new member

[Cornbread20]

Hello, my name is derrick.  I have chronic renal failure, diagnosed in my early 20s, I'm now 37 with stage 4 failure, GFR of 16.  When my docs ask what am I feeling, its usually nausea, fatigue and odd sleep . I've had a gout attack and now I am dealing with worsening restless leg.  I was found to be in renal failure because my BP was ridiculously elevated, by the time I saw a doctor for it I was spilling protein and found to be in failure.  Now as I approach end stage, I find myself needing people to talk to or at the very least hear about their experiences.  I am an adult medicine PA but honestly, having medical knowledge doesn't help sometimes.  In fact, it can be difficult to get answers because providers speak to me like I already know all there is about renal failure or I am too nervous to ask questions because I assume they assume I already know the answer.  Stressed!  I am now on the transplant list for a perfect match, I am not on dialysis and hoping (like many) to not need dialysis.   I am scheduled to have a AV fistula later this week as I did not want PD or a line in my neck.  If and when I need dialysis I plan on home dialysis given my background and my wife's (also in healthcare).  I am very nervous about the fistula this week (is it too soon, will i be scarred forever..etc etc) which prompted me to finally join the group.  Anyway, I am glad there is a group like this, helps to know that when going through all this, you aren't alone. 

[MooseMom]

Well, Derrick, I can tell you that your story is way too common, so rest assured that joining IHD is probably the best decision you've made today!!  LOL!

You may have seen that we have a Pre-dialysis forum, so if you have specific questions (for instance, about fistulas), please feel free to post them there.  I was pre-dialysis for 8 years (that I knew of...I was diagnosed back in 1992 but didn't pay much attention until 2003), so I know what it feels like to know that dialysis may be just around the corner.  It is a unique kind of terror.

Has anyone spoken to you about a pre-renal diet?  Are you on bp and/or cholesterol meds?  Can you tell us more about your latest lab results?  Maybe you could start a thread over on the pre-d forum, and we can maybe give you some answers/advice/support.

[Shaks24]

Welcome Cornbread. Love the name. 

[Rerun]

Hi Cornbread20, love the name and it makes me want some which is not on our diet.  But, really one little piece with a binder would be fine.   

Hope you like this site and come often.  I also hope you get your kidney soon. 

Rerun, Moderator    

[Grumpy-1]

Welcome Cornbread       You have come to the right place to ask questions and not be talked to like you already know it.  Feel free to share (as you have done already) your feelings, thoughts, questions, and concerns.  I think everyone here (both patient, caregiver, or Dr (we have a Dr member who is a caregiver to his wife) has been in your shoes, and know what you are feeling and can provide information, support and and recommendations to help.  Just ask.   Grumpy

[Angiepkd]

Welcome cornbread!  Glad you found this site.  They have helped me so much.  There is someone who has experienced everything I have gone through, and they are always willing to share what they went through.  I am hoping for a transplant around Christmas this year.  Hope you are able to have a transplant without starting D, but if it doesn't work out exactly as planned, D is not so bad.  I do home hemo with NxStage, and it has been fine.  A little time consuming, but completely doable.  The fistula surgery is a smart move.  Better to have it and not need it than vice versa!  Best of luck to you!

[Poppylicious]

  Derrick!