Newbie Caregiver

[JimG]

My name is Jim Greenwood and I am the caregiver to my beautiful and brave wife Dot. We live in New Hampshire and have read and enjoyed ihd for the past few years.

In June 2000 Dot was diagnosed with breast cancer. In July while having a angiogram, for a suspected blocked carotid artery, she became violently ill. She was immediately hospitalized and within one week we were told her kidneys failed from a reaction to the contrast dye, and she needed to go on dialysis which began in August 2000. In September 2000 she had a mastectomy and carotid artery corrective surgery.

Up until Dot was confronted with these serious medical issues we would take our motor-home to Florida and spend the winter at an RV park in Naples. In late October 2000 we received clearance to once again head to Florida. Dot was elated that in spite of being in a weaken condition she would not have to spend the winter in NH.

We were able to line up several clinics on our route to Florida and everything went great. Dot did quite well and was happy to be on the road again.

In June 2006 we became NxStage users and are very pleased with the results. We have both flown with NxStage and driven with no major issues.

Oh, I am 78 and Dot is 76 and we have been happily married 56 years.

Jim

[MooseMom]

Other than the obvious dark periods, what a marvellous story!  I am so very glad that NxStage has enabled you to do the things you enjoy.  No one should have to spend winter in NH!

Yes, contrast dye can be very dangerous, and I am so sorry that your wife had such a violent reaction.  That must have been a double blow.  But I hope the worst is behind you...well, obviously that's the case because now you are FREE to travel and put more years into your marriage. 

Thank you so much for joining IHD, and please give our regards to Dot.

[Rerun]

Jim and Dot, what a wonerful story.  You have both done well.  I'm glad you've officially joined us. 

Rerun, Moderator   

[boswife]

Welcome and so glad your here and shareing your stories and life with us.  Im the wife and care...hum, giver/partner  for/with my hubby  .... We've been home with nxStage for 6 months now and are so glad we made it through the beginning rough patch.  (i was a huge scardie cat but a determined one)  I think it's wonderful that you have each other through these times.  Having a loveing past is surly a pluss.  oh, and hubby's  68 and me, well, im just a youngen at 60  lol.....  Once again, 

[Ang]

  


  to care givers

[Poppylicious]

  Jim and Dot!  What a tragic, yet beautiful, story.  You sound like an amazing couple! 

[texasstyle]

I never knew about the contrast dye, or it's seriousness, until my husband neded it used. I think there should be moreinformation/education about it so that people can work with their  Dr.'s if it needs to be used. I have to second exactly what Poppy has said!

[The Noob]

welcome to jim and dot!!!

this is sort of what happened to my hubby. he had a colonoscopy done in 2004, they used phosphate soda.
and i'm not sure but either then or close by, he had the dye and had an allergic reaction to it.
it was 3 years later he began to have serious kidney issues. we still don't know if it was this or possible alports syndrome (like his cousin) as no biopsy yet.
he should be cleared for transplant list soon, and if doesn't get transplant soon, we will be going to nxstage too. we are waiting in end results of 2 family members who were tested for donor.

what a beautiful story jim. i love my husband too. in the beginning of this it seemed to me we were standing on a train track looking at this huge dark tunnel we had to go through and were being pushed to its huge dark swallowing mouth..then we were INSIDE the beast screaming for the longest time..
now we have just emerged from the tunnel and are somewhat traumatized but walking upright and breathing deeply with relief! and the sun is shining.

sorry for that stray, welcome to the family!

[billybags]

Jim and Dot!  You are most welcome to our family. its lovely to hear of some one being married for 56 years. I have been married for 45 and think that is some kind of fete in its self. I hope you have many more years to go.   

[lmunchkin]

Oh so sorry Im late on this Jim & Dot!  You young Whipper Snappers, I tell you what! Im 57 and hubby is 63, had we married long ago, we would have been married 38 yrs, but we only married 17yrs. Him being my 3rd and Im his 2nd!

Again, welcome to IHD.  I do NxStage on my husband and really feel comfortable with it!  IMO, it is the best modality going for those having to D.

lmunchkin          

[tbarrett2533]

 

I just love caregivers!!! you got my vote!!! 

[billmoria]

  Great story - 56 going on 100!  and you both will not hold you back.
  to IHD

[willowtreewren]

 

Hi, Jim and Dot. I love that we were able to continue traveling with minimal difficulties while my husband was on NxStage. Your story is an inspiration!

Aleta

[looneytunes]

Hi Jim and    to IHD.  Great to hear you are able to travel and enjoy life! 

[jbeany]

 

Hurray for NxStage!  Glad it's working so well for you both!

jbeany, Moderator

[chatrbee2]

 My father had the same thing happen to him with the Dye.  :[

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Jim and Dot!  When someone says that they have been reading IHD for a while, it makes me feel that they are thoroughly convinced that this is the place for information, support and encouragement!  I am so glad that you delurked and shared your story with us.  I am amazed at the strength of the human spirit.  Also, I too have been through mastectomy (18 years this December) and am now dealing with dialysis.  But that has not stopped me from enjoying life.
So please let us hear more from you.  Let us know how Dot is doing.  You are now part of the IHD family





Bajanne, Moderator