Transplant Games

[Lucinda]

Hi everyone,

I note that most of the "dialies" - that's are term used in Oz- are either from the USA or Canada on this site.  Do you have transplant games and if so, does anyone compete?

I haven't started dialysis yet but will be starting early next year.  I am doing nocturnal home hemo.  Am I going to feel well enough to compete?  I was going to aim for tennis but at worst I'll try out for the ten-pin bowling team.  At the moment I can't walk up the stairs at home without puffing but I believe the iron infusion I had last week will work its magic in the next few days or so.

When I was a journo I did and interview with Steve Irwin - Croc Hunter - he was absolutely terrific and even back then I knew this was coming sooner or later and we discussed dialysis.  He had a friend who didn't do well on dialysis because he let it beat him and he didn't take care of himself or exercise.  I made a promise that I would have a crack at the Transplant Games but can I tell you, the competition is fierce.

Some of the fittest people I have met are dialysis patients and it bowled me over.  I expected the 100 metre dawdle or a little hit and giggle but some of them could have given Andre Agassi a good run for his money.  It was very encouraging.  At the moment my iron levels are so low I couldn't even lift a tennis racket let alone swing one but I am assured that will change.  I just bathed my dog because I am getting my graft tomorrow and won't be able to do it again for a while and although she is tiny I felt like I was bathing an elephant.  I got out of breath squeezing the shampoo out of the bottle.  I reckon I should just push myself through the tiredness.  Stupidly after washing the dog I just took all my clothes out of my wardrobe to do a spring clean - now I am too tired to put them all back so I thought I would pop by here have a chat and then I will get back to it.  I do want to have something to work towards though and I thought the transplant games - for the over 40's - may be the way to go.

Would anyone else attempt that first year on dialysis or am I being overly ambitious???

Cheers, Cindy xxx      

[Zach]

I've never competed, but why not if you feel up to it.

You just missed the 4th EUROPEAN TRANSPLANT AND DIALYSIS GAMES in PÉCS HUNGARY.

http://etdg2006.pecs.hu/eng/?fomenu=1&almenu=1

and photos:

http://www.etdsf.org/pecslap.htm

[Rerun]

I think you have to have a "Transplant" in order to participate.

I went to the 1992 Transplant Games in Los Angeles.  I did the dreaded bowling.  I too thought if nothing else I could at least "bowl".  But, they put you on a team and so if they suck then you don't have a chance.  But, I enjoyed watching all the events.  It was a great time.

[jbeany]

I say go for it - having a goal in mind can only make things better.  Even if you don't end up in the games, working toward being fit enough to compete can only make you healthier.

 I've never even heard of the transplant/dialysis games.  Not sure I'd compete regardless - I'm hopelessly unathletic sick or healthy!  I'll stick to walking so I don't hurt myself. . .

[goofynina]

Hi Cindy and Welcome aboard,  it sounds like you still are pretty active (more than i am that is)   Good luck to you with all that comes your way,  we are always here for you to cheer you on ok, 

[mallory]

Welcome, Cindy!  I think you should participate if you can.  I thought you had to have a transplant to participate, but I don't really know.  I think you should do as much as you can, just like you said in your post, you can't let this beat you!

[Sluff]

Is this a second intro?

[Rerun]

Oh, yeah, nice catch Sluff.

Locked - Already Introduced

Rerun - Moderator

[Rerun]

OKay - Unlocked Topic

Moved to correct section~

Rerun - Moderator

[angela515]

It's my understanding that you must have had a transplant at one point in time to compete in the Transplant Games. I had a transplant in 1999, it failed in 2004... I am on dialysis again since 4/2004.... I love bowling, it's my favorite pasttime... and I would love to be on the bowling team at these games, however I am not sure if I can go since my transplant failed... I am going to look into it and find out, but I have had a transplant so I should be able to attend.