Qsource ESRD Podcasts

In this episode, Dawn Bates, a long-term care partner for her husband Jimmie, joins host Eleanor Nelson to discuss the realities of caregiving for someone with kidney failure. Dawn shares her journey, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges, the importance of care partners being recognized by healthcare teams, and the need for self-care and support. She offers advice on managing medical logistics, traveling, and advocating for both patient and partner. Dawn also reflects on their advocacy work, the power of community, and encourages new care partners to find balance and embrace their vital role.

In this episode, advocate Dawn Bates discusses her 16-year journey as a care partner for her husband Jimmie, who lives with kidney disease. Dawn shares the challenges and rewards of supporting Jimmie through in-center and home dialysis, transplants, and life on the road in an RV. She highlights the evolving role and recognition of care partners, the importance of education and support, and the value of community connections. Dawn also opens up about setting boundaries, self-care, and the emotional realities of caregiving, offering hope and practical advice to others in similar roles.

In this episode, Celia Chretien, with over 30 years in kidney care, discusses the vital role of dialysis technicians, the unique patient relationships in dialysis, and the field’s technical demands and job security. She highlights the importance of mental health support, the involvement of care partners, and maintaining professional boundaries. Celia also offers career advice for those interested in nephrology, emphasizing the rewarding nature and advancement opportunities in dialysis care. The episode is dedicated to technicians and caregivers, celebrating their essential contributions to patient well-being and the success of dialysis programs.

In this episode, Celia Chretien shares her journey from aspiring medical student in India to a distinguished nephrology nurse in the U.S. She discusses how family expectations, financial challenges, and her husband’s illness shaped her career path. Celia reflects on the influence of her cultural background, the importance of mentorship, and her commitment to patient education and staff empowerment, highlighting how her experiences in dialysis profoundly impacted her professional growth and dedication to patient-centered care. She dedicates this podcast to dialysis technicians everywhere, because their knowledge and care for dialysis patients is something that she admires, and she could not have done her job without them.

In the final episode of this series, Candee Denzmore shares her journey after losing her husband and living with kidney disease. She discusses her advocacy work, the importance of family, and her positive outlook despite challenges. Candee reflects on her volunteer efforts, future goals, and the value of living fully each day. Through personal stories and advice, she inspires listeners with her resilience, hope, and commitment to making a difference in the kidney disease community and beyond.

In this episode, Candee Denzmore shares her challenging journey to a kidney transplant, detailing struggles with weight loss, dialysis, and complications from gastric surgeries. She explains her husband’s decision not to pursue a transplant and highlights the impact of being highly sensitized from blood transfusions. Candee discusses financial hurdles, post-transplant complications, and ongoing anxiety, ultimately expressing gratitude for her care team, family support, and the renewed freedom her transplant has given her.

In part two of this four-part series, Candee Denzmore shares her and her husband’s journey with kidney disease, focusing on how they built a resilient support system for their family. Candee discusses open communication with their children, the transition to caregiving after her husband's stroke, and the emotional and practical challenges they faced. The episode highlights the importance of preparation, teamwork, and maintaining normalcy, while also addressing the impact of chronic illness on mental health and family dynamics. Candee’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the power of a strong support network.

In this first episode of a four-part series, Candee Denzmore shares her and her husband’s journey with kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant. Diagnosed years apart, both navigated complex treatments and family life while raising three children. Candee discusses the challenges of managing care, advocating for home dialysis, and the importance of self-education and communication with healthcare teams. She highlights the vital role of family support, the evolution of kidney care, and the need for patient advocacy, setting the stage for deeper exploration in future episodes.