24 Years of trouble and I am still fighting

[saramillard85]

My name is Sara and I live in Pueblo West, Colorado. I am 24 years old and I have been dealing with kidney problems my entire life. I had my first surgery when I was 6 weeks old, eight surgeries before the time I was 5 years old, and now that I am 24 years old the grand total has come to 59 surgeries and counting. I had CKD until the time I was 10 years old and ESRD until I was 14 years old. Two weeks after I started my freshmen year in high school I was told that I had to start dialysis. At that time I had chosen PD. The machine and all of the boxes made life extremely difficult. Not to menchin all of the infections I received from my PD tube. Luckily, in 2002 my father donated his kidney to me. For the first 3 months I felt spectacular. Unfortunately, Infection from Self-Catheteriztion caused the kidney not to respond so well. In Oct of 2003 I was back on dialysis, but this time I am on Hemo dialysis. I have been since then. I'm trying to get another transplant, but things aren't working so well in that form. No matter how heartbreaking it is, I keep fighting the fight.

[natnnnat]

Hi Sara, and a big warm welcome 
I read your post to my husband, he says, you can have that record (most surgeries - 59!)   
He's only had about 20 and thankfully isn't planning anymore any time soon. 
Good for you that you are still willing to fight the good fight  . As they say, what else are you gonna do?

[paul.karen]

Hello and welcome Sara,

Wow you have been through enough for several people.  I am glad you found IHD.  You could be useful for many people who may be going through some of the same operations you have had to put up with.  And hopefully we here can be able to help you along your journey.

I have one question.  As for PD & hemo since you have done both which do you prefer?
I understand PD wasnt the best experience for you.  But still all in all?

P&K

[gothiclovemonkey]

Wow,
I am sorry to hear that you have been dealing with this all ur life, I could not imagine. Ive only been on dialysis since 07, and its already driven me insane. lol
I started on Hemo,and went to PD, i personally think PD has been better, but i have a child, and finding childcare being a single mom with limited income, pd is a better option, I also dont feel as sick as i did on hemo.... Altho the current issues arent much fun, still 100% better than hemo for me! (and the boxes!!!! no doubt so much trash!!!)
I hope that u dont have to have any more surgeries, unless its for a kidney!
IDH is pretty awesome place.

[galvo]

G'day, Sara, and . You sound a true battler and you're most welcome here!

[MooseMom]

If I may ask, what obstacles are you currently fighting in getting another transplant?

I can't imagine having to deal with kidney krap your entire life.  I hope you can get another kidney soon and experience some semblance of a normal life.  Good luck to you, and thanks so much for joining us.  I look forward to reading many posts from you!

[Jean]

  to IHD and I hope you get a good tranplant, and soon. You sure are a fighter.

[Rerun]

Hi Sara and welcome to IHD.  I'm so glad you found us.  I hope you get another chance at a kidney soon.  You deserve to get one.

Read this when you get a chance.  Just the rules:  http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=540.0

I'm looking forward to your posts.  I'm thinking you have a lot of advice.

Thanks for joining!

Rerun, Moderator        

[RenalSurvivorDotCA]

Hi, Sara and 

Wow, 59 surgeries. That's a lot.  Glad you found us. Lots of experience here (people who "get" you)

[Zach]

It's good to have you join our community!