I'm thankful I live to tell my story.....

[maemae]

January 2010 - August 2010: Typical me...stubborn to see a Doctor of any specialty to figure out how come my eyesight was deteriorating - my left eye - dark spots, limited my vision.  Eye doctor confirmed those dark spots indicated hypertension and/or diabetes. My family physician confirmed via blood work - blood pressure was running high. no diabetes. Whew! On top of that, your kidney is failing. Huh?  And what do I do now?  He referred me to a Neph Doctor.  Neph Dr. ordered a variety of tests before my first appointment. He confirmed my kidneys were failing. It's just a matter of time, then I'll go on dialysis. What are you talking about?  Just like my grandma?  I was in disbelief that me, a 38 year old person with no prior health problems could end up like this.  I was scared. I was worried.  I'm a mommy of a 4 year old girl and 9 year old son.  I don't want to die before they graduate from college.  I was prescribed all kinds of meds - you know them.  I was at a loss.  Full time job - supervisor "let me go" via email. How could he do that despite my doctors' notes for every single appointment I had. I disclosed my condition - pre ESRD.
Medical insurance - I had the basic Medquest. 
Daily struggles?  From this point on, my physical and mental health deteriorated as each week passed by.  I lost my appetite. Both sides of my tongue started to wrinkle. The top of my tongue had a 1/2 inch crack.  My taste buds were shot - I couldn't taste what I smelled.  I constantly sucked on ice cubes.  I was peeing every two hours. Barely had any sleep - I slept upright on our couch. I wasn't able to sleep flat on my back nor my side.  Swelling?  I noticed my feet would swell.  I propped it up and the swelling would 'disappear.'  Education about pre ESRD? Dialysis?  My dietitian game me a few information booklets.
 
September 2010:  9/22 Wed - appointment with family physician - I told him of all my physical ailments - tongue, vomit after any attempt to eat anything, extremely tired - barely able to sleep. He told me to get blood work done ASAP.  9/23 Thur - blood work done. urine test too.  9/24 Fri 10:00 pm : Received a phone call from family doctor - go to ER NOW - my body is shutting down quickly.  A relative drove me to the nearest ER and was admitted as soon as a room was available.  9/25 Sat : operation - catheter.  First dialysis treatment.  I was overwhelmed - physically and mentally - I had a mental break down.  As my loved ones recall, the first few days hospitalized, I recognized no one - not even my own precious children.  Keep in mind, I was heavily drugged too.  I remained at the hospital for 10 days.

October 2010:  First dialysis treatment at a clinic.  Operation - fistula - upper left arm.

November 2010 - December 2010:  Continue to adjust to dietary and fluid restrictions.
 
January 2011:  Signed up to start kidney transplant education and physical tests - if approved, I'll be placed on waiting list.

February 2011: A Dialysis patient, 'neighbor' was kind to let me borrow a book written by a doctor-patient.  It answered most of my questions. Having been enlightened by this, I am less anxious.  Dr approved to use fistula - on needle in arm and other needle from catheter.  First needle poke - veteran tech - I felt a burning sensation - unsuccessful.  My upper left arm was bruised and tender to touch for two weeks. Next dialysis - second needle poke - a seasoned tech - one time - success.  What a relief.  The following dialysis - third needle poke - used numbing medicine - 'doubtful' tech - placed needle higher than wanted to - couldn't use it.  Good thing there's my catheter.

I stumbled upon this website....I'm glad I checked this out.

[billybags]

wow maemae, that is scary, so much has happened to you. It comes as quite a shock when every thing happens at once. You must be really angry at life, you a young mother, what will you do. maemae, you are lucky that things are getting sorted out, you could have had complete organ failure. Life will be different on Dialysis, you will have to change the way you think and do things but you will still be there for your children, thank goodness. I welcome you to the site, it has been a life saver for me and my husband, who is on Dialysis. Try to learn as much about renal failure as you can, ask as many questions as you like, come on and rant if you feel like it, we are all in the same boat there is always some one on here that will answer your questions..It will take a while to adapt to this new path in life,  but trust me you will. You are still young and could get a transplant.Thinking about you.

[RichardMEL]

Welcome MaeMae,

You've certainly had quite the "adventure" (not really in a positive way). I'm sorry all this has happened so suddenly to you and you've been thrown in the deep end. I am glad though that you've found us and hopefully our community, like the book your fellow patient gave you, will help you on your dialysis journey. You will get to see your kids through college!!! When things stabalise, and then of course hopefully when you can get a transplant, it will all work out for you. Yes, there will be challenges ahead but you will come through I am sure. I honestly hope the worst is behind you and your fistula can settle down and be good to news, and you can feel better on dialysis.

As for your boss letting youg o by email - that is low.. and cowardly in my view. It's like breaking up by text. I'm so sorry that happened to you.

Anyway welcome to IHD. Please, feel free to contribute - ask questions - vent - whatever. You are welcome here.

 

RichardMEL, Moderator

[rsudock]

welcome glad you have found us!

[peleroja]

Welcome to the group.  Sounds like you've been through a lot.  Lots of good information and friends here.  Glad you found us!

[Poppylicious]

  maemae!

Like you, my Blokey (husband) became ill quite suddenly - and at a young age (we're just a tad younger than you) so I (semi-) feel your pain.  Your ex-boss sounds like a complete idiot letting you go by email, you poor thing. 

I hope you find us fellow ihd'ers helpful!

 

[monrein]

  to IHD.  Tis is the best site you'lll ever wish you didn't need.  You'll find information, support and people who really understand where you're coming from.

[Jean]

WOW, that is all I can say. What an ordeal you have had. We are so glad you found us and     to IHD.

[Rerun]

Hi Maemae,  I'm so glad you found us.  I enjoy your journaling.  Keep it coming.  Blessings!

Rerun, Moderator            

[looneytunes]

Hi Maemae and welcome to IHD.  Glad you joined!   

[galvo]

G'day, maemae, and .

[karrye]

Welcome Maemae!!!

I too, have had the unfortunate experience of having to learn to adjust to such a rapid onset--my husband the very naughty boy who don't follow the rules.  LOL  He started on dialysis December 2010--first week thereof.  I can sincerely say, I am so sorry and you so young with two very young children, as well.

Your ex-boss is a coward btw. May you ex-supervisor have rabid green gorillas with crooked yard long fangs, fly out their....ummm....oh well use your imagination.

Anyway welcome to IHD.  I have found many kind people here and received tons of feedback and suggestions, all of which I treasure greatly!  I am sure you will find this website a great help and perhaps, some comic releif! hehehehe

This Bluegrass State native welcomes ya with open arms!

My prayers and support are with you!