I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: PKD-Bellevue on January 14, 2012, 02:22:58 PM

Title: New Member Post
Post by: PKD-Bellevue on January 14, 2012, 02:22:58 PM
Hello Everyone,

I have PKD and getting close to dialysis.  I’ve been on the transplant list since May 2010, and the average wait for “O” blood types is 38 months.  I’ve had 5 friends attempt to qualify as living donors, but none of them has worked out to date.  Still hoping someone will make it soon!

Current GFR is 9, but I feel OK, not great, but not ready for D.  I have a fistula ready to go, but I think I’ll give PD a try first.  I weigh ~230, so as my function continues to decline I may need to switch to Hemo to get the clearance.

This website has been great as a reference tool so far.  Now maybe a little moral support as I go forward.  I have a wonderful, loving family but talking to them about how I’m feeling and the decisions I need to make evokes sadness and pain in them.  It will be nice to discuss things with people that have “been there, done that”.  My mother had PKD, and a transplant, but passed away in 2009.

Thanks for providing such a great community!

Brett
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: ToddB0130 on January 14, 2012, 02:31:19 PM
Welcome to the board.  You've come to the right place for information and support.  I am also pre-D and working to stay that way as long as possible.  I too feel pretty good overall (generally my major symptom tends to be tiredness,  but I work full time and socialize regularly with friends and family.  Have had the fistula surgery (three months ago), have my potential center picked out (they have noctural and I'll get to show up, get hooked up and *hopefully* sleep through it) ..... and I got on the transplant list in December 2011 (Happy Holidays !!).  My place (the University of Pennsylvania) says the average wait is 4 to 5 years, so .... time will tell.  One potential living donor, but I'm not pressuring him to get tested, etc (he's 24, with a bit of 'growing up' to do) .... we'll see if that really works out.

Best of luck to you.  I hope you'll find everything you need here.
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: willowtreewren on January 14, 2012, 04:55:26 PM
Welcome, Brett!

 :welcomesign;

Dialysis is NOT the end of the world, but it does make for a new normal. You may find that you feel MUCH better after starting. My husband certainly did (PKD for him, too).

We've got you back, buddy!

Aleta
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: jbeany on January 14, 2012, 08:21:12 PM
 :welcomesign;

Yes, somewhere, in the 6000+ members, it's usually possible to find someone who has been there, no matter what you run into.  It's great for feeling like you're not alone in the mess that is ESRD!

jbeany, Moderator
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: Rerun on January 15, 2012, 08:12:25 AM
Hi Brett, and welcome to IHD.  I'm so glad you found us.  Sounds like you are prepared to jump three ways..... either transplant, PD or Hemo.  You can decide when the time comes.  I hope your transplant comes soon for you.

Rerun, Moderator    :welcomesign;
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: Poppylicious on January 15, 2012, 09:53:19 AM
 :welcomesign; Brett!
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: lmunchkin on January 15, 2012, 04:52:05 PM
Welcome Brett,  You are not alone.  STick with us and we will help in anyway we can!

Again welcome and God Bless,
lmunchkin
 :kickstart;
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: Ang on January 15, 2012, 04:59:12 PM
 :welcomesign;
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: RichardMEL on January 15, 2012, 06:44:11 PM
Welcome to IHD, Brett! You have definitely found yourself a supportive community of folks who do understand much more of the sorts of things you're dealing with as many of us have had to go through similar things.

I hope you can get that wonderful gift of a transplant before you have to deal with that darn machine. Either way we'll be here.

RichardMEL, Moderator
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: Jean on January 16, 2012, 12:59:38 AM
 :welcomesign; :welcomesign; to IHD. This is the place to find out everything you will ever need to know. We are all in the same boat and are glad you found us.
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: rsudock on January 16, 2012, 03:12:17 AM
Hello Bret..what country are you from?

xo,
R
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: PKD-Bellevue on January 16, 2012, 05:42:56 PM
Hello Bret..what country are you from?

xo,
R


I live in Bellevue, WA USA




EDITED - Quote Error corrected - Bajanne, Moderator
Title: Re: New Member Post
Post by: chook on January 16, 2012, 06:21:23 PM
 :welcomesign; Keep posting - this site is such a great resource and at times, a sanity saver.