a time” is the motto David has about his life.

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Carol McGregor

Carol McGregor is a peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient. This is her story. 

“When I was in my late 50s, I discovered from a routine blood test that my kidneys were failing and dialysis was just down the road. At first I didn’t believe it; I was shocked. I finally came to accept it, and learn all I could about dialysis and kidney disease. 

My husband and I bought a computer and I started researching. I found out that years of high blood pressure was the reason I had kidney disease, and unfortunately no doctor had ever mentioned to me that this was a complication.  

As I got closer to dialysis, I felt sick and had no energy. I used to golf with my husband, but had to give it up. I could no longer garden or go shopping, because I didn’t have the strength to do so. In my research, I discovered there was a treatment called peritoneal dialysis, which I had never heard of. The doctor I was seeing at the time never informed me of this alternative treatment. I dreaded the thought of dialysis, three to four hours for three times a week.

I began looking for a new nephrologist. A friend recommended one who turned out to be a true blessing. He encouraged me to try PD. I could talk to him and I trusted him. I went on dialysis in December 2002. With help from my nephrologist, the PD nurses at DaVita and all that I learned on my computer, I am in control of my life again.

My husband and I started golfing together. I do a bit of gardening, cooking and looking after the house. We also took a cruise in 2006 and plan to go again. My days are free to enjoy with my husband, who has stood by me and encouraged me this entire time.  

Some days I don’t feel as well as others, but all in all, life is great. I take my medicines as directed, take great care for my dialysis hygiene and utilize the help of everyone around me. I hope to have many good years ahead.”

 

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Debbie Langston

In 1999, I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). I thought it wouldn't make a difference in my life for a long time. I was wrong. After only two years, my kidney function declined, and I was told I needed dialysis. I was shocked. My doctor suggested I go to a KEY (Kidney Education and You) class to learn about my options. I went and it was very helpful. That same day my nurse, Cee Cee, showed me how hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) worked. I decided that I wanted to try PD. It was the best decision I made. For the most part, it has been a very agreeable situation.

Cee Cee and those who work at the center became my family. They do what they can to help make this a very satisfying journey in my life.

I still work full time. I am able to do just about what I want to do. I even go dancing from time to time. I make sure to always follow the procedures that the doctor and nurses have me do. And, recently, I got on the kidney transplant list. No matter what happens, I will continue to live a gratifying life.

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Deirdre Smith

Deirdre Smith has a gift for finding the humor in life’s ups and downs. She is naturally charming through her poetry and writes with a sharp wit. 

As a mother and foster parent, she was hard pressed to find out that her kidneys had failed and she would need dialysis this year. Suddenly, Deirdre’s world went into a tail spin. At first, Deirdre realized in-center hemodialysis was not letting her be her happy, funny self. 

“I acquired a degree of hopelessness sitting there for four hours with an ugly attitude,” said Deirdre, speaking of her experience at a dialysis center. “It just did not fit my desired lifestyle.” 

Deirdre learned that peritoneal dialysis (PD) may be the most effective form of dialysis treatment for her, so that she could continue what she calls her “chosen obligations.” And so far she feels she made the right choice. Deirdre has several job and volunteer duties, and helps with her grandchildren and foster children. Deirdre also has time to take care of a person who needs to visit a doctor frequently.  

“I have mobility,” she says. “I have more energy to fulfill my productive lifestyle. The stairs leading to my bedroom are no longer a challenge. I was able to complete my studies in business administration. And I am more conscious about my eating habits. It is not necessarily how much I consume; it is the quality of the food that I eat. I am no longer a hog-dog.” 

Is there anything else that PD has allowed Deirdre to do that she never thought she could do again? “I can stop a speeding bullet with one hand. I can leap tall buildings in a single bound,” she jokes.  

Yet Deirdre in a way has been a superhero to many over the years, and PD continues to award her with such an extraordinary status. Her gratefulness can be explained mathematically. 

“32+32,” she says. “The 32 reasons why I am not dead added to the 32 reasons that I chose to live. They equal to 64 biological, foster and adopted children that I have raised.”

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Roma "Lisa" Freeman

Roma “Lisa” Freeman is a peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient. She talks of how her favorite childhood show, “Star Trek,” relates to her chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is Lisa’s story.

“As a teenager, I discovered ‘Star Trek’ and was hooked. The show would arouse my imagination throughout my life.

Before marrying another ‘Trekkie,’ I wanted to see if I had polycystic kidney disease (PKD) like my father. I did, and the doctor recommended that I not have children. It was a lot to absorb, but we still married.

I had no symptoms of PKD until I developed high blood pressure. Eventually, my kidneys began to fail and I needed to start dialysis. I chose peritoneal dialysis (PD). The surgeon explained the ‘alien’ technology he would implant into my abdomen. I imagined him as the dreaded ‘Star Trek’ Borg warning, ‘You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile!’

But resistance was futile. I became a Borg. I reported to the Borg Queen (my PD training nurse) for PD training. I was scared, but the Borg Queen continued to reassure me.

After doing PD, I started feeling much better, with more energy and a good appetite. I began to look forward to my visits with my nurse.

My inner-Captain Kirk urged me to continue my volunteer work, community activism and travels with my husband. I am not a Borg. I will not be assimilated; I’m happy and I feel good.”

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Katie Siesennop

Katie Siesennop is a kidney transplant recipient living in Troy, MO. Before receiving her kidney transplant in December 2007, Katie was on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Katie had her first kidney transplant in September 1998. However, in 2005, her blood pressure began to rise and no one knew why. A biopsy in August determined that a virus had attacked her transplanted kidney and she would have to begin dialysis.

While on in-center hemodialysis, Katie's blood pressure continued to rise. Her doctor kept adding blood pressure medicines to her care plan until she was taking five different medicines. It was during this time that she had a seizure and her transplanted kidney was removed.

"I had heard of peritoneal dialysis," she said. "Before I considered PD, I would have to come to the center three days a week for four hours at a time [for in-center hemodialysis], but I was scared and didn't want anymore surgeries in order to receive PD. Eight months later, a guy my age came into the center and was switching over to PD, and it struck me that if he could do it, I could do it."

After talking with her doctor, Katie decided to try PD.

"Not long after that, my days were free and my treatments were done by a machine while I slept," she said.

She no longer had to worry about finding a ride to the dialysis center or being home on time to get her son off the school bus, and the best part was that she was able to decrease her blood pressure medicines to only one.

"PD also made going on vacation easier," she said. "My PD solution was delivered to the hotel before I arrived. I brought my machine. My nurse contacted a center nearby in case I had any problems, and I had the freedom to sightsee all day."

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Robert O'Brien

Robert O’Brien began in-center hemodialysis in 2002 and switched to peritoneal dialysis (PD) in 2003. He received a kidney transplant in 2004, but had to go back on dialysis in 2005 after battling pneumonia. These days, Robert is back on PD, staying active and enjoying life. He does his PD treatments at night while he sleeps so that he has his days free to do the things he loves, one of which is traveling.

“We love to travel and have made several car trips to Burney Falls and Redding, CA, as well as several weekend trips to nearby locations and two trips to Yosemite,” he said. “For these excursions, we’ve just loaded up our van with our own machine and supplies and had a wonderful time exploring during the day and doing my dialysis while we were sleeping.”

Robert and his wife have gone on other trips farther from home, and everything has always gone smoothly. The two have been to Kansas, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Montana and Oregon, all while doing PD.

Despite Robert going through another medical challenge, his care team encouraged him to still revisit Maui to be with his wife and 20 family members in August 2008. Robert and his wife celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary in paradise.

“Without my nephrologist, Sandy and Melody (the nurses at DaVita) and the benefits of peritoneal dialysis, I know I wouldn’t be feeling as well as I do and definitely couldn’t be making the wonderful trips we look forward to,” Robert said.

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 Sharon Razor

Sharon Razor, like many, endured the heartbreak of learning that her kidneys were failing her in 1980. Sharon said she lived in denial after her father had passed away only 10 years prior from polycystic kidney disease, the genetically passed disease she inherited.

Lucky for her, Sharon was led by an encouraging physician, Dr. Stephen Dumbauld. He saw her through many years of relatively good health and Sharon made sure to educate herself as much as possible on her condition. But after years of not having to go on dialysis, Sharon’s kidney disease took a turn.

As Sharon’s kidneys began to worsen, she knew dialysis was the only option left. But how would an active retired teacher, volunteer, lover of animals, quilt-maker and frequent bridge-player find the time to go for in-center treatments? The answer: home dialysis.

After an orientation on home dialysis and encouragement from Dr. Dumbauld, Sharon began peritoneal dialysis (PD) in October 2006.

“I was apprehensive about learning to do this treatment by myself and at home,” said Sharon. But after Janet Martin, a DaVita registered nurse, and the staff at DaVita White Oak in Cincinnati trained her, Sharon’s confidence level shot through the roof.

“[DaVita White Oak staff] acted as cheerleaders and friends,” said Sharon.

Sharon enjoys a new sense of freedom. She dialyzes 10 hours each night with a cycler so that in the morning Sharon is ready to take on almost anything. “I now feel that I can grab life with both hands! I have the energy to do the things that make life worthwhile.”

Through the ups and downs, Sharon has learned that she is in control of her chronic kidney disease and that it no longer controls her.

It has been nearly 38 years since Sharon’s father passed and she has seen first-hand the great strides in dialysis options and treatments for chronic kidney disease patients.

“I have seen that change, and I feel like the luckiest person in the world,” she said. “I know what used to be. And I know how much better our knowledge and treatments are today.”

Along with loving friends and family in her support network, Sharon says her DaVita at Home® care team has made all the difference in how she lives on home dialysis.

“My DaVita nurse and staff and my doctor mean the world to me,” Sharon said. “Without them, I don’t think I’d have the positive attitude and the hope for tomorrow that I have today… Thank you, DaVita, for walking beside me on this road.”

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 Chris Lewis

John Christopher Lewis, better known as Chris, is a former peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient. His situation differs a bit from others who receive home dialysis, because Chris is blind. Regardless, he has always lived a life of independence, which earned him a bachelor’s degree in history and part-time employment at the National Hotel in Nevada City, CA. A restricted schedule such as receiving in-clinic dialysis didn’t exactly suit such a lifestyle.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) disrupted Chris’ freedom over four years ago; it was brought on by glomerulosclerosis. That’s why Chris found great interest when Kathlene Snow, a registered nurse, would hold “PD Awareness Days” at the clinic where he received hemodialysis. After attending the sessions and speaking with his doctor, the self-reliant Chris was approved for PD.

“This modality suited his independence and could possibly free him from hemo and vascular access-related problems,” said Kathlene.

At the time, 60-year-old Chris found that the transition wasn’t easy at first. A non-functioning catheter became entrapped in his bowel, causing him to undergo surgery. Yet with much determination and a natural dry wit, Chris was adamant to receive PD.

Kathlene educated Chris with dexterity exercises, as well as guided him on how to manipulate equipment used for PD, and taught him to be familiar with tubing and the cycler. Chris recorded his readings to audiotape for Kathlene’s assistant to transfer to paper flow sheets.

With the collaboration of his medication delivery personnel, his housekeeper, supportive friends and his self-sufficient spirit, Chris became a poster-child for home dialysis.

“He flourished,” said Kathlene. “After the first four to six weeks, Chris was as independent as my other home patients.”

Even more extraordinary is that Chris is now completely off dialysis after his lab results showed strong kidney function. He continues to work part-time and still enjoys listening to music and books on tape.

If Chris had to go back on dialysis, he now knows of the more comfortable home therapy option that helps him continue his independent lifestyle.

Kathlene and Chris’ doctor remain shocked that Chris’ kidneys regained the strength they have today. Because chronic kidney disease is a progressive one and kidneys don’t have the ability to regenerate, Chris’ situation is extremely rare. Kathlene is aware that PD was not a factor in his rehabilitation, but is nonetheless happy Chris’ kidneys became strong again.

“What we do know is that if a patient [like Chris] and his health team make a true commitment…successful peritoneal dialysis can make a big impact on quality of life.”

Peritoneal dialysis cannot be completely ruled out for Chris’ future, since his sudden kidney strength is almost unheard of in the renal world. But Kathlene is glad to know her patient Chris is an expert at administering his home dialysis and remains a positive thinker through it all.

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Emilio Tovar

Emilio Tovar is a DaVita At Home dialysis patient who lives an active lifestyle with his wife in Texas.

My name is Emilio Tovar and I am a 62 year-old peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient. Selecting DaVita at Home for my dialysis treatments has been the best choice I have made in managing my care. Together with my wife, Mary Lou, I have performed dialysis treatments at home for nearly four and a half years while still continuing all the activities that I love.

I've been running marathons for more than 40 years, and thanks to DaVita at Home, I continue to run two to eight miles everyday. The DaVita staff members I work with have been great, working hard to meet the demands of my active lifestyle. Whenever I had any questions or needed assistance, two of my excellent PD nurses, Youngie and Laura, have been on hand to help. Offering my wife and me their personal cell phone numbers in case I need assistance after hours, they make my treatment program much easier than I would ever have expected.

I've always loved to travel and with DaVita at Home, dialysis won't stop me from continuing to see new places. Since I started home dialysis, I've visited Yellowstone National Park and have enjoyed such activities as camping, tubing and swimming. By taking my equipment and one week of supplies along for the ride, I've been able to spend my days outside and my nights dialyzing in our motor home.

DaVita at Home's team of nurses, dieticians and social workers have given me all the support I need and it has paid off -- not once have I had an infection while working on my ranch or traveling the world. More than four years after starting home dialysis, I know that nothing is going to stop me from doing all the activities that I love, with the people I love.

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Roman Foronda

Roman Foronda is a peritoneal dialysis patient living in California who recently won the DaVita PD Superstar Contest.

Whenever I tell someone that I'm on dialysis, they look at me like I've been condemned to a death sentence. To be honest, I used to think the same thing, imagining death would be easier than dialysis.

For the past 32 years, I've led and played for the band, "Backstreet" -- and all of a sudden, it felt like my life was upside down, and I worried my new situation would end in me breaking up the band. Despite my initial concerns, home dialysis is my way of life, allowing me enough freedom to continue playing with my band, traveling and caring for my grandchildren.

The first step in beginning dialysis was to work with my doctor to select a treatment method. I chose peritoneal dialysis (PD) and soon underwent the surgical procedure to implant the tube needed for treatment. Having a tube in my stomach was foreign to me, and I felt sorry for myself, but fortunately, my perspective changed the day I visited the DaVita dialysis center in Upland, CA.

I've always been a good judge of character and from the time I met Anita Mata, my peritoneal dialysis trainer and nurse, I knew I was blessed and everything was going to be alright. With Anita's expertise, patience and compassion, learning how to perform home dialysis seemed so easy. She performed my first PD treatment, patiently explaining everything to me in simple terms I could understand. I expected the treatment to hurt or feel weird, but was pleasantly surprised by how non-evasive peritoneal dialysis can be.

Due to my condition, I see a variety of doctors, including optometrists, podiatrists, heart specialists, and my primary doctor. At each office, there might be one or two staffers who go the extra mile and make me feel at ease, but at the DaVita center in Upland, everyone from the receptionist to the social worker does an exceptional job of making me feel like I'm with family.

I am thankful for PD and the DaVita staff that made my transition to dialysis worry-free.

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Dolores Magnin

Dolores Magnin is a peritoneal dialysis patient living in Oconto Falls, WI.

For the past 10 years, Dolores Magnin has been dressing up as Mrs. Santa for the holidays and spreading Christmas cheer everywhere she goes. Since she began peritoneal dialysis (PD) in August of 2006, she has been visiting her dialysis center each Christmas with her friend, Mr. Santa, to pass out gifts and visit with patients.

The pair, whose suits look authentic, come into the dialysis center on two days before Christmas to hand out goodie bags to the in-center patients and any home patients who might be visiting the center that day for a check-up.

In addition to visiting the dialysis center, Dolores and Mr. Santa visit organizations such as “Adopt a Family,” local schools, organizations for the physically and mentally challenged and other Christmas programs. The pair makes about 26 appearances during the holidays.

Dolores started the tradition of dressing up as Mrs. Santa when she and two friends decided it would be nice to hang lights on the trees along the beach in Oconto Falls, WI, during the holidays. The idea caught on and led to a parade down the street, now referred to as “The Avenue of Lights.” The first year of the parade, Dolores noticed something was missing: Mr. and Mrs. Santa. Later, she and her friend decided to play the parts.

Diane M. Porfilio, the Facility Administrator at Dolores’ dialysis center, says they’ve had an excellent response from the patients toward Mr. and Mrs. Santa.

“We have Christmas songs being played in the background during the day, and when the Santas come in, it is so awesome,” Diane said.

The teammates and doctors get involved, too. Last year, Dr. Thomas Smith, one of the center’s nephrologists, brought in his guitar and sang holiday songs while Mr. and Mrs. Santa handed out gifts.

Dolores said her favorite part of dressing up as Mrs. Santa is seeing the looks on the people’s faces when she and Mr. Santa come in and talk with them.

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Michael Walston

Michael Walston is a former peritoneal dialysis patient in Bakersfield, CA, and one of the winners of the PD Superstars contest.

Michael Walston is a 32-year-old salesman for a heavy equipment company. When he was told he would have to begin dialysis in August of 2006, he knew that he wanted to do peritoneal dialysis (PD).

“I had done my homework about the treatments and knew that only peritoneal dialysis would work for me because I work full-time and have a lot of things to do in my life,” he said.

Michael’s nephrologist referred him to Bakersfield South Home Dialysis, where his training nurse worked around his daily schedule to teach him how to do PD.

“Because she really understood what my concerns were, I only had to miss one day of work — the day of the surgery to place my catheter,” he said. “I was able to do my training in the late afternoon and early evening so I could call on my clients during the day.”

Michael started out his PD treatment doing manual exchanges or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). During this time, he would do his exchanges at work, in his truck and at home. After doing CAPD for a short time, he learned to use a cycler and began doing continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) at night while he slept.

“In the short time I’ve been on PD, I have been able to attend a major sales meeting in Las Vegas. I’ve spent a weekend in San Francisco to see a 49ers game...I’ve also been able to go hunting with my buddies and spend time at my cabin in the mountains,” he said. “Being able to do these things has made my life feel pretty normal even if I do sleep hooked up to a machine.”

Michael recently traveled to Munich, Germany, a trip he won because of his sales record.

“Because of the way I’ve been able to do my dialysis, I’ve been able to maintain my place as the top salesman in my division,” he said.

Michael believes having a positive outlook on life is important if you want to stay healthy and maintain an active lifestyle on dialysis.

“My nurse and I have talked about this dialysis several times, and she tells me that my attitude has a lot to do with my success. I guess she is right,” he said. “I always try to keep a positive attitude about everything because that is the best way for me to live.”

Michael received a kidney transplant on November 21 and is doing great.