I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: Dry-Pack-Babe on February 21, 2011, 04:10:11 AM
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Hello all,
My name is Chris Kennedy. I am a post-op transsexual with ESRD. This month, I have been on dialysis for six years. God has blessed me. Other than issues with my access, which were easily corrected, I have not had a hospital stay since receiving my diagnosis.
Luckily, I appear healthy and my only issue with dialysis is keeping my phosphorus levels below 5.5. I adore yogurt and as you all know, it is one of those forbidden foods. Sometimes, I cheat and have a cup. But I always take an extra Renvela.
I am extraodinarily happy at the clinic where I am currently a patient. I get along fine with the staff. And my fellow patients, of course. After all, we (patients) are all in this together.
But I initially recieved treatment at a Renal Advantage facility and because of my transsexual status, I was treated horribly by the staff.
Soon, I'd like to share what happened at Renal Advantage.
I understand that some people have issues with transsexuals and that is okay. If they don't like me, fine. I do not care. But I feel that any patient, regardless of his or her orientation should be treated respectfully. And if a staff member refuses to treat a patient properly, that staff member should be initially, censured and if that doesn't work, they should be removed.
Renal Advantage refused to censure or discipline rude and overtly bias staff members.
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Welcome to IHD Chris.
I absolutely agree with you that your orientation/gender/sex/religion etc should not come into your treatment as a patient in a medical facility - indeed if you have special needs (eg: cultural etc) those should be taken into consideration wherever possible. It is sad that discrimination should (apparently) come into a place where more than anywhere else everyone should be treated evenly.
Well don't worry I do not see why anyone should treat you any differently here - heck if you didn't write anything about your status (sorry I don't know what ever word to use) then we would not know, and "Chris" could be male or female for all we know.
Anyway the main thing is that you are happy in your new unit, which is really great to here.
Again, welcome to IHD and hoping that unfortunate experience you had is more an isolated experience than the norm.
:welcomesign;
RichardMEL, Moderator
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:welcomesign; Chris to IHD. I'm glad that you are now at a clinic that treats you well. We all have enough problems dealing with dialysis and should not have horrible treatment added on top. I look forward to getting to know you through this site and hope that you will feel welcome as a part of this community.
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Welcome, Chris!
:welcomesign;
I'm so glad that you were able to stand up for yourself and find a clinic that was a good match. And I'm also pleased that you are happy with your treatments! Attitude is a BIG plus.
You'll find lots of community here.
Aleta
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hello and welcome!!!
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Hi, Chris, and welcome to the group. I figure any year without a hospital stay is a good one. Sounds like you're doing A-ok. Glad you found us!
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welcome! :welcomesign;
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:welcomesign; Chris! It's lovely to 'meet' you.
;D
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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to graciously welcome me to this forum.
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Hello Chris and welcome to IHD. It's great you have found a clinic where you are treated well and I SO know what you mean about yogurt! Yum! :welcomesign;
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G'day, Chris, and :welcomesign;.
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Howdy Chris and welcome to IHD from the Bluegrass State! :) Grab a chair and jowl awhile! hehehehe