Alan’s Life With Dialysis

Published on December 12, 2023

Eight years ago, Alan was feeling terrible for quite some time and couldn’t figure out what was happening. Eventually it got so bad that he had to call an ambulance. “I was almost passing out,” he remembers. After several tests, he was given news that would change his life forever. “My doctor told me that my kidney was failing and that I would need dialysis treatment,” Alan remembers. “That was quite a shock.”Since then, Alan’s life has not been the same. Three times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Alan wakes up early and makes his way to the dialysis clinic.At first, his body didn’t adjust to dialysis easily. “When I first started dialysis, I had quite a few problems,” Alan explains. “But the nurses and doctors – they got me through it.”Alan’s blood pressure was low; he had infections in his legs. But with every challenge along the way, he felt like he was in good hands. “They monitor you constantly, and as soon as there is a problem, they address it. My doctor, Dr. Quinn, is really good. She is very friendly and clearly explains everything that you need to know. Although lately, she just tells me that I’m doing well,” Alan laughs, who says that his body is used to the treatments now.I know it takes some time to wrap your mind around the whole thing and I see how much people are struggling who are new to dialysis.

“In fact, I am a bit of a trainer now,” Alan smiles as he explains that nurses who train new staff usually use him to introduce the new team member to their role. “The new nurses tend to be a bit slow,” he chuckles, but says that he is happy to help. “I know it takes some time to wrap your mind around the whole thing and I see how much people are struggling who are new to dialysis. The nurses often say it is a treat when I am in their care.” Thanks to the excellent training the experienced nurses provide, the new nurses are up to speed in no time, says Alan, who loves chatting with the nurses and catching up with them. “They are really, really friendly, I can’t say enough about them. They have been wonderful to me.”

On his days off, Alan lives life to the fullest as much as he can. He likes to go to the theatre with his wife, and they enjoy going out for lunches and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “On our days off, we live a normal life. We’re still doing these things and it’s thanks to dialysis. Everybody sees this, my kids, my nieces, my nephews – they say I look really good!”

Every holiday that Alan gets to spend with his family is a gift. “There have been a lot of people over the years whom I have met at dialysis who would have to have amputations or who passed away. It is sad and it makes me appreciate that my wife and I can still do the things we like on my days off.” As a way of showing their appreciation, Alan and his wife support the Niagara Health Foundation by making donations and buying lottery tickets for our community lottery.

“I appreciate the staff at the hospital so much and they need our funding, so we try to give what we can.”

Alan’s Life With Dialysis

Published on December 12, 2023

Eight years ago, Alan was feeling terrible for quite some time and couldn’t figure out what was happening. Eventually it got so bad that he had to call an ambulance. “I was almost passing out,” he remembers. After several tests, he was given news that would change his life forever. “My doctor told me that my kidney was failing and that I would need dialysis treatment,” Alan remembers. “That was quite a shock.”Since then, Alan’s life has not been the same. Three times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Alan wakes up early and makes his way to the dialysis clinic.At first, his body didn’t adjust to dialysis easily. “When I first started dialysis, I had quite a few problems,” Alan explains. “But the nurses and doctors – they got me through it.”Alan’s blood pressure was low; he had infections in his legs. But with every challenge along the way, he felt like he was in good hands. “They monitor you constantly, and as soon as there is a problem, they address it. My doctor, Dr. Quinn, is really good. She is very friendly and clearly explains everything that you need to know. Although lately, she just tells me that I’m doing well,” Alan laughs, who says that his body is used to the treatments now.I know it takes some time to wrap your mind around the whole thing and I see how much people are struggling who are new to dialysis.

“In fact, I am a bit of a trainer now,” Alan smiles as he explains that nurses who train new staff usually use him to introduce the new team member to their role. “The new nurses tend to be a bit slow,” he chuckles, but says that he is happy to help. “I know it takes some time to wrap your mind around the whole thing and I see how much people are struggling who are new to dialysis. The nurses often say it is a treat when I am in their care.” Thanks to the excellent training the experienced nurses provide, the new nurses are up to speed in no time, says Alan, who loves chatting with the nurses and catching up with them. “They are really, really friendly, I can’t say enough about them. They have been wonderful to me.”

On his days off, Alan lives life to the fullest as much as he can. He likes to go to the theatre with his wife, and they enjoy going out for lunches and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “On our days off, we live a normal life. We’re still doing these things and it’s thanks to dialysis. Everybody sees this, my kids, my nieces, my nephews – they say I look really good!”

Every holiday that Alan gets to spend with his family is a gift. “There have been a lot of people over the years whom I have met at dialysis who would have to have amputations or who passed away. It is sad and it makes me appreciate that my wife and I can still do the things we like on my days off.” As a way of showing their appreciation, Alan and his wife support the Niagara Health Foundation by making donations and buying lottery tickets for our community lottery.

“I appreciate the staff at the hospital so much and they need our funding, so we try to give what we can.”