Dodging a bullet...

[mm2010]

Hi Everyone,
Life can fire a few near misses our way, and if we are lucky, we manage to see the shot coming, and we get out of the way.

Here is my story...
47 years old in 2010, my name is Mark.

A few years ago I was denied life insurance from a test result of high cholesterol.  Didn't think much of it, but my wife did, and began restricting my diet.  A couple of years later, I got a skin infection, so back to the doctor to see if they had some cream to treat my skin issue.  While I was there, they took some urine and blood and so it began...

High protein levels, high cholesterol, and the GP says, "hmmmmmm, I think we should do some more tests" and I agreed.  With a smile, she says, "we need to have a look at your bladder, can I schedule an appointment for you?"  Sure I said, with no idea how they go about looking at a bladder.  Can you say cystoscopy?  The results, negative, so next is the biopsy to see if we can get a diagnosis.  A few days later the Neph doctor says "you have IGA".  I still cannot say it or spell it.

Today its 1 and 1/2 years after diagnosis, and my latest test results sparked a very uncomfortable conversation with the Neph Doctor,  "do you have brothers or sisters"?   The answer, no.  So its a lucky man who sees the bullet coming, and who is lucky enough to be forwarned of the challenges to come.  How fortunate I am to have learned at this early stage, ( kidneys are still working but in decline ) that I have options and time to adapt to the changes to come.

And, how fortunate I am to have found such a wonderful place, where positive people can come together to create such a wonderful support group.  I am a better person to have met you all, and your strength is an inspiration to those of us who are frightened to death of things unknown.

Sincerely,
Mark

[cariad]

Welcome, Mark. 

So delighted that you've found us.

I see you've had the transplant discussion. That is certainly one option in your situation, and of course brothers and sisters are not the only source of spare kidneys. Do you have anyone in your life who has expressed interest? If your nephrologist is discussing transplant, and it is a path you wish to go down, you would do well to start the listing process now.

I absolutely love the pic. What's you friend's name?

I look forward to getting to know you better. Please make yourself at home and jump right into the discussions.

[boswife]

   and youbetcha its a great place you've found    And im so glad you did.  I cant even emagine going through all this without all we've learned here.  And what a great picture is right!!  So nice to see who we're talking too   

[Sax-O-Trix]

 

[MooseMom]

Awwwww....look at that faaaace!  Awwwwwww!  A dog and his human!

I'm very glad you found us.  I know we can help you.  Now is the time to start building your support team.  You have your doctor and you have us and you have your dog, so you are off to a great start!

Are you on meds now for high cholesterol and the other things that go with kidney disease?  Any talk about a renal diet?  What's your treatment plan for right now?

[galvo]

G'day Mark and  . You've got a great mate there in the photo!

[Rerun]

Mark, How lucky you are to have such a fine dog.  I'm glad you found us and I hope you come here often

Rerun, Moderator           

[Poppylicious]

  Mark!  Love the photo!

[Brightsky69]

Hi Mark,

I have IGA too. Love your puppy dog....cute. 

[st789]

Welcome, we r here to support one another.

[Jean]

Welcome Mark and I am so glad you found us. I, like you, am still waiting around to go on D. I am, however, very willing to wait as I am sure you are too. Lovely little puppy you have there. What is his /her name?

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  That was a great intro.  I tend to look at intros through Epoman's eyes.  He liked people to give a detailed intro. When you think of it, we are not seeing each other face to face - it is only our words  which bind us together (except for those who went to the fantastic reunions that we have had!).  I am glad that you found us.  I myself found IHD just a month before I started dialysis and it is impossible to quantify the help that I received (and still receive).  This is a genuine family    You task is to keep reading and keep posting so that we will know how you are doing.
Lovely pict.  We also have a thread in the IHD family section where people post their picts (expecting to see some more of yours)



Bajanne, Moderator

[Desert Dancer]

Hi, Mark, and