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For those new to peritoneal dialysis, or just wanting to know more about it, this blog is for you. It is also for experienced users interested in how others relate to the subject. So let’s jump in.

In the diagram above, I have depicted the patient, in this case, me, as the centroid of a team-driven support group attending to my physical, mental, and medical needs. From a dialysis viewpoint, immediately surrounding me are those I interface with most, my dialysis nurse, dietitian, social worker, and doctor. Let’s discuss their roles and interfaces in more detail.

Dialysis Nurse Cindy: Cindy is my go-to contact for anything and everything related to my treatment. If I burp and wonder what it’s all about I call Cindy. She is essentially there 24-7 to ensure I receive care of the highest possible standard. She, along with my dietitian and social worker are employees of Fresenius but give me the feeling they work for me and my best interests at all times. She pulls my labs, sees that I have adequate supplies, hears my gripes, resolves any problems, etc.

Dietitian Rachel: Rachel keeps track of my labs in concert with how my diet impacts them. She responds to any diet-related questions and/or comments I might have and strives to keep my diet as relates to dialysis AND diabetes on the straight and narrow. It is very comforting to have such a resource at hand.

Social Worker: Brayden is the social worker on my team. I don’t think people outside the dialysis world know what responsibilities the team social worker has. Read on:

A social worker on a peritoneal dialysis team from Fresenius is responsible for providing support and assistance to patients and their families who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment. Here are some of the key responsibilities of a social worker in this role:

  1. Patient Assessment: The social worker conducts initial assessments of patients and their families to evaluate their psychosocial needs, including their emotional, mental, and social well-being. This assessment helps in understanding their unique circumstances and developing appropriate interventions.
  2. Emotional Support: Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis often face emotional challenges related to their health condition, lifestyle adjustments, and the impact on their families. The social worker provides emotional support by offering counseling, active listening, and empathy to help patients cope with their feelings and improve their overall emotional well-being.
  3. Education and Counseling: The social worker educates patients and their families about peritoneal dialysis, its benefits, and potential challenges. They provide information on treatment options, dietary requirements, lifestyle modifications, and self-care techniques to ensure patients have a comprehensive understanding of their treatment and can make informed decisions.
  4. Resource Referral: Social workers help patients access community resources such as financial assistance programs, support groups, mental health services, transportation services, and other social services that can aid patients in managing their condition effectively. They assist in coordinating referrals and connecting patients with appropriate resources based on their individual needs.
  5. Care Coordination: The social worker collaborates with the healthcare team, including nurses, doctors, dietitians, and other professionals involved in the patient’s care. They help coordinate and facilitate communication between team members, ensuring that the patient’s psychosocial needs are considered in the overall treatment plan.
  6. Discharge Planning: When patients transition from the hospital to home-based peritoneal dialysis, the social worker plays a vital role in discharge planning. They work closely with patients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure a smooth transition, providing education on home care protocols, arranging necessary equipment, and addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise during this transition.
  7. Advocacy: Social workers act as advocates for patients, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard. They assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, understanding their legal rights, and resolving any issues or conflicts that may arise during treatment.

Overall, the social worker on a peritoneal dialysis team from Fresenius aims to enhance the well-being and quality of life of patients by providing holistic support and addressing their psychosocial needs throughout the peritoneal dialysis treatment journey.

Around this dialysis team core are a group of medical professionals and others that are more distant with one notable exception for me, that is my GP. I have a concierge doctor. Yes, it costs money but it’s well worth it for the on-demand care that I receive. I have a direct cell number to my GP and typically can get an appointment literally at a moment’s notice. No lines, no queues, no waiting. No problems with meds, or getting scripts filled. It just works. What does it cost you ask? About $400 a quarter out-of-pocket for me. It’s well worth it.

I’ve included a “Govt” or Government vector in the diagram above also. The government is a key player in that for me, through Medicare, they are paying for all of my dialysis expenses. I have not had to pay one dime out-of-pocket. The government is also a key player in that I receive the bulk of my medical prescriptions through my military retirement and am thus on Express Scripts.

BTW, a little over a week ago I had an appointment with a civilian doctor in Stephenville to have my hearing checked. This was arranged through the VA. A bill came in yesterday: $2,195.00 total, $1,262.75 allowed and I don’t have any new hearing aids yet.