Hello, dreading the inevitable

[amoeba]

Hi there,

I'm a 40 year old that was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy 6 years back in 2008. At that point I still had about GFR of 40. In 2011's test I had a GFR of 38, then in Oct of 2014 things took a turn for the worse and I'm down to a GFR of 7.

Don't know what events caused it to drop dramatically in the past few years. Biopsy doesn't show any active IGA attack but do show buildup from before. Right now I'm on the verge of going on dialysis and feeling apprehensive. Appreciate all the help and support here!

I'm type O so kidney transplant will be hard to come by. I'm hearing from UCSF that the wait is at least 7 years. Welcome any and all suggestions!

[Michael Murphy]

I will tell you what I have said here before the fear of Dialysis is much worse than the reality.  There is no doubt that D sucks, however as you get closer and closer you general feel worse and worse.  The one thing I can state as a fact the side effects are less than the symptoms before D.  Most of the worse side effects come from the effects of over indulgence in fluids.  Watch what you drink and eat and it is easier.  I was terrorized before my first session.  That fear was the worse thing about starting.  If I had taken the time to tour my center and was shown the procedures it would have been far easier for me.  There is a tremendous amount of resources available to help with the process.  From this web site to the staff at the Center (Dietician, Social Worker) there is many people who have done this and are willing to share with you.  The most surprising thing I learned is how close dialysis patients become to one another.  So while its better not to need dialysis once your body reacts the point of needing it dialysis can come as a relief since pulling the toxins from your body has a positive effect on how you feel.  Find out the center your doctor wants you to go to and schedule a visit I think you will be happy you did.

[Darthvadar]

Hello Amoeba... Thanks for stopping by, and  to IHD....

Keep visiting, and post often... We're all here for each other....

Hope to see you here regularly...

Darth... Moderator....

[Jean]

Welcome to IHD. I am running right behind you. for a couple of weeks, my gfr dropped down to 16 and boy was I sick, throwing up every day. Plus, I think I lost5 or more pounds in that space of time. When it shot back up to 21, I felt like a new woman!!!! At any rate, I feel just as you do about the fear. So, now I think I feel more encouraged with the advice you got. We can get thru this better together than alone.