Hi all,
My name is Marina, I've been a diabetic for about 27 yrs. (just turned 39 ) I started PD in Apr. 2004. Diabetes is on both sides of my families (both maternal and paternal grandmas had it, I have aunt and uncles who also have it, as well as 2 sisters and 1 bother).
Kidney failure is not knew to me either. My late sister was on dialysis for 3 yrs before she got her transplant. When I was told it would be a matter of 3-6 months before I started dialysis my Dr. wanted me to go see the surgeon and talk about my fistula or grapht (spelling). I had no idea what she meant by that. But, I told her I wanted to wait a little. Two months later she said I want you to meet with a nurse to dscuss treatment options. So in Dec. 2003 I met with a nurse and a rep for Baxter. They explained the pros and cons of both PD and HD. I decided to do PD. I'm so glad I stall my DR. she wanted me to get a fistula, without even explaining what it was or what options I had. I have to say that even though all I know about HD is from what I leaned from my nurse and from sites such as this, yet I'm happy with my PD choice. I know many of you B*tch and gripe (and that's what this site is for) about how much you hate dialysis. I have to say that sure it can be a nuisance at times, however it's not so bad. AND the way I see it it's such a small price to stay alive.
Hope to get to know you guys a llittle more, and let's remember we are all in this together.
Take care
Marina