Just want to vent out

[Sandi1313]

Dear Friends,
There are times in which I wish I did not have to go to my dialysis session.All because of the way that the techs act toward certain dialysis patients.At my dialysis session,I've noticed that certain dialysis patients seems to be getting  some "extra" attention from the techs.It seems like these certain patients have the techs wrapped around their fingers.I had thought that all patients were supposed to be treated EQUALLY.This happens each week.Especially when the techs should be working.These techs are busy talking to these certain patients.Does this happen at other dialysis centers.Mine is in Chehalis,Wash.
I've been told by the head nurse to let these techs know whenever I've a muscle cramp.Well,I had a terrible muscle cramp in my upper left leg.One of the techs acted like I was bothering him.Cause I had to tell the tech that I was having a muscle cramp.I'm lucky that I've been able to sit up during my session.I've been moving my legs & feet around during my dialysis session.I realize that the techs program the machines.I still get those dang muscle cramps once in awhile.I wish the re was a bell or a buzzer to use to let the techs or head nurse know whenever a person is having a muscle cramp.I think this would be something very useful to have around.
Sandi

[Rerun]

Hi Sandi, I live in Spokane Valley.  For your cramps drink some Tonic Water everyday.  It has quinine in it which is a natural muscle relaxer.  Just a little bit everyday .....

Maybe bring your Techs donuts or pizza once in a while.  This may seem like bribing ... and it is.  But, they love perks and it helps their moral.  Or make them cookies.  Not every week but once a month, I bring mine something.  It is like slipping a prison guard a $20.....

I know this sounds horrible but it works.               

[Riki]

Yep.. I do that.  When I was taking my cake decorating class, I brought them my projects. *G*  Sometimes just being friendly and asking them how their day is going will brighten them up.  I've been going to my centre for 4 years now, and I know all the nurses and resident care workers quite well (we don't use techs), and most have become great friends.  It's almost like a social gathering, where we can't move, and they get paid. *L*

[Lexxtech18]

I can't lie, I've also brought staff in treats at my clinic. lol But I knew most of them before I even started at this clinic as a lot of the techs/nurses came from clinics I'd been at previously. For Christmas I made a ton of chocolate covered cherry bon-bons and brought them in. 

But that is kind of beside the point. The point is the techs should be paying attention to your cramping regardless if you're bringing them sweets or not. I would try to be more verbal. I don't mean scream like a maniac to get their attention; that will just cause them to talk smack about you behind your back. I've seen it happen.  Do you have one certain tech in your pod or do they share duties? Do they make rounds or just come out when alarms go off? Speak up to whomever walks by and let them know you're in pain. Don't worry about if they look annoyed, that's their problem. And if you feel so compelled you could say something like, "Well, someone's a sourpuss today!" playfully. The techs and nurses are there to take care of you, that is what they get paid for. You are their job security and essentially they work for you. Don't let them disrespect you.

At my unit, I see the techs talking to certain people, too. It's not just your unit. But I think it's because the techs know who doesn't want to be bothered. Some people just like to sleep or have quiet time during dialysis and others like to talk and be entertained. If it really bothers you, try talking to your social worker. Maybe she can give you better suggestions and have more pull within the unit.

[Riki]

My unit isn't too big, with 18 chairs, and only 14 that are really used, but we have buzzers, and there's a light that goes off above the chair when you hit the buzzer.  I don't generally use mine, since I'm next to the nurse's station, and can usually get someone's attention quickly if I have to, but there are others who use them, because they have to.  There are a few who cramp frequently, and they ask for their buzzers once they're on.  At the old unit, there were only 9 chairs, and a friend of mine who doesn't have the lung capacity to yell had a bell to get the nurses' attention.  I'd try that, if you can't get their attention in other ways.  Or, you could do what I'd do, and call the nurse's station with your cell. *L*

[Lexxtech18]

Or, you could do what I'd do, and call the nurse's station with your cell. *L*

Omg, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who does that!! 

[kit78]

Hi Sandi,  I've done the Bagel w/smear thing but only because I wanted to and everyone was so sweet.  Some people interact with the staff and some don't.  I've never seen it as being a "favorite" thing though.  Try being the first to say good morning, afternoon etc...they always seem to beat me too it.  They are concerned if they do not see a smile on your face.  I never realized till the head nurse said something to me. I was depressed due to a family issue and am just the type that can't hide her feelings. But funny how she just zoomed in on it.  I wish you could go to my place because it's always laughter of some sort.  It's been a couple of months since I did the bagel...must do it again! 
Who ever is attending you, make sure you ask them how their day is going. (Even if you don't feel like it) and if they are kinda crabby, ask "Are you having a bad day or did somebody pee in your cornflakes...

[ChrisEtc]

This definitely happens a lot.  I think people work so many hours there they start to see it as some sort of social thing rather than their job.  I think that's just a natural thing that happens from losing focus and working on your feet all day.  Your best bet is to find a few folks there that you enjoy and be one of those social patients with them.  If the people that work there are going to be standing around chatting, you might as well be the one they're chatting with because then you'll get better care.  I've been frustrated by this in the past so that's exactly what I did.  I don't have nearly as much trouble getting help now as I have more of a bond with particular nurses and techs so they look out for me.  It's just human nature really, I wouldn't take it personally.

Dialysis is a lot like a game of Survivor.  Play the social game if you want to win, ie get the best care.