I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: ashleyasherman on June 21, 2015, 10:36:30 PM
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Hi everyone! I'm 28 years old and just started my dialysis journey. I have urate nephropathy and have known about it since I was 15. My kidney function has just been slowing declining since then. My GFR is currently at 10 and I had my PD catheter placed last month. It is still in the process of healing and I'm currently just receiving weekly flushes. I have been on the transplant list for 2 years and 4 months. My husband was being tested to be my living donor and was a perfect match but during the last round of tests which included a CT scan they found cancer in one of his kidneys. That obviously ruled him out for being my donor and he just had surgery to have his cancer removed and is doing great :) I actually met him in high school when I was 15 and had just found out about my kidney disease so he has been by my side through all of this. There are others who are being tested but it looks like I will not be able to skip dialysis which was our hope. My husband and I are extremely active, and I have continued to work this whole time. I work at an animal shelter and absolutely love my job. I've definitely had my ups and downs during this whole process but I try really hard to remain positive because that is sometimes the only thing that gets me through. I've already been glancing through a lot of the posts and there seems to be a lot of great information here. Feel free to ask me any questions! -Ashley
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Welcome, ashleyasherman! Take a look around, this site has much to offer in the way of answers and support. You'll find other people here who are working and doing dialysis (I believe there is a thread for it on the main page). My husband does home hemo and still works fulltime. Not easy tho but can be done with the right planning and learning how to pace yourself. You're very lucky to have such a supportive husband/carepartner at your side and sounds like he is equally as fortunate to have you by HIS side right now! Good luck to you both and again, welcome!
Wanted to add that your work with animals is admirable. I'm sure you already know this but animals are "smart people"...they know when to listen, when you need comfort or when you just need a good laugh.
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I hope PD works as well for you as it has for me. Two years last month with ZERO problems other than watching my diet a little bit, and taking a potassium supplement.
Keeping careful attention to your catheter site and connections to avoid any infections isn't really that difficult. You will soon develop a regular procedure and stick to it. Again, not difficult.
I was doing manuals the first year so to be available to let any or all of our 3 dogs and 2 cats out during the night. Since losing a couple to age I have since switched to the Cycler and discovered how neat it is just setting up once daily in the evening, connecting and receive all my treatment during the night. Get up in the morning and disconnect, DONE. My evenings are cut a bit short as I connect at 7, but I read, watch TV, and have my laptop so I can stay occupied for the couple 3 hours til I'm ready to go to sleep.
All in all, I think PD is a great choice, if possible.
Good luck, and Take Care,
Charlie B
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Welcome to the site ashleyasherman
:welcomesign;
Take care, Cas
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Thank you for the warm welcome PrimeTimer! I love everything about working with animals, especially in a shelter environment. It's hard but very rewarding :)
Charlie B, I hope PD works for me as well as its worked for you. My doctor and I chose that option because it sounds like it can fit in with my active lifestyle better. I'll start training with the cycler at the beginning of July. I'm excited but also nervous at the same time. I just feel like there's no going back once you start if that makes any sense.
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Hello and welcome to IHD. When you get you kidney transplant you will have to watch being around cat boxes or cleaning them. Your immune systme will be lowered. Something in cat urine. Pregnant women also should not empty cat boxes.
Hope you get one soon.
Welcome - Rerun, Admin.
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Welcome to the site. I believe you will find much useful information here. I only started about 3 months ago and it has been very helpful. A the very least to know you are not all alone in the crappy journey!
Good Luck and God Bless
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Hello Vt Big Rig...
:welcomesign; to our community...
Great to have you on board...
Visit and post often....
God bless...
Darth... Moderator....
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Welcome ... I'm a new member, my husband is on CAPD.Lots of info and friendly folks with CKD and their caregivers. hope all goes well with you.
:welcomesign; :guitar:
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Welcome!
My husband also does PD and it works great for us. Best wishes to you as you begin your journey. If you have any questions ask away!
~Nikki~
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It's really good to have you here. Thanks for joining our community!
:waving;
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:flower; :2thumbsup;