Hello I'm Mel

[mel75]

Hello, My name is melissa, my friends call me mel. I am 32, married, and have 2 girls age 15 and 3. While pregnant with the baby I was experienceing nothing abnormal, but the OB keep insisting something was wrong and sent me to a specialist. So I was seeing a high risk OB Dr. and finally he said I think you need to see a nephrologist. So we go. That was the worst experience I ever had, he wanted to do a kidney biopsy now, I asked what the risks were. He said "oh no big deal it could do this, this, and oh ya you could have a misscarriage but that's just a risk we have to take." I told him I was not wiiling to risk loosing my baby. He was upset that I would not do the biopsy. We left and I just never went back. About 3 weeks before the baby was due the Dr. had me induced. I was in labor for 3 days, finally the baby came. We were just living life as normal. I pretended nothing was wrong, even though I didn't feel well. About 1 & 1/2 yrs later, I had a severe migrane nausea & vomiting so my husband took me to the ER. My BP was 220/160. they gave me some meds and some pain killers, Then said go home and rest. That was saturday my nephews 18th birthday. I will never forget that day. I told my husband to take the kids to the party and I would call if I needed him. Well I did need him. I couldn't see. My vision left me. I thoght OMG i'm going blind. I tried to get up and get the phone, I felt so dizzy, I had a siezure and passed on the end of the bed. I woke up not sure when, I still couldn't see, I tried agian to get the phone. I had a few more siezures and passed out again this time on the floor. That's all I remember. I woke up in the hospital the next day. My husband said he came home cuz he tried calling and I wouldn't awnser. I was on the other side of the room screaming for my daddy with blood and urine everywhere. I bit my toung so hard it hurt for weeks. My vision is back and i'm not in denial anymore. That was almost 2 yrs ago. I started PD in Feb. '08. It has been an experience. I am not crazy about it. I chose PD because I could go to work and still be at home with kids. I wouldn't be stuck going to a place 3 days a week for hours at a time. I still haven't been back to work and I have to hook up to the cycler around  8pm just be done by 6am. so I am in my room alone. I feel lonely and depressed. I can't even enjoy the evening with my kids or husband. We have a few shows we like to watch together and they start at 8. The worst part of PD the drain pain . It is so bad. I cry almost everytime. They say it will get better, But I want to know when?
Any way this is my life. Thanks for listening. It's probably the first time I've told the full story, to anyone outside my family. I am looking forward to talking to some of you about how you're feeling, what it's like for you. Talk with you soon. 

[paris]

  What an amazing story.  So glad you found this site. It has so much informaton and wonderful people ready to help you.  I think your story touched me so much because I have a daughter named Melissa, 31 with 2 little ones.  I will look forward to reading more of your journey.

[willieandwinnie]

Mel, God what a story. You'll find wonderful people here and get some great advice. I can't help you with the PD questions (my husband did home-hemo), but there are plenty of PD specialist here that will chime in and answer all your questions. I'm so glad that you found us. You never feel alone again. Take care and please keep reading past post (there is a bunch of them with some great information). Looking forward to more posts from you. 

[MyssAnne]

Hey, Mel!!!

I'm on PD, the cycler, been on now for about 2 years.  Not sure what's going on with the drain pain. There are some who just will have it.
I take it you did bring it up with the neph, see if maybe it was the tube, twisted, or perhaps TOO much is being taken out?

You have your hands full with the girls, I'm sure glad it worked out well for your youngest, can you imagine a doctor saying, oh,yeah, you
might have a miscarriage?  Dang!!!  NOT very doctorlike!!!!

anyway, welcome aboard!!!!

Anne

[petey]

Welcome, Mel!  While your situation is different from mine (husband on home hemo), I want to be here for you, too!  I'll help if I can, and, if I can't offer advice and suggestions for your particular situation, please know that I'm here for support, prayers, and just to listen.  You've found a very good site, here.  One of our favorite IHD members ("Goofynina") was a PD patient, and she handled it quite well.  We lost our Goofynina on Feb. 14, but lots of her old posts are here.  There may be something in her words that could help you now.

Above all, know that you are not alone!

[lola]

 

[Sunny]

Nice to have you here.

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  You have certainly earned your entry into the IHD family!  What an experience!  Like some of the others, I can't say anything about PD and I have done haemodialysis now for 2 ½ years - MTF - four hours.  I lost my highschool teaching job because of needing to leave school to dialyse.  However, things are finally working out for me, as I am doing something I love - welcoming visitors to my island and speaking French and Spanish (I work at the Tourist Board).  If you ever take a Caribbean cruise, you might end up passing through our gazebo in the island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
As I said earlier, this is a real family, not just a website.  There is lots of love, caring and sharing here.  So keep reading and keep posting.  We need to know how you are doing - not nosy, just family! 


Bajanne, Moderator

[Sluff]

Welcome to IHD Mel,

That was quite a story, and I'm glad you are no longer in denial, but what a tough thing to go through. So what exactly took your kidneys? The pregnancy or were you diagnosed with a particular type of disease. Also are you on the transplant list anywhere? I hope you enjoy our site and I hope you gain knowledge, friendships and confidence.

Sluff/Admin

[del]

Hi Mel.  Glad to have you here.  Lots of people here to give answers to some of your questions and to give you support.  My husband has been on dialysis for almost 11 years.  First PD for almost 3 years, then in center hemo and nocturnal home hemo for the past year and a half.  Have you ever considered doing home hemo or is it available in your area.  As for the pain from what I've read some people do have pain when draining.  Hubby didn't when he was on PD not unless he got air.  There was often blood in his drain bag though.  We were told it was because he was so active that he would sometimes lift something a little too heavy and some of the little blood vessels inside would bleed. 

[rookiegirl]

The worst part of PD the drain pain . It is so bad. I cry almost everytime. They say it will get better, But I want to know when?

Mel75  to IHD family.  I just responded to one of your thread before reading your intro.  Thanks for sharing your story.  I hope PD works out for you as it did for me.  Look forward to all your posts.

[Wattle]

  Hi Mel and Welcome.

I am also on PD and chose it for similar reasons. My children are 11 and 13. There are lots of ways around the problems you are having. It all just takes time to adjust and get to know what works for you.

[mel75]

  OMG I really thought I would just be looking around to find some awnsers but you guys really touched me with all the personalness. I have really been depressed and have no one to share all this with. So I just want thank you for such a warm welcome. 




EDITED: Fixed smiley icon error -Merged to proper section- Sluff/Admin

[mysty]

Hello Mel

I am new here myself.. and I will tell you this.. all these folks here are wonderful and will help you.. there is so much to read and you might find answers from already thoughts and questions on the site.. or just ask.. someone... will be able to help I hope there are soo many people with so many different situations. 

I can offer you my support and love anytime you need.

[okarol]

  Hi mel!
Glad you found this site - lots of good info and some wonderful people who will give you lots of support. You've been through a lot!



okarol/moderator

[mel75]

Welcome to IHD Mel,

That was quite a story, and I'm glad you are no longer in denial, but what a tough thing to go through. So what exactly took your kidneys? The pregnancy or were you diagnosed with a particular type of disease. Also are you on the transplant list anywhere? I hope you enjoy our site and I hope you gain knowledge, friendships and confidence.

Sluff/Admin

I don't quite know why I ended up with kidney dz. I am on a transplant list here in california. Teh diagnosis they gave me was glumerulonepheritis and Hypertension.

[okarol]

Oh boy! Another California girl!! 

[Romona]

 

[mel75]

Oh boy! Another California girl!! 

I noticed U were from pasadena thats not to far from where I am. I live in ... Well i'll pm u just in case there are some stalkers here. JK. I'm from Calimesa. Ever hear of it?

[okarol]

I remember seeing signs for Calimesa on my way to Palm Springs, but I have never been there. You're closer to Kitkatz. Next time we get together you should join us! 

[Joe Paul]

Welcome mel, good to have you aboard.

[mel75]

I remember seeing signs for Calimesa on my way to Palm Springs, but I have never been there. You're closer to Kitkatz. Next time we get together you should join us! 

Sounds like fun. Thanks.

[rose1999]

Hi Mel and  from the UK 

[boxman55]

Welcome Mel, your right about the stalkers, just a heads up Sluff is one of them  ... Boxman

[tamara]

Hi Mel and 

Great to see you join this great forum of ours.

Hope to see you around

Tamara xxx ooo