Eye opener

[geoffcamp]

So like every Wednesday night I went to dialysis and had a good nap. When I woke up I noticed that I am the last person left. Usually there is another guy, Scott who is the very last person there. So I asked hey where is Scott tonight and was informed he had passed away. Scott was a nice guy, young (early 40s late 30s) with two amazing daughters. I've know for sometime now he has not been very compliant but he showed up for every treatment and we talked from time to time. He was in my unit for around 5 years. He had a very hard time adjusting at first. Girlfriend left him so on and so forth. It truly saddens me to hear and try to comprehend why this happened. I can't even bring myself to count my own blessings. So with a heavy heart I hope he is in a better place where all the strains of being sick are lifted from his shoulders and he can rest peacefully. Rest in peace Scott, I will miss you.

[MooseMom]

That must have been a sobering shock to you.  I am so sorry.

[geoffcamp]

I can't help but to always think there was something I could have said or done to avoid this. Been more friendly offered advice anything. In the last 12 years on dialysis I have witnessed this WAY WAY too many times. Can't help wondering if there was/is anything I can do. I've had my own issues lately but I manage. I usually can see it coming and I did with Scott. I really wished I would have at least tried to offer some friendly advice or just been there for him more.  The nurses are so cold. Explaining non compliance and how he would bring in fluids and drink from our water supply directly after dialysis. There are no support groups or peer counseling at my facility and I really think that needs to change. Something needs to change it is senseless to be a first hand witness to someone just giving up. I wish I had the initiative to help bear the burdens and help find someway to keep hope alive. Right now I'm just shocked and angry no one from our center set him straight. There was no reason for this senseless tragedy. None at all. Because I KNOW it could have been avoided. I'm completely wiped out. Just need to crawl into bed and stay there until I feel like facing the world again.  Goodnight and gods speed Scott.

[Lexxtech18]

Sorry to hear, geoff. My condolences.

RIP Scott.

[MooseMom]

Geoffcamp, you've been at this for a long time and have a wealth of experience.  Maybe Scott's death will give you the motivation to help the next dialyzor you see who should be making better choices.  Most of us are hesitant to get all into other people's business out of fear of appearing nosey or preachy, but if you could help save a life, it's worth the risk.

Chances are Scott will not have listened to your good advice, but you never know.  Maybe the next Scott would.  It may be worth a try.  We could all probably do better in this regard.

Prayers for Scott and for you, too.

[boswife]

Im so sorry Geoff,,, im still morning our own dear Traveller   She was compliant and all, but still gone and i miss her.  Im so sorry your havening to face this..  It hurts, it really hurts. Just hope that Scott really was ready and thats just the way it was.  once again, im so sorry for your sadness.

[Rerun]

Geoff steer people to our site.  This site has helped so many people.  Or one of our members has written a book you could buy and just give it to the next person you see being non compliant.

It is called "The ABC's of the Big D" by  Bob Northam

Geoff, you should know by now that dialysis just keeps us living a few days at a time.  So, we do with it what we can and barring some horrible car accident it will take us.  People have to die of something.  We all go.  Where is your walk with the Lord?  Through my faith I know there is a better place without machines and needles.

May Scott RIP my friend.