I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: cmjack on April 20, 2011, 08:08:40 AM

Title: Newbie from Virginia
Post by: cmjack on April 20, 2011, 08:08:40 AM

I was first diagnosed with kidney disease in 1985 when I was 15 years old. I was given massive doses of Prednisone until my kidneys failed completely in 1987. I started hemodialysis immediately & it made me SO sick! Nausea & vomiting every treatment. Doctors finally decided CCPD would be better for me. Back then the machine was huge. I spent my senior year of high school at home on dialysis every night. YUK! I was so mad that I couldn't go anywhere or spend the night anywhere. I couldn't stay out late for prom either!! I definitely hated dialysis!  But it did keep me alive.
On New Year's Day 1991 my beeper went off (no cell phones then). I made the trek to the University of NC where later that night I received my new kidney. I still have that kidney. 20 years++
Today I'm married to a retired soldier and we have 2 sons. It has not been easy, but I have been extremely blessed. I would love to hear from you!

Title: Re: Newbie from Virginia
Post by: peleroja on April 20, 2011, 08:26:44 AM

Welcome to the group, cmjack.  Wow, 20+ years for your kidney.  Congrats.  This is a great group for information and friends.  Glad you found us!

Title: Re: Newbie from Virginia
Post by: ODAT on April 21, 2011, 05:54:10 AM

 :welcomesign;

Not a great way to spend your teenage years, but look at you now! 20 years with kidney and two sons and husband! God Bless!

Title: Re: Newbie from Virginia
Post by: Rerun on April 21, 2011, 08:05:12 AM

Hi cmjack and welcome to IHD.  Congratulations on keeping your kidney that long.  Prayers for many more years.  Do they say what your function is?

You will love this site. 

Rerun, Moderator    :welcomesign;

Title: Re: Newbie from Virginia
Post by: cmjack on April 21, 2011, 10:42:01 AM

Thanks for the warm welcome. You know, my doctor always focuses on my creatnine & my Potassium (which I struggle to keep down). My creatnine usually runs 1.6-1.9. At the time of my transplant it was .9. I'm not sure what percentage of function I have exactly.   
I'll ask at my next appt.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Title: Re: Newbie from Virginia
Post by: willowtreewren on April 21, 2011, 01:25:37 PM

What a wonderful story (the ending, not the teen years).

 :flower;

And Welcome to IHD

 :welcomesign;

Aleta

Title: Re: Newbie from Virginia
Post by: WishIKnew on April 21, 2011, 04:24:32 PM

Hi and welcome!  I love your story - especially the 20+ years part!!!!!    :welcomesign;

Title: Re: Newbie from Virginia
Post by: AguynamedKim on April 21, 2011, 09:16:30 PM

What an incredible story about your transplant. I can only imagine how difficult it was for you in your formative years but so glad you have been living a great life.  :welcomesign;

Title: Re: Newbie from Virginia
Post by: galvo on April 23, 2011, 12:18:28 AM

G'day, cmjack, and :welcomesign;  :ausflag;