Triumph over Trials: My Journey from Athlete to Home Hemodialysis Warrior.


The Undiscernible Journey!

Introduction:

Life's journey is often an unpredictable roller coaster, and my transition from a pole vaulter at San Jose City College to a home hemodialysis warrior has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This is a story of trust, medical challenges, and unwavering faith, with my wife as my rock and care partner. As I reflect on my journey, I share the highs, lows, and the unwavering determination to live life to the fullest.


The Initial Struggle: A Leap of Faith in Healthcare

My journey began with a challenge that many face – trusting in doctors to manage my care effectively. Through a recommendation from my wife's friend at Kaiser, I found myself under the care of a Nephrologist. Little did I know that this would mark the start of a complex and challenging chapter in my life.


The Lisinopril Ordeal: An Unmonitored Path to Kidney Damage

The prescribed medication, Lisinopril, became a pivotal point in my journey. For over three years, the lack of proper monitoring led to the discovery of my allergy to the medication and significant damage to my kidneys. This unforeseen consequence became a turning point that shaped the trajectory of my health.


The Transplant List Saga: A 13-Year Quest

For over 13 years, I have been on a relentless quest to secure a spot on the transplant list. Unfortunately, Kaiser's refusal to allow me on the list added insult to injury, intensifying the challenges I faced in my pursuit of a healthier life. Despite the setbacks, my spirit remains unbroken.


Empowerment through Home Hemodialysis Certification

In the face of adversity, my wife and I made a conscious decision to take control of my care. We attended classes to become certified for home hemodialysis, marking a new chapter of empowerment. This decision not only brought a semblance of normalcy but also strengthened the bond between us as we faced the challenges together.


Love, Blessings, and the Power of Positivity

Surrounded by the love of my family, including three adult kids, four grandkids, and one great-grandkid, my life is rich with blessings. Despite the hardships and the impact of Kaiser on my life, my positive outlook and unwavering faith remain steadfast.


A Call to Advocacy: Campaigning for Change

As I navigate my own challenges, I am driven to advocate for others facing similar battles with healthcare institutions. Campaigning against the injustices and damages caused by Kaiser has become a mission close to my heart.


Conclusion:

My journey from athlete to home hemodialysis warrior has been marked by challenges, setbacks, and moments of triumph. The indomitable spirit to love life and live it to the fullest remains unshaken. As I continue to share my story, I hope to inspire others facing adversity, and through advocacy, bring about positive change for those who need it most. If these words resonate with you, join the campaign by reaching out to ghaniman@comcast.net. Together, we can make a difference.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Embracing Flexibility in Home Hemodialysis: A Game-Changer for PatientsIntroduction:Living with kidney disease.

Image
Living with kidney disease can be challenging, but advancements in medical technology have opened up new possibilities for patients.  One such innovation is home hemodialysis, a treatment option that provides patients with greater flexibility and independence.  In this blog post, we will explore the concept of home hemodialysis and focus on the remarkable flexibility it offers in scheduling, empowering patients to take control of their treatment and live life to the fullest. Understanding Home Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is a life-saving treatment for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).  Traditionally, patients had to travel to a dialysis center multiple times a week, adhering to a fixed schedule that often disrupted their daily routines.  However, with home hemodialysis, patients can receive treatments in the comfort of their own homes, offering a range of benefits, including enhanced flexibility in scheduling. Flexibility in Scheduling: One of the key advantag
Read more

Aubrey's life revolves around the rhythmic routine of a home hemodialysis journey!

Image
  Aubrey's life revolves around the rhythmic routine of home hemodialysis, a journey that unfolds within the walls of his bedroom. Every other day, the familiar hum of the blood-cleaning machine becomes the soundtrack to his existence, marking the beginning of a 4.5-hour session that both challenges and sustains him. In this intricate dance with life-altering technology, Aubrey's wife, his steadfast companion of 44 years, assumes the role of a meticulous caretaker. With a deep well of experience and unwavering dedication, she navigates the intricacies of preparing the machine for operation. The room transforms into a makeshift medical sanctuary, a space where the delicate balance between science and human connection unfolds. As the needles, two 16-gauge lifelines, pierce Aubrey's arm, there is a tangible connection between the mechanical rhythm of the machine and the pulse of his life. It's a partnership, a symbiotic relationship between man and technology, choreographe
Read more

Why African American Kidney patients fail to get Transplants.

Image
 The issue of black kidney patients being kept off the kidney transplant list is a critical concern within the healthcare system. It highlights disparities and systemic challenges that disproportionately affect minority communities, particularly African Americans.  Kidney transplantation is considered the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), providing patients with improved quality of life and increased survival rates compared to other treatment options such as dialysis. However, access to kidney transplantation is not equal for all patients, and African Americans face significant barriers in receiving this life-saving procedure. One of the primary reasons for the disparity is the shortage of available organs for transplantation. The demand for kidneys far outweighs the supply, leading to long waiting lists and strict criteria for inclusion. Factors such as blood type compatibility, tissue matching, and time spent on the waiting list all play a role in determining elig
Read more