Kerry, a Mornington Peninsula resident, faced a challenging battle with kidney problems for 16 years. Her journey took a significant turn in 2018 when her kidneys began to fail, leading her to become a dialysis patient at Rosebud Hospital.
The kidneys – two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist – perform complex and vital functions in our bodies, helping to remove waste and excess fluids and minerals.
Without normally functioning kidneys, patients undergo dialysis treatment, a process which filters the blood of a person, cleaning it of waste and excess fluids.
Kerry shares her experience of being a dialysis patient at Rosebud Hospital, a journey that spanned over five-hour sessions, three times a week, for more than four years.
“I was so tired I could hardly move and as soon as I started dialysis, I started to feel better.”
“What kept me going through dialysis was the great care that I used to receive at the hospital. The nurses were fantastic. They treat you like part of the family,” explains Kerry.
“The other people that are on dialysis were lovely people as well. Everybody got along; it was just a really good atmosphere to be in.”
“If you have to go through it, I would go to Rosebud Hospital,” says Kerry, leaning on the importance of the supportive environment during her medical journey.
Kerry wishes to thank the staff at Rosebud Hospital.
“I would like to thank the staff at Rosebud Hospital for looking after me so well, and I’d just like to thank them because without them, it would have been a horrible experience,” she says.
Kerry has since undergone a successful kidney transplant, meaning she no longer requires dialysis.
Recognising this significant achievement, the Rosebud Hospital dialysis team gifted Kerry a ‘No more dialysis!’ gift box, which includes items dialysis patients are restricted on having, including bananas and chocolates.
Kerry’s story is a testament to the impact of compassionate care provided by our Rosebud Hospital team. You can support us in delivering world-class care by taking part in The FEB 50 Challenge or donating to Rosebud Hospital today.