G'day from Perth, West Oz

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[galvo]

G'day, Henry and from another Aussie. Albeit somewhat older than you, I can fully relate to the tiredness, shortage of breath etc., and the reluctance of Aussie blokes to go anywhere near a doctor. It's good to hear that you're travelling OK. Keep posting. You'll enjoy being here.








EDITED: Fixed Icon error - Bajanne, Moderator

[murf]

Hi Henry, Good to see a west Aussie. I live in Bicton. At what centre did you start your hemo? Hope to hear more from you and maybe one day. we will bump into each other. To compare notes: my parent hospital is RPH but I have also been at Melville (now sadly closed) and Spearwood. I am currently using CAPD but start the cycler on Thursday. At present, my renal help is based at Coobellup.

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  So glad that you found us.  You and I have lots in common - I went through nearly a year of those same symptoms until I started haemodialysis.  We were born in the 50s (the last of good people, a friend of mine says!) and born under the Union Jack (Barbados, now living in the British Virgin Islands).  Our Aussie contingent here is really growing.  We even have an Aussie moderator - RichardMel.
I am sure that by now you realize that this is the best place for anyone connected to the renal challenge.  Here is lots of information and tons of support.  In fact, we are now a genuine family  caring and sharing.
Looking forward to hearing from you.






Bajanne, Moderator

[monrein]

  to this forum and I look forward to your participation here.

[looneytunes]

Hi Henry and welcome to IHD.  I love your user name..Snicklesnorter...what IS that? 

I'm a caregiver to my husband who was diagnosed with ESRD in 2007.  He also was ill for quite some time and close to checking out before we got him to an Emergency Room.   We have been through hemo in-center, PD (both with and without a cycler) and are now on home-hemo with the NxStage. 

You have such a great attitude, I'm looking forward to seeing you on the boards.   

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

Hi Henry and welcome to IHD.  I love your user name..Snicklesnorter...what IS that?

Thanks for the welcome 

The user name comes from a very bad old joke I heard when I was a little tacker:
A bloke named Henry Snicklesnorter proposed to his girl.
She accepted, but only on condition that he changed his name, stating that she was "not prepared to go through life being Mrs Henry Snicklesnorter"
He agreed, saying that the name had always been a source of embarrassment to him through the years. On being asked what she would prefer, she said "I don't care what it is, so long as you change it. You decide"
So, he thought about it and then went and had it changed. Thoroughly pleased with himself, he informed his bride to be and when she asked what he had changed it to, he said "Harry Snicklesnorter, - I've always hated being called Henry"

....Oh and the "P" is silent ..... as in bath water 

Henry P Snicklesnorter

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[RichardMEL]

G'day Henry & Welcome to IHD. I'm in Melbourne, but I speak the same lingo!

Your story is an interesting one and certainly one of those cautionary tales that men should take note of, but most probably never will. I'm glad you've come through it and feel so much better on D and are able to do the things YOU want to do -and live the way YOU want - that's so important.

I think you'll add a lot to our community!

 

RichardMEL, Moderator

[Stoday]

Hi and welcome HPS.

You must have a dreadful set of doctors in Aussi-land if you go to those lengths to avoid a consultation. 

Nice to know that I'm not the only one here who thinks that accepting a living donor's kidney is unethical.

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[murf]

You must have a dreadful set of doctors in Aussi-land if you go to those lengths to avoid a consultation

I am really going to have to say something about doctors in Australia. From my experience, I have always been extremely well looked after by all my doctors: My neph, GP, ophthalmologist, podiatrist, back specialist, hemo team, APD team. I have not had the experience of excessive waiting times. If the medical carer is a few minutes late ... so what.  But then again, I'm a patient person and have a bit of empathy for the demand on doctors and nurses. In Oz, we complain about our health system but in comparison to other counties, it ain't so bad. My renal care is totally paid for: that includes all form of dialysis. Moreover, costs of medication is minimal. I am amazed that on the side of a Renagel bottle it gives the real cost at around $350 and yet I pay either $22 or $5, depending if you are a pensioner. Same goes for Epo. Real cost about $600. 

[RichardMEL]

Well said Murf. Totally agree with you.

My only nitpick is that full price PBS is up to like $33 rather than $22, but yeah, we get a bloody good deal and I know it.

Heck my neph, who is one of the most respected in the field in oz (and is head of a University Medicine department on the side...) he charges me *nothing* to see him as a private patient. He just takes the medicare fee, so I pay nothing upfront. I swear I'd pay to see him if he'd take it because the care is wonderful.

Also agree that my hemo unit is fantastic, and they treat everyone that comes through with the same level of professionalism and care - even the difficult ones!

yes, sometimes we have to wait for stuff from time to time, but given the strain on the public hospital system, I'm not surprised, and I'm happy to pay my taxes given the level of care I get - since right now I totally win out on that transaction!

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[galvo]

Well written, Snickles.

[RichardMEL]

wow that's some stories there.

All i can say is that our system is far from perfect - we all know that - and no system can be perfect - but I am also aware that, in general, our system is pretty good compared to some others, and in general the care is very good.

I'm just sorry you've had to endure this stuff. That's just mindblowing about your hospital experience being pumped full of saline and fluid... my mind boggles.... !!!