Hi! I'm a newbie here.

[AutumWind]

Hello everyone. I am so glad to be referred to your site by the social worker at the dialysis center. I am new to dialysis and kidney disease and really need some place where people understand and for support, both to give and receive. My story.......

I had my first kidney failure on July 29th. I was in the hospital 10 days. I finally got to go home and thought all was okay. But on Friday, September 19th, I got very sick. I was admitted to the hospital with acute kidney failure and congestive heart failure.  Two caths were put in my neck on Monday and received dialysis that day and every day since, except today. I go again in the morning.

I don't know how much to tell about myself here. I also have diabetes and copd. I am a single mom and a grandma of two precious granddaughters. I have tried to care for myself to avoid any kidney problems and kept my sugar under tight control. I want to live for my daughter and granddaughters as long as I can. This has really hit me hard and I guess I am still in shock.

For hobbies I crochet, read and like to play games online. I love to do puzzles online, too. I just received a Hoveround today and will attempt to learn to drive it when I do not feel so tired and weak. Is that normal?

I guess that is it for now. Thank you for letting me be part of your group. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Autumn

Edited: Changed print color to black, as required. Boxman, Moderator

[willieandwinnie]

AutumWind. We are so glad that your Social Worker pointed you in our direction. We are a great group, lots of information and so much support. I'm a caregiver and I know about the shock when they came and told me my husbands kidneys were not working.  There's lots to read here and rant away when you feel the urge. Hope your treatment tomorrow goes well. 

[peleroja]

Welcome to the group.  Tons of good information and lots of shoulders to cry on and lots of folks to cheer you on.  Come back and post often.

[Wayne]

  aboard!

[Rerun]

Welcome to IHD Autumn.  You will learn lots on this site and laugh again.

                                     

[Zach]

It's real good to have you with us!

[Maggie and Jeff]

to the group
We have found that Maggie does not feel as tired when all of her labs are in the correct ranges.  We get a copy of the labs as soon as they are available so we can change things like how much cheese she is eating.  Protein and vitamin B are both important to having energy and of course your hemoglobin level (we Check weekly).  Iron stores, phosphorous, calcium and potassium also play a role.  If any of her meds need to be changed we e-mail the Doctor and ask what he thinks. 

The more infomed you are the better you will feel Because you will be able to work with your doctor by making suggestion as to what you think needs changed to feel better.

Knowing your option's like in-center (3 days per week) or home hemo (5-7 days per week) and making the chooses that are right for you.  The doctors and nurses work for you.  They are suppose to support your decisions and help you make the one's that will benefit you the best. 

Never be afraid to ask questions.  Hope this helps and you do well. 

Also you should read about fistulas and peritoneal dialysis

[kellyt]

   Welcome to the Family, AutumnWind.  You will like it here.  The people on this website have forever changed my life.  I have learned so much in the last year and feel I'm ready for whatever this stupid disease throws at me!  Tell your Social Worker "Thanks" for the referral.        

[monrein]

Welcome and post often.  We'll always listen and give any tips or suggestions we can.  Together we have vast experience in the renal disease area.  Unfortunately, it's first hand experience. 

[paris]

Welcome AutumnWind.  What a lovely name!  We are so glad your social worker referred you here.  This is a great site with so much information.  If you need an answer, someone here can probably help you.  We are also a great support system for each other.  I depend on the members here for so much.  We share problems but we also share joys (like your two sweet granddaughers that we want to hear more about!).  Fatigue is very normal.  I think that is something most of us agree on. You have had a lot thrown at you in a very short time. We are here to help. Lean on us.  It will get better.    





Paris,moderator

[boxman55]

Welcome Autumnwind, It is great to hear that a social worker made you aware of this site. That tells me she is doing her/his job.  We are so glad you joined us. There is a lot of information here to help you understand a little more your kidney and for that matter your diabetes disease. We are hear to help and hope you have a little fun too

Boxman, Moderator

[cookie2008]

 

[Joe Paul]

 Welcome AutumnWind, good to have you aboard.

[southyard]

Hi Autumn.  Welcome to IHD.

I came to have my kidney failure shortly after yours Abt aug 10th.  Tis after being told in May that it would be 2-3 years down the line b4 I'd neesd dialysis. But then Drs practice emdicine and are only guessing what our bodies will do.  I am pushing 85 so have decided I will give this a 6 months trial. So far I have not seen any graet improvement but then I have not been following the diet structure nto well.   I do over do on liquidsand certain foods  that I am used to eating and love.   Also I am diabetic

I suffer from tiredness most of the time and my breathing has not improved with hemo. 

This site if used to its fullest will make your life a lot easier.  While I do not follow the directives fully I intend to make my life in the ensuing months the best I have ever had. People say I am nutty but having seen people in nursing homes not enjoying the so called golden years I decided I would never be place in such positionI fully believe that I have the right to make my own decisions and wants.

Sorry for the rant but I feel both sides must be considered.  My family know of these and agrees they are mine to make

Southyard  (harold the old guy)

[Ang]

  Autumn wind







EDITED:  Icon error corrected - Bajanne, Moderator

[napala turki]

Welcome Autumn Wind,

Be with us, and share what you have too..... blast out of your heart....

[G-Ma]

 

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, AutumnWind!  I am so upset that Paris upstaged me.  I wanted to tell you how lovely I found your name first! (just kidding)  This site is just the place for you to be.  Here you will find great support, lots of information, a place to vent when needed and loads of fun.  Just take advantage of all this site has to offer.
You sound so much like me.  I am a single parent with a grandson whom I want to see grow up (he is five).  I can promise you that it will all get better.  As your body gets accustomed to dialysis, you will start to feel better - I did. 
Please keep reading and keep posting.  We want to know how you are doing.  We're family now

Bajanne, Moderator