Introduction~

[wrandym]

Well hello all!

I have been lurking for a bit, reading posts and it looks like there is a wealth of info here.

I have just started dialysis and last night finished my 3rd outpatient session.  I have done 3 in the hospital previous to that.  Things came on a bit suddenly for me-well I found out suddenly I should say.  I have had type 1 diabetes for 26 years and high BP for the last 10 or so.  I had been going through the motions to get a lap band and had gone for my pre-op appointment.  I had been gaining weight even though I was following the diet, but still gaining weight-the Doc did not believe me.  I had showed him my legs, which were uncomfortably swollen, but he did not pay much attention.  At the pre-op appointment, which was with his NP, I showed her my legs, which made her eyebrows raise.  When she checked my BP, it was 204/100-this sent me to the ER.

I had a few day stay at the hospital where they determined my kidney function was at 18%.  My Nephrologist hoped to squeeze a few more months out of this before going on dialysis, but had me contact the 2 regional transplant centers and start the process rolling there.  She also had me get surgery for a fistula, which was done right after leaving the hospital.

Within a few days, my arms and hands started to swell.  I had a bad case of bronchitis ( I thought) and felt pretty bad.  I was in my kitchen and wanted to go up the steps to my room and use the bathroom.  I got up the steps and just about passed out because I was so out of breath.  I asked to be taken back to the ER.  Within a few days my kidney function was down to 13%.  I spent a few more days in the hospital.  I now have 2 tubes that come out of my chest.  One I can feel under the skin going to my neck.  The other they say goes down near my heart.  This freaks me out a little bit...no.  A lot.

So that is kind of where I am at now.  I have been out of work for almost a month (people have generously donated their time to me).  I feel like crap-my hemoglobin is at 7.5...I guess I feel better that I am no longer blown up like a water balloon, but I am scared and I don't want to leave my kids...the reason I was going for the lap band is because I wanted to make sure I was around to walk my daughter down the aisle and share a lap dance with my son for his wedding...

this situation sucks, but just finding others really makes me feel better.

thanks for reading

randy

[circleNthedrain]

Welcome Randy...glad you found this site!  Lots of information and support here.  Chest catheters are quite common these days, and it can probably be removed when your fistula has matured.  Hopefully they will give you Epogen with dialysis and get your blood count up quickly.

[kellyt]

Welcome Randy!      You have found the right place!  A soft place to land, so to speak.  You will find nothing but support and information here.  I agree that once your fistula has matured they should remove those lines in your neck and chest.  I hope that dialysis is making you feel a little better.  I understand about the low hemoglobin.  I was never that low, but when I was around 10 I couldn't keep my eyes open.  I can't imagine 7.5!  Walking dead! 

Are you planning on getting on "the list"?

Good Luck!  Come and post often!  We welcome your insight and experiences!

[G-Ma]

 

[Joe Paul]

Welcome  Randy, good to have you aboard.

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Randy!  Glad you lurked for a while so you know all that this site has to offer.  Now that you have joined in, you are part of this wonderful IHD family.    If there is one thing that will cheer you up, it is spending some time on this website. I quite understand how you have been feeling.  Hope everything gets better for you as it did for me.  Please take advantage of all this site has to offer - the information, the support, the fun!  Keep reading and keep posting!



Bajanne, Moderator

[nursewratchet]

AAWWWWW!  You should start to feel better in 3-4 weeks.  They should be giving you EPO, and in about a month, your HGB will be up and your toxins starting to go down.  Hang in there

[monrein]

   Randy.  I'm glad you lurked then joined and you're right about all the information here.  I hope they've scheduled you for a fistula surgery (make sure they map your veins first) so that you can get rid of that permacath.  Many many of us have or have had them but they aren't the best for the longer term.

Pre-dialysis and early adjustment to dialysis is some of the crappiest feeling there is but it usiually gets quite a bit better so hang in there as others have said.

[jessup]

G'day and 

[boxman55]

Welcome Randy, your intro was very informative, sorry you had to go through all that. I look forward to your posts and wish you the best

Boxman,Moderator

[cookie2008]

 

[wrandym]

Thanks all for the welcome!

I feel a little more human this morning-still tired, but OK. 

Hey, I weighed myself this morning and weighed 279...I was 316 2 weeks ago 

[kellyt]

     Bye bye fluid!

[nursewratchet]

Heck of a diet plan!

[willieandwinnie]

  Randy. Sorry I am a tad late in welcoming you. We are a great group and we hope you post often. 

[annabanana]

I'm late, too, in welcoming you. My husband is also a Randy. He's in a very similar situation as you. Had a permacath put in for emergency dialysis on the day he was supposed to have his fistula surgery. Also doing procrit shots for severe anemia. He also had swelling a lot and his neph put off fistula surgery too long. Sometimes things happen way too fast. Anyway, welcome Randy!

[pelagia]

Hey Randy,  to IHD.  I'll always think of you as the cookie guy! 

[Ang]