hi I'm new here

[knittingdan]

My name is Dan and I live in Northeast Washington State.  I am a 29-year old male.  I was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy in 2003, and ESRD in February 2007.  I started dialysis in February 2007, and moved to nocturnal dialysis in June 2007.  The local transplant center won't even talk to me until I lose 100 pounds, so for the forseeable future I continue to get my blood sucked 3 times a week.

I drive 67 miles one way from my home to the dialysis center.  I've narrowly missed dozens of deer & elk, a few moose, and other various wildlife.  I've hit a few deer, grazed a moose(luckily no damage to either of us), and smacked a few skunks.

I can't sleep on my nocturnal dialysis shift, so I started knitting last year to help pass the time.  I mostly do hats, but recently moved on to scarves and mesh bags.

I look forward to learning more about the site and sharing our common experience of dialyis.

knittingdan

[MooseMom]

So, what do you do with all of the stuff you knit?  I wish I could knit...I really admire people who are creative and crafty.

As you will see, everyone has their own unique experience with CKD/ESRD; I know there are plenty of people who have the same underlying disease as you do.  We are always happy to share and hope you will do more of the same.

Man, you have to drive a LONG way to your center!  I'm confused...do you do nocturnal at home, or do you do it in-clinic three nights a week?  I thought people did nocturnal most nights of the week...shows you how much I know.  I have been considering at home nocturnal.  Anyway, we're so glad you are here.  I think you will find this site to be very helpful!

[knittingdan]

Most of the stuff I knit has gone as gifts to family and friends as gifts, but I still have a bit of a stockpile.  I haven't felt comfortable selling many of my knit items as I am still pretty much a novice and the finished products are not as good as I would like.

To clarify, I do a 8-hour nocturnal run at the dialysis center 3 times a week.  At home dialysis is not an option for me, and I really don't mind the drive so much...it's all that time spent away from home that bothers me.

[Poppylicious]

  Dan!  I tried to teach myself to knit in 2008 using a teddy bear pattern ... I'm still only on row 34!  I will get there one day, maybe.

My Blokey (he's the one on dialysis) had oodles of weight to lose before they would list him for transplant, but the long hard slog was worth it on the day they decided that he was okay to go on the list. He actually produced a smile that day ...

 

Again, welcome!

[kristina]

Hello, Dan,
I knit too, but only when I need something special.
When I first went into ESRF (Kidney-function now 10-12%, no dialysis yet)
I felt very cold and knitted for myself a few pairs of wool-socks
& I have noticed those socks are much warmer than any bought ones.
I am very pleased that I took the trouble to knit.
Kind regards from Kristina.

[tyefly]

  Dan     WELCOME......      I live in the NW too....      you are doing nocturnal in the clinic..... good for you ..... have you thought about doing Nxstage....and maybe nocturnal at home......  I do Nxstage at home  and I love it..... I would think that this would be a good fit for you and reduce the drive time.....

   Good to see you

[natnnnat]

oooo another knitter!! Hi Dan!   
Have you seen ravelry?   
Ravelry is a community site, an organizational tool, and a yarn & pattern database for knitters and crocheters.
www.ravelry.com/

[boswife]

Welcome to a great place to share what ever ya wanna share :-)  Glad ya found it and i wish you well...  and.....I go through intence times of crocheting (gee how ya spell that?)  and a bit of knitting... Love both for stress reliefe  I carry a ball of yarn with me whereever i go JUST INCASE i might get board..lol

[kellyt]

Welcome knittingdan!  67 miles is a heck of trip, but worth your life for sure.  I hope dialysis helps you.   I'm sure the wildlife would love for you to get a kidney and get off dialysis.   

I started a nonprofit 501c3 very recently in honor of my sister-in-law, Etta, for graciously donating her kidney to me in 2008.  It's called Etta's Gift.  You'll see some stuff about it here, but you can also find us on Facebook.  Anyway, I would LOVE to be able to work something out with you in order to sell the hats and stuff you knit while on dialysis.  I could resell them at a profit for Etta's Gift.  That would be fun!!!  What would you charge me for them?  Send me a photo!
Glad you found us!     

[Rerun]

Hi Kinittingdan!  Finally someone I told about this site has joined!      I sit 2 chairs down from you.  Woof  woof!  (personal joke)

I think you will enjoy this site.  You can come here and ask questions or just vent about the rude people who sit around you at dialysis or anything you want.  I know you have lots to contribute also. 

Dan's hats are awesome!   

See you Tuesday night.....

Rerun, Moderator      

[galvo]

G'day Dan and  . I've lost 70.4 lbs over the last few years. All is possible.

[looneytunes]

Hi knittingdan and glad to have you here.    

[Jean]

Hi Knittingdan, and welcome to IHD. One of the biggest, most masculine men I ever knew did crocheting to calm his nerves. And he made some awesome shawls too. I also knit some and crochet a little bit. Glad you joined us.

[mm2010]

Hi Dan,
Like you I am also very new here, but have found this place is a great way to pass some time and learn.  We all do what we can here to help each other cope, and I think you will fit right in.  Also like you, I have IgA, but I have not needed dialysis as yet.  Time will tell, I'm taking all kinds of pills to try to slow the progression.  When I was a kid, I used to get a hat from my aunt for my birthday, who was a very accomplished knitter.  Warmest thing, and just didn't compare to the store bought hats.  Drive safe, slow down, wildlife can't read all those road signs  , and Welcome from Mark in 

[Desert Dancer]

Hi, Dan and  to IHD! What a great intro! Knitting (or crocheting) is a GREAT way to pass the time on dialysis; when I was in-center I could complete three 3-dimensional snowflakes in one session - guess what everyone's getting for Christmas this year? Have you considered donating your items? Project Linus is always happy to accept blankets, tiny hats can be donated to a local NICU, and scarves, bags, and slippers are always welcome at your local nursing home.

Oh, and watch out for those elk.  Geez.