I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: lilbit on August 21, 2011, 09:11:40 PM

Title: introduce myself
Post by: lilbit on August 21, 2011, 09:11:40 PM

hello my name is Eileen,I am 66 yrs old and only have 1 kidney, I found out last month when I had a small stroke. I have been to the Dr, who advise that dialysis is what I need,as a beginner I do not know what to expect. Up until this I worked full time and lead a vary active life. don't mind telling you this worrying me to death. what comes next??

Title: Re: introduce myself
Post by: MooseMom on August 21, 2011, 09:45:43 PM

A lot of people function just fine with one kidney, so why exactly does your doc say you need dialysis?  Did he run bloodwork and didn't like the results?  Can you give us a bit more information?

If you find you do need dialysis, the first thing I'd do is go to this website:

www.kidneyschool.org

It's like taking classes about different aspects of kidney disease and dialysis.  There are "modules", like chapters in a book, and you can read them online.  It's very user friendly and was made for people who are in your exact situation.  So, start there, and then come back to this site and we will do all we can to help out.  We all understand how traumatic this can be.   :cuddle;

Title: Re: introduce myself
Post by: jbeany on August 21, 2011, 10:23:55 PM

Did he say when you would need it?  That could make a difference too - they can't really predict a rate of decline.

 :welcomesign;

Hopefully, we can help you get some answers!

Title: Re: introduce myself
Post by: Ang on August 22, 2011, 01:30:52 AM

 :welcomesign;

 baby steps come next and try and learn as much as you can so you understand why things are
 being done :thumbup;

Title: Re: introduce myself
Post by: monrein on August 22, 2011, 05:32:34 AM

 :welcomesign;

Title: Re: introduce myself
Post by: lmunchkin on August 22, 2011, 11:35:00 AM

Hi and Welcome lilbit!  A lady that use to work with me had one kidney for years and has been doing well physically with it.  How long have you had the one kidney?  Like above, I wonder why the need for D.? Must be something in the labs.     :waiting;

lmunchkin

 :kickstart;

P.s. I know this is a very frightening time for you, but don't let anyone tell you that D. is a bad thing! It will sustain your life & what is BAD in that?

Title: Re: introduce myself
Post by: Rerun on August 22, 2011, 08:30:23 PM

Hi Eileen (Shania Twain's real name) and welcome to IHD.  You have come to the right place and I'm so glad you found us.  Did he say what your kidney function is at?  People usually start dialysis at a GFR of 10 depending how they feel.   Creatinine is a blood lab you should know before starting dialysis.  After starting dialysis they don't look at that anymore.  Normal Creatinine is .5 to 1.5 (or around there) so ask them.

Report back.   :waving;

Rerun, Moderator           :welcomesign;