Doctors, nurses, and techs

I've seen more doctors, nurses, techs, and general health related professionals in the past few months than I've seen in yeaaaaaaaaaaaaars.

I saw a few doctors and an uncountable number of nurses in the hospital, but since then, I've been followed by one main nephrologist. A nephrologist is a doctor focused on the kidneys. My nephrologist sees me at the dialysis clinic usually around once a week. Since there's nothing poking and prodding can do, it often feels kind of strange to have him usually just look at my labwork and then say hello and ask how I'm feeling and walk off. He seems to know his stuff however, even if he might be a little kooky.

The funny story I mentioned earlier was dealing with this doctor. When I was in the hospital, he saw me once, and when he was walking out, he noticed my aunt sitting in a chair in the corner of the hospital room, reading a book. He proceeds to ask her if she works at the hospital and is on break. My aunt was not wearing scrubs or anything resembling the sort, and was reading a book. How he came to the conclusion she worked there was beyond me. It was quite hilarious though, especially when I was at the dialysis clinic the first day and I saw him walk into the room. I had to restrain myself from laughing outloud when I saw him talking to other patients because I knew that he was going to be my doctor. Since then though, he seems to be really on top of things, and I've been doing well, so I have only good things to say about him.

There is usually one to two registered nurses on duty at the dialysis clinic, and 4 to 8 techs, depending on the time and how many patients are present. Everyone that works there is extremely nice and helpful. They will go out of their way to help you and make sure you feel your best. I think the best thing is that they'll try their best to treat you like you're a real person and have real conversations with you, and try to be friends even, rather than keeping everything about the medical situation. They, in addition to my great family, really help me keep a positive outlook through everything.

Biba, Marlena, Irena, and Martha are all the RNs I think. I could be wrong. They don't go around with "RN" or "Tech" written on their gear so I can't be sure who is what, but it doesn't really matter.

Andi, Mel, Geneva, Beau, Marie, Sabu, Raychell, Celisse, Kim, Crissy, Andrea, Robert, Kamni, Mike, and probably a few others, are all awesome. Thank you all for doing what you do for all of us patients, even if it is your job.

I have a dietitian following me at the clinic as well. She sees me every Wednesday. The first Wednesday I was there, we had a very long chat about things I can/cannot have, what's good for a renal (Renal is medical terminology for kidney) diet, my fluids, etc. Nowadays, she brings me the results of my most recent labwork, asks how I'm doing, and if I have any questions for her. My labwork has been basically perfect every week so far, which is VERY encouraging. That certainly helps keep my head up. The dietitian, Michelle, is also extremely nice and helpful, and always ready to laugh about my most recent question about the renal diet, or to tell me that I can relax on some foods a little.

I'll try to get a more thorough post up about how things are at the clinic soon.