Hello.... I would like to introduce myself

[donnia]

I am a 34 year old female.  I was born with one kidney and it has lasted me this long... but now it is giving out.  I am in the process of trying to get accepted to Baylor Medical Center's Transplant Program.  I go back for my final tests on April 11th and I should know if they accept me by May 1st. 
Just this last Tuesday (March 27th) I had AVG surgery to prepare for dialysis.   They said it should be mature in 2 - 3 months hopefully.  I am here for information, friends, and support.  I am really freaked out about the whole dialysis thing!  I can tell already that I hate dialysis.... is there any information or suggestions you can give to make it go easier?  I am really scared about getting stuck 3 times a week... is there anything to make it not hurt so much?  Anthing I should always remember to do before or after dialysis.... anything I should take with me???

Just wanted to add.... I am from Texas

Thanks so much for just being here!!!!

[goofynina]

Hi Donnia,  Welcome to ihatedialysis.com.  If it is friends and support you are looking for, you have come to right place.  Not only will you have friends and support but you will get answers to just about anything you ask.  If you read through the different threads i think you will get an idea of what questions to ask in which sections, such as General Discussion we ask about anything pertaining to dialysis.  There is a search bar that you can also look for specific things as well.  If you are having any trouble finding something, please do not hesitate to ask questions, post any comments and/or concerns of your own.  We are a friendly group of people and have pretty much adopted each other as family.  As far as what to take to the clinic, i would definetly take a blanket, reading material or if you have a mini dvd player and some movies, usually the clinics have T.V's and if your lucky they are working   I havent been on Hemo for almost a year now (i am on PD) but i am sure others who do go to the clinic can offer you a bit more advice.  Sorry, i got carried away, this was supposed to be a Welcome only, sometimes i just dont know when to shut up    Welcome again....


Goofynina/Admin.

[Sluff]

Welcome Donnia to IHD.

Thank you for introducing yourself, it is the best way for us to get to know you better. Whatever your reason for joining our family here at IHD, I hope you find everything you need, but most importantly I want you to feel comfortable to ask questions and come back and post often.

Here are some links to help you out.

Site rules: http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=540.0

Chat: http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/chat/flashchat.php

The best search engine for kidney related issues: http://www.kidneyoogle.com

Relationship advice: http://www.renalromance.com


Sluff, Administrator

[kitkatz]

Welcome to the site.  I love it when you ask questions, because we have all kinds of answers. There are discussions on what to take to dialysis and things to do.  I would suggest a blanket, a snack, a cup of ice, headphones for the TV, a book or magazine to read.  You will see as time goes on what you will need to bring.  Welcome!





kitkatz,moderator

[donnia]

Thanks for the welcome!  I have been browsing and getting great information and ideas on what to take.  Thanks again!

[okarol]

  Hi Donnia!
Nice to meet you!
Karol

[boxman55]

Hi Donnia-Welcome to IHD.  If you can afford them invest in a really good pair of noise cancelling headphones get a dvd player and sign up for Netflix. Not sure where your from but a nice warm blanket is a must. Boxma55

[rimbo74]

Welcome Donnia, you have found a good place to come.

Is that Baylor in Dallas? 

[lola]

 

[Zach]

Real good to have you as part of the community!
 

[donnia]

Welcome Donnia, you have found a good place to come.

Is that Baylor in Dallas? 

Yes, Baylor in Dallas and Baylor Allsaints in Ft. Worth.  Thanks for the welcome 

[anja]

      Donnia to our community.  Sorry you are having to deal with this at this time in your life, but we are here for you anytime.   

[Joe Paul]

Welcome Donnia, good to have you aboard.

[Wattle]

 

[tamara]

 

[RichardMEL]

Hey Donna - welcome!

First of all.. when you worry about pain just remember "Don't mess with texas!"

I think you may be surprised that really for the most part dialysis really doesn't hurt that much. Don't get me wrong.. the needles going in can and do, but you get used to that. The actual process of doing dialysis is more boring and frustrating than painful since when you're on the machine and everything's normal you really don't feel anything.

I definitely supoort the others suggestions to find distractions.. for me I use an ipod with good headphones... or a dvd player would work, or other things to distract you... because apart from the time out of your day it's really the boredom factor that is the hardest to deal with when you just have to sit there and not move for hours on end.

Anyway welcome to our site and try to not be too scared.. I am sure you will be fine!! And good luck with getting into the transplant program!!

[Hawkeye]

to this wonderful site.  I'm sure you will find all the info you could ever need here and if not ask and I'm sure we can answer your questions.

[TxGuyTx]

  Fellow Texan

[Laurie]

  I am also from Texas and just finished my evaluation for Baylor's Transplant Program. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! 

[rimbo74]

I'm listed at both as well.  Ask Laurie or myself any questions.  With Baylor, be sure to call your coordinator a lot!!

 

[kimcanada]

  to the club !

Kim

[carolyn77531]

 

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  We are so glad to have you with us.  This is a good place to come to examine the various options that you have.  So look around, and ask questions when there is something you need to know.  Also, please keep us posted.  We want to know how you are doing and what you are going through.  Remember that we are here for you.


Bajanne, Moderator

[donnia]

thanks again for the welcomes!!!

[jedimaster]