I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: dwcrawford on April 18, 2009, 09:24:03 AM
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Help me with my List.
Here’s the Deal! It is Saturday right before noon before the Monday that I’m going to face the fistala and catheter input, and start dialysis. Yes, I’m scared “witless” and full of apprehension. Because of the rains, thunders, hails and assorted storms here in Houston, I’m also a little depressed (little=very). So I’m trying to start a list of positive things about starting dialysis treatments – I mean other than the obvious that if you don’t do it you die. Help me with my list! So far I’ve come up with a couple.
1. I’ll get to watch lots and lots of movies.
2. I can put things on my ipod for each day and listen to old music I’ve not heard in a long time.
3. I drive right through the museum district so periodically I can stop before or after to check out an exhibit.
4. I expect some of my neighbors and friends will start cooking for me, moving my yard, cleaning my house, etc. (By that, I mean I’ll have time to day dream while I wait for my lottery number to come up)
Can you think of any more? I mean, forget about number 4 there, but any real ones…My nephrologists said he had one patient who said they liked the feeling of it (but I’m doubting that).
Dan
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You can watch the soap opera and all the daytime tv you like.
You usually qualify for social security and medicare for having ESRD. - which helps
You have lots of time to read novels.
No one thinks you are lazy if you take daytime naps.
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You can usually get out of family functions!
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you get to live. :grouphug;
tomorrows sunset :grouphug;
tomorrows sunrise :grouphug;
IHD :grouphug;
now you will meet people you may have never had a chance to meet- some might love you :grouphug;
lot to be said for breathing :cuddle;
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You can hang out with us more! The biggest one on the list is you do get to live---and we want you here for a long, long time :grouphug;
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Dialysis keeps me alive so I can be there for all the other positive things that might come along. It is sometimes hard to be positive about it (hence the name of this website!), but I'm still here, still fighting to stay alive for all the little things that add up to a life.
10 Reasons I went to dialysis this week. . .
10. The taste of bowl of fresh strawberries, topped with a little Greek yogurt.
9. I finished the latest Mrs. Murphy mystery novel, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
8. There's a trashy B movie with one of my favorite actors on Sci-Fi this weekend.
7. My cat wakes up every morning, and rolls belly up, purring at me.
6. I've got an idea for making a purse out of an old sweater, and I want to see how it works out.
5. My daylilies are sprouting, and I want to see how tall they are going to get.
4. My sister sent me a new box of clothes, and I haven't had time to wear them all yet.
3. I'm going out with friends to dinner and a free concert on Saturday night.
2. I'm not the one paying for dinner.
1. Chocolate. I haven't eaten enough chocolate yet.
You have to find your own reasons, dan - but I know you can do it!
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Dan,
I asked my husband about this since I'm not the one on dialysis. His reply:
He is glad that he is on dialysis because he did not know how bad he was feeling beforehand until he started feeling normal again. He often says that he feels ten years younger!
He says that dialysis is just something ya gotta do, like eating and sleeping, so you can enjoy the rest of your life.
Life is great. :2thumbsup; Without dialysis you would miss so much.
Aleta
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:cookie;
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Just got back from pharmacy getting the pills I'm supposed to take before my procedures Monday. It is maybe ½ mile away and it took me 20 minutes to get home because the rains were so heavy. Depression turned to excitement. I was just feeling sorry for myself but I am going to print these and put a list in my wallet for next week just in case it happens again. It's the weather. I apologize.
Some things to consider when I get depressed over dialysis:
1. I'll get to watch lots and lots of movies.
2. I can put things on my ipod for each day and listen to old music I've not heard in a long time.
3. I drive right through the museum district so periodically I can stop before or after to check out an exhibit.
Some of your suggestions that I really, really like?
Bette1 You have lots of time to read novels.
No one thinks you are lazy if you take daytime naps.
Rerun You can usually get out of family functions!
Glitter now you will meet people you may have never had a chance to meet- some might love you
(maybe one day I'll wake up early enough to see a sunrise but..
Paris You can hang out with us more! (and maybe get invited to Las Vegas?)
Jbeany 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10. (All about chocolate, strawberries, free dinners, free concerts and flowers)
Willowtreewren asked my husband about this since I'm not the one on dialysis. His reply:
He is glad that he is on dialysis because he did not know how bad he was feeling beforehand until he started feeling normal again. He often says that he feels ten years younger! (good one)
More of my own:
I'm getting a new laptop
I felt really funny making this post, but I did get some good things to think about. This should keep me straight throughout the storm and next week.
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Well this might be a more selfish reason on mine/our part. But if it weren't for dialysis you wouldn't have come to us! And we all know how much fun your having with us :yahoo;
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1. Flirting with cute nurses.
2. My sarcasm and smart-ass abilities return to 100%.
3. I usually have an appetite again after its over.
4. My shoes stop killing me after its over.
5. I'm 20% more attractive after Dialysis.
6. I have enough strength the next day to go on three hour hikes.
7. If anyone tries to attack me, I'm so angry about my condition I can immobilize them in a heartbeat.
8. Sympathy points from compassionate women.
9. Rarely waste time urinating.
10. If I don't want to do something, it always makes an effective excuse.
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I have three reasons:
1. I am married to him
2 and 3. I gave birth to them
I get to spend more time with all three.
Dialysis can throw what it wants at me ...... I will continue to turn up so I don't miss a minute of my kids bickering! :-*
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Decreased risk of electrocution
(From a German book called Elektroschutz in Bildern (http://www.tmw.ac.at/default.asp?id=297&al=Deutsch), a collection of illustrations detailing a number of ways that people can get electrocuted (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bre/sets/72157611077138836/detail/) and the path that the electricity takes through their bodies.)
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Decreased risk of electrocution
(From a German book called Elektroschutz in Bildern (http://www.tmw.ac.at/default.asp?id=297&al=Deutsch), a collection of illustrations detailing a number of ways that people can get electrocuted (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bre/sets/72157611077138836/detail/) and the path that the electricity takes through their bodies.)
:rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
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Decreased risk of electrocution
(From a German book called Elektroschutz in Bildern (http://www.tmw.ac.at/default.asp?id=297&al=Deutsch), a collection of illustrations detailing a number of ways that people can get electrocuted (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bre/sets/72157611077138836/detail/) and the path that the electricity takes through their bodies.)
he he! that is funny! This is a terrific thread!
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dw,,thanks...great idea for a thread....I'm going to make my own list for when I am down...my plus this week, especially today was being able to open my front door, sit and listen to the birds...I have several trees and the birds love them, and I have several wind chimes hanging on the deck and I love to hear them too. So these are some of the things I wake up for.
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Well, here's my list (I know my likes better than yours, so I figured it was easier):
I meet new people
I get out of the house
I run errands sooner because I would normally put of doing it
I get computer stuff done that I usually procrastinate doing at home
I have conversation material ;D
I have learned a ton of medical stuff
People are more helpful
I can get out of doing stuff! >:D
I have really cool license plates now that promote organ donation
I have relatives calling me that I never heard from (one who I had not spoken to since I was 8!)
I read a lot more
I watch more movies and interesting tv series (on my laptop at dialysis)
i have my appetite back
I now crave chocolate (didn't like it until I started dialysis. Weird, huh?)
I don't feel guilty when I nap anymore
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http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=755.0
Check this thread out.
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Kitkatz, okarol, or just anyone who can help,
I'm am trying to figure out how to delete this thread. I see it is a repeat. There are many I've not read. Can you delete the entire thing for me?
Also, I'm trying to locate someone name okarol who wants me to correct a spelling error. If someone can just delete this for me, in the future I will just read and not post anything. I need to find a website a little more flexible.
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Relax DW, this happens to everyone around here. Spelling modifications are done by everyone. Me especially. When I first came onto IHD.com I was and am a lousy typist. I check and recheck my posts and still some mistakes get by me. IT IS OKAY! We are not going to ban you for spelling mistakes. Just gently remind you to fix them.
I put the thread up so you could go see what was already here. I know there is a LOT of information here on the boards and it is hard to find old threads and see them!
Please keep posting! I love to read your posts and I love your sense of humor.
kitkatz-Moderator
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It seemed to me a topic that needed to be worked on emotionally, not simply read and edited by "powers" greater. Funny, was the first time Ms. Okarol, moderator/owner, had acknowledged I was here. If anyone chooses to do so, please ban me. I'll try and find a less perfect place to vent.
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Plus this new thread gave us more information about the answer to the questions than the old one had on it.
I know Sluff is working on a FAQ section to put threads that are alike into a FAQ to help people to find information easier on the site.
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Part of the job of an admin and a mod is to keep the site running smoothly. If you read the rules posted by the owner and creator of the site he requested we all use spellcheck on posts. It is important to the owner and admins of the the site to keep it readable and neat. Please refer to the rules of the site for more information.
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=540.0
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=4.0
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=9212.0
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Dan mate please try not to be too scared. I bet you anything in a few days you'll wonder what all the fuss was about (and if you don't believe me, ask Lucinda!). Yes, it's a big big change but it's a mountain you CAN climb and come down the other side (the dialysis will help you have the energy for that !!).
As others have said the number ONE positive thing about dialysis is it keeps you living!! The women of IHD would miss you if you weren't around!! That's another positive reason :)
I also find dialysis can be very social - chat with the nurses, other patients etc... after awhile it becomes a real community and you *care* about the others there. Heck half of my nurses I think see me more than their own families at times and you know for them as professional as they have to be they *do* care about each and every one of us - we're not just numbers.. after X years in the one unit they do care about YOU and want you to be OK. At least that is my experience. I count half the staff in my unit as more friends than just nurses. We already have a standing deal for me to take them all to lunch after I get a transplant(I have picked a very nice place, too :) ) and at least one has said to me she wants me to visit them again but at the pub!! That's really lovely.
Another positive thing for me is that dialysis allows me to get on with my life - doing my work and seeing my family, getting stressed out by my hopeless footy team and of course flirting with all the ladies :) :rofl;
The alternative kind of sucks!
I am 100% confident you will be totally fine!!!
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Dan, you made people think about the good in their lives. That is always a good thing. :2thumbsup; You'll be in my thoughts next week. Hope you get the laptop soon, so you can keep us updated.
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dw...no don't stop coming here. We need you here We all make mistakes or typing errors and I have seen many posts that are the same as other threads. I think we all needed to read your thread on this topic. I myself try to look for other posts before I post something and sometimes when doing this no one responds, not sure about why??? But that happens. I think we all enjoy what you write and your good humor.
:grouphug;
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Hallo, DW, you said earlier you love music and playing the piano - how about choosing a special piece you always really wanted to play, approach it slowly and during dialysis think about that particular piece, think it over again and plan the next step how to play it? Good luck and best wishes from Kristina.
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DW... one of the positives...
You get to freak out people with your fistula! I super enjoyed freaking the heck out of my brother when I pulled up my sleeve at Thanksgiving. =) Priceless to see the look on my older (much older) brother's face. ;D
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hey DW - don't feel abused - Epoman moved some of my early posts around and moderators suggested things - I learned not to take it personally - the goal is to make the forum work well for everyone - so I hope you keep posting - this is a great thread.
okarol/admin
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- when you're sicker than usual on a certain day you get pity gifts!
- You can yell at people and not feel bad ;)
- People will help you with just about anything
- You can get out of things you don't want to do (even if dialysis has absolutely nothing to do with it, heh)
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Dan
Please answer the PM I sent you.
Thanks.
Sluff
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Oooh, Dan,
The "freaking folks out with your fistula" is a GREAT amusement! One of the kids in my husband's class can't keep her hands off it! She loves the "thrill" of it. It's a great ice-breaker at parties, too.
And PLEASE, PLEASE, don't stop posting. I so enjoy your humor and would truly miss your voice. :guitar:
What I really want to hear is that you are doing great and feel loads better after getting on the dialysis train.
So post again as soon as you can this week.
Aleta
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- when you're sicker than usual on a certain day you get pity gifts!
You do??? ??? Where are mine?!
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I will have my mom and fiancee send you some :grouphug; Everyone should get pity gifts!
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Some more positive things:
1. Instead of having to make an appointment and wait weeks or months to see a neph or dietitian, they come to see you, without an appointment, every week.
2. Once you're on hemodialysis, getting IV meds is a piece of cake, compared to the way it used to be before.
3. You can fine-tune your "antennae" so you notice your ESRD symptoms worsening in time to do something about them.
4. A renal diet (low sodium, high protein) is healthy for anybody, whether or not they've got ESRD.
5. You can frighten away even guys who are built like Rambo--just show them your HD catheter stuck in your neck.
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pity gifts? What are these "pity gifts" of which you speak??
The closest I got was a couple of weeks ago the boss nurse at dialysis organised "grief counselling" for me when my football team turned in one of the worst efforts of all time!! That was pretty funny.. even the chaplain had a laugh about it but still gave me my counselling....
Unfortunately we've lost the next 3 games I fully expect another session tomorrow! :rofl;
Hey Dan, another positive thing.. for the past 3 years the unit has been sending medical students to examine me and take histories and do "real world" tests with me (being assessed by a senior professor)... now this is a positive because most of them are younr and CUUUTEEEE!!!! Always great when my BP is a bit low!! :rofl;
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Unfortunately we've lost the next 3 games I fully expect another session tomorrow! :rofl;
:rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; It's not counselling you need you need Richy.... It's a new team! :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
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I will have my mom and fiancee send you some :grouphug; Everyone should get pity gifts!
I was only kidding! They don't need to do that!
Some more positive things:
1. Instead of having to make an appointment and wait weeks or months to see a neph or dietitian, they come to see you, without an appointment, every week.
Yours come around that often? Mine only come around once a month.
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:rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; It's not counselling you need you need Richy.... It's a new team! :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
A Tiger never changes his stripes.... but I'm sure glad the IPL is on to take my attention away from the mess that is yellow and black.
*sigh*
maybe I'll get a kidney from an Essendon supporter or something and wake up supporting another team.. though I have already declared I will *never* accept an organ from a Carlton or Collingwood supporter... I'd rather chop my heart out !!!! :D
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crawfish ----- keep posting and making threads --- unless we read every thread ever written - we may not know if we are repeating --
anyways it freshens up old threads with a new perspective
I find you very entertaining and you add some humor and seriousness to my life --
smart asses rule
:sir ken;
positive about dialysis --- I have special parking :waving;
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Hallo Twirl, so glad to see you back again! You really had us worried. Hope you feel better, kind regards from Kristina.
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Dan, you are in my thoughts constantly this week. Hoping the surgery and the start of dialysis goes smoothly with not much pain. :cuddle; We miss you when you aren't online! Take care, friend.
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So, Dan,
I'm hoping and hoping that you are going to chime in when you get back and tell US all the positives about dialysis. I am so looking forward to hearing from you again.
Aleta
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positive --- Crawfish --- you will live longer :clap;
go to Babin's - they have so many crawfish dishes on the menu
and stay positive --- I do not know how to do that but we need your for your wit and smart
butts rule :cheer:
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So get back here quick DW! :basket: :basket: :grouphug;
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A positive is that you get to know who you can count on , family ,friends and such . Sometimes I just don't have the energy to do things, or I feel like crap!! and don't feel like doing much and people still
want to be your friend even after you cancel out on them. :puke;
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One good thing about dialysis is that you almost never have to use those porta-potties at outdoor events. (no pee) :flower;
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:rofl; Haha! good one!