Comeback Kid(ney) Introduction

[Comeback Kid(ney)]

I think your response is right on and was expressed with a very thoughful approach. The one drawback that I have developed from my last clinic I was at is that it is very hard for me to trust anymore. The nurse I had was very good at making me think she was on my side but in actuality, she towed the company line the whole time. Ironically, the new clinic I am at is showing me the respect and dignity that I feel I should be getting. It is hard to feel good about it because of the 3 years of being bamboozled by a sinister medical world. Don't get me wrong, there are good nephrologists and nurses who really do care but in our situation it really should be a prerequisite.

[MooseMom]

I agree entirely.  What is so aggravating about any chronic disease is that we are put at the mercy of people we do not know and are expected to trust them.  It is easy to become cynical and distrustful (and understandably so), but then we run the risk of sabotaging ourselves.  And we have so little say in any of this.  We haven't asked for any of this.  It is by sheer luck that we get staff who we think are wonderful, and it really shouldn't be a function of luck.  So I really hear what you are saying.  And enduring three years of disrespectful treatment by people who are only interested in making a profit does not make any patient more trusting or more openhearted and openminded.  Of course you are right...it should be a prerequisite in ANY caregiving position to be caring and respectful.  But I am not sure that most "regular" people these days are particularly caring and respectful, but that's just me being cynical again!  Cynicism isn't always wise, but wariness is!

[Comeback Kid(ney)]

This is why I am wanting a band of us to forge together in fighting this mountain called the AMA. I thought that Robin Fields article would have raised some awareness or the piece on NBC nightly news would have spurred on some debate but unfortunately these storied have had no legs. Being on many radio shows in the last couple of years, I have noticed a politeness towards me as a guest but there seems to be no forward movement after that. You are more than welcome to hear some of those shows by googling charlie wachtel/kidney failure. The mainstream media is polite about our plight but they do not want to get their hands too dirty. We must remember who sponsors their nightly news shows(Big Pharma).I actually have been tring to get on Oprah or a show of that magnitude but so far no luck. When you have the trurh behind you, you've got nothing to be afraid of ever.