The ABC's of the Big D: My Life on Dialysis

[BobN]

The book, now available on amazon.com, includes an entire section on working.  I discuss hospital staff who tried to push me into disability, convinced that I wouldn't be able to continue my career.

To put it mildly, I was not a receptive audience to that message.

I also talk about a day when I felt lousy because of dialysis the night before and everything just seemed to go wrong, as well as my feeling out-of-touch with the younger crowd and how dialysis plays into that.

And then there's retirement.  Ah yes, retirement.Why wasn't I just jumping for joy at the prospect?  No more work and dialysis.  Yippee, right?  Well....

Anyway, if you want to check out the book, here is the link:

http://www.amazon.com/The-ABCs-Big-Life-Dialysis/dp/1477574263/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1343840686&sr=8-4&keywords=bob+northam

I would love your feedback on working or other issues.  Thanks.

[cattlekid]

I have continued to work full time throughout all of my testing and diagnosis with ESRD, while I was in-center and now that I am on home hemo.  It was never an option for me to be able to quit because we would lose our house if I had to go on long-term disability, not to mention that I carry our insurance. 

I am lucky in that my company is very flexible with my work hours.  As long as I am getting things done, they really don't care when I'm in the office.  I was also able to work from the dialysis center when I was doing in-center - have laptop, will travel.

[BobN]

It's great that you were able to continue.  I agree.  I was 35 when I first had to go on dialysis, and disability was not an option.

[kitkatz]

I am a classroom special ed teacher.  Been working while on dialysis the last 13 and a half years. Nocturnal is so much better for me than the four hour three days a week dialysis was.  Works with the work schedule so much better. Plus I feel batter.

[BobN]

Hi Kitkatz, good to hear from you again.  Hope you're doing well.

Glad to hear nocturnal worked for you.  I know of many people who rave about it.  Personally, I could never do it, simply because I am not able to sleep while being treated.

I'm on the first shift now that I'm retired, and many of my compadres are out almost before the needles go in.  I am really jealous.  It must make their treatments go by really fast.

Any others who combine nocturnal and work?  I'm curious how that works out for you.