Introduction

[MR_RESPIRATORY]

Good Morning! I was coasting along when I was told by my Primary Doc. that I should see ASAP a nephrologist. I was shocked by the information I was given. I was told that soon (when is soon?) I was heading towards Dialysis. I was  shocked to say the least. That was about 1 year ago. In this period of time I am now suffering with lower leg swelling, vomiting, lack of appetite , nausea which is all the time. Unable to think clearly and I cannot sleep.
I had retired about 3 years ago having worked for about 40 years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Now, my wife is also retired as well and until I became sick, we did a fair amount of traveling but now, most days are spent watching T.V.
In another post, I will provide my current lab values so that my Introduction might be complete.
I have been reading many of the posts and I want to thank everyone for the large amount of information I have received. I noticed how warm and giving everyone is and I thank you for that!
Oh, I forgot to add, I am in stage 3/4.

[Zach]

Welcome to our community!
 

[DayaraLee]

Welcome, Mr. R! I spend most of my time on here reading posts and learning from other members. This is a fantastic group of people, and I'm grateful for their knowledge and support. You've found a great community!   

[kickingandscreaming]

Welcome. Sorry for your shock.  It is always a shock when it happens as this is a silent disease. And I hate to think how many others are out there, minding their own business, while their kidneys are slowly (or quickly) deteriorating and they have NO idea. 

I'm a bit surprised to hear that you are only considered to be in stage 3/4 when you are already so symptomatic.  Everyone is different, but usually dialysis begins when you start having the very symptoms you are describing.  Some people get there at 20% kidney function and others (like me) get to 6% before without ever experiencing the symptoms you describe.  I hope you have a good nephrologist who can give you good guidance.  Although I am not a fan of dialysis (I do PD), it can help you feel much better, especially when you have clear symptoms.

[iolaire]

In this period of time I am now suffering with lower leg swelling, vomiting, lack of appetite , nausea which is all the time. Unable to think clearly and I cannot sleep.

... Now, my wife is also retired as well and until I became sick, we did a fair amount of traveling but now, most days are spent watching T.V.

Welcome, those symptoms are part of the reason why for some its an improvement to start dialysis and clear up the symptoms.

If you can keep your health up then traveling is still an option.  It takes some planning but is completely manageable.  As you can see from my signature its possible to travel the globe and receive similar treatments, usually in the range of $250-$300 per treatment.  I usually travel for a week at a time so I don't worry about the IV medicine I'm missing well traveling because I get what I need on the other weeks at my center so that keeps the cost down.  Insurance so far has been fairly good about repaying me for what I pay on dialysis.

[cassandra]

Welcome to the site Mr. Respiratory

   


Take care, Cas

[Charlie B53]

Welcome to IHD.  You are among friends.   Actually, ,more likle an extended Family.

I started PD while I was at 30% function.  I was so tired of my legs swelling up like balloons, leaking that clear fluid, running down and soaking my socks and shoes.  A couple of times they got infected, my whole right leg reddened like an apple.   12 days in the hospital that time.  And that wasn't the only time.  I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  So I asked my Neph when could I start.  I didn't want to wait any longer.  I had my Cath plced the next week.  Had to wait a whole month before they would let me start training.

Three years ago.  No infections since, or yet, or however you want to look at it.

I am soo much better now than I have been in many years.

Talk to your Neph.  Talk to your Wife.

Have you checked out the 'Kidiney College' onn-line.  Self paced course to educate you about kidneys, dialysis, the types of dialysis, a whole lot on good information you need to know to make a better informed decision about which type of dialysis you and your Wife may want as this IS going to become a new lifetime regiment.

Nightly PD using my Cycler isn't a problem for me.  It cuts my evenings pretty short.  But I have enough hose I can move about almost half of our home.  But the rest of the night I sleep like many people do.  In my bed.   With my Dog, and Cat.   Wife never like my snoring so she has her own room.   Leaves more bed to roll over in.

Again, welcome to the Family!

Take Care,

Charlie B53
Yea, I know, I can't shut up.