Hello

[iowakitkat]

My name is Kathy. I'm soon to be 62 (December 29) and I've been on hemodialysis for a little over a year and a half.
My End Stage Renal Disease was due, in large part, to diabetes.
I did manage to full time for about 16 months after I started dialysis but the last year has caused some major changes in my life.
I did make the Mayo transplant list in inactive status (until I lose weight) but In January 2008 started experiencing problems with my right foot and leg which resulted in late August with the amputation of my right leg below the knee.
Also, in June 2008, our apartment and all our belongings were lost in the Cedar River flood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
I find myself starting over again, facing physical handicaps and financial concerns (like how am I going to live).
I know dialysis saves my life, but what a burden it is and now that I've lost more independence, dialysis and transportation to and from takes up over 6 hours a day three times a week. I don't know how I did it working full time and doing dialysis, but I had no choice. I still feel like I have no choice.
Though the physical therapy of learning to walk with a prosthesis is going well, I'm afraid I'm starting to cave in to the depression of worrying about day-to-day life.
I have a patient blog, stayinalive.wordpress.com, should you care to read more

[willieandwinnie]

Kathy. That's my name too. Glad you found us and I'm sure you'll find lots of needed information and even more support from us. We are a great group. Hope to hear more from you. 

[monrein]

Kathy, I'm so sorry about all that you've had to go through and all that you're still worrying about.  This is a great place for  support from people who can understand some of your struggles and worries.  I hope we can be helpful to you and lighten your burden ever so slightly.   

[jessup]

g'day and 

[Razman]

It's great that you found the site and I trust that you will visit often.   

[Ang]

 

[Joe Paul]

Welcome Kathy, good to have you aboard.

[iowakitkat]

Thanks for the welcome.
It's good to know there's some place to vent and talk over common problems.
I know there are situations much worse than mine, and I try to keep that in mind. I also try to keep in mind the fact that I have to keep motivated to keep getting stronger so I can be more independent.

[pelagia]

 

[cookie2008]

 

[petey]

Hey, kathy! (you have a special name -- I have two dear friends, both named Kathy with a "K" -- see willieandwinnie's post above -- and my sister-in-law is Cathy with a "C")

Welcome to IHD.  We have several members who have had amputations, and I'm sure they'll chime in  and answer questions/give tips/offer support because they've been there.  As for the dialysis, we've all been there and know where you are now.  Yes, yes, yes, try to stay positive and keep your spirits up (as hard as this is sometimes).  We're here for you.

[graftgurl]

Welcome Kathy!  We're so glad you're here. 
My kidney disease is partly due to diabetes as well. I have dealt with depression along the way and yes, sometimes it is hard to keep up the fight when it seems everything around you is falling apart. Please know, we will hold you up and help you where we can. 

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Kathy!  We are glad that you joined us.  So sorry to hear the great challenges which are facing you.  Just want to encourage you to keep on keeping on.  Here you will find a wonderful group of caring and supportive people, as well as lots of information.  In fact, you should consider this as your new family    So keep reading and keep posting and let us know how you are doing.
We have a Kitkatz here, one of our administrators.
Looking forward to hearing from you.



Bajanne, Moderator

[boxman55]

Welcome Kathy, IHD looks forward to getting to know you better. Please post often

Boxman, Moderator

[iowakitkat]

Boxman --
I see you're a recent amputee,too. And the same situation (lower right leg). How's your rehab going?

[paris]

   Iowakitkat, we are glad you are here.  I really enjoyed your introduction.   One thing that touched a note with me was the depression that comes with worrying about day to day life.   I think we can all relate to that to some degree.  Looking ahead can be hard. Worrying about the "what ifs" can be overwhelming.  This site is my safe place.  I can dump my worries here.  I hope you find this a safe place also.  The members are very supportive and truly care for each other.      Looking forward to more of your posts.   





paris, Moderator