LIFE ON DIALYSIS

"I advise everyone to pay attention to their health"

Interviewee#1 is a Single African American gentleman who preferred to remain anonymous.  He is an African American from the Baltimore, Maryland area.
 
AKBF:  Thank you so much for allowing me to ask a few questions about your health today.  How old are you? 
Interviewee #1:  I am 33 years old.
 
AKBF:  Why did you start dialysis?
Interviewee #1:  I started dialysis because of hypertension.
 
AKBF:  Who else in your family has hypertension?
Interviewee #1:  I am not sure.
 
AKBF:  How did you find out you had hypertension?
Interviewee #1:  I had high blood pressure in my early 20's.  When I went to my doctor's appointment, the doctor told me I could either take the medication or not.
 
AKBF:  Are you saying that your doctor told you medication was optional?
Interviewee #1:  I did not think the blood pressure was anything to worry myself over.  A few years later, my blood pressure went up high, and my doctor told me I had to start dialysis immediately.
 
AKBF:  Did your doctor tell you how to prepare for a kidney transplant after you started dialysis?
Interviewee #1: No, I learned about getting on the Transplant List while being here at the dialysis center.
 
AKBF:  What is your suggestion to our Readers?
Interviewee #1:  I recommend getting a second medical opinion when you receive a diagnosis and not given a course of action.  Or if the doctor is nonchalant about a plan of care.
 
AKBF:  Thanks so much for your time. I wish you Blessings & Health.

 
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upcoming interview

October 17, 2020
Interviewee#2 is a Married African American gentleman who preferred to remain anonymous.  He is in his 50's and from the Baltimore, Maryland area.
 
AKBF:  Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.  I know we both just finished our dialysis treatment.  What do you usually do after treatment?
Interviewee #1:  I usually go home and go to sleep.
 
AKBF:  Why are you on dialysis?  Do you have kidney disease?  
Interviewee #2:  No, I do not have kidney disease.  I started dialysis because of hypertension.
 
AKBF:  Are you on the Transplant List?
Interviewee #2:  Yes, I am on the National List through Maryland.
 
AKFB:  Have you considered a living donor?  Because in some cases, spouses are perfect donors.
Interviewee #2:  I come from a large family, and several people have offered.  But, I don't want to ask my family to take on the task.  My wife is out of the question because she has hypertension.
 
AKBF:  That is an understandable stance.  But I will tell you from experience.  It is always best to allow people to get tested while they are interested.  Have a sense of urgency because people change their minds. 
 
AKBF:  How has dialysis changed your life?
Interviewee #2:  I am not used to sleeping so much and not being able to work.
 
AKBF:  What word of advice would you give to our Readers?
Interviewee #2:  I would strongly recommend, pay attention to your health.
 
AKBF:  Thanks so much for your time. I wish you Blessings & Health. 

upcoming interview

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