More than 50 years ago, Betty T. Rinaldi had one of her kidneys removed. Up until around age 55, she lived a normal life by most people’s standards. However, for the last 10 to 15 years, Betty noticed a decline in her health. “I knew my remaining kidney was beginning to deteriorate. I tried to watch my diet since the removal of my kidney, but I knew it was inevitable that I would one day experience decreased function,” said Betty.

Some people in Betty’s situation may look at the past and say they were only waiting for the expected. Betty most certainly took a different approach. “I looked at my health situation 10 years ago and said I needed to learn as much as possible about kidney disease. I wanted to be prepared,” said Betty. In order to do so, she read as much as possible on the topic of kidney disease, changed doctors, modified her diet and developed an exercise plan.

“Technology changed so much since I began researching this disease. Today, the amount of information available is overwhelming, but I still do my best to take it all in. Now, don’t get me wrong, my doctor helped a great deal. I like to think my doctor gave me the direction and I just followed through,” said Betty.

Betty’s choice of doctors is definitely something she takes seriously. At one time, Betty felt she was not receiving the best care possible and wanted to make a change. “I went to my doctor and explained I was not feeling well. I knew, I just knew something was not right. I questioned my doctor and wanted more answers. I decided to change doctors and that was the best thing I could have ever done. After seeing my new doctor, I was diagnosed with anemia, which is common with kidney disease. Finally, I had found a doctor that listened to me. If someone feels they are not getting the best care from their doctor, they need to get another one,” states Betty.

Having one of her kidneys removed at a young age, Betty knew she had to adjust her lifestyle. She changed her diet by trying to eat low-sodium foods and not drink too much iced tea or coffee. “Sometimes I just didn’t feel right. I knew something was wrong, but I cannot explain how it felt. When I had these feelings, I would just drink water and only water,” said Betty.

Exercise is also an important part of Betty’s health. It is not uncommon to find her walking the local mall two to three times a week. She enjoys exercising and looks forward to it. “People say, ‘If am going to exercise. I have to go to a gym.’ Well, you can go to the mall or even a big store. I try to walk regularly and I enjoy it,” laughs Betty.

Betty is strong mentally, physically and emotionally. Growing up, her father would always remind her that she was independent. “I grew up in a large family. However, I never wanted help with anything. I knew I could do things myself,” laughs Betty.

It is Betty’s proactive attitude that keeps her on such a positive track. A great example of her positive, take-charge attitude is her healthcare binder. “I keep a binder with me at all times to monitor my healthcare. Anytime I think of a question for my doctor, I write it down to ask during my next visit. As soon as my doctors see the binder, they always laugh because they know the questions are coming,” chuckles Betty.

According to Betty, she will have to begin dialysis soon, but that does not mean her attitude toward kidney disease will change in any way. “I know it’s coming, but I am ready. I know it may be a different story when I am on dialysis, but I will be as prepared as possible,” states Betty.

Betty continues to be an active member in her healthcare as well as in her community. She enjoys arts and crafts, reading and, most importantly, teaching. In addition, the school Betty works at said they would be more than happy to accommodate her with scheduled dialysis appointments.

“I still want to teach and enjoy life. I am not a sit-at-home person. I want to stay active,” exclaims Betty.

Betty, a resident of Valrico, Fla., is certainly a positive and exemplary model – not only to those she teaches, but also to those facing kidney disease.

This article originally appeared in the December 2004 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 4.

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