Experience from both sides: A PD nurse as a PD patient

During a recent trip to Hungary I was happy to meet Bátor Bálintné (“Gizike”), a pleasant 36-year-old nurse at a dialysis unit in Győr, a city 80 miles outside of Budapest. She was introduced to me as the peritoneal dialysis nurse. I never imagined that I was also talking to a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Gizike started her nursing career in a hospital trauma center. Following this, she worked as a public health nurse until she developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and required dialysis. She had chronic renal failure due to chronic pyelonephritis that had started at age 9; it advanced to ESRD in 2004. She had accepted her chronic kidney disease and was prepared psychologically when she was told that she had to start dialysis. She describes the initiation of dialysis as a turning point in her life and thinks that her decision to go on dialysis was made easier because she had already accepted her chronic illness. Gizike had a choice of either CAPD or hemodialysis (HD). She chose CAPD, primarily because of the freedom and independence it promised her. After initiating peritoneal dialysis (PD), and considering her nursing background and devotion to the PD modality, her unit's administration thought she would make an ideal PD nurse, an invitation she happily accepted. The patients accepted her fully knowing that, as a patient on CAPD herself, she fully understood the trying nature of living with ESRD and undergoing dialysis. When teaching patients, especially new ones, she relies on her first-hand experience to give them advice about how to accept their condition and the new treatment. She talks to them about the various aspects of HD and PD and, on at least two occasions, was able to convince HD patients to switch to CAPD. She was introduced to me as the peritoneal dialysis nurse. I never imagined that I was also talking to a patient undergoing CAPD. As both a dialysis nurse and patient, she is in an excellent position to help other patients faced with the trauma of starting dialysis. She believes it is easier for her to be compassionate with patients because she shares their circumstances. She approaches them not only as a nurse but also as a fellow patient, and sees herself as a companion on their life's journey while giving them spiritual support. She often holds their hands while she comforts them, especially because she knows what is going on inside them, and helps them to bear their burdens. I asked her what advice she gives other CAPD patients. She tells them “not to give up and to follow their medical instructions. With CAPD [you] can live a pleasant and productive life.” I left Hungary most impressed and inspired by the grace and enthusiasm of this young lady. I thank Gizike for being who she is and wish her the best in her life's journey. The author is a nephrologist with Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. He is also a member of D&T's Editorial Advisory Board. Do you have a memorable patient experience you'd like to share? D&T wants to hear from you! E-mail the editor at skuehne@wiley.com.

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