Another Newbie??

[winter]

Hi.  I've been looking around this site for about a week now and after all the posts I've read I'm not sure I should even post anything....yet.  I've been having lab tests for a year now, every 3 months, haven't met the kidney doc yet (seeing him on the 14th) but they do want me in "asap" so I guess I'll see what's really going on then.  I've certainly got myself all worked up with the prospect of KD but haven't been able to find out much.  Like I said I'm not sure I should post anything.  I feel bad for everyone here..your troubles seem so much worse than mine right now but I am scared and thought maybe this might help.  Thanks for listening.  Oh, and I'm 61, female.

[tyefly]

Dont worry....all of us here were pre Kidney at one time....and we haveto learn alot.....  its a scary transition....but  there is much to learn......

Welcome

[monrein]

Welcome to IHD....this is exactly where you should be if you're dealing with any aspect of KD or any stage of it.  Lots of info, advice if you ask (and sometimes even if you don't...no worries you can always ignore the unwanted) and support from people who have been where you are and where you might be going.
I look forward to hearing more about your journey.

[Rerun]

Hi Winter and welcome to IHD.  I'm so glad you are educating yourself because the docs have done this for so long they forget to start at the beginning.  Ask your Nephrologist (kidney specialist) what stage he thinks you are in.  Stage 5 is the time they start looking at dialysis very soon.  Stage 4 your have some time.  Stage 3 you have more time and maybe can slow some things down.  Also ask what your creatinine is.... normal is .5 to 1.5    So, if you know you are at 3 then we can kind of tell you where you are at.

Read more and ask questions in the "pre-dialysis" section.

Rerun, Moderator    

[winter]

Thanks so much, all of you.  I am the type of person that looks for answers..my husband says I do that too much. Which is precisely why I am here.  He won't talk about it and doesn't think I should even think about it yet.  So, yes I will keep in touch especially after the 14th and I'm sure I will make a lot of friends here, come what may. Thanks again!

[galvo]

G'day, winter, and  . There are many interesting and helpful stories here.

[looneytunes]

Hi Winter and welcome to IHD!   

[RichardMEL]

G'day Winter and welcome!! As others have said this is EXACTLY where you should be! Don't feel like you're "not sick enough" or compare yourself to anyone else here. Your situation is just as important as mine or anyone else's - you have fears and an uncertain future at this point. We're here to help!!! Don't feel alone and don't feel like you shouldn't post or that some question is too inane or whatever. We have a "pre-dialysis" section just for folks like you (and hoping you're pre-dialysis for a LONG time!) and of course you can post to any of the other forums with your questions.

So welcome, so glad you made the choice to sign up and post - we're glad to have you with us and hope we can help you as you go on this journey.

RichardMEL, Moderator

[peleroja]

Welcome to the group, winter.  Lots of good information and friends here.  Glad you joined!