Grateful for this website!

[50Calabrese]

My girlfriend was diagnosed with kidney disease some months ago.  She was told a while back that hypertension and diabetes could affect her kidneys but she didn't know how much.  She also has dealt with high triglycerides.  So much was on her plate and she was focusing on bringing the triglyceride level down etc.  She is working on diabetes by watching her diet.  Well, now she is on a renal diet trying to postpone dialysis/transplant as long as possible. 

There have been a lot of tears, anger, regret etc.  I am sure you are well aware of this.  She loves to go out to eat and that has been an issue.  Especially in Chinese restaurants.  They sometimes just don't get it about salt.  Especially the MSG.  It is like an insult to ask them to do low or no salt dishes.  I have been making dishes with low sodium, phosphorus and potassium as well as low sugar.  Going out to eat is a challenge.  I guess I need to let go sometimes.  I really try to control things.  Food is such an emotional as well as nutritional thing. 

I have already read some posts in the forum and I am grateful for people's honesty.  I have been to a class with my girlfriend that went over all the kinds of dialysis as well as transplant.  She is a very active person; she works full-time, is a musician in a band as well as does solo work, has lots of friends, family etc..  She is doing estate planning, advanced directives and all that.  She is including me in the discussion.

I look forward to learning more and sharing people on this website.  I just want my girlfriend to feel loved, supported and healthy and that she can have a full life no matter what.  I can't take away her feelings but I can sure be a grounded and loving force in her life.  I also realize that I need my outlets to stay strong and grounded.  [sigh]

Thanks so much!  Once again, I am so grateful that I found out about IHD.  My girlfriend told me about it.

[willowtreewren]

Hey there, 50Calabrese!

Welcome to the site. Is your GF a member, too, since she told you about it?

She has many new issues to incorporate into her life. It is good that you are there as support for her and we are here as support for you.

 

Aleta

[rocker]

Welcome.

There are many caregivers here as well, I am one.  Feel free to vent and not feel guilty.  You are important as well as "the sick one".

Read and read and read, you will learn so much here.

The thing I'm feeling really grateful for this week is hearing in advance about all the potential leaks and drips from the home hemo machine.  Before we got ours home, I insisted we go out and buy a cheap rug to cover the carpet.

Can't tell you how happy I already am that we did that!

[billybags]

50Calabrese, Welcome, I am new here as well , but wow the information you pick up from here is spot on, the things people are going through. I am  carer for my husband and  I would say "all you people who are on dialysis are amazing " You sound like a lovely caring man.Keep positive for your partner.

[willieandwinnie]

  and  Calabrese. Bless your heart for being active in your girlfriends are. You will find a lot of caregivers here. We are a wonderful informative and supportive group and we hope to hear more from you. Have your girlfriend join too. We hope she can put off dialysis for as long as possible. 

[monrein]

   and what a great boyfriend you are for caring as you do for your girlfriend.   

[jessup]

G'day and 

[tyefly]

   Its great to have a partner in life......   Doing home hemo together would be really great, and healthy.......  I am new my self .... so learning is a big thing..... The people here have a lot of information and experiences......    You found the right spot........

[Jean]

  I think it is just wonderful that you are so supportive and caring about your GF's illness. Post a lot and ask questions. Always someone has an answer for you.

[paris]

    Great to see you here!!  You wrote a wonderful introduction and the founder of this site would have loved it.  An intro like that helps us to get to know you and the situation you are in.  There are many who would love to have a partner that is showing the support you are.  I hope this site can give you answers, some laughs and tons of support.  We are a very caring group and watch out for each other.  Welcome to IHD and your second family       Post often and let us know how you are both doing.   



paris, Moderator

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  I loved your intro!  What a loving and caring person you are.  There are many who are here because of their loved ones and I salute you all.   You must check out the caregiver section sometimes.  As Paris said, this is now your family.   If you hang around long enough you will see what a sharing and caring group this is.  Your duty is to keep reading and keep posting.




Bajanne, Moderator

[50Calabrese]

A heartfelt thank you to all who replied to my post.  I have started to read what people have written about home dialysis as well as transplant.  My girlfriend like the home dialysis the best because she wants the freedom during the day.

What a blessing it is to have this support!

Much love,
Sylvia

[Hanify]

I missed your intro last week.  Welcome to IHD.

[Maxridex]

Welcome