Patient’s voice and story

Myself, C.SHANTHA KUMAR was born in Karnataka and grew up in Chennai. . I am 50yrs old. I have completed my BBA and MBA (HRM). I am married and have two daughters. My elder daughter is doing Hotel Management and the younger one is going to college. My Wife is a home maker.

I worked as a Quality Manager in a Leather Garments company named BUYING HOUSE, an Overseas company located in Chennai. In the year 2007 I felt unwell, so I consulted a doctor, who informed me that my BP was too high. Already I had BP since 2005 and I was under medication for the same. So, the doctor prescribed few tests and came to know my Haemoglobin level and Urine output was low with Protein loss and was on treatment with tablets. After two years I came to know both my Kidneys had failed and finally the doctor advised me to start Dialysis.

I didn’t know what was meant by Dialysis, so I clarified my doubts with doctor. He explained in detail about Dialysis. After getting the information, I was really shocked because, in my family nobody had this problem and I had never heard of these issues before. So, I was disappointed and didn’t know what to do. One of my friends advised me to visit Government General Hospital, Chennai with all my reports to get a second opinion. Finally, they too confirmed that my kidneys had failed and advised to start dialysis immediately because my Creatine and Urea level were too high.

I started my dialysis treatment. After six months, it became very difficult to continue my Dialysis because of the cost of the dialysis. It increased my financial burden. We were residing in a rented house and both my daughters were then studying in a private school. So, it was very difficult to afford the cost of my dialysis. One of my neighbor, informed me about the Dialysis Unit near Pachaiappas College at Poonamalle High Road, which charges an affordable rate for dialysis and asked me to inquire for my treatment. That is when I came to know about TANKER FOUNDATION and I am very thankful to God for showing me this path. I visited the TANKER dialysis Unit and met Mrs. Padma who was in charge. Since there was no vacancy in that Unit, she guided me to visit the Rotary Ambattur TANKER Dialysis Unit. Mrs. Malathi who was the in charge of that Unit collected all my reports and informed that she will call me based on availability.

After few days, I got a call from TANKER Dialysis Unit at PH road. Only then, I came out of the nightmare and felt comfort because, I was counting my days. I felt thankful to Mrs. Padma who took me into the dialysis at her Unit. From 2010, I started my dialysis at TANKER Dialysis Units and as of today I have completed 12 years. I am happier and feel very comfortable. I feel, that I am one of the members of TANKER, because of the treatment given here.

Padma Mam: In my experience, to say about Padma mam, I never felt that she is an in charge of the Unit. She treated everyone in the Unit as her own family member. I was impressed by the care she gives us, her way of approach towards each patient, even in the part of Unit operations. I felt very comfortable and protected. I am missing her a lot, not only me, but all the patients of our Unit miss her.

Mr. and Mrs. MALATHI: To say about our Trustees, Mr. Venkatesan and Mrs. Malathi Venkatesan, I am really speechless. At first, I met them at our Unit. Later, I came to know that they were also part of TANKER operations. When, I came to know that Malathi mam was also a renal transplant patient, I could not believe because she is such a positive person to talk with. Whenever, she visits us, I was happy to hear her positive words. I will never forget her until my last breath, because she helped me a lot.

Dr. GEORGI: He is the Founder Trustee of TANKER Foundation. He was a Nephrologist at Madras Medical Mission Hospital then. I met him at TANKER Unit during my dialysis and came to know that he will visit the Dialysis Unit thrice a week or whenever required in emergencies. I feel very comfortable with the treatment given by him. He helps me a lot for my treatment free of cost.

DIALYSIS TECHNICIANS & HOUSE KEEPING: All the staff in the Unit including Technicians and Housekeepers treat us with good care and concern. They are very good in handling the patients and make us feel comfortable. Mr. Giridharan, Mr. Guganathan, and Mrs. Malathi were the persons responsible, who took care of Ambattur Dialysis Unit. I pray to God from the bottom of my heart that, all the staff and their families should be blessed with all good health and wealth and to continue their good service.

Mrs. LATHA A KUMARASWAMY: She is the Managing Trustee of TANKER Foundation. She is very kind and treat the entire TANKER team (patients and staff) in a very good manner.

I Thank all the TANKER Foundation members.