any dialysis couples out there?

[fran]

Hi, I've been on dialysis for 6 months now; adjusting about as much as I will.  A question: Are there any spouses in this group?

I have polycystic kidneys; my husband has kidney failure due to advancing multiple myeloma.  He began treatment about 6 weeks ago.

How unique are we?

Fran (and Ken)

[Rerun]

Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding       WE HAVE A WINNER!

I know of NO other dialysis couple!   How bad can it get?   OMG I can't wait to hear about your life.  I truly hope you have it worked out.

Do you do even and odd days and have Sundays off?  I apologize, but I'm amazed.  Please tell us more.  Where are you two from?

Rerun, Moderator       

[Sluff]

Welcome to IHD.  Is it a blessing or a curse? Your situation can definately bring out the understanding in eachother. I bet you have plenty of stories to share with us, even though it has only been six weeks, we are waiting patiently to hear how your life is together sharing the dialysis chair.

Sluff/Admin

[Bajanne]

An extra-special double WELCOME to our community, Fran and Ken!  WOW!  This is a new one.  But we are so glad that you decided to join us.   Here you will find loads of information, tons of support and barrels of fun.   I discovered IHD just the month before I started dialysis and it was a real god-send to me.  I don't know what I would have done without IHD.
 What kind of dialysis are you receiving?  Please let us know how this works out with both of you being on dialysis.  Please continue to read, and above all, continue to post.  We want to know how you two are doing.  Not being nosy - just being family 
Looking forward to hearing much more from you both,




Bajanne, Moderator

[billybags]

      How nice of you two to join us.

[sumalee]

  IHD It a great site I have learn a lot from here. I hope you feel the same.

[okarol]

 
You may interested in this kidney couple interviewed on KidneyTalk http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=19702.0

So glad you joined us!

okarol/admin

[Marsh]

WOW!!

[fran]

My husband's myeloma required treatment developed around the same time I learned that I had inherited PKD from my father (about 8 years ago). (40 years ago, I was told I didn't have it; had 2 children - they both got it.)

We should have started together, but I am working and had a really hard time commuting.  My husband's retired, he could rest in the afternoon and fought against treatment. (Kidney failure is one complication of myeloma, along with anemia, infections, etc.)

Several months ago, we'd almost flip a coin to see who'd climb the stairs to get something we'd forgotten in the bedroom.  Now, I feel much better.  (So does Ken)

Early on, I tried to be a 'big girl' for my husband, but had much difficulty getting dialysis with a deep vein - constant infiltrations; several visits to a vascular center;  fistula 'revision' 2 weeks ago.  Using a cath at the moment.

My husband? He's got a terrific fistula (thank God) - but if I clot, or have any problem that cuts my treatment short - he 'demands' to be taken off, too. He's quite a charmer and usually gets his way.

For me, the worst part of treatment is having to go to work afterwards.  Luckily, I can work from home 2 days each week, but as you all know, I often just want to rest when I come home. I'm looking for a center with late afternoon-evening hours.

So, every M,W, F, we travel 4 miles to the renal center - They put us next to each other - a good thing as Ken is NOT always accurate on when or if he takes his prescribed medication. And, I HATE that he knows how much I weigh!

We're taking a beach vacation next week and will try another center - hope it works out.

Fran

[Rerun]

Very interesting.  Have a great vacation.

               

[fran]

We just bought a condo in Delray Beach Florida and hope to spend long weekends there (we currently live in NJ.  Does anyone have info on dialysis centers in the area?

[boswife]

Welcome to the both of you..    You are going to have so much of interest to share with us.  you already have      You've found a super wonderful family here to get compfy with so settle in and enjoy     Oh, im wife and caregiver to my hubby whos been on D for about a year and a half..   WE're getting ready to be trained with NxStage to do it at home.. Cant wait...

[looneytunes]

Hi Fran and hubby...welcome to IHD.  It's sure an interesting twist to see a dialysis couple.  I'm a caregiver to my hubby who has been on dialysis for 3 years.  We currently do in home hemo with NxStage.  Overall, he feels much better than he did when he was doing 3 days a week in center.   As far as dialysis in Del Ray, my folks used to live in that area and a friend of theirs went to Del Ray Beach Dialysis Center and she thought it was great. 

I'm sure looking forward to seeing more of your posts.   

[elihup]

Hello Fran,
That's an interesting story you have.  There was an elderly couple at my dialysis center who sat side by side hooked up to the machines.  It was very sad but romantic to see them decide to discontinue dialysis together.

[rsudock]

Hello Fran and Ken welcome to IHD!! Wow how neat to have a partner who truly understands what exactly is that you are battling.

xo,
R