In 2010, to celebrate my tenth year of a wonderful life on dialysis I sort of got in shape and canoed 225 miles with the Grand River Expedition 2010. It was an incredible journey that couldn't have happened without my family and many dear friends.

I have been on dialysis since 2001 and have used every form of dialysis currently available in search of the best outcome and the best life. I have done in-center hemodialysis, at home hemodialysis with a traditional dialysis machine, peritoneal dialysis and finally, NxStage's System One home hemodialysis machine. I have had two kidney transplants, one from my beautiful wife and another because a thoughtful motorcyclist had checked the donate organs line on his license. For me, the technology for a successful transplant does not exist for my disease. I remain open and optimistic about wearable and implantable artificial kidneys.

Since I started my first blog, Tasty Kidney Pie, in 2001, I have tried to, and hope to continue to, inspire dialysis patients and others living with chronic illnesses to get outdoors and live an active and fruitful life.

Since 2001, The Riverdudes, my National Kidney Foundation of Michigan Walk Team has raised $78,000.

I currently spend my time writing, raising my children, snuggling with my wife, getting outside and staying active, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.

Thank you

With your help we can exceed this year's goal of $5,000 for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Thank you very much for your continued support. Erich



Thursday, December 8, 2011

Providers - Do not underestimate the value of your Social Worker

I was surprised when I attended my November Clinic visit at Henry Ford to find that my social worker was relocated to other facilities.  Also, I was surprised at the transition to my new social worker.

The dialysis social worker is a very interesting position on the kidney care team.  The position doesn't scream vital like the physician, dietitian and nurse, yet it is still critically important to a patient's well being and ability to embrace life after dialysis.  With my eleven years of experience on dialysis, I find that the SW provides a subtle, humanizing aspect to the medical machinery that we rely on for life.  The effectiveness of a SW is based on a trusting relationship which is forged over time.  At times the SW is critical as when s/he helps a patient to work through important paperwork to ensure dialysis reimbursement or access to medicine.  Other times s/he is assisting on the important aspect of helping a patient to find a way back to work or to enjoy aspects of a life they thought they lost forever, such as traveling or intimacy.  For me, dialysis social workers have provided a kind smile and check on things that do not require a blood pressure cuff or a poke.

Rather than just informing me that my social worker was gone and that there is a social worker at in-center dialysis that can be made available, it would have been nice for the new social worker to stop by and introduce him or herself.  Personal touch is the hallmark of social working.  Without being introduced to my social worker and getting to know them I will be reluctant to call for him/her when needed.


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