I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: Willis on February 22, 2011, 08:00:35 AM

Title: New from NC
Post by: Willis on February 22, 2011, 08:00:35 AM

Hello all...

I'm 57 years old and I have Iga Nephropathy...diagnosed officially about 5 years ago but I've known something was wrong with my kidneys since I was in my early twenties. I'm still very active and play competitive table tennis approximately 10-12 hours per week in addition to other lighter exercise in between. In the last year my creatinine level has been creeping up more than ever and last test was 6+ which is the highest ever for me. So my neph has scheduled me to start the process toward dialysis and I've already met with a doc who would be doing the surgery for a fistula.

However, after reading a lot on this site I think I'm ready to put up a stop sign and find out more about PD, since that seems more compatible with my active lifestyle and for continuing to work the long hours I do.

My biggest concern about the whole thing is primarily financial since I've been either self-employed or working for very small companies for a few decades and don't have health insurance. How Medicare works for the self-insured is something I need more information about. I am also a veteran without any service-related injuries or illnesses, but will be looking into what services the VA offers for dialysis. With current state of the government's indebtedness I'm not holding my breath that either the VA or Medicare will come through for me. So how to avoid complete bankruptcy and becoming a ward of the state is probably my biggest concern right now.

Willis

 

Title: Re: New from NC
Post by: peleroja on February 22, 2011, 08:56:38 AM

Hi, Willis, and welcome to the group.  I've been on PD for 7 years, and will be happy to answer your questions about PD.  Can't help you with the other stuff, sorry.  Glad you found us!

Title: Re: New from NC
Post by: monrein on February 22, 2011, 10:01:56 AM

 :welcomesign; to IHD.

Title: Re: New from NC
Post by: lawphi on February 22, 2011, 07:16:47 PM

I am also in NC!

Have your nephrologist set you up with the clinic social worker.  The worker can answer all your questions or find out for you.  You could also meet with a social security disability attorney who could address your specific issues with Medicare and your status as a veteran. 

For now, you can go online and request an Social Security Benefit flier here:  http://www.ssa.gov/mystatement/  From there, you will be able to see if you qualify for SSD should you need to. 

From my personal experience, my husband qualified for medicare at 14 without any work history. 

Title: Re: New from NC
Post by: galvo on February 23, 2011, 03:49:02 AM

G'day, Willis, and  :welcomesign;.

Title: Re: New from NC
Post by: Rerun on February 23, 2011, 07:42:10 AM

Hi Willis and welcome to IHD.  I'm so glad you found us.  If you have worked and paid into Medicare in your lifetime I think you qualify......
But they don't take over for 3 months and the cost of surgery and dialysis for 3 months would break Bill Gates.  So, yes contact your vet's administration today and start the ball rolling.

There are lots of threads on this site on Medicare so just search "Medicare" in the search box provided.

Rerun, Moderator       :welcomesign;

Title: Re: New from NC
Post by: looneytunes on February 23, 2011, 07:48:27 AM

Hi Willis and welcome to IHD!   :welcomesign;  Love your avatar! 

If you do qualify for Medicare, and go on PD before 90 days from your first date of dialysis, Medicare will go back and pick up all costs from day one. 

I sure hope you find the answers you are needing and that we can help you along your way. 

Title: Re: New from NC
Post by: karrye on February 23, 2011, 07:58:56 AM

 :welcomesign;

Howdy from y'alls neighboring state of Kentucky!

Title: Re: New from NC
Post by: Willis on February 23, 2011, 08:44:52 AM

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. See you all around the forum!  :beer1;