I visited a dialysis clinic this morning

[kellyt]

I was surprised by the friendliness of the staff.  The P.A., Karen, talked to me the entire time I was there and answered questions.  The room was much larger than I had envisioned in my mind.  This particular center had one wall of windows and I thought that was great.  I expected to hear beeps and alarms, but not as much as I did.  It was almost like Vegas!  No emergencies (thank goodness), but it is something I'll have to get used to if and when I start dialysis.  I got there about 9:30 a.m. the the gentleman that I was there to visit was getting off the machine at 10:15 a.m.  Unfortunately, the P.A. talked to us so long that I didn't get a chance to really sit with my friend and ask questions and see his machine, etc.  I may go back Monday a.m. after I get my blood drawn.  At least I can picture in my mind what to expect.  Also, smells are a big stickler for me and this place didn't smell.  I was nervous about that, as well.

All in all I was pleasantly surprised and I'm not nearly as nervous.  I highly suggest this to other pre-dialysis IHD'ers.   

Oh, it was a Fresenius (spelling?) center.

[twirl]

that is wonderful and I hope it continuous to be that way
mine is Davita, maybe that makes a difference
I went to one in Durango, Colorado and it was a dream
I looked out at snow covered mountains
had a flat screen television
did not have to use ear phones
and the noise was not bad
was offered snacks for free, juice and crackers
and free sugar free candy
my unit is nothing like that
and the chairs were new and comfortable
Good luck and glad you feel the way you do about your unit

[KR Cincy]

Kelly...I think it's great that you spend some time visiting the center now. I did the same thing, though with completely different results. The people were great (I'm a DaVita patient) but at that time, because of the speed in which everything was happening and the tremendous fear of the unknown, I walked into the center and just wanted to crawl in a hole. OF course my perception is much different now, but I think, if I had known earlier on that dialysis was in my future, I would have gone and spent more time there getting used to the place.

[devon]

Funny thing because I was just looking at my calendar and saw that I have an appointment on Monday afternoon with my Nephrologist and I was thinking, "well, this would be a good time to look over his dialysis unit."

Most times I am there, I am on the other side of the wall between the two.  The scale is in the unit so I see it briefly as I'm being weighed.  I don't linger but this time, I plan to and start asking questions.

Thanks to may of you folks, I know what to look for in judging what the center has to offer!  I won't just take what I'm given.

-Devon

[kellyt]

I don't know if the center I visited today will be my center or not.  It's about a 20 minute drive from my home.  They have two other centers that are much closer to my home so I plan on visiting those, as well.  I also plan on visiting a Davita that is near my home.  Davita is the closest to me by far.  But I'm willing to drive a little if it's not during work traffic.  I see my nephrologist Monday as well and I plan on asking him who/where he prefers.  The P.A. seemed to be shocked that I was already on "the list" being that I'm not on dialysis.  I feel extremely fortunate in that regards.

Right now I'm dealing with all the bills coming in from my transplant testing!  Everything seems to be going to my deductible.  I hope I transplant this year!  At least my deductible will be met!  If I transplant in January of 2009 that will mean ANOTHER $3000 or more!      Last year I paid my entire $3000 yearly deductible between the months of Oct-Dec.  Now I'm starting over again!  I'm going to need a psychiatrist and a financial planner before this is all done!