Marvin Fifer Jr., 29, is a quick learner. In fact, it only took him a few tries to learn to manage his own hemodialysis machine.

I catch on to things really quickly, he says. The nurse taught me in one day. Now Im pretty good at it.

Marvin suffers from high blood pressure and has a family history of kidney disease. He has been on dialysis since 1995, and he decided to take the self-care route in 1999. Now he sets up his own machine, primes the dialyzer, puts in his own needles and draws his own labs.

He regrets that some people lose patience before they learn how to use the machine. I try not to get frustrated. The nurses and techs are here in case I need some help. I figure if I have to do it, I might as well do it myself.

Marvin works as a small engine mechanic in Olive Branch, Miss., only five minutes away from the Southaven clinic. He believes that his ability to work on lawnmowers, chain saws and lawn equipment has helped him manage self-care and his machine.

Its sort of like a huge puzzle. I like figuring out puzzles, putting them together in sequence, he says. Its like at the shop. I might have a thousand pieces of a motor lying on the floor, but I can put it back together.

Marvin now has his blood pressure under control and hes working to lose more weight in order to qualify for the kidney transplant list. In the meantime, whether at home, work or on dialysis, hes ready to figure out whatever puzzles life throws at him.