I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: dwcrawford on April 15, 2009, 09:29:40 AM

Title: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: dwcrawford on April 15, 2009, 09:29:40 AM
When I joined IHD on March 5, I was ready to just give it up.  I felt I was too old to start dialysis and the whole regiment.  The therapist suggested I look online for a support group and I googled!  I found I Hate Dialysis and thought now that is for me to satisfy people that I gave it a go.  To my surprise I found a great bunch of new friends.

I am really grateful to you.  You know who you are.  I feel as if I know some of the members here.  I could single out many people, but Paris was the first person to talk to me.  A special thanks for that Paris, as I’d have just gone on to other things that night otherwise..  That doesn’t mean I don’t have a special place for everybody else.  If I tried to name names I would surely forget one but you do know who you are.

I’ve received so much support and encouragement, information and suggestions, and not a few laughs from so many people.  Thank you!

Well, today I got a schedule for a fistala and a cateher (oops, work isn’t in the spell checker).  Monday morning I’ll be at the hospital bright and early.  Tuesday I’ll start the dialysis.  I couldn’t have, wouldn’t have, made that decision without you people.  (Of course next week I may be cursing you if it really hurts.)

Thanks for accepting me and making me a part of the “family”.

Dan
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: del on April 15, 2009, 09:33:22 AM
Good luck with your fistula and starting dialysis.  Hope everything goes well.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: cherpep on April 15, 2009, 09:37:14 AM
I hope everything goes well for you!!  Please keep us updated.
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: thegrammalady on April 15, 2009, 09:38:08 AM
glad to hear you're looking at things differently. glad you decided to join us and become an active participant. friends are such a wonderful thing. especially those who know exactly how you feel.
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: MandaMe1986 on April 15, 2009, 09:39:53 AM
The best of luck to you.  We are really happy you found IHD too!  :beer1;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: paul.karen on April 15, 2009, 09:54:53 AM
 :thumbup;

Its gonna hurt like hell  :oops;

I mean it is painless >:D

Glad you found this site as well.   It has truly helped many people come to terms with Dialysis.  I hope all goes smooth for you on monday.
You have come a LONG way from when you first got here.
Glad to know you will be around for a LONG time to come and be feeling much better in the process.
P&K
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: David13 on April 15, 2009, 09:59:17 AM
Best of luck to you, Dan.  We are all here for you and I will be thinking about you as you start this new phase on your journey next week.   

Has it only been a little more than 1 month?  I can't image IHD without you. . .   ;)
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: willieandwinnie on April 15, 2009, 09:59:49 AM
 :cuddle; Dan, we will all be there with you on Monday and Tuesday.  :waving; We will be patiently waiting to hear from you and we are sure you are going to cuss at us, but that's okay. Look forward to hearing from you.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Joe Paul on April 15, 2009, 10:17:17 AM
Wow DC, that is fast. Good luck next week, you will do just fine  :thumbup;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Zach on April 15, 2009, 11:28:35 AM
 :beer1;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Sluff on April 15, 2009, 11:49:12 AM
Dan,
That was a great post, I am so glad that you found us and even more glad that Paris reached out to you when you needed it most.

All the work we put into the site and the hours we spend are all worth it when we read a post like that.

Just remember when you have a bad day, (and there will be some) you can come here and rant and we will listen. Hell we will help you rant if you let us! :rofl;

 :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: paris on April 15, 2009, 11:51:23 AM
Dan,   :cuddle;  You are one of the reasons Epoman created this site!  You went from not caring to being full of knowledge and power.  All because one man wanted to give others a real place to learn from each other.  I am really glad to call you "friend".  It has been exciting to watch your participation on IHD.   How many posts have you made in a month?   :2thumbsup;  You are now an official IHD addict!   :yahoo;   Next step is "Premium Member"   :clap;   You are family, Dan and always among friends here.  You know my prayers will be with you next week.  Will you have internet access at the hospital? (to help support your addicition)   :rofl;     See you in the chat room  :2thumbsup;    :cuddle;   :cuddle;   :cuddle;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: dwcrawford on April 15, 2009, 12:13:38 PM
Paris, I'll try and make you my roll model.  Although it isn't in my nature  to be too nice.

By the way, I sent a check this morning along with my income tax.  Before there was discount even.  lol  Too bad I couldn't have reversed the amounts on irs and ihd's checks...

And finally, no matter what you and the women say, " a fish can't ride a bicycle".  That made no sense whatsoever.
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: rose1999 on April 15, 2009, 12:35:41 PM
Dan, my Dad was 10 years older than you when he began dialysis 2 years ago so you're but a youngster!    Paris is a special lady isn't she, bless her for helping you and for everything she does for all of us here. I hope your surgery goes well.Take care, Rose
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: jbeany on April 15, 2009, 12:47:55 PM
 :cuddle;
Hope it goes well for you, dan!
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 15, 2009, 12:59:13 PM
Good Luck DW,

And let me know if you need anything as I am right around the corner... You said methodist right?
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: G-Ma on April 15, 2009, 01:37:53 PM
Good for you Dan and trust me    :rofl;   :rofl;   :rofl;   it doesn't hurt much at all...really...well, let us know.
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: monrein on April 15, 2009, 02:49:00 PM
A word of caution Dan.  It's going to be pretty crowded at your appointment on Monday and at your first dialysis on Tuesday, cuz we're coming with you.  Hope we don't crush you or get in the way but we'll definitely be there.

I look forward to reading your post about it all afterwards.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Bajanne on April 15, 2009, 03:26:19 PM
This is what IHD is all about - information, and above all, support.  As Paris said. this is exactly the reason for which Epoman started this wonderful online community.  And people are being helped all the time.  I know because it was IHD that took me from freaking out to understanding what was going on.
We will be with you all the way, if you let us.
We are waiting to hear how it went.
My caring thoughts and prayers are with you. :cuddle;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: kitkatz on April 15, 2009, 03:37:42 PM
We are the site that cares, ya know. I am glad we helped you in your decision making.  You can come on back next week and curse all you want to.
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Sunny on April 15, 2009, 03:54:01 PM
Dan, you're the Man! You can do it. Good luck with the fistula and starting dialysis. I, too, have learned so much from this site. This is where I get all that detailed information my nephrologist is afraid to tell me. Let us know how it goes.
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: RichardMEL on April 15, 2009, 05:39:06 PM
Don't worry Dan you'll be fine... any pain you'll feel will be short lived (and remember you can get a local shot if you feel you need it) and hopefully you'll have more of an idea what to expect when you get in there and not be so freaked out by it all. You will be fine.

The far far more painful thing you have to deal with is my bad jokes!!!  :yahoo; :rofl;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: dwcrawford on April 15, 2009, 05:57:29 PM
So I'll stay around and continue to harass you about your women.... lol

The fistala is going in left arm middle (right at the elbow).  Veins in forearm are too tiny.  He won't allow me to use it for ten weeks.
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: monrein on April 15, 2009, 07:53:13 PM
Sounds just like my second fistula which developed and worked very well.  My first fistula (28 years earlier) was in the forearm but they initially  thought the veins were too small and they had planned to use a piece of vein from my thigh.  However, they got in there and found that they didn't need to do that so I woke up to a pleasant surprise of only one cut.  That fistula worked perfectly for 5 years with no fistulagram or anything but I did my own needles and was very conscientious about always laddering my needles consistently up the fistula.
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Wattle on April 16, 2009, 01:53:25 AM
 :cuddle;  Dan I am glad you found us.

We have all been in your position. I personally went into dialysis kicking and screaming all the way. Terrified of what was in front of me. A real basket case!  :P

But I soon found out I have way more courage, strength and determination, that I ever thought I had. I surprised myself.

I know you will find the strength to get through it, step by step.  You will surprise yourself.  ;)
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Savemeimdtba on April 16, 2009, 12:36:46 PM
This is a great post :) I'm sending you good vibes for next week, Dan! IHD has helped me a lot over the past month as well.. I came here scared to death about PD and now here I am giving other people advise!  It feels great to be able to help someone and keep it going instead of always needing the help.  Makes me feel productive!
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Wenchie58 on April 16, 2009, 12:52:23 PM
Dan,
   Best of luck with your fistula and catheter....you'll breeze through it.  Keep your sense of humor and your chins up!
   Of course you're family....you're that crazy Uncle that we all laugh at...errrrr WITH!
   I'll be thinking of you!!! (but don't tell Richard).   >:D
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: dwcrawford on April 16, 2009, 02:28:25 PM
Thanks for the sentiment, Wenchie, but I don't want to be anybody's crazy old uncle or grandpa...  Can't I just be your handsome, sophistocated older brother?????
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: MandaMe1986 on April 16, 2009, 03:34:05 PM
Older brother might now work for me...What about a handsome, sophistocated sugar daddy? ;)
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: RichardMEL on April 16, 2009, 07:03:21 PM
Older brother might now work for me...What about a handsome, sophistocated sugar daddy? ;)

I thought that was my job??? oh hold on he has to be handsome and sophistocated.... damnit :(  :rofl;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Wattle on April 16, 2009, 07:46:40 PM
Older brother might now work for me...What about a handsome, sophistocated sugar daddy? ;)

I thought that was my job??? oh hold on he has to be handsome and sophistocated.... damnit :(  :rofl;

Don't be silly Richy.... your too young to be a Sugar Daddy........

But not........... Stud Muffin   :)
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: MandaMe1986 on April 16, 2009, 07:54:02 PM
Older brother might now work for me...What about a handsome, sophistocated sugar daddy? ;)

I thought that was my job??? oh hold on he has to be handsome and sophistocated.... damnit :(  :rofl;

No see Richard you are my overseas sugar daddy, I need to find one in states *smile*
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: paddbear0000 on April 16, 2009, 09:03:18 PM
We're glad that you came here dw!  :grouphug; This is a wonderful support group. IHD was absolutely great when  I had to start dialysis 2 months ago (even though I've been a member for a year and a half!). And don't worry about the pain. I had both a graft and a chest catheter placed at the same time and they barely hurt. Yeah they hurt if you poked them, but just don't do that! My doc gave me a vicodin rx, but i never even used it. tylenol worked fine. As far as for during dialysis, you won't feel anything when they use the catheter. The needles may hurt though. They don't actually bother me. It feels like a slight prick to me. Which is strange considering i have almost no tolerance for pain.  :waiting;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: dwcrawford on April 17, 2009, 04:06:37 AM
We're glad that you came here dw!  :grouphug; And don't worry about the pain. I had both a graft and a chest catheter placed at the same time and they barely hurt. Yeah they hurt if you poked them, but just don't do that!   :waiting;

Thanks Paddabear,,, That's what I need to hear...
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: PMP on April 17, 2009, 08:52:49 PM
Dan,

I don't know how old you are, but I bet you're not as old as my father.   He's 85.  Started dialysis when he was 82!  Still going strong.  He drives himself to and from dialysis.  He's really doing quite well with the whole thing.  Now, I'm sure he'd rather play golf than go to dialysis (so would I), but...

Pat
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: Zach on April 18, 2009, 11:52:38 AM
Dan,

I don't know how old you are, but I bet you're not as old as my father.   He's 85.  Started dialysis when he was 82!  Still going strong.  He drives himself to and from dialysis.  He's really doing quite well with the whole thing.  Now, I'm sure he'd rather play golf than go to dialysis (so would I), but...

Pat

To you and your dad.
 :beer1;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: dwcrawford on April 18, 2009, 11:59:13 AM
no, pmp, but going on 69 here in July.  Driving is one of the things I'm worried about.  I'd hate to be house bound...
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: MandaMe1986 on April 18, 2009, 12:24:44 PM
Dan there is a pretty good chance that I won't get to be on to much this weekend if at all. And just in case I don't make it back, I want to wish you good luck.  You will be in my thoughts. Let us know  how your doing when you get a chance. Talk to you soon.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: dwcrawford on April 18, 2009, 01:05:28 PM
thanks mandy... i'll try and not scream too loud when that stick that tube in me.  talk to you when I get back.
Title: Re: A special thank you to IHDers...
Post by: willowtreewren on April 18, 2009, 02:34:17 PM
Dan,
Add my thoughts to all the others. I'll be thinking about you!!!

Just think of ALL the wonderful warm wishes (WWW) coming your way to help you through any of the rough spots, and let us know how you are doing ASAP!

Best,
Aleta