success stories
 A Daughter's Struggle for Better Care
My father has suffered from heart disease
for over 20 years and conditions such as fluid overload for more
than 5 years. Living with a loved one who suffers from these conditions
is very difficult.
Aquapheresis therapy has
given me piece of mind and comfort through these challenging times.
It has allowed my father to quickly regain his life activities that
he so cherishes.
My Father's
Story
My father was sent to a well know hospital in Northeast
Ohio to see if any alternative treatments for his persistent fluid
overload were possible. Using standard drugs, they were able to
stabilize him and he was discharged. The doctors said he was not
candidate for any of the proposed, alternative treatments, but Aquapheresis
was not even considered or discussed.
While recuperating at my sister’s house, he
experienced further complications and had to go back in the same
hospital as before. Again, using standard drugs, they were able
to discharge him and allow him to make the trip back to his home
in Pennsylvania.
Out of the eighty-one (81)
days my father was in Ohio, fifty-four (54) of them were spent in
the hospital.
Within a week of his return, my father’s condition worsened
and I had to take him to the emergency room yet again. It
was very difficult for my father and my family for him to be discharged
only to return after a few days.
This time, unlike in the other hospital,
the doctors at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
considered and decided to use Aquapheresis therapy.
They were able to quickly remove 7.5 liters of excess
fluid and after the therapy, he was able to remain out of the hospital
and live on his own for over two (2) months.
This was a great relief to me and my family. Prior
to the therapy, we were concerned that his condition was quickly
worsening and his life was in jeopardy. Aquapheresis was performed
with no complications, no negative effects, and no problems.
When he was discharged from the hospital, his breathing
was much better. He was able to walk further without shortness of
breath. He was able to remain at home alone living independently.
His blood pressure levels improved.
This made us question why the therapy was
not offered to him in Ohio.
Nearly 5 months after treatment,
my father’s doctor detected additional fluid building up after
a check-up. His symptoms included sleepiness, shortness of breath,
weakness, difficulty getting around, and he needed much more assistance
with his daily activities.
My father’s cardiologist decided to use Aquapheresis
therapy again at St. Luke’s Hospital. They were able to remove
11.5 liters (25 Pounds) of excess fluid. This
once again reduced his symptoms. His breathing was less laborious
and again, he was able to resume his independent life functions.
No medical complications resulted from the therapy.
In the past, my father has not always been the easiest
patient. He has resisted various forms of medical treatment, but
he was willing to allow doctors to use this treatment a
second time because he knew how much it improved his functioning
the first time.
In fact, because of my father's experiences,
my great uncle requested and received Aquapheresis therapy and was
very satisfied with the results as well.
As a daughter of a patient, I...
- passionately recommend this therapy
for patients struggling with fluid overload
- hope in the future that the therapy
is easily available to patients in my father’s situation
One goal for my father and his doctors is to keep
him out of the hospital as much as possible. Aquapheresis therapy
has allowed him to stay out of the hospital for an extended time.
This may not seem like much to many, but every day
that he can stay out of the hospital and do what he loves and every
deep breath that he can take without struggling are precious to
him and us.
Courtesy of:
Jackie S.
Daughter of Patient
June 6, 2009
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