TS Radio Network: Arlene Mullin Dialysis Advocacy

My name is Patti Martin

I am caregiver to my Aunt Edna Mosley of Rockingham County, NC. who is single with no children. My aunt has two sisters living: Willie Mae (mom) and my aunt Margie, who helps take care of Edna.

My aunt graduated Barber Scotia College in Concord NC. She was also helpful in restoration of African American schools and an active member of the housing authority, providing housing for low income families. She was active in many other social clubs.

Our story :

My aunt Edna retired after 34 yrs of service with local city government. A year later my aunt was diagnosed with dementia and 3yrs later went on dialysis (chronic kidney disease). My aunt was always been a caregiver to someone in our family. I believe she deserved the same care back.

A few months ago my aunts arm started bleeding around her fistula. She entered into the hospital and ended up at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital who informed us that her fistula could never be used again. The family requested dialysis be continued while in hospital. That never happened. And, we were told she would need to get a catheter to continue dialysis. We then moved her hoping to get better care. My aunt Edna was dialysed using the same fistula that Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem NC said could not ever be used again..

She was discharged from the hospital with no recommendation to go back to her ongoing local dialysis center but rather, to go home to die; so far it has been 8 days.

Which leaves us looking for ways to continue her life by seeking help to find new location or way to continue dialysis that does not involve hospice .

Surrounding areas close by Aunt Edna locate dialysis center ..

Reidsville Eden,  Martinsville Va.     Danville Va less than 30 minutes travel .

Greensboro less then 40 min        Winston Salem 50mins.