New Guy here

[woodsman]

Hi everyone. My name in Jim and i am at stage 4 (IGA) and will be getting a port installed iin sept. I am not looking forward to this but it hasd been coming for many years. i am at 17% kidney function, i feel just fine so why put in a port.... 

[rookiegirl]

Hi Woodsman - Welcome to IHD.

[Mimi]

They tried to do that to me, too.  I said nosireeeee.....
Course I had to find a new neph.
Stand your ground if you are not ready yet.

Welcome to IHD.

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  This is just the place to come to for information and support.  You might be feeling fine now, but it is best to have the port ready just in case things become more difficult (which is very likely).  Then you would not need a catheter for emergency dialysis.   There is lots to read here - very helpful material.  It should help you in your decisions.  Please remember that this is much more than a website; it is a caring and sharing family   Just keep reading and keep posting and let us know how you are doing.





Bajanne, Moderator

[galvo]

G'day, woodsman and .

[Jean]

  to IHD Woodsman.

[peleroja]

Welcome to the group.  Although you're at 17% and feel fine, things can change rapidly with ESRD, so they want you to be prepared in order to lessen the number of surgeries.  Take me, for example.  I had 18% and then the neph gave me Zocor for cholesterol.  One month to the day later I was in the hospital with rhabdomyolisis and failing kidneys.  I had to have surgery for a chest catheter in order to receive hemo, and then had to have surgery to put in my PD catheter.  See what I mean?

[joyfulmother]

Welcome Jim - you will find lots of great information and support here.

[aharris2]

Hi everyone. My name in Jim and i am at stage 4 (IGA) and will be getting a port installed iin sept. I am not looking forward to this but it hasd been coming for many years. i am at 17% kidney function, i feel just fine so why put in a port....

Hi woodsman. As you continue on this journey, hopefully this site will be a "light in the forest".
  (bad, huh?)

  Welcome to the neighborhood. There's lots of great information here. Read, and you will find posts regarding when to have your access established, perhaps something that will answer your question and help with your decision.

Alene

[woodsman]

I really bdon't get this whole kidney thing, i feel fine maybe a bit tired at times but otherwise i feel great. They say i may need the fistula installed soon and that i understand but i think it may be a bit premature and i may wait to have this done. I know it is risky but while i feel great i don't want to look at that thing in my arm each day and be reminded..

OOPS i almost forgot to say thanks to you all for the welcome.... 

[fc2821]

   Jim,   You have come to the right place with many wondeful and caring peole who are fun to be around and full of the information that you will need.  Be sure to look around and read, read, read.   There is a lot of inforamtion here and it is very usefull.

[kellyt]

   Hi Jim.  Get the "port".  You don't want to wait til it's too late.  I'm guessing a "port" is a "fistula" and it will take a few months to matrue.  Plus, what if it doesn't work or stops working right away like my first fistula?  You will have to get another.  Get it now and be prepaired.  I'm so glad you found this site.  You will love it here.  Lots to learn and lots to meet.  Welcome!!   

[fc2821]

    Jim, like Kellyt  (Hi kellyt, hope ur doing ok too) I say get the fistula.  You don't want to wait till it is too late.  If not they will have to put in a perm cath and use hat while you wiat for your fistula.  Perm Caths are not pretty, they are subject to infection, and you can't take a shower or get them wet for rishk of infection.  A real hassel.  Besides when you have to start dialysis, if you eveer have to, you want to be ready.   

[CharmedMist]

Welcome Jim.

I'd say go ahead and get the fistula, go ahead and be prepared.