Exit Bubbles, the dialysis machine

It has been 6 weeks now and every time I go past the dialysis room she is still there.  Bubbles, the dialysis machine, makes me feel uneasy as I don't think I will feel that I am quite free until she is gone.

Joe the Tech has tried several times to come out and take her away but there hasn't been a convenient time for both of us but today is the day.

It is mid afternoon and my mobile rings, they are on the way.

Bubbles, the dialysis machine is in the garage waiting to be taken away
[Photo: Og Bear]

15 minutes later Joe and Malcolm back the ute into the garage and proceed into the house and the dialysis room, quickly going to work to disconnect her and the associated RO (Reverse Osmosis) machine.

Malcolm and Joe the technicians, are loading Bubbles into the back of the ute
[Photo: Og Bear]

There is no dignity, grace or ceremony as Bubbles is lain down in the back of the ute
[Photo: Og Bear]

Almost unceremoniously, she is wheeled out to the garage and lain in the back of the ute followed by the RO. A bit of stock (boxes of fluid use in the dialysing process) are packed around her to stop her from moving and they are away, gone!

Bubbles is leaving for ever; now it up to Eric to do the job
[Photo: Og Bear]

Over the last 5 years I basically had 3 machines.

First there was Diana. She had had a rough life and was very naughty and eventually had to be taken away. Then I had Wanda who was quiet and really behaved herself, but one day just gave up the ghost.

Diana came back, all rebuilt, re-educated, almost submissive, she was faithful for a long time.

Bubbles replaced her when at long last she was due for a service. Bubbles was almost a non-event, never misbehaved or had any quirks of her own. Very unususal for a dialysis machine.

There is still hospital lino on the floor and up the walls. The plumbing doesn't come out for another 3 months in this room that has technically been a ward of the Geelong Hospital.

Regards Og Bear