I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: malaka on May 12, 2011, 01:13:19 PM

Title: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: malaka on May 12, 2011, 01:13:19 PM
Membranous nephritis diagnosed in about March, 2009.  Started with increased urination, then it got foamy, then came the swelling of legs and face.  Saw internist, referred to Nephrologist who has been treating the nephrotic syndrome and DVT with drugs.  The underlying kidney disease hasn't responded to corticosteroids or cyclosporin, so I'm now on various bp medications.  GFR dropped from 60 at diagnosis (via biopsy) to 20 most recently, so my progression has been fairly quick although far from linear.  At nephro's suggestion, I'm seening another at a nearby University system but she's not Ms. Optimist.  Which is fair. 

What is a pain is that depending on level of kidney function, my drug dosing changes, including lasix, coumadin and Lipitor.  So I get into fights with insurance company which believes I must be abusing these drugs.  Yeah, right.  They are really recreational drugs.

Anyway, nobody knows when (or if) I'll be on dialysis, but I have a feeling its coming soon.  Found this site and read a lot of posts as other sites seem to be "cheer up, it could be worse" sites which are useless to me or ones repeatedly asking how long grandma will live with her CKD, CHF, cancer, etc. 

Nobody has a crystal ball, so all you can do is play the odds, I guess.
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: willowtreewren on May 12, 2011, 01:28:42 PM
Hi, Malaka!  :waving;

Welcome to IHD!  :welcomesign;

You have come to a good place for information and support, tempered with realism!

I can't imagine why you wouldn't be using Coumadin lasix and Lipitor as recreational drugs!  :sarcasm;

 :rofl; :rofl;

I look forward to hearing more from you!

Aleta
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: peleroja on May 12, 2011, 02:05:28 PM
Welcome to the group, Malaka.  Lots of good information and friends here.  Glad you found us!  As for the when question, they usually start pushing to get ready for dialysis around 20% GFR, depending on how you feel.  The earlier you start, the faster the recovery from feeling lousy.  Good luck and keep us posted on how you're oing.
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: HouseOfDialysis on May 12, 2011, 02:48:56 PM
If you do get referred for dialysis, then I suggest getting both the fistula/peritoneal catheter surgeries at the same time. And try going the PD route first. It's easier on your body than in-center hemo from what I can tell and see. Besides, I'm just a control freak and prefer to do things myself.

And welcome!
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: jbeany on May 12, 2011, 05:32:11 PM
 :waving; from another Michigander!
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: YLGuy on May 12, 2011, 05:35:10 PM
 :welcomesign; Welcome to IHD!
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: galvo on May 13, 2011, 05:49:35 AM
G'day, malaka and  :welcomesign;.  :ausflag;
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: Pam on May 13, 2011, 11:28:44 AM
 :welcomesign; : Malaka. I'm from Michigan too. The Thumb area.
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: looneytunes on May 13, 2011, 10:17:12 PM
Hi Malaka.  Glad you joined us!    :welcomesign;
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: Rerun on May 16, 2011, 11:17:04 AM
Hi Malaka, and welcome to IHD.  You are right, no one has a crystal ball.... it is more like you are on a rope swing and have to hang on for dear life!  Finally, you drop into the lake and have to sink or swim..     :waving;

Hope you do well.  Come here often to learn.

Rerun, Moderator       :welcomesign;
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: lmunchkin on May 16, 2011, 03:58:29 PM
Welcome!!!! Good to have you here even if its for a bad thing that has happened to you.  We are here for you!

lmunchkin   :flower;
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: Lillupie on May 16, 2011, 07:04:42 PM
Im from Michigan too, just recently moved out of Detroit!

Lisa
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: HouseOfDialysis on May 20, 2011, 01:16:50 PM
313!!!
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: mykey711 on May 20, 2011, 09:17:42 PM
Yo, 313
Title: Re: Hi from Michigan II
Post by: Alisa on May 20, 2011, 11:10:07 PM
Hi, sorry to hear about your situation, u are not alone.  If you have any pd questions fire away. Always here to help.
Alisa