I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: ODAT on September 21, 2007, 12:24:58 PM
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Hello, first I would like to let you all know that I am very sorry I never got to 'talk' to Epoman. He had so much going on yet still made it possible for people in this condition to honestly talk to each other.
Next I would like to tell you all that I feel like I already know you through your emails. Already this site has been helpful. I finally decided it was time to join. I hope my intro isn't too detailed.
My name is Kim (46 yo but look A LOT younger). My mom was told two weeks ago that she had kidney failure. She is 73, and was told she was too old for a transplant. She is at 14% kidney function, has diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, has had her left knee and hip replaced, will be having her right knee replaced on 2/12/07, and top that off with a big heaping of stress and grief.
We went 9/19 for an ultrasound mapping. I was hoping to speak to the vascular surgeon that day, but it was only the ultrasound. Mom has decided to do hemodialysis. She lives alone and gets very shaky and forgetful sometimes. They only mapped both her upper arms. From what I've read here, most people a fistula or graph in their lower arm. Here is the first of what may be silly questions - why can't they do a pic line? Then there would be no needles.
I have no numbers, the initial appt with the kidney doctor my older sister (Cathy 48 yo) went to and didn't ask for them.
I wanted to let you know what my mom's stress and grief is because I think in her mental state it will affect her treatment.
Lost her 8 yo grandson five years ago. He was hit by a car and killed instantly.
Lost her 49 yo son three years ago. Died from throat and lung cancer.
Lost her 76 yo husband 4 months ago. Died from a multitude of things: empysema, brain tumor, etc. Dad was in the hospital 2 months and passed there also.
Lost her 55 yo brother 2 weeks ago. Died of a heart attack. Mom was trying to call him for a week and finally called the landlord to check on him (mom can't get around too good). He had been dead for three days.
My oldest sister, Debbie (lives in Florida) found out on my dad's birthday (9/17) that she has diabetes.
If I go further back, she found her 62 yo brother dead when she went to bring him dinner. She thought he had a red hanky on his face, but it was not. He shot himself. She was alone with him until police arrived.
Her sister was 60 when she died from kidney failure. She had been on home dialysis.
So, we are at the beginning of a long road. I've read the stats on people who have diabetes along with kidney failure and the rate of survival is smaller. I know I shouldn't focus on stats, but I want to be prepared and not have my eyes covered because I'm too scared.
Oh, my screen name is ODAT - One Day At a Time. Something me and my dad said to each other every day in the hospital.
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I just want to give you and your Mom a huge hug. :grouphug; You have all been through more than most people ever have to deal with. You have probably figured out that most of us don't look too far ahead. Deal with today, then face tomorrow. There is so much information on this site and if you can't find an answer, please ask-this is an amazing group of people and they will help find an answer for you. Come here often and keep us updated about you Mom. :welcomesign;
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:welcomesign;
At times, things can be overwhelmed. Take one day at a time.
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Hello and :welcomesign;
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welcome to IHD give your Mom a hug...Boxman
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:grouphug; :welcomesign;
Your a great daughter and I hope for the best.
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Hello ODAT (cool name, love the meaning) ;) I am sorry for all you, your mom and your family has gone through and then now this? I am sure it is all overwhelming but please remember, we are here for you, if you need to rant or if you just need some support. We do have a caregivers section where you can see how others cope as well. Great big hugs to you and your mom my friend and i am looking forward to hearing more from you and getting to know you better. :cuddle;
Goofynina/Admin.
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:welcomesign;
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:welcomesign;
Wow... you and your family are going though alot. Big huggggs coming your way :grouphug;
As for your question, using a pic line isn't as dependable as a fistula. I had a fistula done in March, and it clotted and failed within days (small veins). I had my cath put in today, and my doctor wants me to go to Dallas to see a vascular surgeon to do another fistula in my right arm ASAP. He said he just hopes this cath lasts long enough for my fistula to mature.
Good luck, and know we are here for you if you have questions, want to talk or you just want to down right vent.
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Welcome ODAT, good to have you aboard.
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:welcomesign; ODAT - do just what that says - One Day At A Time. You have been through a lot and may be a bit of rough road ahead -for a little while anyway. Big hugs to you and your Mom. :cuddle; :grouphug;
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Hi, thanks for your welcomes and hugs - it is truly appreciated. I hope to be around for a long time on here. See you around the boards!
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:welcomesign;
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:welcomesign; ODAT,
This is the place to be to get information and all the support you need. I hope things start getting better for you. I am also the primary caregiver to my husband and sometimes you just need a shoulder to lean on. Take Care
Kathy
willieandwinnie
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:welcomesign; people who are actively involved in their contition and treatment do better. so ask questions, don't take no for an answer, ask questions, make a pest of yourself, do research, question everything the doctor, nurse, technician, dietitian....well i'm sure you get the idea. one size does not fit all. this is a wonderful community, a family, :welcomesign;
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Sometimes when it rains in people's lives it pours down! It sounds like you guys are getting flood. We do not have all of the answers but we can help with some of the dialysis questions. Welcome and hugs!
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Hello ODAT,
I liked your "I am my mothers kepper". Bless your heart! You will find so much info on here. I am my "Sons Keeper". He is 22 and on dialysis due to FSGS a kidney disease that causes scarring. He is on hemodialysis. Has had 2 failed fistulas due to his veins being too small and now has a permcath. From what I know when you have a fistula your suppose to dialyize better. Dustin has had his permcath since February when they did it as an emergency. His Dr's have not mentioned about trying again higher up in the arm. There is greater risk for infection with his permcath.
Hope your mom sees brighter days soon. I will keep her in my prayers.
Lori/Indiana mom to Dustin FSGS/ now on dialysis
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Welcome! There are so many supportive and wonderful people here. I'm also here for my mom and I know it is hard to see your mom ill. Please know that there are people here who can help and give advice. Mayo Clinic does transplants on people who are older as long as they are healthy....you might want to look into it, if your mom is willing. I say this because my mom is 62 and thought she was too old. I hope you find a safe an supportive place here.
Beth
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Welcome to our community, ODAT!!! Oh my goodness! Your mother must be a strong woman, in spite of everything. She has been given so much to handle. Please communicate to her our caring thoughts and prayers. You have come to just the right place. Here you will find absolutely supportive people who understand exactly what you and your mom are going through (where dialysis is concerned, of course. The other things are overwhelming!). Continue to post and let us know how she is doing. Let her know that there is a whole group of people from all over the world who are rooting for her. :grouphug;
Bajanne, Moderator
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Welcome ODAT, I am sorry that you and your Mom have lost so many dearly beloved. You Mom sounds very tough. I am sure you are too. Please lean on us, we are here for you.
Sending hugs to you and your Mom :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug;
Lulu
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Kim welcome. My thoughts are with you and your mother. Please come here whenever you need advice, comfort and someone to listen. This board is amazing.Please remember to take care of yourself as you are looking after your mother. Blessings to you.
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:welcomesign; Kim. My prayers are with you and your family.
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:welcomesign; Kim
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:waving; Hi Kim-
Your mom is lucky to have you!
Welcome to IHD!
okarol/moderator
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Wow! Your mother and your entire family have been through so much. :cuddle; Welcome!
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Hi!
It is a very difficult task, taking care of your mother. I know, because my sister and I are taking care of our 74 year old mother who had her kidneys removed last october, but has been on dialysis since 7-06. My mother is living with my sister and has to dialize 3 days per week.
Her memory is failing, she hardly gets out of bed, only wants to eat junk and every little thing is a battle!
My sister is 50 and I will be 45 on Tuesday.
This website was a Godsend for me. It eased alot of our fears and everyone is so supportive.
E-Mail me if you would like to talk.
Lisa
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Hi!
It is a very difficult task, taking care of your mother. I know, because my sister and I are taking care of our 74 year old mother who had her kidneys removed last october, but has been on dialysis since 7-06. My mother is living with my sister and has to dialize 3 days per week.
Her memory is failing, she hardly gets out of bed, only wants to eat junk and every little thing is a battle!
My sister is 50 and I will be 45 on Tuesday.
This website was a Godsend for me. It eased alot of our fears and everyone is so supportive.
E-Mail me if you would like to talk.
Lisa
Lisa, I guess I'm a real pro-active person when it comes to my mom's health. I am overly cautious due to my dad's situation when he passed. What most concerns me is something you said, 'my mother is living with my sister.' I just don't know what the future holds. We are under the assumption now that mom will continue to live in her senior apartment complex. She has a call button to wear around her neck as she moves around there, and one next to the toilet. They have a phone that dials the office immediately, and signs they post on the door - one for when they leave "out and about," and one when they are home that has to be out by 9:30am "I'm OK." Guess we have to roll with the punches.