"Dialysis support and understanding"

I have been attending haemo dialysis for 5 months. However I had started to retain fluid on my chest and was finding it difficult to breathe. This meant I required more fluid taken off via the dialysis machine. However I know that can make people feel unwell and in rare occasions cause a quick drop in blood pressure and patients become unconscious.

Having anxiety around this, I was reluctant. However the Nurse Tanya on my renal unit had known me for a few months and approached the subject the best way for me. Giving me lots of information and still allowing me to feel some level of control. She explained different settings in the machine and that they would check my blood pressure every 30mins. This gave me reassurance. I wasn't dictated to, I was given a patient-centred approach. This didn't go unnoticed. Had Tanya's approach been different I wouldn't have co-operate through fear.

Through getting to know me, Tanya had gained an understanding of me and what would work going forward in getting the best out of my care. After my dialysis I could feel a relief in my breathing and felt I could trust the process. The following dialysis session I allowed the same level of fluid to be taken off to further help the fluid build up.

I am very happy and glad of the care and support I received from Tanya. She is a nurse who is very in tune with her patients. Be more Tanya!