Dennis Godwin relates how Kaiser Permanente has partnered with him to overcome severe medical challenges.
"Without the great doctors and specialists at Kaiser Permanente, I probably wouldn't be alive today.
"In September 1988, I was diagnosed with AIDS. I was given a drug that I ended up being highly allergic to, which sent me to the hospital for two weeks. One night in the hospital, I remember hearing someone in the room say, 'He's not going to make it through the night.' I did. I do love proving my doctors wrong. After I was released from the hospital, I had a six-week recovery and then went back to work.
"Since then, I've had pneumonia about five times and pancreatitis five times. I’ve had bird flu that lasted three months, and I didn't want to stop working so the insurance commissioner set me up to work at home. I was able to use sick leave so I didn’t have to work a full eight hours each day. If I would have had to quit working, I don't think I would have lasted very long. I live to work. It runs in my family.
"I’ve had a hip replacement, quadruple bypass, broken arm (the dog did it), and stage five kidney failure. I’m on dialysis every other night at home.
"When Kaiser didn't have a specialist I needed, they always got me the best outside of Kaiser. I appreciate how much they care and the time they spend with me. I never feel rushed. That's a pretty good record since I've been with Kaiser (formerly Group Health) for 36 years.
"Through all of this, I've asked myself what can I learn? Patience and going with the flow."