new to dialysis

[SHANNON]

Hi, i am a 42 year old new dialysis patient. I have had diabetes for 28 years, since i was 15, and it finally took my kidney function. I started PD about 3 weeks ago, and i am starting to feel a little better. I have had a hard time dealing with the pre dialysis depression and feeling sorry for myself, but I am starting to feel that this is not the life ending situation I thought it would be. I have been a nurse for 17 years and have been very diligent in keeping my DM under very good control. My surgeon that put the indwelling cath in place told me something that helped me turn everything around. I told him i was feeling bad that i lost my kidney function and he said he was very surprised that i lasted 28 years, he told me he puts these in diabetics after usually 8-10 years of DM, not 28 years. He said i lasted twice the expected time and that everything i had done had not  been in vain. That made me look at a different perspective. I am pleased to have somewhere to turn for some help with questions and a forum that deals with dialysis so i don't feel all alone. thanks everyone for letting me rant a little.

[galvo]

G'day Shannon and . Good to have you on board.

[RichardMEL]

G'day Shannon and welcome to IHD!

I'll say - 28 years is an awesome run to avoid dialysis. I guess you don't really feel that way, but I think it's amazing. I managed to go 13 and managed to get so much done in those years... A positive attitude and working to keep your labs under control will definitely help you in the long run, specially if you're transplant bound.

Sorry you have to deal with dialysis, but we're glad to have you here as we can come along for the ride!

 

RichardMEL, Moderator

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Shannon!  This is just the place for you to be.  I am glad that your doctor was able to show you the positive side of things.  You found the right site.  Here you will find lots of information, loads of support and barrels of fun!   And this is more than just a website - it is a genuine family caring and sharing.  Just keep reading and keep posting.  Let us know how you are doing.





Bajanne, Moderator

[looneytunes]

Hi Shannon and welcome!  I agree with the doc...for you to go 28 years before having to start D is great!  You must be doing something right and that something will serve you well with little things like a renal diet, fluid control, etc. 

I'm looking forward to seeing your posts.   

[CharmedMist]

Welcome, nice to meet you!

[Rerun]

Hi Shannon and welcome to IHD.  I'm so glad you found us.  What the surgeon said is true.... and he goes and plays on the weekend.  You have a right to feel sorry for the life you lost.  But, don't stay feeling sorry for yourself because it is wasting your precious time.  Dialysis keeps you alive for one, and so we do what we can do.

Rerun, Moderator     

[MooseMom]

Your doc is very kind to point out the triumph of your 28 years avoiding dialysis.  He's a keeper!  You will find so much support on this site that you will wonder how you ever survived without us!

[jessup]

G'day and 

[Jean]

  to IHD Shannon. Wow, 28 years, you held out a really long time. Sorry it had to finally come to this point, but, at least, you are here with us. We care about you and look forward to seeing your posts.

[Fox_nc]

And the best part ... if you did so well with your diabetes, you will do GREAT with PD! I'm positive you will be successful and will be back to your old self in no time at all.  Good luck!