Fun in the Sun

[catsailor]

Hi IHD,

Just over a year ago, I was diagnosed with ESRD. I had gone into an emergency room for dehydration and got the news from a freaked out ER doctor via the question "Did you know you have kidney failure?". Nope - it was news to me. They eventually found out I have IGA nephropathy with no family history or other symptoms. My GFR was 15 then and it's 9 now. I was put on the transplant list last August. For the most part, I don't have any symptoms (a little fun with anemia occasionally) but they convinced me that I needed to start dialysis about a week ago. I've only had one treatment but it made me feel so much worse than I was. So guess how I found you guys....

Also, I want you fellow members to know. My husband of nearly 20 years was undergoing treament for melanoma cancer while I was going through all of this excitement. He was doing very well until October when his cancer metastized. He died in early December. While I still have tons of support from family and friends, I have to struggle with settling his estate as well as all of this dialysis and ESRD stuff. I am very overwhelmed and fairly lost as what I should be doing.

Other things to know about me, I am currently unemployed due to my ESRD. I live in central Arizona. Until last October, I was a competitive catamaran sailor  and am furiously trying to stay in some shape to keep sailing. It requires quite a bit of travel both in and out of the US so I have to figure out how to do that while dealing with my kidneys (or what's left of them).

Looking forward to learning and sharing with all of you on IHD.

 

[MooseMom]

Oh my...you are dealing with an awful lot.  ESRD never happens in a vacuum, at a time when it is "convenient".  I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband.  I am glad you have good support from your family, though.  Family doesn't always come through, believe it or not.

Thanks for joining, and please feel free to ask any questions you like.  There are many well-informed and compassionate people here.

[Traveller1947]

Dear catsailor, My deepest sympathy on the death of your husband.  I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed.  When my beloved died a year ago, I had no idea how I was going to be able to handle all the practical details AND continue with dialysis AND deal with my grief at same the time.  A year has gone by and I'm still grieving, but as for the rest, I needn't have worried, I was capable of handling it all, one day (and sometimes,one minute) at a time.  AND SO WILL YOU BE.  How good that you have family and friends to support you!  And now you have the support of yourIHD family too.  There's a lot to learn and a lot of adjustments to be made when you start dialysis, but the good people here will be glad to help you through it.  When things have settled down and you're travelling and competing again in your sport, you'll feel stronger than ever--that's my hope and prayer for you. All the best, catsailor.

[looneytunes]

Catsailor, I am so glad you found this site.  With all you have had to deal with lately, a little extra support and help sounds like a good thing.  There are a lot of wonderful people here who will help you in any way possible so please post often.     

[billybags]

Catsailor,    to the site.

[lmunchkin]

You are more than  and so sorry for your loss!  Just hang with us, Catsailor!

Again, sorry for your loss,
lmunchkin
 

[Rerun]

Hi Catsailor and welcome to IHD.  I'm so glad you found us.  I'm so sorry about your husband.  My best friend died of Melanoma last spring.  It was awful.  Now you have to deal with this crap.  Look into Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) which you can travel with. 

What you may go through at first is "The Dirty Fishtank Syndrome"  You are so use to dirty blood that when they clean it you feel sick.  Just like taking a fish out of a dirty tank and putting them in a clean tank they get sick.  You will feel better soon.

There is also Nocturnal Dialysis where you go to the clinic and sleep at night while hooked up.  It is a longer deeper clean and can take off fluid more slowly.

There are options.... if you are told about them.

Stay tuned here on IHD.

Rerun, Moderator     

[Poppylicious]

  catsailor.  I'm so sorry for your loss, but am so glad you found us.

[Gerald Lively]

I sailed in Star class boats on SF Bay for a couple seasons.  Was headed for the South Pacific in a Tayana 37 when I got my first bout of cancer.  Had to dump sailing plans, took up competition powerlifting until 2008 when a forest fire cancelled our plans permanently.  Tragedy has visited everyone on this forum.  We are with you.

Is there anything larger than a puddle in Arizona?

gl

[CebuShan]

      Catsailor! So sorry for your loss. Like you, I had gone to the ER with what I thought was a totally unrelated problem.  After a million tests, they told me I had ESRD. I'm so glad you found us! Ask anything, someone will have the answer. And don't be afraid of repeating because unlike some sites, we won't get mad! There's a lot to learn, just take it a little at a time. Again,       to the family!