My name is Marco Antonio Santana and I was born in Paterson, New Jersey. My large family spent only the first few years of my life there before moving to Massachusetts, where we have lived ever since. My childhood was very normal and included all the typical bumps and bruises associated with having four siblings. Continue reading “Dialysis from the Inside (Part 1)”
Author Archives: Anthony E Reed
The First Stick
Uhhhmm is that harpoon going in my arm? After the infection I learned my lesson to be carful with the catheter. Don’t get it wet and let the nurses know if you even suspected that it was damp. Most importantly, I could not wait until my fistula was mature enough to be used. Some changesContinue reading “The First Stick”
Dear Pathology
Dear Pathology I want to say thank you for all that you have done and the great work that you do each and every day. It was 2013 when I first had the opportunity to meet you. No, it was not in person but I was extremely sick and went to the ER. One ofContinue reading “Dear Pathology”
But I just went fishing…….
I got a whale of a tale to tell you now a whale of a tale or two…… Being on dialysis took a lot out of me and somedays I just wanted to relax and for some there is fewer ways to relax than to go fishing. Personally I am not a big fan ofContinue reading “But I just went fishing…….”
Patient Care First
The aroma of the clinic was not one that was familiar to me. It was odd, and was the first thing I noticed upon entering the treatment floor to tour the clinic after my interview. The patients were consistent throughout the clinic; eyes closed, bodies covered with thick blankets. I proceeded into the reuse andContinue reading “Patient Care First”
Kidney Friendly Sloppy Joe’s
When I was in elementary school we were served “sloppy joe” sandwiches. They were just that…sloppy. They were also salty. As a kid, I didn’t even pay attention to the nutrient content of foods, but now I do. There is a food product in stores that some folks use to make sloppy joe type meals,Continue reading “Kidney Friendly Sloppy Joe’s”
Trying to Get Back to My Life
Many times when diagnosed with something such as Kidney Disease it seems that your life stops. There comes a time that you need to get back to life or you will lose the life that you have. Anthony E Reed There is a song that says “there goes my life.” This song summed up howContinue reading “Trying to Get Back to My Life”
My Why…..
Being a nurse is not for everyone, we often spend more time with our patients and their families than we spend with our own. We miss holidays, birthdays and anniversaries because we are taking care of our patients and THEIR families. We work long hours. We work hours during the day, hours during the nightContinue reading “My Why…..”
Singing on the Kidney Trail
There is an ancient story that says two men were in prison and though they were not in the most desirable place, instead of getting down in the dumps they started to sing. Soon after they started singing their feet were loosed in the stocks and not long after that they were released from theContinue reading “Singing on the Kidney Trail”
Sign Me Up for a Kidney Transplant
Not long after being deemed officially ESRD, I started to consider what would be the best option for me and the answer came to me a kidney transplant. The reason I felt this was the best option was my age. I just could not see myself all through my 20s and beyond in the dialysisContinue reading “Sign Me Up for a Kidney Transplant”
