Time to quit lurking

[Gramapat]

Guess it's time for me to start posting.  I registered in October and have been lurking - reading posts off and on for the past few months.

My name is Pat.  I'm a 57 year old woman. I started dialysis on October 16th, 2007. 

Back in the late 70's when I was just a young woman, I had cancer of the cervix. It was treated with radiation which cured the cancer but really messed up my insides.  I had to have a colostomy in 1977 and then a urostomy in 1994.  Urine can back up (reflux) with a urostomy and so after several years I developed kidney failure.  In November of 2006, my nephrologist  said it was time to get an access in because I was getting close to needing dialysis. 

I had surgery for an A/V fistula in my left arm.  My arm stayed swollen and after a few months the surgeon decided I had a blockage and needed an angioplasty.  Bad news - my vein was blocked from under my arm into my chest wall.  They were only able to unblock a few cm's in an hour and a half.  They then checked my other arm and it was also blocked.  The blockages were from TPN that I had over the years. (Total Parenteral Nutrition - they put a big catheter into the clavicle.)

Next surgery was for a graft in my right leg.  So it was ready when I did have to start dialysis.  I am doing good on dialysis - have lots more energy.  My labs have been getting better each time.  I like the techs, doctor and nurse at my center.  I go Mon, Wed & Fri from 7 - 10 p.m.

I was evaluated for a kidney transplant and turned down.  Unfortunately, I have lots of abdominal problems that can't be fixed.  I get intestinal blockages constantly and my stomach doesn't always empty.  I sure wish dialysis could fix those problems but oh well!

I hope to get to know everyone.  I feel so bad about Goofynina.  I had read most of her recent posts and when I logged on the other day, I was shocked to learn she had passed.  She was really the heart of this board. 

[CW]

Gramapat,

It seems you have had a tough time but IHD is a great place for support as you probably know already from exploring the forum. I hope dialysis goes well and your complications subside. Be well and have fun here at IHD 

CW

[petey]

  gramapat!  We're glad to have you!

[Sluff]

Welcome to IHD Gramapat,

Glad you finally introduced yourself. Sometimes it's hard to open up, when it comes to public forum. Just remember that most of us here understand exactly what you are going through. I hope you continue to draw knowledge and comfort from our IHD. I'm saddened when the Doctors make the decision that someone is not eligible for transplant, and we just have to trust their opinion.

Glad to meet you.

Sluff/ Admin

[boxman55]

welcome to IHD...Boxman

[bolta72]

 

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Pat!  I am especially happy to welcome you as we are contemporaries - I just turned 58 on Jan 23rd.  Also, my first name is Patsy (but I use my second name Aurora).  And I am a grandma!  How's that for things in common!  And the biggie - dialysis!
I like it when people lurk for a while.  Then you know when they emerge it is because they have really come to know and to appreciate the site.  So there isn't much I need to tell you, but just encourage you to post and post and post, and let you know that you are now part of a real family.  So real that the joys are real, and so is the grief. I look forward to hearing more from you. 


Bajanne, Moderator

[willieandwinnie]

Gramapat. I also lurked for quit some time. The support and caring of this group is just what you need. Also, my Len has had many bowel resections and also has a stomach that doesn't empty right and he got a transplant 9/07, so don't give up. Miracles do happen. Nice to have you.

[lola]

 

[MyssAnne]

Welcome, Pat!!!!  I'm glad to hear from you!! We're always happy when lurkers come out, and
start posting, as Sluff says, that means you've researched us, and trust us to know what you're going
through. And we do.

 

[Romona]

Welcome. You already know this is a good site. Glad you joined. 

[Joe Paul]

Welcome Gramapat, good to have you aboard.

[Psim]

 

[Joanniebop]

Welcome GranmaPat!

I also was a long time lurker before I decided to take the plunge and am so happy that I feel like part of this fantastic IHD family.
So sorry for all that you have had to endure with your health. You surely have had more than your share of medical problems and I hope that the IHD family can ease your pain, physically and emotionally.

Joannie

[Wattle]

   Welcome

[Razman]

It seem that you have been through a lot.  Thanks for sharing and welcome aboard.   

[Ang]

good  to  have  you  along  for  the  ride

[kitkatz]

Welcome to the boards.  There are a couple of us floating around here with urostomies. (No pun intended.)  (You know what I mean hehehe) 
I guess we are in it for the long haul.   



kitkatz,moderator

[rose1999]

 

[kimcanada]

Hello and 

Your intro was very interesting, its hard to believe that we all have something in common, but how we all got to dialysis is so different.

I look forward to your posts

Kim

[thegrammalady]

   this is a good place to land

[oswald]

 

[kellyt]

Wow!  There is a lot of people on-line today!  That's great! 

   I can't wait to get to know you better, Gramapat.  You've found a wonderful site!!

[Slywalker]

Greetings Pat - Welcome aboard.  I was also a long time lurker - I mean months and months of just reading posts. 
Keep the faith for a transplant.  Things change, doctors change their minds, new doctors come along - don't give up.

Lots of great folks and even more great information around here.
Take care
Sandyb

[The Wife]

Welcome Pat.  I was also a lurker for many months.  As a caregiver of my spouse who has been on dialysis since October 2006, I have found this site to be extemely helpful.  This is a great family.