Well, hello there.

[PennyTheBee]

Oh boy, am I nervous. Haha.

Well, lets see.
My friends call me Channie and I am currently 26 years old.
It was sometime during the middle of October 2007 when I suddenly came down with a fever. Nothing seemed wrong at the time,  so I decided to just keep cool and see the doctor the next day. I told the doctor how tired I have been the weeks prior to getting the fever and she ran some blood tests. The next thing I know, I was called back in and it was revealed that I had Lupus. Not only that, but the Lupus was affecting my kidneys. So, I was sent to a nephrologist.
He let me know that there was a chance my kidneys would be fine and told me to drink plenty of water.
So October and November roll by with me being super tired and napping almost everyday and drinking lots of water.
Then, one cold December evening, several days before Christmas, I started having difficulty breathing when I lie down. Furthermore, I started coughing what I thought was phlegm, but after coughing it up in the sink, I found to be blood.
I woke up my parents who then rushed me to the hospital. I remember being given oxygen and waiting in the E.R. to be seen. Then suddenly feeling like the oxygen level was being lowered or cut off? I can't explain it really. All I recall is being rushed out of the room and blacking out. The next time I woke up, Christmas has passed and I was in the ICU with tubes down my throat. Congestive Heart Failure at 19. Jeez.
Anyway, I spent a month in the hospital doing dialysis with a temporary catheter in my leg.
Before leaving the hospital the catheter in my leg was taken out and replaced with one in my chest.
I started going to a clinic and went in for a AV fistula in my right wrist, not long after that.
But it refused to work and I had to go back in and use my upper right arm. (Where it is currently at today)
I've had to get my arm redone 3 times in past 6 years.

I am on two Transplant lists. For about two years by now.
And I am feeling a lot better.
 
Anyway. I feel like I've been going on too long. So, I will end it here.
If there's any questions, feel free to ask.

I am excited to share my experiences and read all about everyone elses.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[Ninanna]

Hi Penny what a great introduction!  Welcome to the site, we look forward to hearing more from you.

[MooseMom]

Oh my, what a story!  I'm glad you have found IHD and hope you will post often.  You obviously have a great deal of knowledge you can share with those who are very new to the world of kidney failure.  Thank you very much for joining.

Where are you listed for transplant?

[Darthvadar]

Hello Penny...

Extending a very warm  to IHD....

Hope you enjoy being here....

Darth...

[Rerun]

Hi Penny,

I'm so glad you found us.  Lots of water hua?  Hope you find yourself at home here.  Lots to read.

Rerun, Admin          

[Bambino_Bear]

  Penny!

[PennyTheBee]

Where are you listed for transplant?

I am listed at UCSF and UC Davis.


And thank you, everyone! Such warm welcomes.

[Poppylicious]

Hello Penny, and  !

Lovely to have you on board!

Poppylicious, Moderator

[RichardMEL]

Welcome to IHD Channie/Penny..

glad to have you with us!! It's never fun to read of younger people having to go through all this.. and specially with one fistula spot failing to work. blah.

I really hope one of your listings comes through soon!!!!

best wishes and welcome to IHD!

[kristina]

Hello and welcome to IHD Penny,
I am sorry that your Lupus gave you such a hard time... and I am glad that you feel a little better now
and hopefully you are being contacted soon by the transplant team...
I also suffer from Lupus SLE and MCTD, I am still pre-dialysis (just about)
and in the next few weeks I am being assessed whether or not my body is well enough for a transplant...

There are a few people with Lupus (SLE) here on IHD and there is lots of encouragement...

Best wishes from Kristina.

[Jean]

 Just want to     you to IHD.