Testimonials
Catherine Granger
May 22, 2005 marks the two-year anniversary on dialysis treatment for Catherine Granger, 85, of Detroit Lakes, Minn. Dialysis and chronic kidney disease have changed her life in many ways, but have not slowed her down too much, "I am unable to do what I used to; I can't just say 'yes' to everything anymore. I can't go when I want to, but I just have to accept that that is how it is going to be." Granger says she has trouble with her legs, but being on dialysis doesn't take away from her strength.
Granger advises others to be careful when choosing a diet. "I have been on many different diets, from a cholesterol diet to a diabetic diet. I would recommend talking with a dietitian about carefully choosing a diet. Then when you have decided on a diet; follow it," Granger says.
Granger said this about the MeritCare Kidney Services in Detroit Lakes, "They are great. The nurses are terrific and get along with each other so well and they are wonderful to all patients. If I have any problems, they take care of them immediately."
No sitting around for this lady, Granger stays very busy in her free time. She goes to dialysis on Tuesdays, from there she goes straight to the Nutrition Center where she spends her time volunteering. Thursday afternoons are spent volunteering at the hospital gift shop and on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons she exercises for an hour.
Beth Fox
Three years ago this July, Beth Fox began her dialysis treatment at MeritCare in Fargo. The dialysis and chronic kidney disease have affected her life in many ways, "It's hard because the disease makes you so tired and weak." Fox enjoys visiting with her children, grandchildren, and sisters, but that sometimes drains out a lot of her energy. "It is hard to do the things I used to do with my friends and family. I just take it day by day," Fox says.
Fox says that when she first found out what the long-term treatment was like, she didn't want to do it, "The support from family and friends helps out a lot. People just need to have a positive outlook on the whole thing." She never knew how long the dialysis took at first, "Others should know that it takes at least three hours and during that time you are unable to move around."
Fox had nothing but great things to say about the MeritCare Kidney Services in Fargo, "My nephrologist, Dr. Ahlin, is really nice and accommodates to my needs accordingly. I have gotten to know the staff very well and I appreciate all that they do for me."
Fox maintains a quality life despite the disease. Going out to eat, going for walks with family and friends and spending the day together helps to take her mind off of the disease that she has been diagnosed with. Fox also enjoys taking short trips when she has the time.
Stella Flatt
Stella Flatt, of Detroit Lakes, Minn., has been on dialysis treatment for chronic kidney disease the last four years of her life. "Dialysis cuts into my day and that is all that I am able to get done," Flatt said. "It is just something you have to go with and deal with. There are no other alternatives to dialysis, it just has to get done," Flatt says about kidney dialysis.
Despite the disease, Flatt still manages to live a quality life surrounded by family and friends. "I just go one living my days by doing normal things. I just do what I have to do," Flatt said. Although Flatt is not employed, this 79-year-old lady stays busy and will start driving again this spring, which is something she is very excited about.
Flatt's dialysis treatment and other services have been excellent at MeritCare in Detroit Lakes. "The staff is wonderful and they take care of all my needs. I have gotten to know the staff very well and I appreciate all that they do," Flatt says.
Steve Whittier
Steve Whittier's story is a bit different. Whittier has been dialysis free for the last 10 months since he received his kidney transplant. The transplant was successfully completed on June 3, 2004 at MeritCare in Fargo, but before that there were some difficult problems that Whittier had to deal with. These struggles have helped to make him a stronger and more positive man.
It all began seven years ago; at that time Whittier incurred symptoms that presented themselves as normal heart disease. During the next five years, he underwent 17 angiograms, the contrast dye used during these angiograms eventually contributed to his total kidney failure. In addition, he suffers from three blood-clotting disorders; which has made any procedure both complex and risky. Throughout this entire seven-year process, Whittier visited the hospitals 43 times for a total of 171 days.
Prior to Whittier's transplant, he had become so weak that to walk up one flight of stairs he had to stop to rest three times. There were five more hospital stays after the transplant. Just nine days later, Whittier suffered from a miserable headache. As it turned out, his diagnosis was that of a ruptured aneurysm in the brain and he then had to have brain surgery to remove a blood clot. This was followed by two more hospital stays for blood clots in his leg and an additional stay for an infected herniated disk in his lower back. Knowing what he knows now and having to go through all of this for his kidney transplant, when asked if he would have had the transplant, Whittier says "Everyday of the week. Before the transplant, I had to stop and rest just to get to the living room from the bedroom. It was to the point where I was merely existing, and endured a poor quality of life."
Whittier gives advice to others who are going through some of the same medical conditions, "Put your trust in God and in the medical staff. Also, be sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise on a daily basis, and follow the instructions that your nephrologist gives you." Whittier had nothing but words of praise to say about MeritCare and its staff. He states that the nephrologists, Dr. Ahlin, Dr. Chemiti, and Dr.Mahale as well as the entire transplant team; including all nurses, coordinators, and staff are the best there is. "The care at MeritCare is equivalent to that of the Mayo Clinic, if not better. At MeritCare you have the same doctors consistently and are able to develop a relationship with them. Whereas, at the Mayo Clinic you usually have a different team of doctors during each visit, it is like starting over every time," he says. Whittier's transplant surgeon, Dr. Mistry is one of the most talented surgeons in America; he is also very honest and up-front with his patients. "Dr. Mistry's concern for the treatment of his patients is beyond amazing and we are blessed to have both he and his wife, also a doctor, here at MeritCare," says Whittier.
Whittier has not allowed anything he has gone through to slow him down one bit. Whittier is a self-employed business trainer and motivational speaker. He has client companies throughout the region for whom he writes and presents training programs, which involves customer service issues and communication skills. He is also in the process of writing two books. One is about the last seven years of his life dealing with his medical adventures. The other is about human potential. Whittier is also a volunteer speaker for LifeSource, the organization that facilitates and manages organ donation for ND, SD, MN, and western Wisconsin. He discusses the need for donation and tells his medical story during these presentations. These speaking engagements include: churches, civic groups, schools, and other organizations. He is a man that has a lot to live for and wants to help others by sharing his story.
MeritCare Dialysis Patient
I spent July and August as a guest patient at the dialysis center in Bemidji. I found the professionalism of the staff Five Star. I found the facility also Five Star. I couldn't have been happier with the experience. My own dialysis center cannot even compare to the quality I recieved. I am particularly impressed with the staff. Should I need this service next summer I will be sure to return to the Bemidji unit.