More Of A Re-introduction

[HSM]

Hey everyone,

Firstly I apologise if we're only supposed to post here just the one time. I have introduced myself before and posted on this site before. But that was a couple of years ago and things have changed dramatically in that time. When I first posted I was 22 and was relatively new to dialysis and how much my life was going to change permanently. I never had much happening as I had lost my flat and my job as I was unable to work full time hours. Sometimes I truly didn't think things could possible get better, how wrong I was!

Anyway I feel a reintroduction is in order. I want to prove a point to young patients that life isn't over when you find yourself on dialysis, it's just another chapter in your life, and not one you should be ashamed of in any way! I'm 25 now and as I'm not supposed to be playing football (soccer) I have started coaching it. I’ve completed my level 1 & 2 in coaching football and I’m looking to progress on to my level 3 sometime next year. I'm studying to be a teacher as well as looking to progress into life coaching/motivational speaking. The team I help coach are unbeaten in 31 league games. Not a bad achievement for a team of under 13’s!

I’ve taken it upon myself to bring back a monthly newsletter at the dialysis unit I attend.

I’m in great shape mentally, spiritually and physically, I’ve even got a 6-pack without going to the gym!

My point is dialysis wasn’t the end of me, it was just the beginning!

Regardless of your age you can make that same choice.

Hardev

[Desert Dancer]

Hi, Hardev!  back. What a wonderfully positive outlook you have, and what a fantastic list of accomplishments post-dialysis!

[looneytunes]

Heollo Hardev and welcome (back) to IHD.      There are some younger folks who belong to IHD and I sure hope they "meet" up with you.  What a positive intro! 

[Zach]

You're absolutely correct.
Dialysis begins a new chapter in one's life.

 

[HSM]

Thanks, I'm happy to be back, there's some awesome people on this website and I look forward to meeting you all again.

I hope the younger patients who are feeling down do chat to me, I'd love to be able to help anyone in any way.

[boswife]

Great to see you back and with such a wonderful outlook..You can be a great resource here so hope ya hang around 

[RichardMEL]

Great post and welcome back. I think we all need reminders from time to time about what *IS* possible while on dialysis, rather than focusing on what isn't. Well done!!!

 

[ODAT]

 

You are a great inspiration to young and old alike. When I hear people's experiences with such a positive light - it helps me to understand that my mom is really doing okay. It is not easy for a soon-to-be 77 year old (2/9) to go to dialysis three times a week, and even harder to know what she goes through.

How the heck did you get a six-pack without going to the gym?!?!

 

[Poppylicious]

  (back) Hardev!  You have such a positive outlook ... I wish my Blokey had half the positivity that you seem to have!

 

[HSM]

@ ODAT - Well to be honest I've been slim my whole life and being a vegetarian/vegan (somewhere in the middle) helps. I do eat junk food such as chocolate and crisps (chips if you like) but I'm sensible and quite enjoy eating vegetables.

With the physical side of things it's more about the intesity of something rather than the length of time spent. E.g. if you walked all day, you might work your legs out a little, but if you ran 100m sprints a few times but gave everything you have, you get a better work out. Basically exercising so you come out of your comfort zone, even for short spaces of time will work. Going to the gym but never pushing the limits won't have the greatest of impacts in my opinion. I think taking it easy is only cheating yourself. That old saying about your best being good enough is certainly true. I only do the best I can do and that will always be enough. I think it doesn't matter so much where you exercise, it's more about how you exercise. There's a great acronym in I.T, GIGO, it means Garbage In Garbage Out. Lol.

Jogging is good as it keeps my stomach trim. You can use your own body weight for most exercises and stairs for running up etc. Doing sit ups with my feet on a chair helped in the 6-pack department. Sorry for waffling on. Lol

@ Poppylicious - That's a kind thing for you to say. Well hopefully the more I communicate with people on this forum, they will find my thought patterns infectious. I'd love to chat with him or anyone else who would like to increase their daily dose of positivity! Lol

[chook]

Great post, Hardev!
Re your exercise tip: thanks for reinforcing something I am trying at the moment. I ride a pushbike for exercise - and it is hard work as I'm not very fit. (I LOOK like a fir person but I'm not!). So at the moment I try to ride 500 metres at a faster speed. My resting heart rat is always high - in the 90s - and I'm hoping that will help lower it.
And about being positive - I keep a Glad Diary - to read back through on the days I'm not glad. It really works!!
Looking forward to more positivity from you 

[VintageVera]

You are obviously a "glass is half full" kinda guy. Your positive message is valid for all ages. Do you write a blog? If so, please post the link. VERA

[HSM]

@ Chook - Yeah looking like you're in shape and actually being in shape are two differents things; I know myself from experience. The best way is to just give all you have each time. Your fitness will develop over time. When training I find it's best to take it one day at a time and be patient with your body. Often we are all prone to wanting instant results, but patience is certainly a virtue.

I like that idea of a 'Glad Book'. I'll give it a try. I've heard before that some people look in the mirror at the start of the day and tell themselves that today is going to be a good day and better than any day before it. I think anything to help people care again is worth a try. Every waking moment truly is another chance to turn it all around.

@ VintageVera - I honestly believe that everyday above ground is a gift. That's a great idea, I have read blogs but never thought of startiing my own. I think if enough people show interest I'd definitely be up for starting one. I'm not very knowledgeable on blogs and how to start one, do you know how to start one? Also can they be made on specific websites only? Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[natnnnat]

There are a few good blogging hosts.   I use http://wordpress.com/
To make a blog, sign in and start.  Enjoy