I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: GraphicBass on November 03, 2010, 06:20:29 PM
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Greetings from Atlanta, Georgia!
I joined the dialysis club, as of 10/22, with a sudden visit to the emergency room!
To back up a little, I've been diabetic for 30 years, having been first diagnosed when I was 25. Over the years, diabetes has slowly destroyed my kidneys, to the point, where after a few years of struggling to keep them functioning, they finally gave up and I gained 30 pounds of toxic fluid, necessitating the trip to the ER. From the time I arrived at 11 am, I progressed through a round of testing and consultations, then into the cath lab for the installation of a permacath, then straight up to the dialysis lab for my first session. Then over the next five days, four more sessions, taking off a total of 9 liters of fluid.
I just finished my first week of in-center dialysis at the local FMC.
My nephrologist and I knew it was coming, but I think that even she was startled by how suddenly it all happened.
However, I really can't say that it's been a bad thing.
Since the very first session, I've felt 1000% better. And gotten better each session with very few side effects of the dialysis. In addition, it's helped reduce the stress on my heart, which helps with my congestive heart failure. And I've been able to get off daytime oxygen use (still use it at night with the CPAP) and stop dragging the darned O2 tank around. I had not realized just how bad I've felt for the last two years, and was getting worse each day. My wife was terribly afraid that I would come to the point where I felt so bad that I would just give up. And I was afraid of that as well, which is why I finally agreed to go to the ER and go through with the preparatory procedures.
Now, just a short time after starting dialysis, I feel energetic and positive about life again. I know that I have several terrible, chronic conditions, any of which will eventually (or suddenly) kill me off once and for all, but in the meantime, I can live a meaningful life and accomplish more of what I want to do. Whereas, just two weeks ago, I could not.
As to what I still need to do, there's a long list:
I need to be around to be with my wife of 30 years as we continue an adventure we began and that I promised to complete.
I need to see my 22 year old daughter graduate with her degree in Video Game Design and get her career started.
I need to continue working at my job, which is partner/creative director/co-owner of a publishing firm with my wife for more than ten years.
I need to launch the new publishing projects we've been working on for a full year and get it marketed.
I need to take the cruise we booked to the Bahamas (we leave next week!) with my wife's two sisters and their husbands, and now feel well enough to enjoy it.
I need to get back into a swing band and play the bass guitar again, something I had to give up this past spring (after 36 years of playing) because I felt so bad.
I need to do the things I haven't thought about yet, but will, now that I have time at dialysis three times a week to think about and plan such things (and catch up on my reading!), and the energy to actually work on them.
So, for me, dialysis has been something to hate, in that it does put some limitations on my life and my family's life. But, I don't hate it as well, because the benefits I get are worth every bit of the effort.
While researching the details of dialysis, I ran across this forum and immediately applied for membership and bookmarked it in three browsers! It's already been a tremendously valuable resource. I look forward to learning more, and hopefully contributing a bit or two.
Sorry for the long post. Apparently, I had a lot to say!
Later...
GraphicBass (gary)
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:clap; Yeah!! im so glad i read you introduction ;D What a wonderful wonderful writing it is.. We, hubby and i, are in the same boat sort of as you. It just happened when it needed and gave us a great wake up call as to what we still want to do together. Im so glad your here and thriving in your new and improved life. this board is going to be a God send as well. sooooo comforting to read how others deal too ;) so anyway, :welcomesign; to IHD board. enjoy and educate,, in the best ever environment..
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:welcomesign; Not too long. That was a great introduction.
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G'day Gary and :welcomesign;.
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that was a great intro Gary. We are so glad you joined us and of course, :welcomesign; to IHD.
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Gary, great post. Loved your story and would like you to know that mine is similar although I'm a bit older than you and so me and my pal have notched up 51 years. I too see myself as having a new start, and writing is what I have taken up...always wanted to, now I can.
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Thanks, all, for the warm welcome! I noticed the positive attitude of many on this forum; it's what attracted me to join. I'm sure I'll fit in very well.
Bruno, I like your avatar. We're "cat people" ourselves, having accumulated eight of the furry creatures. Four are indoor cats, and four are mostly outdoors. But they ALL come in for meals and treats!
gary
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Hey GraphicBass welcome to IHD. Nice intro. I'm so glad you found us. I have a book I want to publish, but it is only 13 pages long so far.
Can that be a "short" story?
Looking forward to your posts and experiences.
Rerun, Moderator :welcomesign;
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Hey, Gary, welcome to the group. Great introduction. It's good you have things to look forward to; keeps you going. Glad you joined!
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HI Gary. I so agree with you. My story is very similar - 31 years of diabetes and the last few years before dialysis were not fun. Been on for four years now and look forward to staying alive and spending my retirement with the man I love.
Bill
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:welcomesign; Gary, so glad you joined this group. It is a great source of information, but an even better source of support. Everyone can relate to what you are going through. And you will have lots of advice and info to share with us. Looking forward to reading more of your posts. Welcome to IHD :2thumbsup;
paris, Moderator
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What a difference two weeks makes!
You'd better hop to it because yes indeed, you have a LOT to do! :2thumbsup; We're so glad you're here!
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Welcome Gary, your intro was very good. I hope you enjoy your stay and this board contains many, many stories and much information.
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:welcomesign; and enjoy your cruise!
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Wow! What a great welcome from everyone — thanks so much! I'm encouraged by those with similar stories to mine, and those who have faced and overcome worse. They all confirm my belief that this is a good, life-affirming action, rather than something to be sad about.
Rerun, publishing your book is very easy these days. We are extremely selective about what we accept — mostly in the employee management and motivation/self-help categories (how's that for two completely different areas) and because we are very small — but I'm happy to offer advice and recommendations.
The easiest way to publish a story, article, book, etc., is to make a PDF of your manuscript file, i.e., an "e-book". This can be done from Word. There are many places you can post you ebook for free (to gain readership and fans) or paid (to make money!) distribution. Google "online document storage" for a list (places such as docstore.com or scribd.com, for example). You can also publish your work through http://www.createspace.com (owned by Amazon and very easy to get listed), http://www.lulu.com or http://www.lightningsource.com (owned by Ingram book distributors). Each of these was specifically started to serve the needs of writers who want to publish, but who have titles that cannot attract enough of a market for regular publishers. All are very easy to use, comparatively inexpensive (compared to traditional printing prices) and offer additional services, such as design, page layout, editing/proofreading and promotion.
I think that's enough off-topic material for now! :) Shoot me a PM if you have any other questions.
Later...
gary
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Not too long at all, sir :) I was actually rather inspired. I love the zest you have for life, and it makes me optimistic. We actually have a little in common (other than our obvious shenannigans). My 23 year old boyfriend started classes to get a degree in Video Game Design just this week. He's been my rock and my support since the moment I was admitted to the hospital and havig him halfway across the country (he is in Arizona and I'm in Texas) is about to kill me. But I'm joining him after my medicare kicks in in January. I wish you great things!
Sarah
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Hi sarahmanda,
Maybe not much in common, except an intense interest in our kidneys!
My daughter has enjoyed her classes in Video Game Design (she's on the design track; not much of a programmer) and has excelled. I'm sure your boyfriend will have fun as well.
Best of luck to you in your move. I know how I would feel if my support system (my wife and daughter) were several states away. Not good! It will be good for you to get that "rock" back in your life!
gary
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Welcome Gary enjoy the cruise!!!
xo,
R
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The cruise was great! Felt OK on departure day after dialysis in Jacksonville, then ran around like an Energizer Bunny all week long. Wonderful fun with the sisters-in-laws!
Back on Thursday for a two-hour session, then drove back to Atlanta.
And, I only gained a few kilos despite there being about 3 buffets for each passenger!
gary