Hi from the Gold Coast. Australia

[Naturalfooter]

Hi

Diagnosed with End stage renal failure late  February  2014. Was feeling ok just fatigued, went for a blood test and was told I have a eGFR 10.  Currently awaiting to start dialysis treatment.

I look forward to meeting and discussing with people going through the same journey.

[Zach]

Welcome to our community, Mate!
 

[Ninanna]

Glad to have you here!  Post often and tell us more about yourself

[Naturalfooter]

Thanks guys.

More about myself.... 44 years young. I was working as a pilot  up to the day I was diagnosed with ESRD. I am reasonably fit and  healthy ( least thought I was) lol. Due to the illness I am currently unemployed which has its benefits I can surf almost everyday.. Single father to a beautiful 8 year old daughter.

They have scheduled me to put a fistula in my arm late June. Really worried how I will cope with the diet and fluid restrictions.  So also going to weigh up whether PD would suit my lifestyle better. 

Always keen to meet or chat to people with the same condition.

 

[Darthvadar]

Hello, and may I extend a very warm  to IHD...

You'll get lots of support, and plenty of information here...

So visit, and post often...

A pilot, eh???... Now that could be a very interesting... I think a few of our members aren't really comfortable flying... Be great to get information and reassurance straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak... I think you'll find your professional brain will be well picked!...

Again, welcome, and I hope to see lots more of you....

Darth, Moderator...

[Naturalfooter]

Thanks Darth

I know a few things about aviation but absolutely nothing about renal failure and treatment.

Any aviation queries feel free to refer them to me.

[Darthvadar]

Hi again, Naturalfooter...

So if I'm right, we share our experience of renal failure and dialysis with you, and you share your experience of flying with us???... Fair exchange, I say!...

Keep posting!.....

Darth....

[Bambino_Bear]

 

[Joe]

Hi there naturalfooter, and welcome. Your surfing explains your screen name. Hope to help you with the journey. Lots of information here on both Hemo and PD to help you make a decision. I did PD for 2.5 years and thought it fit my lifestyle just fine.

[goofball]

Do you mind sharing the cause of your kidney failure?

[Naturalfooter]

Do you mind sharing the cause of your kidney failure?

Sure

Unfortunately they don't really know. A biopsy was deemed to risky. It's believed my immunity system has been attacking my kidneys for several years.

I have a theory though.  Several years ago I was in a surfing holiday in Indonesia , I got really bad food poisoning and extremely dehydrated. I reckon that episode  initiated the problems.

The good news is I am B group blood. The transplant list for B group here in Queensland is very short. I have already completed my work up and assessments.

I am so happy to come across this forum and meet others in a similar condition. I felt like the loneliest person in the world since diagnosis.

[cariad]

  Naturalfooter.

I grew up within walking distance of a gorgeous beach in Santa Barbara, CA and yet have somehow managed to never attempt to get on a surfboard. I have flown a plane a few times, always with an instructor, though. My father was an amateur pilot until it became prohibitively expensive to dabble in that past time.

Thanks Darth

I know a few things about aviation but absolutely nothing about renal failure and treatment.

Any aviation queries feel free to refer them to me.

I actually do have some aviation queries, perhaps you'd be willing to give an opinion? I have a son, aged 11, who wants to be a pilot. He is fortunate to have dual British and American citizenship which does make a person more attractive to employers across many professions. Ever since the financial crash in America, I have heard so many pilots say that they want to warn everyone to not get into the business. There were horror stories of pilots working brutally long shifts (that did not always meet minimum safety requirements) and being paid $10/hour (which, as you may have guessed, is insultingly low.) I know you are in Australia, but would you advise your own child to become a pilot? Is there much competition for jobs? I am concerned that you seem to be out of work due to kidney failure, do they routinely terminate pilots just because of chronic health conditions? I have also heard American pilots complain that they are forced to retire at 60 even if they are in perfect health, do you know if that is standard practice throughout the developed world?

Did you have to join the military to get affordable pilot's training? Obviously I cannot stop my son from doing as he likes when he gets older, but I would strongly discourage him from pursuing that career if it meant joining the military, especially in today's frightening climate.

Sorry, I'll stop there. You've only just arrived and I'm giving you the third degree.... Make yourself at home!

[Naturalfooter]

Hi cariiad

Holding EU and US passports is also benificial in the aviation industry. I have heard all the horror stories about the poor working conditions and pay for aircrew in the USA. Here in australia things are very different. The money is not too bad, we have strict maximum duty hours and if you are keen to work there are plenty of jobs to had. However there is always a surplus of pilots but if you are keen and dedicated to get the first job and don't stuff up there is a fulfilling career to be had. Asia (esp china)is where they experts claim there will be a shortage of pilots within the next decade.

As far as training goes, it's expensive.  The military is preferred if you can get through all the recruitment. Most military jobs are very safe transport type roles and the training is free.

Most pilots here in Oz retire at 65. Many pilots (including me) are forced to retire early due health issues. Every professional pilot must pass a thorough medical exam annually. Many pilots get scrubbed for things like diabetes,cardio and and eyesight. My case there is no way they will clear me to fly with ESRF. Too many issues with fatigue and cognitive judgement etc.

If your so hads a dream to fly. Encourage him. I am thankful for the 20 or so years of fun times I have had in aviation.

Good luck. 

[Poppylicious]

A very delayed  Naturalfooter!  Lovely of you to join us.

 

Poppylicious, Moderator

[Jean]

Good to have you here!!     to IHD!!

[cariad]

Hi cariiad

Holding EU and US passports is also benificial in the aviation industry. I have heard all the horror stories about the poor working conditions and pay for aircrew in the USA. Here in australia things are very different. The money is not too bad, we have strict maximum duty hours and if you are keen to work there are plenty of jobs to had. However there is always a surplus of pilots but if you are keen and dedicated to get the first job and don't stuff up there is a fulfilling career to be had. Asia (esp china)is where they experts claim there will be a shortage of pilots within the next decade.

As far as training goes, it's expensive.  The military is preferred if you can get through all the recruitment. Most military jobs are very safe transport type roles and the training is free.

Most pilots here in Oz retire at 65. Many pilots (including me) are forced to retire early due health issues. Every professional pilot must pass a thorough medical exam annually. Many pilots get scrubbed for things like diabetes,cardio and and eyesight. My case there is no way they will clear me to fly with ESRF. Too many issues with fatigue and cognitive judgement etc.

If your so hads a dream to fly. Encourage him. I am thankful for the 20 or so years of fun times I have had in aviation.

Good luck. 

Thank you for this wonderful reply. Great information here. My son wants to finish getting his paragliding pilot's license (considered a type of aviation) and we were going to do it, but they won't let him fly in the UK until he is 14 so we would have to go back to California for a few weeks. He took two days of instruction in it when he was 10 and called it "the coolest thing I've ever done".

Thanks again for answering my questions! It's lovely to get an insider's perspective.

[Naturalfooter]

I have just commenced at home CAPD. Oh god what a massive change in my lifestyle. Hopefully I will feel much better soon. 

[Jean]

Good to have you with us and     to IHD.