I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: Vdoman on December 16, 2013, 06:18:12 AM

Title: New guy from Orlando
Post by: Vdoman on December 16, 2013, 06:18:12 AM
Hello Everybody,

I am a new member to this message board.  I am a 52 year-old man who lives in Orlando with my wife and kids. 

i was born with only one kidney and always knew in the back of my mind that it may become a problem someday.  Well, those days are coming fast.  I meet with my Kidney Doctor later on this week.  He tells me that he needs to schedule me for a fistula next.

Dialysis will be a career killer for me as I travel for a living.  I didn't want to retire this early.

Very frustrated

Title: Re: New guy from Orlando
Post by: Shaks24 on December 16, 2013, 11:03:52 AM
Welcome Vdoman   :welcomesign; . I am 54 and started this last September. Just take it one day at a time. I own my own business but the work is physical and I have not been able to do it anymore. It is frustrating and throws up all kinds of hurdles. I hope your transition goes as smoothly as possible for you. Let us know if you have questions we can answer.
Title: Re: New guy from Orlando
Post by: Jean on December 16, 2013, 12:09:40 PM
 Welcome Vdoman. I understand your frustration. I had to give up a 28 year old income tax preparer business due to foggy brain. I am amazed you lasted this long with out dialysis. Maybe you can do nocturnal and take care of your business too???   :welcomesign;
Title: Re: New guy from Orlando
Post by: cassandra on December 16, 2013, 12:21:04 PM
Welcome to the site Vdoman, you cld look into Nxstage  when doing HD, or (A)PD, so traveling cld still be poss?

Take care, Cas
Title: Re: New guy from Orlando
Post by: Poppylicious on December 17, 2013, 04:05:07 AM
Hi Vdoman, and  :welcomesign;!

There are different types of dialysis available so make sure you do your research to find out which will work best for you and your lifestyle. 

Poppylicious, Moderator
Title: Re: New guy from Orlando
Post by: Simon Dog on December 17, 2013, 01:00:03 PM
Welcome to the site Vdoman, you cld look into Nxstage  when doing HD, or (A)PD, so traveling cld still be poss?

Take care, Cas
I hear great things about NxStage, however, there are other home hemo modailties that are worthy of consideration.  The one to rule out is "3x/week" (many papers on why this is sub-optimal), however, conventional every other day or nocturnal every other day are viable therapies.  In order to go "every other day", you generally will need to use a full size conventional machine that can obtain a URR of at least 65% in a single treatment; NxStage is usually more like 45% in one treatment (which is why NxStage patients are typically 5 or 6 days/week)
Title: Re: New guy from Orlando
Post by: Vdoman on December 19, 2013, 09:24:06 AM
Thanks all...  I'm getting a big education fast.  I see my neph doc today.

I'm looking into any kind of diet, supplement or vitamin that will keep my kidney functioning as long as possible.

Vdoman
Title: Re: New guy from Orlando
Post by: Shaks24 on December 19, 2013, 01:43:52 PM
The main two D providers also have what they call kidney school. Its a 1 afternoon deal where they walk through all the options in detail. I did it through Fresenius and I knew a lot of the stuff but it was still helpful and it is no charge to you if a neph refers you to them.
Title: Re: New guy from Orlando
Post by: MooseMom on December 19, 2013, 01:47:37 PM
Oh, and there is http://kidneyschool.org/ .  It is, imho, the best online educational resource for those newly diagnosed renal patients who may be facing dialysis.  Go to the Learning Modules and read them in whichever order you please.