Hi, from Florida

[Tabby]

I lost my kidneys due to Hypertension,
Ok, well just the name of this site brought me here. I hate dialysis!!! Where to start... I am 36 and am waiting for my 2nd transplant. I started dialysis Nov. 8th 1995 (notice how you never forget the dates of everything) I was on dialysis for 21 months and on the transplant list for 17. I had a graft in my lower left arm but it clotted almost everyother week. Then I had a fistula in my upper left arm until I got my transplant on July 17th 1997 it lastest 5 & half years. Never was a great match it was a cadaver my creatine was always like at 2.0. I gained 40 pounds in 3 weeks after the transplant and was like a big balloon. I went back on dialysis on Dec 23rd 2002 (Christmas Eve, nice) I had a graft put in my left upper arm and it has worked off and on until May 2007. Then I had a cafeder that had to be changed at least 5 times in the 5 months that I had it. I have sensitive skin so it was a miserable time. My doctor gave me a choice of a graft on top of the other graft on my upper left arm or go for a fistula in my right arm and do the botton hole procedure. I went for the fistula and it was not a great experience. The botton hole on the arterial worked great from the get go but the venous just would not mature. Finally it is going alright right now but every treatment I hold my breath until I see the blood flash back after she puts the needle in. Anyways, I know this is long and not really written well, but it feels nice to just write it all out.
 I have been on the transplant list since Nov. 17th 2003.  Last time it took 17 months to get a kidney, this time I am on month 51 and counting. The doctors say it is longer this time due to my blood type B- and that my body had built up antibodies and since I already had a transplant it knows how to fight it. 

Well I guess I came here to see if anyone else has been waiting a long time too. I have learned so much from my first transplant that I can't wait to get the next one and for one not gain so much weight but for another to really respect the gift I get. I truly did not the last time I was all poor me but now I know it is better me than someone else in my family or elsewhere that may have not been able to handle it. Well, I still poor me sometimes but I say shut up and go on.

Ok, So that's my story, Thanks for listenig

[Joe Paul]

Welcome Tabby, good to have you aboard.

[isurvived]

Since I got my transplant, I had been told that I would gain a bunch of weight, so I bought a treadmill. Sine January 1st, I have walked over 90 miles. iI also work out every other day (on the treadmill everyday, weather permitting) I live in Springfield, Illinois, so sometimes weather can be a problem. I wish you luck.

[Ohio Buckeye]

Welc,e. Tabby, to the IHD Family.
Hope you get your transplant soon.

[Wattle]

  Welcome

[kellyt]

You're among friends who know and care.  I've learned gobs and gobs!  Take the time to look around and read some posts.  You'll be right at home!

[Joanniebop]

 

[Laurie]

  I hope you get the call soon.

[oswald]

  to IHD. 

[Romona]

 

[Sluff]

  Tabby to the board, it's good to have you here.

Sluff/ admin

[ODAT]

 

Hi Tabby, my mom is pre-dialysis. You've landed in a great place - lots of supportive and caring people here.

My sister lives in Palm Bay, Florida. Lots of weather stories!

[bolta72]

 

[KR Cincy]

Hi Tabby...welcome to IHD!
I can't even get on the list for another 4 years, so the waiting is extreme...but know that you aren't alone and that there's a great community of folks here you can vent to, ask questions of, or at least talk the same language we all talk!
Take care of yourself...

[Slywalker]

Hi Tabby - Greetings - I really like your name for some reason.....

Sounds like you have really been through a lot of stuff.  You'll find a ton of support on this forum plus lots of good information.

Take care and hang in there.

Sandyb   

[rose1999]

 

[willieandwinnie]

  Tabby. Glad you found us.

[petey]

Welcome, Tabby!  This is a great site.

My husband (Marvin) is also waiting on his second transplant.  He was on the "list" from March 30, 1995 until July 26, 2000 (I remember dates, too) -- and then he didn't even get one from the list (got a living donor).  He's been back on the list since October 21, 2003.  He has a very common blood type (O Pos) and he, too, has a lot of antibodies because of his first transplant.

You'll find lots of info here and the greatest people in the world -- I am so glad I found IHD and these wonderful folks took me in.  It helps when you're talking to someone who actually knows what you're talking about!

[Ang]

   aboard

[aharris2]

Welcome from beautiful, balmy Florida. Love your avatar! He(?) looks just like my previous cat, Reggie Jackson.

[CW]

Hey Tabby,

It seems I have missed you as your intro was posted before I joined. You story reminds me of myself I started very young and had a failed transplant. I actually had to go back on dialysis the day before my birthday. I also had to treat on my birthday  (the next day) because of an incompetent case manager. I waited 6 years for my 1st Transplant and I am waiting to be evaluated for my second.

Well I am sure you have heard enough I am glad to have found your intro and hope to read more of your posts soon.

CW

[kitkatz]

Welcome to the IHD boards.  I know you have lots of experiences to share with us. So get to writing!  Just kidding.  Be sure to visit the transplant section and share your story of your transplant. There you will see stories of people who have had transplants.  There is a lot of information here.



kitkatz,moderator

[paris]

  We are glad you are here.  You will find people going through the same problems and can be a great help. And I am sure we will learn much from you. You have been through quite a bit. 

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  I am sorry for the late welcome, but you joined at a time when we were going through some stuff here at IHD, with the loss of our Adminstrator Goofynina (Susie).  But better late than never!  so glad that you joined us.  This is just the place to be.  People here understand what you are going through.  There is lots to read here, and I am sure you have lots to offer too.  Maybe you can help someone who is going through the same as you are.  so read, read, read and post, post, post.   


Bajanne, Moderator

[keefer51]