By J. Michael Lazarus, MD

Modern dialysis methods are giving patients with kidney failure a better chance than ever to live long, healthy lives. But long-term dialysis treatment requires patients make changes in their lifestyle and take a more disciplined, active approach to their health care. To acknowledge and honor patients who have dedicated themselves to their treatment for 25 years or more, Fresenius Medical Care North America and the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) created the Quarter Century Patient Recognition Program.

As a nephrologist who has treated hundreds of dialysis patients over the last 40 years, I am well aware of the challenges associated with dialysis treatment, and its impact on patients’ lives. I have also learned a great deal from patients about the human factors that are critical to long-term success in dialysis treatment, and their insights and perspective have been invaluable in my practice.

A Healthy Outlook Goes a Long Way
In order to create a sustained and successful dialysis treatment plan, patients first need to try to maintain a positive attitude and embrace their new lifestyle. This primarily means they follow the advice of their health care team, adhere to their treatment program and stay in good overall health. But these seemingly straightforward steps can be difficult, as patients have to balance a new way of life with family and other priorities. By the same token, having a strong and supportive network of family and friends can be a great motivator.

Altermease Lewis of Gainesville, Fla., has been on dialysis for 29 years, and has three children, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She credits strict adherence to her treatment plan for her continued success. “Take your meds, eat properly and don’t miss treatments,” she advises.

Most quarter-century patients say the success of their treatment is due to healthy diets, being compliant and maintaining an active lifestyle. Likewise, when patients take the time to understand their diagnosis, they are more likely to remain on track with their treatment program. In fact, many of the successful long-term dialysis patients I encounter are independent and self-reliant people, who want to live as normal a life as possible.

There is no fixed formula for long-term success with dialysis, but patients have the most success when they maintain an optimistic outlook, are active participants in their health care and follow the advice of their doctor.

As a physician, I want to prescribe a dialysis treatment plan that is both effective and efficient, and the patient plays an important role in designing this plan. Patients often have choices about when and where they will receive treatment, and creating a realistic plan is critical to their success. Treatment plans may depend on what is available in a patient’s area, but can include in-center daytime and nighttime hemodialysis. Patients can also dialyze in the comfort of their own home to have a more flexible schedule, with options including home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. I encourage patients to work with their health care team to find a treatment available in their area that works best for their lifestyle.

Fresenius Medical Care is dedicated to giving the best possible care and treatment to all dialysis patients. AAKP is dedicated to giving patients the best possible information to make informed decisions about their health care. Together, through the Quarter Century Patient Program, we honor patients who have gone the distance, committed to their dialysis treatment plans and are living long and rewarding lives.

Patients can visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com to find facility locations and available treatment options near them.

J. Michael Lazarus, MD, is Chief Medical Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of Fresenius Medical Care North America.

AAKP & Fresenius Medical Care Salutes the Quarter Century Winners

Bobbie Ayers
Lenoir, NC
28 Years on Dialysis

Lee Beck
Grenada, MS
30 Years on Dialysis

Patrice Blasdell
Limerick, PA
25 Years on Dialysis

Wealthy Brown
Miami, FL
25 Years on Dialysis

Deborah Caldwell
Pittsburg, PA
35 Years on Dialysis

Tony Casarez
McKinney, TX
35 Years on Dialysis

Adolph Christensen
Live Oak, TX
27 Years on Dialysis

Rose Coleman
Chicago, IL
25 Years on Dialysis

David Davis
Smyrna, DE
28 Years on Dialysis

Janiesa Dawkins
Irvington, NJ
25 Years on Dialysis

Charles Evans
Newton, MS
30 Years on Dialysis

Clarice Fenton
Boston, MA
28 Years on Dialysis

Duane Fort
Pontiac, IL
30 Years on Dialysis

Cynthia Garcia
Seguin, TX
27 Years on Dialysis

Charles Gray
Southampton, VA
26 Years on Dialysis

Michelle Gorny
Bethel Park, PA
25 Years on Dialysis

Franklyn Hall
Salem, NJ
25 Years on Dialysis

Winona Harrison
Denver, CO
30 Years on Dialysis

Wanda Haynes
Union, NJ
28 Years on Dialysis

Ronald Howell
Norfolk, VA
31 Years on Dialysis

Kevin Jones
Dallas, TX
28 Years on Dialysis

Sylvia Killough
Amarillo, TX
30 Years on Dialysis

Martin Luther King
Savannah, GA
25 Years on Dialysis

Jean Landers
Blue Springs, MO
26 Years on Dialysis

Rufus Lassiter
Roanoke, NC
25 Years on Dialysis

Anthony Lewandowski III
New Castle, DE
25 Years on Dialysis

Altermease Lewis
Gainesville, FL
29 Years on Dialysis

David McCulla
Rolling Meadows, IL
31 Years on Dialysis

Alexandra Martin
Dover, DE
26 Years on Dialysis

Juan Martinez
Medina, OH
28 Years on Dialysis

Richard Martinez
Dallas, TX
28 Years on Dialysis

Kitty Neal
Columbia, SC
32 Years on Dialysis

Tommy Parker
Welch, WV
28 Years on Dialysis

Patricia Patee
Wichita, KS
34 Years on Dialysis

Charles Price
Birmingham, LA
32 Years on Dialysis

Michael Quang
Denver, CO
25 Years on Dialysis

Edna Rice
Meridian, MS
25 Years on Dialysis

Ethel Rodgers
Europa, MS
34 Years on Dialysis

Estanislao Rodriguez
Chicago, IL
25 Years on Dialysis

Russell Silvera
Irvington, NJ
26 Years on Dialysis

David Stapel
Haltom City, TX
25 Years on Dialysis

Eddie Taylor
Norfolk, VA
25 Years on Dialysis

Tracy Warren
Amarillo, TX
29 Years on Dialysis

David Weatherford
Nashville, TN
26 Years on Dialysis

Michelle Williams
Fort Valley, GA
26 Years on Dialysis 

This article originally appeared in the March 2009 issue of aakpRENALIFE.

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