I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: Slats325 on May 19, 2009, 06:57:35 AM

Title: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: Slats325 on May 19, 2009, 06:57:35 AM
Hi, All. My kidneys have been damaged by Diabetes, a heart attack and two bouts of pneumonia. Aren't I the lucky one? My kidney function was down to 22% when we decided to go with PD. I have a Baxter HomeChoice, but it dropped dead last night after three usages. I have been experiencing some cramping during the therapy, so I am going to the hospital for X-Rays, to make sure that the catheter hasn't wound itself around my colon. Great, Huh? I am in the process of filling out the paperwork in an attempt to get on the kidney transplant list at KU Med Center in Kansas.
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: cherpep on May 19, 2009, 07:40:35 AM
Welcome slats!!!  Sorry to hear about all you are going through.  What a hassle!!!!  I hope everything gets worked out quickly for you.  Come back and let us know how everything goes - the good and the bad.  We're here for you.  You'll be amazed at how many people understand what you are going through.  WELCOME! 

 :welcomesign;
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: willowtreewren on May 19, 2009, 07:44:49 AM
Yes, Slats. It sounds like a tough stretch for you. BUT, you have found a family that really, really understands. We have our ups and downs. The good thing is that when the rest of the non-dialysis world doesn't get it, IHD is here. We DO get it.

Share often.  :welcomesign;

Aleta
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: David13 on May 19, 2009, 07:46:42 AM
Welcome, Slats!   :welcomesign;

This is a great site for both useful information and support as well as some fun.  I'm glad you found us!

I hope to see you posting often!  Let us know how it goes with the PD catheter situation.   
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: Slats325 on May 19, 2009, 07:57:09 AM
Thanks, cherpep. Much appareciated. Just heard from Baxter and another machine will be here this afternoon, so I will race home after work to meet it. To add insult to injury, they think something is wrong with my catheter. For whatever reason I cramp when I lie down and have the therapy. Baxter has adjusted settings on the machine and they will try again tonight. I could use a break; maybe Powerball?
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: Slats325 on May 19, 2009, 08:00:37 AM
Thanks to all of you for the warm greetings. It is very comforting to find a place where people know what you are talking about, going through and feeling. I sincerely appreciate your kind words and thoughts and hope that I will do right by all of you.
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: monrein on May 19, 2009, 10:56:28 AM
 :welcomesign;  Glad you found us and hope you will post often.
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: G-Ma on May 19, 2009, 11:03:00 AM
 :welcomesign;
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: Bajanne on May 19, 2009, 11:57:47 AM
Welcome to our community, Slats!  we are so glad that you found us and decided to join us.  I know you will not regret it.  This is the place for information, support, and even some fun.  This site has developed into a real family - caring and sharing  :grouphug;  Here you are free to rant, rave, vent, or rage.  We do UNDERSTAND!  So you just take advantage of all this site has to offer.  Read and read, and post and post.  (maybe you will get around to explaining your screen-name!)
Looking forward to hearing from you.




Bajanne, Moderator
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: Hanify on May 19, 2009, 03:02:23 PM
Hi Slats sorry you're having a bit of trouble.  I also had a few problems after starting with the cycler, and my tube twisted up and stopped working.  I had to have a small op to straighten it - but that wasn't too bad.  Re the cramping, it is worse at the beginning and does settle down.  It's like your insides get used to it or something.  Keep posting and I look forward to getting to know you.
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: Romona on May 19, 2009, 06:42:59 PM
 :welcomesign;
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: Slats325 on May 19, 2009, 09:46:55 PM
Found out via X-Rays today, that the pain is being caused by my catheter winding around a portion of my colon. Never a dull moment. Going back into surgery Friday morning. This will be the 8th surgery at this hospital in three years. By my count I have paid for the new Admissions area and the sealing and striping of the hospital's West parking lot. hey, I have to try and laugh at this or I will lose my sanity. I will keep plugging away.

 :boxing;
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: Joe Paul on May 19, 2009, 09:54:03 PM
Welcome Slats, good to have you aboard.
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: MandaMe1986 on May 20, 2009, 02:53:56 PM
Welcome Slats happy to have you  :welcomesign;
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: Wenchie58 on May 20, 2009, 03:31:22 PM
Thats right...find something to laugh at in everything and life will go smoother. I've paid for new paint, wallpaper and carpet at my clinic!  I asked them when they are going to put up a plaque with my name on it....then I said...oh yeah, a couple more treratments to pay for the plaque!  :)

Keep smiling it beats the alternative!
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: willieandwinnie on May 22, 2009, 03:20:00 PM
 :welcomesign; Slats. You'll love it hear. We are some great people and we hope to hear more from you.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Never Thought I'd Be Here
Post by: TeenHatesDialysis on May 22, 2009, 09:54:48 PM
 :welcomesign; Slats,

Hang in there. There are lots of informative members here on PD. Dialysis is definitely an adjustment so please post any concerns you may have. These members have been there and dealt with that and usually have better answers than the nurses and docs at our hospital.

I am glad that you joined the group. :grouphug;