I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: 502Blues on November 10, 2008, 08:03:16 AM
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I'm Derek, just turned 37 November 3rd. I live in Louisville Kentucky. Louisville Cardinal Fan, GO Cards!. I am a dialysis patient for 10 years now, but had a previous transplant from Feb 92 until 1998. I was only 19 when my kidneys failed. They never really figured out why they failed but I once read in my medical chart that I have Alports Syndrome. Makes a lil sense but I have no idea who wrote that diagnosis or how they could possibly came to that conclusion,especially since there was no biopsy done. I do hemodialysis 3 times a week at a clinic, I have an A/V Graft in my abdomen now because I dont have any options left. Those temporary catheters they put in you destroy your veins. I am usually on the transplant waiting list but currently i have been deactivated because of a bad CT scan, Im close to getting back on it. I enjoy watching sports and reality shows on TV. I like shooting pool, going for walks and riding my bike, chatting with people on the internet,and hanging out with my women friends. Im single with no kids. I am currently a Medical Coding student
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Welcome to our community!
:beer1;
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:welcomesign; Derek. Good to have you here with us. I'd like to hear more about your experience with temporary catheters. Do you mean the chest caths? I'm also so sorry that you've had to enter the world of ESRD and especially at only 19. Post often and I look forward to learning more of your story.
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:welcomesign; Derek. Glad you joined us. We are a great group and look forward to hearing more from you. We have loads of information here and lots of support. I'm with monrein and would like to hear more about the catheter issues. Again, Welcome. :cuddle;
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:waving;
Welcome Derek.
You found yourself a great place.
Many helpful great people with most any answer you may seek.
P&K
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I posted a reply about my catheter experience, where did it go
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Derek. You have been robbed of your young adult life like so many of us on here. You have a bright spirit and I look forward to hearing from you.
:welcomesign;
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Well when I first got sick in 1991 I had about 5% kidney function left. That had to start dialysis right away so they put in a temporary catheter in my right subclavical vein, that one had a problem so they put one in my left side. I then had a peritoneal Cathater put in and did that for 6 months. My dad gave me one of his kidneys in Feb 92. That lasted 6 yrs I went back on dialysis in 98,had a fistula put in my left lower arm. It wasn't that long after that when i started having swelling and they realized that I had a blockage where that temporary catheter had been. Over the years I would have many angioplasties and stents put in. STENTS are trouble also. Everytime they would put in a stent,the area around the stent would close off. Stents do NOT work.So finally after several stents,there was no more room for any more stents and there was nothing left they could go for it. So i needed a new access,i decided to do peritoneal but it would not drain like it was supposed to. In the meantime they had to keep using my fistula while they figure out why my PD wasn't working. My arm was swollen 3 times as big as normal by the time i could stop using it. So i wasn't getting enough dialysis and my arm was about to explode it felt like. They wanted to put a fistula in my right arm but I had the same blockage in the subclavicle area already thanks to that Temp Cathater I had. I needed dialysis right away while they figure out where to put one. I had another temp Cathater put in my left leg,groin area. I was in the hospital and sick of being there and wanted to go home and they wouldn't go home with that, so i had them put a tunnel catheter in my right leg. So they finally decided to put an AV graft in my left leg and i went into surgery thinking thats where it would be,i woke up and it was in my abdomen because once again thanks to that temp cath i had in my groin, there was blockage which prevented me from getting it in my leg.. I had already figured by now that these temporary catheters are trouble but my suspicions were confirmed when i talked to my friend Holly,who is education coordinator,unit supervisor, and RN. She just told me what i already knew, the catheters does much damage to the vessels.I'm not sure if that includes the Chest Caths, thank god Ive never had one of those. from what Ive seen,they cause problems too. So now, the only possible option i have is my right leg, and thats if the tunnel cathater hasn't done the same kinda damage. A transplant may be months away if that.
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Welcome Derek, good to have you aboard.
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Dereck, Wow, you have certainly experienced too much for your 37 years. (my son turned 38 on Nov.4th; you 37 on Nov. 3rd and he was born in Lexington, Kentucky) Your story really touched me. As a mother, I wish I could take all of this away for you. All I can do is offer my support and welcome you to this great site. The members are so caring and willing to help each other. I think you have a lot to teach us and I look forward to reading more of your posts. In the meantime, I will be praying for that transplant!! :grouphug;
paris, Moderator
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:waving; G'day and :welcomesign;
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Hiyah n welcome!
:waving;
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Welcome to our community, Derek!! So sorry that you have had to go through all this at this age. But the human spirit is stronger than affliction and I am glad that you are taking it all in your stride. This is a great place to be - lots of info, loads of support and barrells of fun. In fact, it is a genuine family :grouphug; So keep reading and keep posting.
Bajanne, Moderator
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:welcomesign;