I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: Annig83 on June 23, 2011, 11:20:19 PM

Title: Introduction
Post by: Annig83 on June 23, 2011, 11:20:19 PM

Hello everyone. :waving;

My name is Annie, I am 28 years old and have long struggled with kidney disease. 
I was diagnosed at 13 with having Nephrotic Syndrome, or GN.  I had shown no signs or symptoms of anything being wrong, until I went to the allergist. He performed a routine BP check, in which it was 170/120.  I was instantly referred to a nephrologist and was given the GN diagnosis, after a biopsy.
I had NEVER been sick.  I never even had the chicken pox as a child.
Over the years I was stable with my routine checks, healthy eating, and exercise.  About three years ago, my doctors noticed that my creatinine was rising in the low 2's, but they saw no cause for concern, and just adjusted my medications as necessary.  I developed rheumatoid arthritis at age 23, ovarian cysts, and moderate depression.  Doctors told me that I had a very low chance of getting pregnant, and should take precautions.  Three years ago, I met my soulmate, Landyn and regardless that we were careful, I ended up pregnant with my son.  My creatinine quickly rose to the high 3's throughout my 1st and 2nd trimester.  I saw all of the best high risk doctors, and watch my BP and creatinine weekly, needless to say I was a pin cushion.  At exactly seven months along, my BP soared and my creatinine hit 6.6.  My doctors had to deliver my son via C-section, and he was only 1 lb 12 oz.  He was in the NICU for 2 months.  Additionally, I was in the hospital for a month, recovering and having a PD cath. put in, and dealing with 3 blood clots in my arm.
The best day of my life was bringing Carson, (my son) home from the hospital.  He is now 13 pounds and growing like a weed.  :)   
I started doing dialysis back in March, but my first catheter failed to work.  It was removed and I had a month off to heal.  In April my catheter was placed back in on the opposite side.  It worked for about a week, but I had fatty tissue that was "grabbing" the cath. and pinching it off.  I had the most painful surgery ever, where the surgeon "tacked' up the tissue with stitches.  It pulls every once and a while and it almost takes my breath away when it pulls, but it thankfully does work now.  I use the CCPD machine (Liberty) and I have been feeling much better.  I just started about 2 weeks ago, and it's all new obviously, but I am so relieved to be able to play with my son now.  Before, I was so tired and rundown that I couldn't do anything.  I am just thankful for everything I've been through, I think I am much stronger.  :boxing;

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: RichardMEL on June 23, 2011, 11:37:02 PM

Welcome to IHD Annie!!

You've been through a bit that's for sure. It can't have been easy being told of your kidney problems and potential future as a teenager - that would sure put a cramp in your decade - but you held up for a long time. Luckily you hopefully are in a bit of a routine with the liberty cycler and hopefully you can now have the energy to look after your son and live life more fully.

Hopefully being part of our community can help you on your journey.

 :welcomesign;

RichardMEL, Moderator

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: rsudock on June 24, 2011, 12:07:11 AM

welcome!   :cuddle;

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: Bajanne on June 24, 2011, 12:36:56 AM

Welcome to our community, Annie! Thanks for sharing with us.  I am so happy to hear that Carson is doing well and you are able to enjoy him.  You are the same age as my daughter so from the start I was touched by your story.  You have found a great place for information, support and encouragement.  You will find that this is more than just a forum - it's a family :grouphug;  Your duty is to keep reading and keep posting.  We expect picts of Carson shortly.  Please let him know that he has tons of caring aunties and uncles all over the world.
Looking forward to hearing more from you.



Bajanne, Moderator

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: willowtreewren on June 24, 2011, 06:11:45 AM

 :welcomesign;

Annie!

I'm glad you found IHD for all the support and information you can find here.

Aleta

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: ihernandez on June 24, 2011, 09:19:15 AM

welcome to ihd

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: jbeany on June 24, 2011, 11:58:33 AM

Wow, what a roller coaster ride!  So good that both of you came through.

Welcome to IHD!

jbeany, Moderator

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: Ang on June 24, 2011, 08:38:22 PM

 :welcomesign;

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: galvo on June 25, 2011, 12:25:42 AM

G'day, Annie, and  :welcomesign;.  :ausflag;

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: peleroja on June 25, 2011, 09:58:43 AM

Welcome to the group, Annie.  Lots of good information and friends here.  Glad you found us!

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: Rerun on June 27, 2011, 11:15:51 AM

 :bump;

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: Annig83 on June 27, 2011, 05:23:17 PM

Thanks all.  I admit I am neglectful in replying, but am doing my best to respond to you all... it's hard chasing after a 7 month old who thinks he can walk already haha.  I will post a pic of Carson :) 

Title: Re: Introduction
Post by: Bruno on July 03, 2011, 02:40:25 AM

Hi Annie and good luck.