Hello, I'm new here

[Michelle2016]

I am almost 60 yrs old now.  Blood type: O

I had my kidney tx almost 16 yrs ago. Now I have problem with my transplanted kidney. It's challenging, but different at this time. I have learned so much from the last 18 years since I had PD. I didn't tell my employer and co-workers about my health for last 18 years. I have heard some stories about bad employers.

When I had PD 18 years ago, there were not many information out there regarding PD, nutrition, exercises and tx at that time. I had no clue. I was panic. Now I'm empowered with knowledge, information, new drugs, new technology, and help from this website. I am sure everything is getting better than 18 years ago.   

I loved my PD, compared to HD. During those two years of PD, I didn't have any problems and I worked full time. I exercised regularly. I cleaned the cath site everyday. I didn't have infection. However, I had weakness of contolling my diets. I couldn't cut my salt intakes. I had bruises over my legs before the tx.

Right now, I just need to focus on what I can do and do my best instead of worries.

[MooseMom]

Welcome to our community.  You obviously have a lot of information to share about both transplantation and PD.

It is hard not to worry.  Under the circumstances, I'm not sure that is possible.  I hope your transplant still has life in it.  Do your doctors have a plan to try to extend its life?

Thank you for joining IHD!

[Michelle2016]

Hi, MooseMom: thank you for your kind words. It's hard not to worry. I have had too much worries in last 20-40 years because of the kidney disease. I wasted so many years on worries. But I am still here. That's why I am determined trying not to worry, but appreciate every moment, and do my best.

Take care.

[Simon Dog]

Right now, I just need to focus on what I can do and do my best instead of worries.

Let Alfred E. Neuman be your role model.

[Charlie B53]

Not sure if it's 'Welcome' or 'Welcome Back', in either case we are glad to have your contributions.

I wasn't sure if I am supposed to be worried.  On PD a little over 3 1/2 years already and doing well according to my labs and my Dialysis Team.

Other than the general weakness and feeling tired all the time, I am NOT sick or swollen any longer.  I think that alone is great!

Not a candidate for tx due to other issues I hope to stay just like this for a very long time.

[Michelle2016]

Hi, Charlie:  thank you for sharing your experience. It's very encouraging. I am trying to collect more information on PD while work full time.  I also found out that it's possible to swimming in the pool with paediatric colostomy pouches. It costs about $1.5 per piece for the pouch.  I do like exercises such as weight lifting, biking, and swimming. It's my lifeline.

Best wishes. 

[SooMK]

Welcome Michelle!

[Charlie B53]

I never thought about using a colostomy pouche to keep my PD cath dry.  That is a great idea.   My problem is the position.  My cath is tunneled and exits left of center, midway and on a level with the nipple.   Sort of an awkward position to wear some sort of strap as it would be right around my arm pits.  Not really comfortable.

I haven't looked very hard, but have been thinking about un-lubed condoms. Hoping I will run across some large enough to stuff the cath inside then tape and/ rubber cement the works to me.

Until then no swimming.  I carefully wrap it with Press n' Seal to keep it dry in the shower.   PITA.

[Michelle2016]

Hi, SooMK: thank you for your kindness.

Take care.

[kickingandscreaming]

I carefully wrap it with Press n' Seal to keep it dry in the shower.

I was instructed by my PD nurse to leave my catheter out in the shower and to allow the water to wash over it.  So far, so good.  Of course, I don't have a dressing on it in the shower.

[Michelle2016]

Yeah, you are right. I had no problem with it.

[Simon Dog]

I left it out as well,  but I used one of those PD belts to keep it from flopping around in the shower and hung the belt up next to the towel when done.   Never had an infection in my glorious 6 months of PD.

[Jean]

 Welcome to IHD Michelle, we are glad to have you and your mountains of information. Every little bit helps     

[cassandra]

Welcome to the site Michelle2016


   

Take care, Cas

[Vt Big Rig]

Welcome to the site.  Sorry you are back amoung us. But glad you found the site.

[DayaraLee]

I seem to be the professional worrier in my family, and it's definitely something I'd like to be a little less good at! I cheer you in your effort to set as much of that aside as possible. Welcome, Michelle2016!
 

[Rerun]

     You made it on the board.  I'm so glad.  Welcome.

 

[Michelle2016]

Thank you all for your kindness of greeting. Honestly, I was afraid to talk or discuss about dialysis before. However, over the time I learned that I have to accept the reality. I have learned and empowered by coming on this website just for last few weeks. I enjoy reading all your stories and and nice encouraging advices given. The more I learn and discuss, the better I deal with it. In addition, I can help others to learn about dialysis and tx. I am glad that there options such as PD, HD, and tx for us to have a 'normal' life for many many years.

Before, I do worry a lot about everything. Now I am too busy getting on with my life (such as exercising, making healthy and tasting food, being relax, surfing on Internet, and working full time) to worry. I wish I could have 30 hours a day instead of 24 hours. Because I don't have time to watch TV!