I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: willowtreewren on March 03, 2011, 10:20:14 AM

Title: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: willowtreewren on March 03, 2011, 10:20:14 AM
I think that Zach is a true inspiration!

 :cheer:

Today, March 3 marks his 29th anniversary of starting dialysis!

Way to go, Zach! And now, I hope you get a transplant that lasts for at least that long!  :2thumbsup;

Aleta
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: okarol on March 03, 2011, 10:48:14 AM
 :waving; Hey Zach!! You truly are a great example of what knowledge and self-care can do!  :yahoo;
Love you!  :-*
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: monrein on March 03, 2011, 10:52:11 AM
 :beer1;  Zach.
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: greg10 on March 03, 2011, 11:31:41 AM
Way to Go!  :clap;  :bow;  :clap;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: YLGuy on March 03, 2011, 02:10:52 PM
 :beer1; Wow. Truly an inspiration.
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: chook on March 03, 2011, 02:21:27 PM
Awesome. That is amazing!
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: boswife on March 03, 2011, 02:31:27 PM
Wow!!  truly an isnpiration for sure!!!  Congratulations Zach!  proud of your accomplishment.   :clap;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: galvo on March 03, 2011, 02:43:04 PM
Onya, Zach.
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: jbeany on March 03, 2011, 03:28:16 PM
 :clap; :clap; :clap;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: vcarmody on March 03, 2011, 03:36:05 PM
 :clap; :clap; :clap; Your an inspiration to all the dialysis patients out there!
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: del on March 03, 2011, 04:07:29 PM
 :thumbup; :beer1; :wine; :wine;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: RichardMEL on March 03, 2011, 04:19:10 PM
:bow; :bow; :bow; :beer1; :beer1; :beer1;

Zach is the poster, er, child for long term dialysis AND living life to the fullest.

Zach has long been an inspiration to me personally to know that there ARE people who can and do thrive and work very well even with dialysis and don't let it get in the way. I often use Zach as a personal example to others I talk to when they try and tell me starting dialysis is "the end" or that they just won't be able to live the way they want with ESRD etc.

29 years is something I personally can't fathom, but my hat is off to you for such a fantastic achievement and attitude.

 :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Henry P Snicklesnorter on March 03, 2011, 04:46:37 PM
.
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Marsh on March 03, 2011, 05:22:03 PM
 :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: The Lady on March 03, 2011, 06:05:36 PM
I don't know you yet, but Congratulations!!  :cheer:
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: tyefly on March 03, 2011, 06:13:26 PM
He needs to produce a movie of his life....  and show the world that Life is Ok  with Dialysis....... 

     
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Ang on March 03, 2011, 07:06:55 PM
 :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Sluff on March 03, 2011, 07:24:10 PM
Awesome achievement Zach. Congratulations.
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: kitkatz on March 03, 2011, 09:15:46 PM
Awe Inspiring!   :yahoo; :yahoo;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: AguynamedKim on March 04, 2011, 04:12:50 AM
Way to go, Zach!   
:beer1; :beer1;
You are truly an inspiration to so many of us.
 :clap; :clap; :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Zach on March 04, 2011, 05:53:59 AM
Thank you everyone!!
 :waving;

Seems like it was just yesterday I was celebrating 10 years on the machine.
Time does go by fast!

A total of 29 years on hemodialysis and 11 television documentaries produced ... maybe all this success is due to my Chunky Chili? http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=11916.40#bot
 :beer1; :beer1; :beer1; :beer1; :beer1;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: paul.karen on March 04, 2011, 06:26:09 AM
 :beer1; to you Zach.
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: peleroja on March 04, 2011, 07:08:55 AM
Way to go, Zach.   :boxing;  There is definitely life after dialysis!
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: carol1987 on March 04, 2011, 07:14:54 AM
You are awesome Zach!!!!   :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: paris on March 04, 2011, 07:20:53 AM
You are a hero to so many of us.  We all respect and admire you.  You've even inpsired one member's photography with a simple picture of you, a child and a sucker. (China?)    You give hope to many who have given up.  Thank you for sharing your experiences, your wisdom, and your humor with all of us.     :wine;    Cheers to you Zach!     :wine;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: st789 on March 04, 2011, 07:25:46 AM
Many more years like the energized battery.
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: DomJDavis1985 on March 04, 2011, 07:32:42 AM
 :clap; :clap; :clap; :clap; :clap; :clap; :clap; :clap; :clap; :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :guitar: :guitar:

Wow Zach! thats awesome! u really are an inspiration ...reading this really gave me a positive uplift
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: cdwbrooklyn on March 04, 2011, 07:50:29 AM
 :bandance; :beer1; :yahoo;  Now, that what's up!!!!!!  May God bless you with many many and many more :bow;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: jbeany on March 04, 2011, 09:48:18 AM
(Awesome avatar with the bridge pic, brooklyn!)

Yup, it's gotta be the chili!
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Tracy on March 04, 2011, 10:26:29 AM
 :cheer:

YEA!!!
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: MooseMom on March 04, 2011, 06:47:42 PM
... maybe all this success is due to my Chunky Chili? http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=11916.40#bot
 :beer1; :beer1; :beer1; :beer1; :beer1;

Yeah, that must be it. :P

Twenty nine years?  Jeez, how old ARE you?  :P :P

When are you going to invite us all over for some of your chili?  We can celebrate AT YOUR HOUSE!!

Congratulations!
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Jean on March 04, 2011, 06:59:56 PM
 Congratulations Zach, you are the "Guru" of Dialysis. We have all looked up to you and admired you for what seems like forever. If you dont get a transplant before your 30th they should do a story on you and put you on the cover of Time Magazine!!!
As the Man of the Year!!!
YaaaY Zach!!!    :beer1;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: boswife on March 04, 2011, 07:05:59 PM
Zach your so funny!!  But i truly dont doubt that ALL your good cooking has attributed to your good health.  I've said it before and i'll say it again.... If you havent made some of Zach's chillie, your missing out!!  it's our very favorite...  soooooooooooooooooooooo yummy!!
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: rsudock on March 05, 2011, 09:00:10 AM
alright Zach great job thriving and surviving!! Always appreciate your insights on the forum!


xo,
R
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: cookie2008 on March 05, 2011, 09:04:50 AM
Congrats Zach  :beer1; :beer1; :beer1;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Bill Peckham on March 05, 2011, 10:57:33 AM
Way to go Zach!
 :wine;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Zach on March 05, 2011, 01:00:40 PM

Twenty nine years?  Jeez, how old ARE you?  :P :P


I started hemodialysis about a two years out of college, at age 23.
I'm now a young 52.

8)
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Stoday on March 05, 2011, 06:31:30 PM
Wow Zach, you've beaten the statistic.

His Satanic Majesty won't be pleased to be kept waiting...
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: kristina on March 06, 2011, 02:15:23 AM

Zach, I just wanted to thank you
for all your practical advice on IHD.

You made me aware of some important issues
concerning my vegetarian diet etc.

I wish you good luck and good health
and I am glad you have beaten all the statistics.

Best wishes from Kristina.  :waving;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: KICKSTART on March 07, 2011, 11:34:13 AM
LEGEND  :wine; 
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Zach on March 08, 2011, 08:27:20 AM
Wow Zach, you've beaten the statistic.

His Satanic Majesty won't be pleased to be kept waiting...

And he'll have to wait a lot longer!

8)
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: kellyt on March 08, 2011, 11:10:50 AM
Wow, Zach.  You are an inspiration.   :clap;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: calypso on March 14, 2011, 02:52:39 PM
Wow truly inspiring!

So how do you do it? I assume fistula as that is the gold standard for access, but ladder technique or buttonhole? Do you insert your own needles? Have you ever considered home hemo? Why did you wait so long to get on the transplant list? Sorry about all the questions but inquiring minds want to know!

And Congratulations you're well on your way to the big 30! :bow;
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: Zach on March 18, 2011, 08:04:50 PM
Wow truly inspiring!

So how do you do it? I assume fistula as that is the gold standard for access, but ladder technique or buttonhole? Do you insert your own needles? Have you ever considered home hemo? Why did you wait so long to get on the transplant list? Sorry about all the questions but inquiring minds want to know!

And Congratulations you're well on your way to the big 30! :bow;

I had a great vascular surgeon create my fistula. He understood the importance of a good access -- the "Achilles' heel" of hemodialysis. He also did most of the kidney transplants at the center, so he specialized in ESRD.

I learned early on to self cannulate.  I use a "short ladder" myself.

I started hemodialysis in the self-care unit at my dialysis center.  I like having some control over my treatments.
It was my nephrologist who said to me, "We find that patients live longer when they take part in their treatment."


Yes calypso, I have considered home hemo, but decided it wasn't for me.  I have a very small apartment in the city and the supplies would take over the place.  And to be honest with you, I like leaving Big D behind on the non-treatment days.

I waited this long before adding my name to the transplant list because I was dong fine with in-center hemodialysis, at 4.5 to 5 hours per session.  It's sort of the devil you know vs. the devil you don't know.  Recently, I developed some stiffness in my fingers and shoulders, so at the urging of my Nephrologist, I joined the more than 87,000 others on the list.

8)
Title: Re: Congratulations, Zach! 29 years today!
Post by: gothiclovemonkey on March 18, 2011, 08:59:52 PM
 :clap; :clap; :clap; :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :yahoo; :yahoo; :yahoo;
 :bow;