Introduce myself

[stephen647]

Hi; name is Steve, and I am 60yrs old. I have been in assisted living for a little over a year, because I have a tendency to get sick quickly, so I need to be watched over I guess.
  I currently see a counselor, a therapist and three doctors on a monthly basis to treat my grocery list of diseases. But right now I must admit the dialysis coming up in the next few months is scaring me quite a bit more than the other diseases.
  I was born with one kidney, (didn't find that out until my forties), My Dad died of renal failure, and it would appear that I have quite a bunch of cysts on my kidney, whether thats the reason my kidney is unknown. (polycystic kidney disease, may or may not be a factor). April of 2010 they decided to show me a dvd to help me choose the type of dialysis' available, and my options. Anyhow they proceeded to put a fistula in my right arm(I'm left handed). Well here it is a year later my kidney function is hanging on. My fistula is the size of a small broomstick and the surgeon says that the dialysis nurses are gonna love me. So I guess we're doing ok, I saw my Nephrologist yesterday and he said lets hold on the dialysis right now as long as possible, and to watch for the signs.

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Steve!  We are contemporaries (I am 61).  You have found a great place for information, support and encouragement.  So sorry to hear of your many challenges, but I am glad that you seem to be coping.  Here you are free to rant, rage, vent or rave as you like.  You see, you are in a group of people who really understand what you are going through.  We have many pre-dialysis people here and there is even a section for that which you can check out.  This is now your new family  - a wonderful group of sharing and caring people.
Just keep reading and keep posting.  Let us know how you are doing.




Bajanne, Moderator

[willowtreewren]

Hi, Steve. 

Welcome to IHD! Yes, hold off from dialysis if you can and you feel all right! Your fistula isn't going anywhere! 

Look around in the forums....there is much to learn!

Aleta

[Rerun]

Hi Steve, I'm glad you have internet access in your care facility.  It is good that your fistula has matured.  You still may have a few times getting it to take a needle because it is still new (to a stick).  But, you will do fine.  The signs would probably be swollen legs and ankles, itchy skin, lack of appetite and nausea oh and being really tired or out of energy.  I'm not sure what else you have, but don't let dialysis scare you.  If you need to vent or learn.... come here.

Rerun, Moderator     

[billmoria]

Hi STEVE, it is not as bad as you think, I started dialysis 63, 4 years later and my fistula, like yours is loved by the nurses. Once you have settled in - maybe 6 months or more, ask about button hole technique. You can find a lot of info on here about button hole needles. I am so glad I went to it.
Cheers

[Ang]

 

[looneytunes]

Hi Steve and 

[lmunchkin]

Welcome Stephen! Sorry you are here under those circumstances but you are in the right place.  There are others on here who are Pre dialysis and know exactly what you are feeling!  We are here for you and ask anything you like!

lmunchkin