looking back

[devon]

Here's an interesting suggestion...

take a look back at your introduction and recall what you were thinking and feeling the first time you came to IHD.  I just did and whoa! What a long way I've come in a very short time! 

looking back I was, well, frankly I was scared.  I knew only a fraction of what I know now about the predicament I'm in.  I recall being overwhelmed by what I was facing and feeling very alone.  All I knew was that I had ESRD and that I'd be starting dialysis soon but I had little idea what that meant in reality.  All I knew was that I had to face it.  It wasn't going to get better and there was no cure.  The path that lay before was dark and bumpy looking.

Today, I still haven't started dialysis.  I have postponed it for another 30 days... until September at least.  And, depending on labs, maybe further and further.  Remarkably my creatinine went down over a point to 5.5.

But if I had to start tomorrow, I'm much more prepared and confident because of the time I spent here and the extremely valuable knowledge gained at IHD.  Today, that same path I faced months ago is much brighter and less bumpy. 

Thanks to all you who post here and share your lives and experience. 

-Devon

[rose1999]

I came on here to learn about dialysis for my Dad.  I was scared, confused and knew nothing about dialysis, transplants, catheters, fistulas etc etc.  Since then I have learned a lot, I still have a lot to learn.  I have made friends, I have laughed and cried with you all, sharing  your lives has been an honour and a privilege.  You have all supported me and I hope I have been some support to some of you. 

When I joined I felt alone, now I feel surrounded by one big family that I can turn to whatever I want to ask or say.  I really care about you guys and I count you as my friends but I've never ever met one of you, how strange but wonderful is that!  Thanks for letting me be part of all of this 

[boxman55]

Devon, it is ok to update your intro I did a little while ok...Boxman

[cherpep]

I came on here in search of others who understood what I was going through.  I am still amazed at the friendship and knowledge shared here.  It also gave me a chance to see outside of my small world and realize that people like me are working, functioning, surviving, and living with this disease.  It gave me hope.  I must admit, though, that it also brought home the reality of death from this disease by suffering the loss of online friends, active people who were taken suddenly.  So, through IHD, I have received a better, honest, overall understanding of this disease.

[thegrammalady]

i've had the opportunity to meet or talk on the phone with several of our members.  i love the family we have become. epoman would be amazed (and extremely proud)  at how his efforts have grown and spread and touched so many lives. as susie would have said "miss a boss". (i miss them both so much)

[paris]

I didn't put much in my intro.  Didn't know if I would be accepted.  Some forums are not welcoming to new people and you always feel "out of the loop".  Well, I was wrong!  I would be lost without all of you.  You turned my attitude around and gave me incredible support (which I still depend on).    My brother-in-law has been diagnosed with liver disease and will probably need a transplant.   I can be a better support for my sister with all the knowledge I have gained here.   Love you all!!