Ms. Sturgis started on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) last September and after her first anniversary on dialysis, she’s feeling great! Home Dialysis social worker, Suzanne Rogers says, "Diane is a real example of what Rehab is all about. She’s someone who doesn’t give up and really makes an effort to make others the center of her life—not dialysis."
When we think of the "E’s" of rehab: Encouragement, Exercise, Education and Employment, patients and staff have a lot to learn from Ms. Sturgis.
Earlier this year, Diane returned to full time work at a job she loves as a secretary for the United Way. She’s proud of the history of helping others that the United Way is known for. As a twenty-three year employee her service to the organization fits with her own philosophy of assisting others.
A member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Diane has found her faith to be a great inspiration as she navigates the ups and downs of dialysis. She recently returned from a church sponsored outing to Niagara Falls and was pleased to discover that travel is a breeze on PD. She’s so excited, she’s now planning a trip with nine year old son, Anthony "A.C." Charles to Disney World.
In addition to full time work, church activities, and family life, Diane uses her "spare time" to go to school. A computer science major at Davenport College (formerly Detroit College of Business), Diane took two classes the semester she started on dialysis. Adjusting to dialysis wasn’t always easy for the bright 44 year old mom, but she did manage to complete her semester and is signed up for three classes this fall!
Getting used to dialysis wasn’t all smooth sailing. At the end of 2000, Diane was having problems with low blood pressure. "I had no appetite" she says. "I’d take a few bites of something and feel full." This led to light-headedness and dizzy spells. Diane was hospitalized three times in as many months. But perseverance is her middle name. "I’m here and I’m making the best of it!" says Sturgis.
Making the best of it means accepting help and support from family and friends. That’s where "encouragement" comes in. "The staff was also a big help. Everyone here at the clinic is very supportive." Diane notes that the special cards and get well wishes she received from co-workers and friends helped her recovery. But she makes it clear that her biggest inspiration is her son, A.C. At nine years old he may be headed for med school as he already encourages mom to follow proper dialysis procedures and warns against the risks of peritonitis.
Diane’s rehab program wouldn’t be complete without exercise. She walks for twenty minutes most days and looks forward to getting her bike out during the summer months.
While Diane acknowledges the bumps in the road she’s experienced while on PD, she says she enjoys the flexibility of doing her dialysis on her own schedule. "I didn’t want a set schedule where I had to come to the clinic every other day. I like the convenience of PD."
Even a healthy person can get tired looking at all the roles Diane juggles: mom, secretary, student, church member, sister, and friend. Diane’s message to fellow patients is "Don’t give up. It does get better." We have a feeling the best is yet to come for this active lady who inspires us with her smile and determination!
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