New here - husband is on dialysis

[kiddogal]

I have been reading this board for sometime now.  My husband started dialysis last April due to his kidneys failing from taking certain drugs that prevented rejection of a heart tranplant he recevied in 1997.  He took cyclosporine for years and it finally destroyed his kidney function.  We knew it would eventually happen if he survived long enough from the transplant.  He is tolerating dialysis well, he is 77 years old.  He will finally be able to start using his fistula in late November.  Due to a series of delays, it took this long to get his fistula in.  He has had no major issues with dialysis.  We seem to be going to a pretty good Davita Center.  the staff seem to be excellent and very caring. They alway have his chair ready for him.  He is not considering a kidney transplant.  For me, it was extremely overwhelming the first 3 months but now I have settled into the routine pretty well.  that's our story in a nutshell.....

[MooseMom]

I'm glad you've found this forum.  It's a great place should you have any questions.  I'm also glad that you and your husband are both settling into a comfortable routine.  That's great!

[MaryJoe]

   kiddogal!  It can all be very overwhelming in the beginning.  I'm glad you decided to join the conversation, having a place to go when you need support,advise or comfort will make the journey easier.

[boswife]

I loved reading your story   Always good to read of things going good, and glad your settled in and making the most of it.  Im 'wife/caregiver' to hubby who has now been on dialysis nearly 4 years.  We are almost 2 years at home w nxStage which has been good for us.................though, that was a story in itself getting used to.. Some fall into it with ease, I wass a paranoid freek scardie cat, that now cant see the big deal..lol  I wish you all the best, and,,, isnt it great to have found a good center!!  We liked ours too and miss our friends.  That was our biggest drawback to comming home w/it, and one of the things that others are so glad to get away from..lol 

[MommyChick]

Hello & Welcome
Glad things are going easier for you & your husband, wishing you both the best!

[Grumpy-1]

    Have you looked into doing home dialysis of some type?  PD or Hemo - both are being done at home with folks here.  I'm sure we could all give you the pros and cons of home dialysis if you are considering it.  Grumpy

[Joe]

  and good to have you with us. Looking forward to seeing you around the boards.

[Poppylicious]

  kiddogal!