Hello. I'm Kozmo

[Kozmo]

Actually, Kozmo is my dog's name.  He's the cute little guy I use for my avatar.

I am 46 years old.  Three years ago, I went to the emergency room because I was having difficulty breathing.  My blood pressure was 286/167.  That is when I found out I had high blood pressure and what it could do to you - CHF and Renal Failure.  They started to talk to me about going on dialysis.  I didn't know much about dialysis.  I pretty much thought that going on dialysis would mean my life was over.  So I went into denial.  I hoped that if I got my blood pressure down, things would get better.  Three years later, I had ballooned up to 330 pounds from the excess fluids building up in my body.  I could barely walk, couldn't go up stairs, couldn't get up off of the floor, had trouble breathing.  I finally had to face the fact that my kidney were gone and they were never coming back.

I went on dialysis in July.  I couldn't believe the change.  In just over a month of dialysis, I had lost 100 pounds of fluid and I felt better than I had felt in 3 years.  I had forgotten what it was like to be able to walk over 50 feet without stopping to rest.  Wow. 

Although I feel better physically, it is still hard not to feel defeated by the whole situation from time to time.  It was nice to find a web site full of people who can relate to my situation and to whom I can relate in return.

Good Luck to us All

[KR Cincy]

 
Glad you found our little corner of the www...it's great being with folks who understand this ride we're all on!
Take care of yourself and enjoy IHD...and happy holidays!!

[lola]

 

[willieandwinnie]

  Kozmo. This is truely the best web site. We are all like one big family. Lots to read and learn here.

Take care.

[angela515]

 

[Joe Paul]

Welcome  Kozmo, good to have you aboard.

[thegrammalady]

 

this is a good place to land

[bolta72]

 

[Sluff]

Hello Kozmo, welcome to IHD,

You will find there are all kinds of people here, some who have felt great while doing dialysis and those who are not doing as well on dialysis, either way this forum is open to everyone. I'm glad you seem to be doing well and I hope you continue to do so. There is a lot of information here and I hope you find this site helpful and friendly.

Sluff/ Admin

[st789]

 

Take care and please visit us again.

[oswald]

 

[Katonsdad]

Hi . and welcome .....
I too am a newbie here and I have found so much fellowship and fun .
I feel like it is one great big waiting room where we all know what we are all going thru .
There are some really neat people here .    I was searching for a support group in my area and
after finding this web site I feel like I have found it , without leavig home .

Good luck

Katonsdad

[Ang]

  hope  you enjoy  the  ride



EDITED: Fixed smiley icon - okarol/moderator

[kellyt]

    Glad you found us!

[paris]

Kozmo, so glad you found us.  This is a great site and you will love everyone here. It is truly a family and we share everything--sometimes too much, just like family!  Looking forward to hearing more from you.  Welcome!!

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  That was a really interesting intro.  I think that many will be helped by it.   I didn't have all the extra pounds, but I too got to a point that 3 steps up would have me puffing and blowing and feeling as if I had just run a marathon.  That was the first thing that dialysis changed for me.
Dialysis is not pleasant, but it is not the end, thank Goodness.  It has allowed me to be able to enjoy my grandson for a bit more time.
Please take advantage of all this site has to offer.  It is not hype when I say that we have become a real family.  I have proof.  Members have participated in the homegoing of our founder, a wedding, a time in Vegas, we have given and received Christmas gifts and cards, and we are there for each other when we are facing our various challenges.  what more could you ask?

Bajanne, Moderator

[cambonesegirl]

 

[Hawkeye]

Hello and 

[okarol]

  Hi Kozmo,
I am glad you were able to regain some quality of life after beginning dialysis. It sounds like you were having a very tough time and I imagine your health was at great risk. It's funny what we will do to avoid treatment - I always hate to start new medications because I don't want to be dependent on a pill bottle. I hope you continue to share on IHD!
Welcome!


okarol/moderator

[Romona]

Hi Kozmo,
My story is similiar to yours. Went to the ER, found out I had CHF (the flu attacked my heart). Transferred to UPMC in Pittsburgh because the local hospital thought I'd need a heart transplant. My heart completely recovered and I found out about my kidneys. A year later I was transplanted. I'm doing well. Best wishes to you! Welcome to the family!

[Laurie]

 

[MyssAnne]

 

Welcome, Kozmo!!  Cute puppah!!!  I'm glad you found us, and I hope you enjoy yourself here, as we do!

[cambonesegirl]

Wowzer.... 100 lbs of fluid? I'm glad you're feeling physically better. I went into denial about facing dialysis. I was hoping it would never have to happen, but after nine years it's not too bad, lots of friendly people there.  WELCOME and your doggy is so cute!