New from NC

Willis

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New from NC

« on: February 22, 2011, 08:00:35 AM »

Hello all...

I'm 57 years old and I have Iga Nephropathy...diagnosed officially about 5 years ago but I've known something was wrong with my kidneys since I was in my early twenties. I'm still very active and play competitive table tennis approximately 10-12 hours per week in addition to other lighter exercise in between. In the last year my creatinine level has been creeping up more than ever and last test was 6+ which is the highest ever for me. So my neph has scheduled me to start the process toward dialysis and I've already met with a doc who would be doing the surgery for a fistula.

However, after reading a lot on this site I think I'm ready to put up a stop sign and find out more about PD, since that seems more compatible with my active lifestyle and for continuing to work the long hours I do.

My biggest concern about the whole thing is primarily financial since I've been either self-employed or working for very small companies for a few decades and don't have health insurance. How Medicare works for the self-insured is something I need more information about. I am also a veteran without any service-related injuries or illnesses, but will be looking into what services the VA offers for dialysis. With current state of the government's indebtedness I'm not holding my breath that either the VA or Medicare will come through for me. So how to avoid complete bankruptcy and becoming a ward of the state is probably my biggest concern right now.

Willis


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peleroja

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I have 16 hats, all the same style!

Re: New from NC

« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2011, 08:56:38 AM »

Hi, Willis, and welcome to the group. I've been on PD for 7 years, and will be happy to answer your questions about PD. Can't help you with the other stuff, sorry. Glad you found us!


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monrein

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Might as well smile

Re: New from NC

« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2011, 10:01:56 AM »

to IHD.


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Pyelonephritis (began at 8 mos old)
Home haemo 1980-1985 (self-cannulated with 15 gauge sharps)
Cadaveric transplant 1985
New upper-arm fistula April 2008
Uldall-Cook catheter inserted May 2008
Haemo-dialysis, self care unit June 2008
(2 1/2 hours X 5 weekly)
Self-cannulated, 15 gauge blunts, buttonholes.
Living donor transplant (sister-in law Kathy) Feb. 2009
First failed kidney transplant removed Apr. 2009
Second trx doing great so far...all lab values in normal ranges

lawphi

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Re: New from NC

« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2011, 07:16:47 PM »

I am also in NC!

Have your nephrologist set you up with the clinic social worker. The worker can answer all your questions or find out for you. You could also meet with a social security disability attorney who could address your specific issues with Medicare and your status as a veteran.

For now, you can go online and request an Social Security Benefit flier here: http://www.ssa.gov/mystatement/ From there, you will be able to see if you qualify for SSD should you need to.

From my personal experience, my husband qualified for medicare at 14 without any work history.


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Girl meets boy with transplant, falls in love and then micromanages her way through the transplant and dialysis industry. Three years, two transplant centers and one NxStage machine later, boy gets a kidney at Johns Hopkins through a paired exchange two months after evaluation. Donated kidney in June and went back to work after ten days.

galvo

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Re: New from NC

« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2011, 03:49:02 AM »

G'day, Willis, and


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Galvo

Rerun

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Going through life tied to a chair!

Re: New from NC

« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2011, 07:42:10 AM »

Hi Willis and welcome to IHD. I'm so glad you found us. If you have worked and paid into Medicare in your lifetime I think you qualify......
But they don't take over for 3 months and the cost of surgery and dialysis for 3 months would break Bill Gates. So, yes contact your vet's administration today and start the ball rolling.

There are lots of threads on this site on Medicare so just search "Medicare" in the search box provided.

Rerun, Moderator


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looneytunes

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Wishin' I was Fishin'

Re: New from NC

« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2011, 07:48:27 AM »

Hi Willis and welcome to IHD!

Love your avatar!

If you do qualify for Medicare, and go on PD before 90 days from your first date of dialysis, Medicare will go back and pick up all costs from day one.

I sure hope you find the answers you are needing and that we can help you along your way.


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"The key to being patient is having something to do in the meantime" AU

karrye

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If Life give you Limes, make lemonade instead.

Re: New from NC

« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2011, 07:58:56 AM »

Howdy from y'alls neighboring state of Kentucky!


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Caregiver to husband:
Had surgery April 25, 2011 to bring fistula nearer to top of the skin.
Had staples removed from surgery on fistula May 3, 2011
Who started dialysis 1st week of December 2010.
Complete kidney failure November 30, 2010.
Surgery for 95% blockages in his right carotid and jugular February 22, 2011
Heart attack -- January 24, 2011
Chemotherapy -- September 2009 to April 2010
Colon Cancer -- April 2009
Colon removed --August 2009
Diagnosed with diabetes, Summer of 1996.

Willis

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Re: New from NC

« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2011, 08:44:52 AM »

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. See you all around the forum!


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