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So busy, in fact, that Nelson admits he almost left out one crucial detail that has become part of his weekly routine. Since losing both kidneys to tumors, he has to undergo dialysis and uses a portable home hemodialysis machine by NxStage from Fresenius Medical Care, to filter his blood. “Dialysis has changed my life, for sure, but not my outlook on life and my ability to stay mobile. I wouldn’t even know I was ill if I didn’t have to take a pause, sit down and do dialysis several times a week,” he says.
It is this message of optimism and empowerment that Nelson wants to spread far and wide to encourage and motivate other dialysis patients to research their best treatment options, so they can stay as independent and active as possible. “Some people feel like their life is over when they start dialysis, but not me!” he says. “I’ve found that it’s really just a matter of making a mental adjustment to be able to keep on living your life and stay mobile. That’s a blessing.”
“I told the nurse to watch and only to step in if I messed up. I’m a take-charge kind of guy, so if somebody has to stick needles in me, I might as well do it myself.” Shortly after starting the new treatment, Nelson was able to plan his dialysis treatment schedule by himself. “It gives me a lot of flexibility. I usually choose to do treatment in the afternoon or early evening after work. That means I don’t have to dress up and leave the house.”
When Nelson is on the road, he sometimes has the supplies shipped to the hotel where he is staying and just brings the machine with him. “It makes me feel like I’m in charge of things and gives me back some precious time with my family.” Like spending Thanksgiving with his brother who lives six hours away in Illinois.