pkd

[patandpatty]

My husband found out yesterday that he will start dialysis in the beginning of the year.  I am so scared.  We knew it was coming, but we hoped to have at least another year.  This sucks the big one.  We have two children in college and one in trade school.  I have spent the last few hours crying and asking God to take this back.  What do we do?  Where do we go?  How do we pay for this?  Who do you ask for help?  My name is Patty and my husband is Pat.

[VintageVera]

DEAR PAT: I wish I knew what to say to make it better but, from personal knowledge (diagnosed with kidney failure just 5 months ago), there is nothing one can say. I do have a suggestion though to find things to do that empower yourselves such as learning as much as you can about this disease and treatment options AND one thing that I found helpful was switching to the renal diet immediately. You are fortunate to have each other in this trial. SINCERELY, VERA   

[patandpatty]

thanks,  I just wish we had a little more time to prepare

[cariad]

Has he chosen his dialysis method (peritoneal or hemo) and if hemo, his access? At least you have a few months rather than having your husband wake up in the ER with a chest cath, so there is a small bright side, but I understand what an overwhelming time this is. Most people seem to say that the waiting is harder than the starting, so now that you have your date, you can stop wondering 'if' or 'when' and start preparing yourselves.

Will he try for a transplant? He can start the process of getting on the list now.

I think Vera had great advice - use this time to read and learn about your options. Has he applied for Medicare? Do you have private insurance? Dialysis and transplant are treated uniquely by both Medicare and insurance, so best to get in touch with a dialysis social worker (through your unit).

Oh, and a big  to both of you!

[patandpatty]

We dont have insurance.  We did not qualify for medicare yet,  becuase we are both working.  Its so unfair. If you work and pay your taxes and live a normal life you are punished by the government.  But if we had not worked and lived on welfare and food stamps everyhting would have been easier.  We are supposed to meet the social worker at our next neph appt.  The day before Thanksgiving

[Rerun]

Hi Pat and Patty,  Welcome to IHD.  You can automatically qualify for Medicare if you decided to take the training for home dialysis. Otherwise it will kick in in 3 months???  I can't remember for sure.  Here is a link to Medicare and dialysis.  Read it because you won't get a social worker until you actually start dialysis. 

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Search/Results.asp?PubID=02119&Type=PubID&Language=English

Hope this helps.  Things will work out.  Come here for answers to your questions.

Rerun, Moderator