Self Intro

[Platypus]

Hellos to all reading this. Let give you a brief intro to myself. I go by the nick Platypus, my real name is Mike. I checked into the ER last Sunday with chest pains thinking i may have some minor lung infection. An hour later i was being poked and prodded by a dozen doctors and nurses and they inform me that my kidneys aren't working and i need 3 pints of blood. I was floored and i could hear my heart just sink.The following day the hospital had me scheduled for every exam in the book and an apt to have a chest cathater put in. Before i was released the kidney doc had a surgeon give me a fistula. Ive only had 3 dialysis's so far and my first one at the clinic is tomorrow. To be honest I'm scared of how life is going to carry out for me. In a matter of minutes my life changed dramatically. I have had to give up my job and school for now so all Ive got too much time to think. anyways any positive words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated and taken to heart.
God bless
Platy

[MyssAnne]

Platy, you've had a lot thrown at you. First things first. You need time to absorb all this. THEN you can start asking questions. This is not the end of the world. It really isn't. It may seem like it now, but you will adjust, you will adapt.  You will also go back to school, and to work, really!
Just hang in there. You're among people who know what you're going through, and how you feel.

[Sluff]

Hello platypus,

Sorry to hear about your situation. Things change quickly don't they?

Well you came to the right place for support and information. If you need anything just ask someone will help.

I wish you luck and we will see you in the forums.

Sluff/ Admin

[paris]

I am so sorry for such a quick change in your life. But, you have found an incredible site and we all are here to help. These people have become my lifeline and everyone is so willing to help.   Try not to think too far ahead. Deal with today - then deal with tomorrow. Do you know the phrase " don't cross that bridge until you come to it"? Well, God (or whatever power your believe in} hasn't finished building that bridge yet.  Start with small steps, read everything you can, ask many questions and come here often. Looking forward to hearing more from you.

[Adam_W]

Welcome to IHD, Platypus. My situation was very similar to yours. I had what turned out to be a colon infection that made me go to the ER. When they did blood tests and an abdominal CT scan, I found out that my kidneys were only at 12% function. I started dialysis four days later, and a week and a half before my first treatment, I had ridden my bicycle across Indianapolis. It's amazing how fast it hits. I've had some bad times, but I feel better now than I've felt in a LONG time. I've been on dialysis now for almost 7 months, and almost three months of that has been home hemo on the NxStage system. It's hard at first, but it does get better. Take care.

Adam

[Laurie]

  Glad you found this site.

[angela515]

   I remember when I got he news still to this day, I also found out in the ER that I would need to start dialysis right away... Keep your head up, hopefully you start feeling a little better soon and get used to your new dialysis life and hopefully your able to get transplanted right away if that is the route you choose.

[Joe Paul]

Welcome Platypus, good to have you aboard.

[tamara]

Hey Platypus, Great to see you here

See You Around

Take Care Tamara xxx ooo 

[Hawkeye]

Hello and 

[RichardMEL]

Welcome Platypus/Mike - what a massive shock to have all that thrown at you in such a short time!

It will take you time to absorb what has happened and how you handle dialysis after you settle in -
you may well be able to return to work/school at some point.

You will find a heap of support here.

Again, welcome.

[donnia]

   I am sorry you have had so much thrown at you at once!  You are doing the right thing tho, you are looking for support. Believe me friend, you will find it here!  We are here when you need us! 

[Bajanne]

Wow, Mike!  You were really thrown into this at the deep end!  However, these are the things that bring out the strength of the human spirit.  You can determine not to let this situation define you.
Welcome to our community.  We have, most of us, had to cope with the changes that this renal failure brings.  One of the tools that I was given to deal with this situation is this very site.  I came on in just before I went on dialysis, when my brain was still reeling.  And this has been a major weapon for me.  There is so much information here, so many caring people!  So please take advantage of this site.  Keep posting.  We need to know what is happening with you.  You will find that we have developed into a real family.  So I look forward to hearing from you about how you are doing.


Bajanne, Moderator

[st789]

Learn as much as possible about your treatments and look at your options.  Supports from people who understand and truly care for you always helps.  Visit here for supports, rants, and so much more.

[boxman55]

welcome Mike, It feels pretty bad right about know but hang in there I started the same way too.. got carried into an ER started dialysis and now (1) cath and (2) fistula operations later it has already been one year today of M-W-F treatments. Its not great but it's do able ....Boxman

[sophiasmom]

 

[kitkatz]

Welcome to the site.  I know it is all overwhelming right now to you. Just let things settle down and then see where you want to go from there.  I am still working after almost nine years on dialysis.  Life is not ending, just a different way of it is beginning.



kitkatz,moderator

[keefer51]

 

[highlite36]

HELLO!!!!  WELCOME!!!!!

[mj]

Hey Platy.  I am new to this whole thing as well.  But what I have found, especially with this site in a matter of two days...................you are not alone.  It will be a scary ride, but it would seem that there are people here who will take the ride with you.  I wish you the best of luck.


MJ

[del]

Hi and .  Have a positive atitude.  I always tell people it is better to be told you have kidney failure that can be treated instead of some disease that can't be treated!!  It will take you a while to absorb everything but in time you will adjust and thigs will get better.