Dave here

[dbrook42]

Well, first let me write that never in a million years I would be thinking about having to go through dialysis (still in denial as I write this). My body though large, has been pretty good at getting me through life. When I was younger, I never really had gotten sick for a long period of time (except rheumatic fever once). Haven't been really good to it though; smoked for 17 years and ate pretty much anything and everything I wanted.  My only worries were sleep apnea (got a CPAP) and "high normal" blood pressure (took meds on and off for it). In 2007 I finally decided to quit smoking and went on Chantix. It worked great, haven't had a cig in 2 years now but that's when everything started going downhill. Now I'm not saying that the Chantix did it but pretty strange that a couple of months later I was diagnosed as a diabetic after going to the hospital for severe headaches and a followup visit to my doctor revealed a blood glucose of 300 (they all wondered how I was still functioning). So after changing my diet and some more meds, I brought my glucose levels down to a 110 average. Fast forward to June this year and after taking a routine blood test that was done after coming off a treatment of Lamisil, there was something in that report that set off warning flags about my kidneys. After a couple of months of sodium bicarb and uloric and changing my glucovage to just glyburide only my kidney doctor says I am at 17% and need to start the process for dialysis.

Now I am really scared for the first time in my life. I have been researching stuff here and there and found this forum thankfully. I have a lot more reading to do here and look forward to finding out more about everyone's experiences. Fortunately I have a very loving and supporting wife, but I think learning from others who have gone through the process will help. What really has me worried is keeping my job and getting dialysis. I work in an office thankfully but it is a 45 minute drive from home and I really don't know how it's all going to fit together. The other part is I don't like the idea of not being in control over my life. I like being able to do what I want when I want where I want and it looks like that is now over. The really strange part about all this is my mom had her fistula installed a while back but hasn't had to go on dialysis yet. How's that for weird?

[twirl]

Dave here -- hello
why did your mom get a fistula - is she diabetic -- I have been on dialysis for almost 5 years -
I stopped teaching after two years - I worked and went to hemo clinic dialysis from 4:30 to 9:30 and got home after 10 - 11pm -- it got to be too much -- many members here on IHD still work --
my drive to dialysis is very close to where I live -- my nep doc encourages people to keep working -
I think you will be able to continue to work -- I hope your dialysis clinic is on your way home from work -
good luck to you and please keep posting - we understand and we can help you - dialysis is not easy but it is life and at 37 you have many years left

[iketchum]

hi and welcome to the site. Working on dialysis isnt easy. Can they do an evening shift at the center you will be going to? I have had to cut back to 16 hours a week because my SSDI benefits would be effected if I work more hours. I dont work on dialysis days, I go home and sleep for a couple of hours. Good luck and stay with IHD for anything you have questions about. Dont forget the chat room, its great when you catch someone on.

[dbrook42]

No, she's not diabetic. Not really sure why a fistula, small veins?
Not sure about the schedules at the dialysis center but I imagine being the "new guy" that I will have to take a weird schedule.

[tyefly]

   Welcome  Dave......     I think for most of us   it was a surprise.....  I am not on dialysis yet either....  but I am learning as much as I can so that I will have a better understanding.....   You have found the right place.... take care and post often......

    kathy

[del]

Hi Dave.  There are a few different types of dialysis.  There is PD (peritoneal dialysis) where you have a catheter inserted in you abdomen and you do exchanges where you fill your peritoneum with fluid and then drain it out. This can be done with manual exchanges through the day or the cycler at night.  There is regular in center hemo 3x a week.  There is also nocturnal hemo that is available at some centers.  There is also the option of home hemo.  This can be done with short daily treatments or nocturnal - hook up when you go to bed and finished in the morning.  In the states there is the nxstage dialysis machine that most people use for home hemo.  I live in Canada. My husband uses a regular hemo dialysis machine to do nocturnal treatments at home.  Check out all the options that are available to you.  Home dialysis whether it is PD or home hemo is a much better choice for a lot of people.  Be sure to do research yourself on all the options so that when you ask questions you have something to back up your questions with!!

[willowtreewren]

Dave,
As Del says, there are several options for dialysis. After learning more about them, talk it over with your nephrologist to decide which will be best for you.

It is good to meet you and I look forward to getting to know you better.

Aleta

[cariad]

Hey Dave, 

I am so glad you found us, although sorry for the reasons that brought you here.

Are you considering a transplant? If so, I would look into getting evaluated and listed as soon as possible, to keep your options open.

Good luck with the dialysis modality and access decisions. I look forward to reading more of your posts!

Welcome! 

[peleroja]

Welcome to the group, Dave.  Like you, I prefer to be in control, which is why I chose PD over hemo.  I also had a problem with "largeness" when I started, and my surgeon said I couldn't have a PD catheter iexit site in my abdomen.  He recommended a pre-sternal PD catheter.  It took a while to get used to, but once I did, no problem.  In fact, when they had to remove it due to peritonitis, I requested another pre-sternal catheter when they put it back.  As everyone else has said, there are many options to investigate; you just need to pick the one that works for you.  Come on back and post and let us know how things are going for you.

[willieandwinnie]

  Dave. I am a caregiver and we did home hemo until hubby received transplant 9/07. Please ask all your questions and we will answer you honestly. Check the older threads as they contain lots of information and we are hands down the best place for support. Hope to hear more from you. 

[Jean]

  Welcome to IHD Dave. If you have to be someplace, this is the best of the best. Good luck to you.

[monrein]

Hi Dave and welcome to IHD.  Here you will find lots of info and support, the two things we need the most as we navigate the world of dialysis and transplant.  I look forward to getting to know more about you.

[Hanify]

Welcome to IHD.  Sorry you're in this position.  I do PD with a cycler at night.  I do what ever I want during the day - that I have the energy for I mean.  PD is a really good option if you want to still work - so is nightstage.  Look forward to hearing more from you.

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Dave!  Joining our group was a very wise move.  We are able to learn from other people's experiences here.  Lots of information, loads of support and tons of fun, around here.
All of us on dialysis had that time when we had to come out of denial and adjust our lives.  The travelling restriction that I now have is a bit irksome, but I make my weekends count! (example, going to our Las Vegas reunion last year!)  Remember that this is not just a website - it's a genuine family
Keep reading, and above all, keep posting.  We need to know how you are doing.  Not nosey, just family.




Bajanne, Moderator

[cherpep]

Hi Dave!!  As I read your post, I thought I could have been reading my own story. 

I urge you to check into home dialysis.  I do home hemo dialysis with a NxStage machine, and work full time.  I used to do dialysis in center, but hated it.  It seemed I was never home - I was either at dialysis or at work.  With home hemo, I can do dialysis at home with my very loving husband as my helper, in my own chair, watching my own television, or typing on my computer, or even napping.  I took control of my life and my care.  I don't have to have such a restricted diet, and I am no longer on high blood pressure medicine.

If you have any questions - please feel free to ask.  There's a wealth of information on this site, and people are very open and honest.  Good luck.

[Maxridex]