Store Hours During CV19 For Kidney Community

[PrimeTimer]

I've been reading about how some stores are encouraging the elderly and disabled to shop during the first opened hour of business to avoid competing with other shoppers and long lines. To help, some stores are making it a temporary policy. I think this is a good idea except what about those whose disability and/or condition isn't obvious. Or maybe it could be an opportunity to shed some light on the kidney community.

[Simon Dog]

Hospitals give out "this person has a hip/knee" card to explain the trigger to TSA (useless, as it does not change the search policy for the patient at all), and little "this is why I am radioactive" slips after certain nuclear medicine treatments or exams so someone is not confused with Abuld al Hassan, the terrorist when they trigger a covert radiation detector.  As it stands now, all transplantees can do is say "I am immune suppressed because of a transplant, would you like to see my scar?".

It would be nice for transplant patients (of all types except possibly fecal) to get a "transplant patient / immunosuppressed / any assistance reducing pathological exposure appreciated" wallet card with their new organ.

I find people are very nice when they know.  When I had the PD cath I was concerned about getting pushed into a seat during airline boarding - and never had a request to join to the pre-boarding group denied, nor did any gate agent take me up on my offer to show my tube.

Stop & Shop in the MA is reserved 0600-0730 for 60+ shoppes only.  It's not just about avoiding crowds, but getting first crack at the stuff that was stocked when the store was closed.  I would expect a polite request by a transplantee to get in early would be honored, but that person would still get loads of disapproving glares.

[Simon Dog]

Numerous grocery stores here in the DPRM are jumping on the bandwagon.  The reports generally refer to the over 60, at risk, and immune compromised people and seem to be relying on the honor system

Just be sure to wear something that makes it easy to show your scar if anyone questions why you are shopping with us geezers.

[MooseMom]

I've been having to have regular bloodwork, just like all tx patients, for some years now.  One of the things I'm tested for is what they call a "tac trough"; suffice it to say that it is a timed test, and as such, I always make an appointment for the third Thursday at 8:45AM, every other month.  All of the staff know me by name.

One morning, there were a lot of people in the waiting room.  So, I waltz in at 8:45 and was almost immediately called back.  One lady snidely and loudly said to her friend, "Don't people have to wait their turn?"  I could have ignored her, but I was in a mood so I turned to her and explained that I'd had a kidney transplant and had to have regular labs, so I take the opportunity to make an appointment so that I don't have to wait.  She certainly didn't challenge me.

I've thought about what "evidence" to show should I have to "shop with the geezers", and I suppose I could show them my medical ID bracelet that I always wear.  It actually has the word "immunosuppressed"  engraved on it!

[Simon Dog]

They do the appointment thing at Quest as well.   When people give me the dirty look, I tell them they can bypass the wait by going online and making an appointment.

[iolaire]

Just be sure to wear something that makes it easy to show your scar if anyone questions why you are shopping with us geezers.

Luckily I have my wife to shop for me as I don't know if my scar would convince anyone.  The kidney scar is by my diagonal finger, versus the stretch marks from prednisone 30 years ago that are more visible.

[Simon Dog]

Luckily I have my wife to shop for me as I don't know if my scar would convince anyone.  The kidney scar is by my diagonal finger, versus the stretch marks from prednisone 30 years ago that are more visible.

My scar is much cooler 

[MooseMom]

They do the appointment thing at Quest as well.   When people give me the dirty look, I tell them they can bypass the wait by going online and making an appointment.

Yep, that's where I go.  It's a love/hate relationship.  The staff are great, but the corporate bods are not.