My Introduction

[MrClean1982]

I'm a 65-year-old man with Stage 5 kidney disease. I was diagnosed with FSGS 5 years ago and my numbers keep getting worse. I was told to get a fistula implanted as soon as possible because dialysis will be necessary soon. I recently had a melanoma removed with all margins clear. My sentinel lymph node was removed as well, and the pathology came back negative...however this cancer will apparently keep me off of a transplant list for 5 years. I'm a recovering drug addict with 35 years clean and sober, so I'm used to taking life "one day at a time". Just looking for support and information. Thanks

[iolaire]

Welcome to the group. 

Your wait time for transplant will be set to your dialysis start date, so once you hit that your wait time will accrue even if you are not listed or active.

I think getting the fistula in advance is a good idea as it hopefully will mean you don't need to deal with a catheter in your chest when you start dialysis.  My fistula was well developed when I started and looking back I'm very happy to have not to had to deal with the catheter and the hygiene concerns and general irritation of having something stuck to my chest.

[kickingandscreaming]

Or, you could get a PD catheter and skip the whole Hemo part.  Welcome.

[lulu836]

I am quite content with my catheter thank you.  No hose in my gut and no painful stick every session. Not to mention having to store supplies!

[Jean]

  to the group Mr. Clean. We are happy to have you join us.

[Paul]

 
Hello MrClean1982. Welcome to the site.

[Charlie B53]

Welcome to IHD!

I am not listed because of 'other' medical reasons.

I wasn't aware of that melanoma thing.   It sort of makes me giggle.  I have a long history of smsamll skin cancers both on my head and mostly on my forearms.  Dr's tell me it was primarily caused from all the multiple annual sun burns as a kid being out in the sun every day every summer in the semi-arid desert.

I just thought of it as a normal kid growing up.

Derm Lady Dr's are constantly cutting pieces off my arms.  I had a strange sore develop on my calf.  Months spend trying different bandaging types only for it to slightly grow.  One day she had the bright idea of taking a biopsy.  Y'up, malignant.  Finally cut it out, then it healed up in a hurry.

I think of them all as minor surface damage.  Never thought of it as something bad, just irritations.

I hope you don't develop any more.  And I'm surprised, 5 years on D already.  Surprising how quickly the time goes by. Pay more attention to healthier eating and fluid control and time will take care of itself.

Take Care,

Charlie B53