Hello from Arizona

[RedHairedGirl]

Hello Everyone...

I am new to dialysis, on my third treatment now and had the great fortune of being told about this website before I began treatment. Knowledge is critical I find in helping myself stay healthy.  I was diagnosed with kidney disease four years ago and when my first nephrologist told me I would be on dialysis within 6 months I told him, not happening. I educated myself about the disease and did all I could to prolong my kidney function that was in my ability to do so. I dismissed my first nephrologist when he said there was nothing I could do.
 
Being a type A personality I went through three more nephrologists until I found the one who listened to me, who did not put me in a box and who was willing to work with me.  I had an AV fistula done four months ago, and began dialysis early, while my body remains healthy and armed with the knowledge from this website about what to watch out for and what questions to ask. I made it clear to my nephrologists I did not wish my flow rate to go above 350 as he recommended 400 twice a week. He respected my decision as we work together to keep me as healthy as I can be until transplant.
 
This is not an easy road to travel but again I can't tell you how valuable this website has been, I entered my treatments armed with knowledge and that is half the battle.
 
Thank you all,
RedHairedGirl 
 

[RichardMEL]

Welcome RedHairedGirl!!!! A firey one I see - I think I love you already!!!! 

No seriously I love that you have empowered yourself and want to work WITH your team to get the best outcome for yourself and not just take what one doc says. Your situaytion sounds similar to my first experience with a neph, who back in 1993, told me I had two years left (forget dialysis, he didn't even mention that he just said two years!!!!). My mother(who was there with me at the time - and a fully trained social worker) and I were flabergasted!! Well anyway we gave him the chop and found a much better guy. My kidneys lasted 13 more years before I had to start dialysis. I sometimes think I'd love to go back to that guy and tell him how wrong he was, but hey why dwell on the past?

I'm SO glad to hear that we've already helped you gain insights and understanding into your situation and things to know. This is such a fantastic thing to hear. Being proactive and having an understanding of what is going on and why really helps you get the best out of your treatment for you.

It's great that you've joined up and I look  forward to hearing more about your journey and how it goes - I have a feeling you'll do just fine with your attitude.

Yep, in love....

 

no wait, maybe it's just lust.... or maybe that's my kidney talking.... 

 

RichardMEL, Moderator

[Desert Dancer]

Hi, RedHaired Girl and  to IHD! I'm also a redhead and I live in Phoenix; maybe we could meet up sometime if you're near here.

You are absolutely right about knowledge and education being critical, and if knowledge is what you want then you've found just the right place for it, though it seems you've already discovered that.

What kind of dialysis do you plan on doing until you get your transplant?

[looneytunes]

Hello RHG and welcome to the gang.  Glad to know that someone is out there recommending this site to folks who can benefit from it.  It's been a lifesaver to me.  I am a caregiver to my hubby who has been on dialysis since 2007 and since he is not the "researchy type", this site has been a great resource for me. 

Hope to see you on the boards.   

[paris]

Welcome to this great group!  Good for you for taking charge!  No one cares as much about you as you do.  I also was told I would be on dialysis in 6 months and I didn't agree with him!  IHD gave me more knowledge and power than anything else.  I hope you find information and support here like I did.  Welcome to IHD   




paris, Moderator

[peleroja]

Welcome to the group.  I agree, this is a great place to get information and find new friends.  I recommend this site to anyone newly diagnosed who attends our renal support meetings.  I'm so glad you found us!

[Rerun]

Hi Red Haired Girl.  It warms my heart that this site has helped you.  It has helped me too.  Just to know I'm not alone out there and that there are answers to our questions.

Best of luck and keep reading.....

Rerun, Moderator          

[Hazmat35]

Welcom RHG!!!!  Greetings from Florida! 

I'm like you . . I did LOTS of research well in advance.  I had a Fistula put in, and made sure it was ready for action when needed . . .and when I was ready for "D", so was the Fistula.  I had even visited several centers in my area, to make sure that they were compatible "FOR ME".

Just remember that YOU ARE THE BOSS!  They, technically, work for you.  From my experiences, that most Nurses and Doctors are trying to do what is best for you, but sometimes they don't know everything.  You have to put your boot up someone's A$$ once in a while to get your point across!