Hello

[elihup]

Hello,
My name is Elihu.  I was 24 when I was diagnosed with ESRD.  Like so many others, I did not know that I had any kidney problems until I needed dialysis.  I had been feeling bad for several months before I finally went to see a doctor.  I told him all of my symptoms and he said that I was probably just stressed out and sent me on my way.  About a month more of itchy, sleepless nights, vomiting for no reason, and overall just feeling like crap, and I decided to see another doctor.  The doctor ordered blood work on a Friday, and I had a follow up appointment with him on Monday.  After another long weekend of wondering, he told me that I had ESRD and admitted me to the hospital where they inserted a permacath for dialysis, and made a fistula on my left arm.  I was in the hospital for 6 days while my body adjusted to dialysis treatments.  I was on in center hemodialysis from April 24th 2006 until July 31st 2007.  I went to a great center, with wonderful staff in Reno, Nevada.  They were more than just caregivers, they were my friends, and in a very rough time of my life when I needed friends the most.  I wasn't doing very well on dialysis.  My blood pressure was out of control, frequently hospitalizing me for them to reign it back in.  I was on the maximum allowed dose of a powerful beta blocker, which was making me hallucinate and sleep around 18 hours a day.  I ended up leaving my job and dropping out of college. 
After almost a year on dialysis, and continued pressure from my family, I began compatibility testing for a kidney transplant with my brother Stephen.  This process went very quickly.  I made several flights to Portland, Oregon, where my brother lives, for testing.  My brother's only match with me was on blood type, but apparently that was enough.  We were scheduled for surgery for July 31st 2007.  The people at Legacy Transplant Center in Portland, Oregon were amazing.  The whole process from testing to follow up went perfectly.  It has been 3 years since I have had my transplanted kidney and I have yet to have a single rejection episode or issue with it.  I feel so much better now, and my blood pressure is easily controlled with a small dose of medicine.  The anti-rejection medicine isn't without side effects though so I cannot say that I am back to 100%.  I still get very tired during the day and usually require an afternoon nap.  My brain isn't the same as it used to be either.  My memory is definitely not what it used to be and I find it difficult to concentrate.  I am not sure if this is from the medicine or just getting older.  I have gained about 50 lbs since my transplant, which I blame on a combination of the prednisone and enjoying some of the finer foods that life has to offer. 
While I was staying with my brother in the time surrounding my transplant, I began emailing with one of the nurses from my old dialysis center.  When I got back to Reno, we started dating.  Things progressed from there and Donetta and I will be celebrating our second wedding anniversary later this month!

[texasstyle]

Although you've gone, and still go through some difficulties it's so good to hear something POSITIVE and ENCOURGING. Sounds like you're a pretty optimistic person to begin with. Attitude plays such an important part (easier said than done sometimes lol). I am a caregiver and as much as i try to remain upbeat it can sure ware you down at times. You made me smile today hearing someone say that life is good pretty well overall for them. Thanks and best of luck to you!

[galvo]

G'day elihup and  . Great intro mate. I love your positive attitude.

[Rerun]

Hi Elihu, and welcome to IHD.  OMG RichardMel will be writing all his old nurses!   

Your story is very encouraging.  Almost Movie material.  I lived in Sacramento for six years just a short drive to Reno and Now I live in Spokane just a short drive to Portland.  I feel like we are neighbors!!!

I hope with your freedom you can still find time to come visit this site and encourage others waiting.

Rerun, Moderator         

[kellyt]

   Welcome!!!

[elihup]

Thank you all for the kind words. 

I really enjoy reading everyone's stories on this site so I thought that I should sign up.  Even though I am no longer on dialysis, I am still pretty connected with the dialysis community with my wife being a dialysis nurse and all.  She frequently has patients who want to meet me with questions about my transplant experience or just to talk I guess.  ESRD was really a wake up call for me to not take life for granted because it could be gone any second.  In a way I feel fortunate for the experience as I dont know that I ever would have learned to live had I not come so close to death.

[rsudock]

Welcome E so glad you are here. What a heart warming intro. Even though you aren't on D anymore doesn't mean you don't have lots to share, and we all know transplantation isn't a cure.

xo,
R