Bob Littlefield, of Dallas, Texas, worked hard all of his life managing chemical engineering projects all over the world.  He provided a good life for his wife and three sons. He had no major health problems and traveled frequently. However, one year ago he went to the doctor for a routine blood test and was told his creatinine was 1.4. Creatinine? This word is Greek to many of those who first learn they have reduced kidney function.

Creatinine – A substance found in the blood, urine and muscle tissue. It is measured in blood and urine tests to determine the level of kidney function.

His primary physician referred him to a nephrologist, a.k.a. kidney doctor. At this stage in his life, he was concerned more with controlling his blood pressure and cholesterol than worrying about his kidneys. The nephrologist performed urine tests and the results were not encouraging. A sonogram and MRI did not reveal any cysts or tumors. He had been watching his blood pressure for the past 12 years and taking medications to control it, and the arteries going to his kidneys were not shrinking or enlarging. Bob needed answers.

His doctor did not tell him anything about kidney disease, what would happen or what he could do to control it. Bob Littlefield decided to take an active role in his healthcare. He went to the library and started researching kidney disease. He went so far as to visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) headquarters in Dallas. There he was told about AAKP and given a copy of aakpRENALIFE, AAKP’s magazine dedicated to those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). CMS answered many of his government and insurance related questions. However, there were still many questions that remained unanswered.

Bob called AAKP for more information. He says, “I was flooded with useful information.” In reading the materials provided by AAKP, he learned the importance of controlling his blood pressure and why it is important to keep it down. He now contributes maintaining his blood pressure to sustaining his health. “It is important to learn as much as you can early on, so you can curb the disease before it reaches the need for dialysis,” Bob explains. He said, “My doctor would answer questions if I had them, but he wouldn’t offer additional information.” That is why it is so important for people to become proactive about their care and look for additional resources. He continues, “I didn’t find half as much in the library as AAKP provided.”

Another important step Bob took was to attend educational programs about kidney disease. Bob and his wife, Jeannette, traveled over 150 miles to Shreveport, Louisiana to attend AAKP’s “Kidney Care: Finding Your Strength” CKD educational program. Kristy Kuna, Special Projects Coordinator for AAKP, reminisces about her first meeting with Bob and his wife, “When Bob and Jeannette arrived at the Finding Your Strength program they were beaming with huge smiles. You would never have guessed that they just traveled over three hours in order to educate themselves about kidney disease. Bob’s enthusiasm was contagious as he listened intently and asked great questions.”

Bob decided he was not going to let kidney disease control his life. He was going to learn as much as he could about kidney disease, so he could live a long, happy and productive life. His next step was to attend the AAKP Annual Convention in New Orleans this past August. “It (Convention) was really wonderful, we enjoyed every minute of it,” said Bob. Since the couple registered in early May, they received their first choice for the Lunch with the Experts and thoroughly enjoyed the one on one interaction with the speakers. “We had the best time, the doctors were really friendly and we enjoyed a few good laughs,” Bob reveals. “Everyone was so friendly. We were able to share ideas and stories together.” During the Convention, Bob and his wife celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. His wife Jeannette is a major reason why he is committed to educating himself about kidney disease.

When asked if they learned anything new at Convention, he replied, “We learned many ways to slow the progression of kidney disease.” In between each of the educational sessions, Bob would tell the AAKP staff how he was learning a lot of new and important information. “It is so important to learn, because what a person does not know, is frightening.” He was thirsty for knowledge and seemed to be well quenched by the end of the weekend. In addition to blood pressure and diet control, an exercise program was recommended. “Jeannette and I started walking for about an hour six days each week. We agree this had done wonders regarding how I feel physically and we have found it very enjoyable.”

A family friend of the Littlefields who was on hemodialysis, passed away shortly before Bob received his diagnosis. When Bob first learned that his kidney function was impaired, he thought, “I may have to go on dialysis.” Since he did not know much about it, he initially associated kidney disease with death. “In the beginning I lost a lot of weight, probably due to anxiety. I am healthier both physically and emotionally since I have learned what to expect and what to do.” Bob tells others who just learned that they have CKD, “There are many other people in the same boat. By learning you receive peace and calm.”

Bob Littlefield is the perfect example of a chronic kidney disease patient who has not been overcome be the shock of learning he has reduced kidney function. Diagnosis with CKD was truly a springboard for Bob to take charge of his overall health and lead an even more active life than before.

Bob Littlefield is a member of the American Association of Kidney Patients and resides with wife Jeannette in Richardson, Texas.

Lindsay C. Smith is the AAKP Communications Coordinator.

This article originally appeared in the December 2003 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 4.

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