Vaccinated and Victorious: A Kidney Disease and COVID-19 Experience
From high blood pressure to infections, to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD), Jody Blatman has spent much of his life trying to stay ahead of his health concerns. But it was none of the above that gave him the biggest scare of his life.
When COVID-19 first started spreading, hospitals saw a rise in cases and in complications related to kidney disease. The threat of infection was alarming, especially for those with CKD or ESRD. Although he’d been extremely cautious, Jody suspected he’d been exposed to the virus and decided to get tested. The result came back positive—Jody had COVID-19.
“I was being so careful,” Jody says. “It was very frustrating when I tested positive.”
When COVID-19 first started spreading, hospitals saw a rise in cases and in complications related to kidney disease. The threat of infection was alarming, especially for those with CKD or ESRD. Although he’d been extremely cautious, Jody suspected he’d been exposed to the virus and decided to get tested. The result came back positive—Jody had COVID-19.
“I was being so careful,” Jody says. “It was very frustrating when I tested positive.”
A Close Call—Sidelined by COVID-19
Jody developed a high fever and other flu-like symptoms which got worse as the days passed. He was hospitalized close to home, then transferred to a medical center in Boston. What happened over the next few weeks is hard for him to recall, because he wasn’t awake for most of it. A tube was placed in his throat to help him breathe and he was kept in an induced coma to help his body heal. Dialysis was administered using machines designed for the intensive care unit.
“I was inches away from dying, but I turned a corner,” Jody remembers. “It feels great to be alive.”
Though there was much to celebrate, Jody still had hurdles to clear before he felt like himself again. He spent weeks in physical rehabilitation, getting his legs strong enough to walk. He was also still COVID-19 positive, which meant a big change to his dialysis care.
“Fresenius Kidney Care arranged for transportation to and from a center that was just for people with COVID-19,” explains Jody. “Everyone there was very welcoming. I was so impressed with the way they took care of us, and I go back to that experience as what really made life easier with COVID.
“I was inches away from dying, but I turned a corner,” Jody remembers. “It feels great to be alive.”
Though there was much to celebrate, Jody still had hurdles to clear before he felt like himself again. He spent weeks in physical rehabilitation, getting his legs strong enough to walk. He was also still COVID-19 positive, which meant a big change to his dialysis care.
“Fresenius Kidney Care arranged for transportation to and from a center that was just for people with COVID-19,” explains Jody. “Everyone there was very welcoming. I was so impressed with the way they took care of us, and I go back to that experience as what really made life easier with COVID.
Taking Control, Getting Vaccinated
Throughout his years living with ESRD, Jody has taken pride in being a cooperative and thoughtful patient. He does all he can to learn about his health, sticks to a kidney-friendly diet, and keeps track of his labs and progress using Fresenius Kidney Care’s health management tool PatientHub.
“I use PatientHub religiously,” he says. “I like to be fully aware and in control of my health.”
After his frightening experience, part of “being in control” meant finding ways to lower his risk of getting COVID-19 again. Knowing that a COVID-19 infection can cause serious health problems for people with ESRD, he was relieved to schedule his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Jody knew that in addition to being cautious about potential exposure, the vaccine is the best protection from the virus.
“If you’re on dialysis, science is keeping you alive,” says Jody. “Science can also keep you from getting COVID-19. I believe in the vaccine because I believe in the science.”
Jody got his first dose of the mRNA vaccine as soon as he was eligible, and his second a few weeks after that. He received a booster dose several months later, and was impressed that COVID-19 vaccinations were readily available at his dialysis center. Jody says being vaccinated makes him feel more at ease, but he still isn’t ready to go out to restaurants or be around groups of people, with one exception—his “family” at Fresenius Kidney Care.
“I use PatientHub religiously,” he says. “I like to be fully aware and in control of my health.”
After his frightening experience, part of “being in control” meant finding ways to lower his risk of getting COVID-19 again. Knowing that a COVID-19 infection can cause serious health problems for people with ESRD, he was relieved to schedule his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Jody knew that in addition to being cautious about potential exposure, the vaccine is the best protection from the virus.
“If you’re on dialysis, science is keeping you alive,” says Jody. “Science can also keep you from getting COVID-19. I believe in the vaccine because I believe in the science.”
Jody got his first dose of the mRNA vaccine as soon as he was eligible, and his second a few weeks after that. He received a booster dose several months later, and was impressed that COVID-19 vaccinations were readily available at his dialysis center. Jody says being vaccinated makes him feel more at ease, but he still isn’t ready to go out to restaurants or be around groups of people, with one exception—his “family” at Fresenius Kidney Care.
A Triumphant Return to Normal
Once he was cleared to return to his center—Fresenius Kidney Care Merrimack Valley in Methuen, Massachusetts—Jody was welcomed back with open arms and a celebration in his honor.
“When he came back to the center after his long stint with COVID, we played the theme song from the movie Rocky for him,” says Diane Theriault, a Fresenius Kidney Care licensed social worker. “We also made a poster and gave him an Olympic-type medal that read ‘I survived COVID-19.’”
Jody says he was happy to be back—to a place that, after 8 years of treatments, care, and friendships, feels like home.
“I have great relationships with them,” Jody says. “I love everyone there, and I give a lot of credit to the staff. Especially during COVID-19, they have been through a lot.”
Now that he’s feeling better and is fully up to date on vaccinations, Jody also looks forward to traveling more and dining out with friends (provided it’s safe), and spending more time with his two adult sons. But his primary focus is on staying well—and COVID-free.
“After I had to go on disability, my doctor told me that staying healthy was my new job,” Jody recalls. “I almost died from COVID, and I wanted to be protected. That’s why I’m taking care of myself and why I’m fully vaccinated and boosted.”
If you’re not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 or have questions about coronavirus or the vaccine, talk to your care team or doctor. Vaccines and boosters are available in-center, and your care team can help you get vaccinated at your next appointment. To learn more, visit our Coronavirus and Your Health page.
“When he came back to the center after his long stint with COVID, we played the theme song from the movie Rocky for him,” says Diane Theriault, a Fresenius Kidney Care licensed social worker. “We also made a poster and gave him an Olympic-type medal that read ‘I survived COVID-19.’”
Jody says he was happy to be back—to a place that, after 8 years of treatments, care, and friendships, feels like home.
“I have great relationships with them,” Jody says. “I love everyone there, and I give a lot of credit to the staff. Especially during COVID-19, they have been through a lot.”
Now that he’s feeling better and is fully up to date on vaccinations, Jody also looks forward to traveling more and dining out with friends (provided it’s safe), and spending more time with his two adult sons. But his primary focus is on staying well—and COVID-free.
“After I had to go on disability, my doctor told me that staying healthy was my new job,” Jody recalls. “I almost died from COVID, and I wanted to be protected. That’s why I’m taking care of myself and why I’m fully vaccinated and boosted.”
If you’re not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 or have questions about coronavirus or the vaccine, talk to your care team or doctor. Vaccines and boosters are available in-center, and your care team can help you get vaccinated at your next appointment. To learn more, visit our Coronavirus and Your Health page.
