Hi, I'm Steve. Glad I could be here.

[RightSide]

My name is Steve.  I'm going to be 54 years old in two months.

A couple of years ago, I lost my job due to my company downsizing and my own mysterious loss of productivity and energy.  And I've had trouble with employment ever since, something I never had before.  I assumed my feelings of tiredness and dizziness and poor concentration were just emotional stress, and I tried psychotherapy.  Well, it turned out that emotional stress wasn't the cause.  I now know I've been feeling poorly because my kidneys were failing all that time (and some other physical health problems), and now they're just about gonzo.  So here I am, CKD stage 4, with some really horrendous blood workup numbers, about to begin the dialysis dance.

[Romona]

 

[G-Ma]

   this is a good place...yes that's how I felt before I found out too that my kidneys tanked....I am feeling better than in many years now, you can do it. 

[kitkatz]

This is a wonderful site for information. The people here are full of information, plus we try to have fun!  Welcome!



kitkatz,moderator

[breezysummerday]

"about to begin the dialysis dance"

hey, can I use that as my signature?
relatively new here myself
maybe not
how about:  'IHD is teaching me all the steps'
 
 

[Joe Paul]

Welcome Steve, good to have you aboard.

[willieandwinnie]

Steve. Lot's of information and support here. Post often and let us know how you are doing. 

[kellyt]

     I love to dance, but not THAT dance.   

[peleroja]

Welcome aboard, Steve.  Lots of good info here.  Keep coming back and post often.

[boxman55]

Welcome to IHD. Glad you decided to enter.

Boxman, Moderator

[cookie2008]

 

[paris]

Steve, we are glad  you are here too!   This is such a wonderful place for information and especially for support.  Questions I didn't even know I had were answered here.  Members are very good at reaching out and sharing, so the path you are going down will be easier because they have been there before you.   And then your experience will help the next person.   Welcome!  So glad you joined!






Paris,moderator

[David13]

Steve, I am sure there are a great many questions you have regarding renal failure.  You will find one of the best sources of information right here, from people who have been through it all and are willing to share what they have learned.  Please take the time to read through the different threads.  I think you will find it well worth the effort, and it will make your "dance" a little easier for you. 
You will also find a caring, supportive group of people here,and you might have some fun with us as well!  We welcome you!

[monrein]

I'm a year older than you Steve and I'm dancing to the same tune.  People here really know what you're going through AND they care as well...a winning combination.  Glad you found us.

[Ang]

 

[devon]

Welcome!  You are not alone.  I've been through a similar experience.  It's bittersweet to find out that your mind isn't going, rather it's your kidneys that are causing all that confusion and lethargy.  It certainly doesn't make things better but it makes them more understandable.

I am still very resentful of how I was treated when my symptoms were effecting my work.  It was humiliating to say the least.

Glad you're joining us.

-Devon

[Lori1851]

Steve,
Hang in their buddy!!!!! I will be praying for you!!!

Lori/Indiana

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Steve!  We are glad you could be here too.  In this family, 'the more is the merrier'!   this is just the place to be as you face this renal challenge.  just like you, a lot of us were going through something and having no idea what it was, until this thing was sprung upon us.  thankfully, we have many here who are veterans and living proof that we can make it!  So please read as much as you can "information is power" and post as much as you can, so we can know how you are doing.


Bajanne, Moderator

[Pierre]

Welcome Steve! I know what you're going through, been there myself, including the job part.
Once you'll have started dialysis, you'll feel better very soon. Don't worry about it.

[florida.flyer]

W!elcome to the dance!  I"ve been on PD for 1 year, it isn't rocket sicence and sure makes you feel alot better asap.

[southyard]

Hi steve.

I am new here also,my first post. 
er 2 angio plastis and a pacemaker upgrade  I kept  having breathing problems. Then a month ago after my 4th trip to the ER in 3 weeks they put me in inpatient for further testing.  Thats when it was discovered that my kidneys were the culpurt.  Meds were ried but in 2 weeks I was again admitted and they found kidney failure.  I was put on dialysis and ahve been having same now for 3 weeks.  Having decided in the past that I would never want to be in a nursing home and this was only a step lower I had definte thoughts of removing myself from this life.  I was though unable to come up with an acceptable method.  All my family knew of this and agreed that it was my decision to make.  My DR talked me into giving it a 6 month trial and I am now into my 3rd week but still not 100% certain as to my future.  BTW I am pushing toward my 85th birthday so have live a good life with no regrets.

I found this board and am learning things that were never told me by the medical people.  Only that D was the only way to go. 

Enough of my ranting

Harold the old guy

[twirl]

Life's a dance, you learn as you go, sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. Don't worry about what you don't know, life's a dance you learn as you go.........
welcome to IHD