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Author Topic: Hi, Introducing myself  (Read 1945 times)
Dry-Pack-Babe
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« on: February 21, 2011, 04:10:11 AM »
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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RichardMEL
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« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2011, 05:01:56 AM »
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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3/1993: Diagnosed with Kidney Failure (FSGS)
25/7/2006: Started hemo 3x/week 5 hour sessions :(
27/11/2010: Cadaveric kidney transplant from my wonderful donor!!! "Danny" currently settling in and working better every day!!! :)

BE POSITIVE * BE INFORMED * BE PROACTIVE * BE IN CONTROL * LIVE LIFE!
monrein
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Might as well smile
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2011, 05:22:10 AM »
 :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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Pyelonephritis (began at 8 mos old)
Home haemo 1980-1985 (self-cannulated with 15 gauge sharps)
Cadaveric transplant 1985
New upper-arm fistula April 2008
Uldall-Cook catheter inserted May 2008
Haemo-dialysis, self care unit June 2008
(2 1/2 hours X 5 weekly)
Self-cannulated, 15 gauge blunts, buttonholes.
Living donor transplant (sister-in law Kathy) Feb. 2009
First failed kidney transplant removed Apr.  2009
Second trx doing great so far...all lab values in normal ranges
willowtreewren
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My two beautifull granddaughters

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« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2011, 05:37:59 AM »
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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Wife to Carl, who has PKD.
Mother to Meagan, who has PKD.
Partner for NxStage HD August 2008 - February 2011.
Carl transplanted with cadaveric kidney, February 3, 2011. :)
rsudock
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will of the healthy makes up the fate of the sick.
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2011, 06:44:55 AM »
hello and welcome!!!
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Born with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease
1995 - AV Fistula placed
Dec 7, 1999 cadaver transplant saved me from childhood dialysis!
10 transplant years = spleenectomy, gall bladder removed, liver biopsy, bone marrow aspiration.
July 27, 2010 Started dialysis for the first time ever.
June 21, 2011 2nd kidney nonrelated living donor
September 2013 Liver Cancer tumor.
October 2013 Ablation of liver tumor.
Now scans every 3 months to watch for new tumors.
Now Status 7 on the wait list for a liver.
How about another decade of solid health?
peleroja
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I have 16 hats, all the same style!
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2011, 08:02:58 AM »
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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lou
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« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2011, 08:53:28 AM »
welcome!  :welcomesign;
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Poppylicious
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WWW
« Reply #7 on: February 21, 2011, 09:03:34 AM »
 :welcomesign; Chris! It's lovely to 'meet' you.

 ;D
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- wife of kidney recepient (10/2011) -
venting myself online since 2003 (personal blog)
grumbles of a dialysis wife-y (kidney blog)
sometimes i take pictures (me, on flickr)

Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt.
Dry-Pack-Babe
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« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2011, 09:42:19 AM »
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to graciously welcome me to this forum. 
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looneytunes
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Wishin' I was Fishin'
« Reply #9 on: February 21, 2011, 08:41:09 PM »
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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"The key to being patient is having something to do in the meantime" AU
galvo
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« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2011, 04:43:31 AM »
G'day, Chris, and :welcomesign;.
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Galvo
karrye
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If Life give you Limes, make lemonade instead.
« Reply #11 on: February 23, 2011, 08:42:29 AM »
Howdy Chris and welcome to IHD from the Bluegrass State! :)  Grab a chair and jowl awhile! hehehehe
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Caregiver to husband:
Had surgery April 25, 2011 to bring fistula nearer to top of the skin.
Had staples removed from surgery on fistula May 3, 2011
Who started dialysis 1st week of December 2010.
Complete kidney failure November 30, 2010.
Surgery for 95% blockages in his right carotid and jugular February 22, 2011
Heart attack -- January 24, 2011
Chemotherapy -- September 2009 to April 2010
Colon Cancer -- April 2009
Colon removed --August 2009
Diagnosed with diabetes, Summer of 1996.
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