Healthy Living
Kidney Failure Victim Wants to Share Life Saving Secrets ... Before It's Too Late
Apr 6, 2007 - 7:06:40 PM

Sheila Shaw, CEO of Patient's Pride, Inc., kidney recipient and former peritoneal dialysis patient (on motorcycle) finds life in spite of living with several chronic illnesses. (PRNewsFoto/Patient's Pride, Inc.) MONTEREY, CA UNITED STATES 04/04/2007

Sheila Shaw wonders why most patients diagnosed with kidney failure don't take control of their health issues. "I lost my kidney function at 22 years old and was told that I wasn't going to make it through the night. That was 20 years ago."

As the CEO of Patient's Pride, Inc., a kidney transplant recipient, and a former peritoneal dialysis patient, Shaw states that you can reach forward and live the life that you deserve despite living with kidney failure or any other chronic illness.

"I was determined to make it through, and I'm shocked to find that most patients succumb to their diagnoses. It's like they just give up," says Shaw. Shaw created her company specializing in catheter support systems on the advice of her doctor who requested that she make her PD Security Bands(TM) available to his other patients, to prevent their catheters from accidentally being pulled out of their bodies.

"Become a pro-active member of your medical team," Shaw advises. She is always amazed at how many patients do not know their doctors' and nurses' names.

"So many patients are so intimidated by their medical team that they're too afraid to speak up when they are feeling serious side effects and discomfort from their medications."

Carry a Medical Alert Card on you at all times, so medical professionals can access your medical and emergency contact information should you be in a crisis situation and cannot speak for yourself, Shaw says.

"I was disappointed when I discovered that approximately 80% of the patients I've talked with who have diabetes, high blood pressure, and other serious health issues, do not have any type of medical alert card, nor do their caregivers. This is suicide," says Shaw.