Hello from Portland, Oregon

[Babolat]

Hello everyone.  First off let me say what a great, supportive site you guys have here! I have really learned a lot by reading your stories.   

I'm 42 and I discovered my kidney problem when I was hospitalized in 2006 during an episode of extremely high blood pressure. The ER doc said it was the highest he had ever seen -- I guess I'm lucky I didn't have a stroke, lol.  Since then, my GFR has been steadily declining, to 13% where it is now.  I'm not on dialysis yet, and (if I keep the BP under control) I still feel pretty well aside from being generally tired and cold most of the time.  Still I wonder how much longer that will last.  My wife and brother-in-law were both tested as potential living donors but they were not a match, so last month I was placed on the donor list.  This whole thing is kind of worrisome, especially being the breadwinner with 2 school-age kids, but overall I'm keeping positive.  Anyway, I'm glad I found this site.

[sophiesmommy]

You sound very positive! Keep up the good attitude.

[thegrammalady]

   this is a good place to land. glad you joined us.

[vcarmody]

  This is a great site, if you have questions ask them here, everyone is always open and honest. I know they have helped me a lot to understand ESRD. 

[galvo]

G'day Babolat and  .

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  We are glad that you found us too.  This is just the place for information, support and encouragement.  There is a lot of help from people who have experienced and are experiencing exactly what you are going through.  I found this place just before I went on dialysis, and was so prepared when my time came.  This is much more than a website - it has become a genuine family and you are going to experience this.  Just keep reading and, above all, keep posting so we can know how you are doing.




Bajanne, Moderator

[okarol]

 
Hello!
You don't say where you live, but if it's in the US and you have a willing donor, you can check into doing a swap. Check out www.kidneyregistry.org to see if it will help you.
Welcome - thanks for joining the family!

okarol/admin

[MooseMom]

Oh, I think I know how you might be feeling.  My gfr is 15 and I am not on dialysis yet, so I share your worries and concerns.  It would be great if your bp could hold steady and so your renal function, too.  We have a new pre-dialysis forum where we all share our fears about what's gonna happen next and what will our next labs tell us; there are plenty of people who are facing the same issues as yourself.  You'll get lots of support here.

[Jean]

We are also glad you found us. I am in the same ( well almost ) state you are in as to being pre-dialysis. Have been in stage 4 for 3 years now. Hope it stays another 20, for me, and for you.    to IHD.