G'day Mick & Welcome to IHD!
Yes, I've already been dobbed in - I'm in Melbourne too. All the cool kids are in Melbourne - we've got you and Mary, there's myself, Wattle and Ang, and a couple of others. We should all organise to get together - we could probably fill a tram with our mob!
So glad you've found this site helpful and informative to help you and your wife try and deal with this new stage of life. Having information and a community of support can be very important - and that's one reason we're all here.
With regards to your question re living donors for transplant - sorry to inform you that you're normal (unless you barrack for Collingwood
) in that regard - At least I think so. My two siblings were also tested - one knocked back and the other never quite got there as I got the magical call before that worked out. I know when my sister, who is a matc for me, was going through the tests and more and more of them being passed that the reality of it possibly happening made me feel quite responsible for such a wonderful gift and obviously if anything might occur because of that donation... well it's a huge emotional burden to bear.. and honestly when she was knocked back at the last hurdle... I was, I think, more relieved than sad - which may sound very odd I guess.. but I was.
Now I have the wonderful gift of a generous soul and family who I do not know, but think of every day I am free of that machine. I can only imagine some of the thoughts you are dealing with both in relation to having to start on D and the potential donors you have.
Hang with us not only are we the cool kids, but there's a lot of support here and a place to ask questions, vent and generally find people who have some idea of the kinds of stuff you're dealing with.
Again, welcome!
RichardMEL, Moderator
I Hate Dialysis Message Board
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