Update 10/13/13: Thank you to all my readers that left comments! That was very kind. I feel rewarded by what you wrote. I really needed that. It inspires me to write more!
Hey all. It’s a rainy Saturday and I’ve been having problems in dialysis with my blood pressure… it keeps going too low during dialysis. After several years of Hypertension now I have HyPOtension! Go figure, eh? So, today, I have an additional session because I only lasted for an hour and a half yesterday before it got too dangerous. I really don’t want to end up in the ER.
But that’s not my purpose in writing today. I am concerned with the response I get to my posts. I visit other blogger and they usually have several comments after each post. They got lots of readers saying, “Hey! good post!” or they offer something to fill out the topic. Mine? Meh. I get very few comments or even “likes”! I know people read the posts. I get 100+ people every day. There are nearly 25,000 views! That’s a lot of visitors and readers. That’s a small city! But, I don’t get many comments. Only about 325 comments and half of them are my replies.
I really don’t want to seem like I’m begging for likes and comments but I do appreciate some level of dialogue where you feel free to say something about the topic. I’m no expert. I am just a patient, same as most of my readers. You have valuable experience and insight that I don’t have simply due to your own experience. I’d really like you to share that. It may help others. I am not easily offended if you disagree. I’d like to be corrected if I’m not correct about something.
So, please feel free to offer your comments on any posting. And feel free to “like” a post if you like it. Thanks.
(Now I will return to my rainy Saturday activities… mostly staying inside and dry… although the little boy inside me wants to run outside and play in it!)
© 2013 DevonTexas
DevonTexas 
Good day DevonTexas.
I know what you are saying because even though i just started my blog about 7 weeks ago i already have over 2000 views but very few comments and like you mentioned half of all my comments are my responses to the comments lol. I also have had so much positive feedback from all the people who follow it in emails,texts,Facebook,etc but i think people come to the blog read it and then move quickly onto the next thing on the internet.
Good luck with your blood pressure issues. Until i came down with stage 5 renal failure i had no idea how important blood pressure was in kidney disease and dialysis.Since i got out of hospital at the end of May my doctor has slowly weaned down from 5 blood pressure and heart meds to two.I just started home dialysis last Monday and now i am told to not take any blood pressure medication unless it is over 140. I average right now around 125/78 which is very good for a guy my size ( 6 foot 4 and 275 pounds) but it is something all dialysis patients have to watch very closely for the rest of their lives.
Keep me filled in on your progress and like i said good luck and all the best.Mike.
Thank you Mike and I will return the favor at your blog site! http://www.mike2kal.wordpress.com
BTW… Mike’s blog is a perfect place to learn about Home Hemodialysis. He writes well and has great photos to accompany his posts.
Hello! My husband has been on dialysis for almost a year. (Hemo, in-center, fistula, ESRD do to diabeties, 45 yrs old) I found you from his centers web site (Davita). I am one of your followers who read but never reply. I am replying today because 1. You requested 🙂 and 2. I really believe you are doing a great thing with this blog!! I read your posts to my husband and he has gotten a lot out of them! Thank you. I will continue to read AND add comments/likes!!
Thank you so very very much for that! It makes my day!
Thank you!! I find your blog very informative and interesting to read. PLEASE keep posting. My husband is scheduled to get a fistula the end of this month. Wish you good health and stay dry this Saturday 🙂
Good luck!!
I am a friend that reads your blog to better understand your health issues. All I want to say at this moment is: Go play in the rain and allow that little boy feel the cool drops as he laughs with his joy.
That almost brought tears to my eye, Jill! Thank you, dear friend.
Hi Devon, I am fairly new to your site and to kidney dialysis. I am stage 5, have a fistula, what a thrill.lol Have not had to start dialysis yet. I hate the thought of even starting. Want nothing to do with it! But it would keep me alive. I don’t live close to any family members, so there’s not a lot of shoulders to cry on. Only a person who is on dialysis can understand what I’m feeling. A pat on the shoulder or a hug helps so much right now. I just pray for the strength to see this through. Knowledge of what I am facing is important but can be so over whelming. I don’t think there is room in my mind to absorb it all, but will wake up tomorrow dry eyed and ready to start another day. Thank you for sharing, I read all that you write Judith
Agreed! The prospect of dialysis IS overwhelming! I know that feeling. For me, I just went into a thick mental fog and only looked up after I’d been in it for a few weeks. I wrote about my earliest experiences for just the reason that knowledge gives us comfort as we embark on new journeys. I’m like the old guy sitting on the dock encouraging you onto the boat that will take you to where you need to go. I’m sure you probably have but check out my “new patient” category and especially “Dialysis and Adjustment” from Davita.com about Adjusting to Life on Dialysis.
Sorry, sorry, sorry. I spent 47 years in newspapers, and any feedback I got was angry, obscene or both. I am relatively new to your writing but will try to do better. Now go out and get rained on.
Bill Stewart, Vancouver, Wash.
Please note: message attached
Thanks for the gentle reminder, Devon. I read many of your posts and also save many.
Quick question: Am I missing links from your posts to Twitter, F/B and LinkedIn?
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
Bob Bear
Good question. It should be on the “Share This:” Button and should give you links to all those. I’m testing them to see they work… so far Facebook and Twitter work.
I need to do a post like this! I’m glad I found your blog.
Devon,
So happy to have met you at the Network 14 annual conference. Tried “Liking”, but apparently one has to be a registered WordPress blogger to do that.
It was my pleasure also! I’m so glad you’ve become a part of the Network PAC. It’s time well-spent.