Hi everybody

[florida.flyer]

My name is Patty, I've been on CAPD for 1 year. (congrats to me!) My Mother was born with 1 kidney not working, so after her 2nd baby was born (me) it was too much and she died when I was almost 3 years old from kidney failure. Actually I never gave it a thought till about 3 years ago when I was starting to feel alittle tired and went for a checkup, was told the "life-altering" statement:  you are slipping protein.  after the Cat Scan I found out that my right kidney was very small and the Dr. decided it was from birth (thanks Mom). My left kidney had become enlarged from the extra work. The GFR went downhill quickly. So when it reached 14, I had the operation to put the cath in, unfortunately, I also had an umbilical hernia  (from a pregnancy) and that had to be repaired also (at the same time) needless to say, recovery was not pleasant. I live alone during the week and my Son stays with me on his weekends. 
I'm retired from American Airlines (just got back yesterday from Vegas, Baby!)  .....no, didn't win anything, but did see Cher in concert! My Daughter from Pennsylvania met me there and we had a great time.
anyway, where was I going with this? oh yeah, one of the few smart things I did was go to work for AT&T (before I got too sick) I managed to stay there for 8 months before going out on disability and the operation.  But, here's the good part, I'll get a 70% check from them till I turn 65.  wow. plus I get Social Security Disability. So, if I wasn't so tired, I'd be having a REALLY good time!  oh well. I don't mind doing the 4 exchanges a day ....usually.  they are helping my left kidney, and it hasn't given out on me yet. (knock on wood)
I stay relatively positive, I've gained a few extra pounds from the solution (well, sympathy eating also) but will start addressing that issue soon.
But I do feel very isolated nowadays. All friends have dropped off the face of the earth, the Davita social worker said that happens alot, people are scared you're going to kick the bucket...I'm glad I found this site. write to me when ever you want company!

[flip]

Welcome, Patty. You have new friends now and you won't have to worry about them dropping off the face of the earth. We are always here for you and you will receive support, help, advice and also have lots of fun.

  to our family   

[G-Ma]

 

Yes, once I couldn't go to work anymore my friends faded away too, but IHD is a great group of people to have as new friends.

[Chris]

Hi there, read your story. Do they think this is a genetic disorder tat passes on? Hope your kids keep an eye out for tis as well.
Good Luck

[pelagia]

   nice to meet you.

[cookie2008]

 

[funnygarcia]

hmm, My hubby too was born with one small kidney, that eventually shriveled up to nothing, and the other may have had faulty ureters that caused damage over time.. or at least that is one theory we have.

He had a spotty medical record in childhood, moving around a lot -- mom didn't understand that protein in urine is not a good thing, had an issue in teens where they did ultrasound and found out the abnormal kidneys.. again.. no follow up with his mom. Until the kidney simply gave up and he had high blood pressure, chest pains, vomiting... started dialysis immediately. Nephs list cause as "hypertension" but that doesn't reflect the whole picture.

I keep tabs on our boys with annual test and general mother worry. 

anyway, welcome!

[Joe Paul]

Welcome Patty, good to have you aboard.

[monrein]

    I look forward to getting to know you through this site.

[Rerun]

Patty welcome to IHD.  You can come here anytime of the day or night and someone is usually on.  I'm sorry your kidney is failing you.  It does suck rocks.  Glad you found us.

Rerun~                               

[willieandwinnie]

  Patty. So glad you found us. 

[willcon]

hi Patty, I just joined this site a couple of weeks ago,  i'm in Tallahassee,  I have not started PD yet but get my cath next wednesday. This is a great site. There always seems to be someone willing and ready to respond.  It has been a great place for me to get information about PD.

Wlecome   

[florida.flyer]

Hi back to ya all! very nice to feel so welcome.  It's been a long time since I've felt people cared. I'll try to pass it along too.
Thanks!
 

[Ang]

 

[boxman55]

Hi Patty, good to have you here.

Boxman, Moderator

[paris]

Hi Patty, you are among friends here.  This is a great site for information and especially for support.  Looking forward to hearing more from you

[Mercurial]

Hiya!

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Patty!  So glad that you found us.  There is a lot going on at this site, so please take advantage of all it has to offer - information, support, fun, a place to vent when necessary. Read as much as you can, and post as much as you can.  You have found a very special family here.    Looking forward to hearing from you.
So you went to Vegas before our IHD reunion which is there in October! It would be great if you could make it back and meet some of your IHD family.


Bajanne, Moderator

[Romona]

Hi Patty,
I also had a tiny right kidney and a left one that was giving up. I'm from Pennsylvania. Where does your daughter live?
Romona
 

[mcjane]

Hi Patty, For sure people here really do care. The love & support is 100% & it's good to have you for a member.

[carla13]

 
xx
carla

[Ohio Buckeye]

  Patty!

[kitkatz]

Welcome to the site. Being here will make you feel less isolated during the week. Ask questions and read often. Lots of information and knowledge here.


kitkatz,moderator