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



Sunday, April 13, 2014

I enjoy commenting on Home Dialysis Central's Facebook Page.   Recently a young man posted about how he wasn't looking forward to going on dialysis and that he was scared.  Below was my response.

 Jefferson you should be scared, life as you knew it both before you got sick and after will change completely. The unknown is difficult to comprehend. But my friend, let me tell you I have been through every type of dialysis and two failed transplants and have raised my fourteen year old son and ten year old daughter with my wife of 25 years at me side. I am still on dialysis with no chance of a successful transplant in my future. Every day that I hook up to dialysis I give myself the gift of life. A life that I choose to live the way I want. I've been doing this since 2001. Without dialysis there would be no choice for me. With dialysis every day is a new opportunity. It will suck until you take ownership. Learn to cannulate yourself early in your treatment - stick those big needles in your arm. Pay attention to how your machine is set up and how it runs. Don't just watch tv during your runs. Watch a little, but read or play a game too. Learn to ride the roller coaster of anemia. When your too tired don't beat yourself up or feel guilty. If managed it will pass and you'll have energy again. When you have energy do something. It will take time but always remember that you are the captain, your doc is your first mate and the rest are your staff - all working together for your optimum health. Jefferson, I love your name, I had a friend with the same name in high school. You will win at this, take the lumps as they come and remember that it always gets better because you believe in yourself.
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