Hi from DC

[twiggymoo]

Hi,

I'm Don and on my way to D.  I've been on that journey now for about 10 years.  My gfr is about 13% at this point.  I still feel ok, tired but ok.  I'm 63 and was always "proud" that I had no physical problems all my life.  I am still working; retired from the military in 1991 and now work as a contractor for the feds.  I find this site encouraging and very informative as I will probably start D within the year. I had a fistula installed about a year ago and it is ready.  As far as exercise, I've been doing weights and do curls with 25 lb bar bells, the fistula is well-developed.  I also do pull ups as well and hasn't affected my fistula.

As many of you, I have my fears and of course fear of the unknown - the first D, etc...

My wife of 40 years stresses out about what I eat or don't eat and I think it is harder on her since she is used to having a guy around with no health issues.  My major complaint is I am always tired so even mowing the grass is an effort to get to it, but when I'm actually mowing, I don't think about it - it's like getting over the hurdle of deciding to mow the grass instead of sleeping!

A few months ago, I weighed 165 lbs.  Then I noticed I'd lost about 3 lbs and thought vainly that was great and commented to my wife how I lost weight.  Then about a few weeks later, I weighed 157 and I started to panic because now I'm under weight!  I never weighed less than 165!  My neph says it's my food intake - I'd been eating less and not noticing it.  Watching the diet is not easy, monitoring potassium, protein, etc...I was adapting to eating less of some things.  Perhaps my appetite is waning too.

I am thankful that I lived most of my life on my own kidneys.  Many don't have that.   

[Dianejt]

Hi Don  to IHD. Lot's to learn & a place to rant. Be sure  & come back often & post away.

[dialysismomma]

Hi Don and welcome to IHD. I will be happy to answer any of your questions as far as the technical side of things go also as a care giver. I have been a dialysis tech for almost 10 years and a care giver for 1 year and 7months. So If I can help please feel free to ask away

[Phil]

Hi Don,
Welcome to IHD!!! I've been on HD for a couple of months now, and I can tell you that I'm glad I've started because I now feel MUCH better than the couple of years before D!!!!! Anyway....good luck, and know that we're all here to help and share our experiences.

[galvo]

G'day, Don, and .

[Rerun]

Hi Don and welcome to IHD.  I use to work for USDA (Feds) and have visited the DC area a few times on training.  Interesting city.  I'm glad you are doing well and we will help through your first day.  Don't worry.

Looking forward to your posts.

Rerun, Moderator       

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Don.  We are contemporaries.  A friend of mine insists that all the good people were born before 1950!!!  It must be quite a challenge to go from healthy with no isuues, and then have to deal with this.  Anyway, you will make it through with ease  Just keep reading and keep posting.  You are now a part of the IHD family

 ,
Blessings
Patsy Aurora.