One year down......

[Adam_W]

This last week I marked the one year anniversary of starting dialysis. In this time I have gone through so many changes both physically and emotionally, and learned so many lessons. I've learned that even though dialysis sucks arse, it IS possible to live a good life on it. I've grown much stronger in my faith in both God and people, despite some of the braindead people I've encountered in some dialysis centres. The short time I was on in-centre dialysis I learned what it's like to have all control stripped away almost to the point of being treated like a toddler in a highchair ("Now if you're good I'll let you stay for your whole treatment next time"-something that was ACTUALLY said to me), and when I started home dialysis, I discovered the unimaginable joy of taking that control back again. I've been run through the wringer as far as my access goes, and there is still uncertainty and concern there, but I know I'll make it one way or the other (even though these problems totally SUCK!) Over this time, I've thanked the Lord for all the people I've come to know because of dialysis. Nurses, techs, fellow patients in dialysis centres, and all the people on this wonderful site. You all are like my second family now, even though I haven't met a single one of you face to face, at least not yet. A year ago I was laying in a hospital bed, hoping I would leave the hospital in a wheelchair instead of a box, suffering the embarrassment of getting sick in the bathroom and having to have a nurse haul me up off the john, clean me up, and help me back to my bed, all while dealing with my gas that was so bad it could have knocked down a horse. Having a foley catheter shoved up my dangledoo by a MALE nurse. Laying in the ICU with so many tubes and wires connected to me I looked like a lab rat (at one point I think I had three IVs all going at once). Seeing the tears of my family and friends as they would come in and see this emaciated mess of a human being that used to be me. I look back on that time a year ago, and I praise the Lord for the turnaround that I've made in this relatively short amount of time. Thank you all for the support you've given me over this time. Everyone on this site, whether they be patient, family, friend or worker, all has something to do with dialysis/ESRD, and we are all in this together. Thank you, Epoman for IHD 

Adam

[MyssAnne]

Adam, that was a very powerful and poignant tribute. 

You said it so very eloquently, what so many of us have gone through, and what some of us still go through.

Happy Anniversary, Adam!!

[okarol]

Hi Adam, your post really made me feel emotional recalling Jenna's first year. That's why I love/hate dialysis. It definitely is a blessing and a pain. Thank you for expressing your feelings. Kidney patients are really the most amazing survivors - it takes a lot to get through what you have experienced.
I am so glad you found IHD! We are lucky to have you here!

 

[KICKSTART]

All i can add, is to say that im sure without IHD many of us wouldnt be so strong and possibly have given up. Just when you are feeling down and lost , someone here reaches out to you and gets you through another day !

[Joe Paul]

All of that in only 1 year, WOW. Heres to many more uneventful years, good luck 

[jbeany]

Happy Hemo-versary!  Hope the next year has fewer challenges for you!

[del]

Happy Hemo-versary.  Hubby will have his  7th in April and his 11th dialysis anniversary in August!!! 

[Sunny]

         Thank you for letting us know how dialysis has changed your life for the better. You are truely a fighter.

[willieandwinnie]

Adam,  You told your story so beautifully, I read it with tears in my eyes. Makes me thankful for everything that Len has been through. You guys are tough and I admire you so much. Take Care.

[KT0930]

Very well said, Adam. This is an incredible journey we're all on, and I'm glad we can all make it together, and help and learn from each other.

[glitter]

Yes, well said young man. It also brought to mind my husbands first year- you've grown so much- you should be really proud of yourself! You are a true survivor!

[kitkatz]

One year? How time flies!  Happy hemoversary! I hope things just get better for you!

[Wattle]

   Well Done Adam. One year down. The next one will be a breeze. Afterall what else can they throw at you!     

[Sluff]

Congratulations Adam you are a survivor!!

[BobT1939]

Congratulations on a great post and one year under your belt! /bobt

[Ohio Buckeye]

Boy, that was a tough year but you made it through.
you are a survivor.
I'm glad you can see growth over this past year and your faith has grown stronger.
Hope this year is much better for you.
 

[Bajanne]

Congratulations on your milestone.  And thanks for your very moving post.  It really brought tears to my eyes, as I relived what we have to go through in this experience of renal failure.  But we are survivors, aren't we!!  So glad you found us.  Everyone who joins and posts here bring a bit of themselves to add to our whole, and it ends us being to the advantage of all of us.  We depend on each other here.  Thank you for being a part of us.  Now, on to the second triumphant year!!!!!!