Introducing Devon

[devon]

I'm 55, single father to a 16 yo son. Have been diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure since 1988 or so. Have successfully fought off dialysis up to recently when my nephrologist said to contact the Vascular Surgeon for a fistula. Frankly, I scared and don't want to give in. I've always been a fighter. I'm going to continue to push back as much as I can. I guess I'm in the "Bargaining stage"!

My big issue at this moment is... well... I will post that in the regular forum. I have many many questions and look to ya'll to give me advice!

Devon

[Psim]

Sounds like you fought it off long, hard and well. Welcome to IHD!

[Joe Paul]

Welcome Devin, good to have you aboard.

[CW]

Devon this is a great place to be, have fun 

[Hawkeye]

Hello and 

[lola]

 

[MyssAnne]

Welcome, Devon!!! Ask all the questions you want!!!!!

[Laurie]

 

[kellyt]

     Get that fistula now if that is what your nephrologist suggests.  It can take  3-6 months for it to mature.  You don't want to use an immature fistula (or so I've heard).  I'm pre-dialysis and I got my first fistula placed on 09/27/07.  It didn't work so I had my 2nd one place on 10/31/07.  It's running great and my doctor is extremely pleased.  He thinks I'll be ready for dialysis anywhere from March to July.    I'm hoping to transplant in March!

You've come to the right place!  Ask all your questions...     

[oswald]

 

[Sluff]

Welcome Devon to ihatedialysis.com,

It's OK to be scared of the unknown, this is a huge lifestyle change that inevitably you'll have to go through. Please understand that everyone here has been effected by ESRD at one capacity or another and we understand your feelings and what you are going through. The best thing you can do is remain positive and don't let this disease control your life. Many changes will take place that are out of your control, however you can take charge by becoming knowledgable, and you have picked the best place to gain that knowledge. I hope to see you in the forums asking questions and gaining confidence in your changing lifestyle.

Sluff/ Admin

[oleboy]

  I knew i was not alone once I found this site, I've gleaned from post to post and the answers you seek are here, if not you can be given some directions to find the answers. Ditto on the fistula check my intro my was placed 08 and learn about the BUZZ, I fought the battle, but have accepted the fact of I am in Renal Failure, but you are not alone. 

[Cincygrandma]

Welcome Devon!  I'm new to all this too and learning a lot from IHD.  As kellyt says, "get that fistula now".  My neph wanted me to get my surgery in October of 2006, and be ready for dialysis within 3 months.  I finally got it Dec. 06 and managed to hold off dialysis until 11/07, but still don't have a really mature fistula.  Had to have several angioplastys during the past year.  I've heard some can take 2 years to mature, so give it all the time you can.  I likewise understand the "bargaining" etc.  Wish you the best!   

[Romona]

 

[Ang]

welcome  aboard,


please  get  the  fistula  as  requested  and  don't  push  to  stave  off  dialysis,  cause  when  you  least  expect  it,  it  will come  back  to  bite  you.
do  it  now  and  you  can  be  in  the  decision  making  of  whats  good  for you, leave  it  long  enough  and  the  nephs  and  drs  will  assume  complete  control  of  your  care.

[donnia]

 

[Bajanne]

welcome to our community, Devon!  All of us here have had to face this renal challenge in some way, even if it through a loved one's experience.  So you are with people who understand EXACTLY what you are going through. 
I was thrown into dialysis.  I had been hospitalised and they told me I should be starting dialysis in a little while.  But a few days after, with my GPR falling to 7%, I had to have a catheter speedily inserted and started dialysis.  How I thank Gof for IHD.  I got to know this site just before I started dialysis and it was here that i was really prepared for what i had to go through, by people who had been there. 
September will be three years for me, and I have found out that I can still have a good quality of life, even if 12 hours per week are spent on a machine.  I am thankful for the machine which is allowing me to see my grandson grow up, and my daughter develop.
So keep reading, and please keep posting.  We want to know what is going on with you.  We are not nosy -  just family.   


Bajanne, Moderator

[kitkatz]

At least you know dialysis is coming and can educate yourself on it and prepare for it.  Welcome the the best site on the internet for being on dialysis.  Come on in and join in on a round of discussions.   There are multiple answers to questions you may have on this site.  I have learned so much here and the support is wonderful.

kitkatz-moderator

[gorwell1984]

Wow Devon, that's great that you were able to take good enough care of yourself and hang in there for 20 years after being diagnosed with CKD. I was first diagnosed with stage 3 CKD last April 2007 with a GFR of 52 and Creatinine of 12.8 and in 9 months I'm already nearing stage II CKD with a GFR of 33 and creatinine at 2.09 as of 1/30/08.
I'm extremely impressed that you hung in there that long before reaching ESRF.
Best of luck to you,
Rick

[keefer51]

 

[rimbo74]

Welcome aboard Devon! 

[Fierceheart]

Keep fighting and welcome

[petey]

Welcome to IHD, Devon!  You are in the right place.  My husband is a 13-year hemodialysis patient, and we live a happy, productive, good life -- dialysis and all (it's a different life from what we had before, but it's still good).  This site is FULL of fighters, so you'll fit right in.  I'm glad you're here with us now, and we're always here for you.