Dick Iten

Nocturnal dialysis gives patient more energy, time

For the past six years, Dick Iten of St. Cloud has been a regular in the Dialysis Unit at CentraCare Health Plaza. Until recently, he spent four afternoons each week hooked up to a machine to filter his blood.

Now, Dick is the first to participate in a new program — nocturnal dialysis. He has dialysis just three times a week overnight at the dialysis unit — freeing up his afternoons and allowing him to pursue other interests such as volunteering. After many visits to the dialysis unit, the staff have become like family.

“They are wonderful. I hear about their kids and husbands. Someone is always having a baby and bringing it in to show everyone,” Dick said.