Am I wrong?

[Tinah1968]

  Does anyone else have a problem with people finding out you have ESRD & a Fistula and all the sudden you are treated like you are incapeable of doing anything, like holding a baby or, bowling or even getting up to get a glass of water? Sure some days are worse then others but, for the most part I am still capeable of getting my own water and holding a child in my lap. I hate being treated like a baby I am a grown woman and believe me If I need assistance I will ask but to not let me be "Normal" drives me crazy. Yes I know that means that they care but it hate it.

[twirl]

you are not wrong - we can still do many things   we are amazing

[breezysummerday]

There are different ways to say Thank You

If it gets you out of Jury Duty...what the heck?

[twirl]

gets me out of jury duty
no dialysis chairs to stay in
I'd rather have jury duty unless I have to go to downtown Houston
oh, I wanted to add
I have a sister-in-law who thinks I am incapable of doing anything except lending her money

[Tinah1968]

That was funny twirl..... so are you from Houston? That is where I am and i have to agree about the courts in DT Houston

[MandaMe1986]

I feel the same way.  People back off though if you look like your ready to pop them one. 

[Wenchie58]

Seems that often actions like this come from ignorance.  Not ignorant as in stupid, but they just don't know HOW to react to your situation.  Take that as a time to educate them!  I see that as our job...teach those who don't know that being on dialysis doesn't mean incapable! 

If they won't listen....hold em down, sit on em, get in their face and say......"So, who's incapable now?" 
hehehe  Yes, I am evil!

[Tinah1968]

You guys are funny i could not stop laughing at some of the comments.. Thanks for that. I guees I will invest in some boxing gloves and wrestling techniques. (LOL)

[thegrammalady]

it's simple people just don't know. some think you're sick and can't do anything, others don't think you're sick at all. then there are those who say "you're not old enough to have kidney problems" that opens a can of worms and pulls out the soap box. i just love the look on their faces when they realize they should have kept their mouths shut. but by the time i shut up, if they've learned one thing, i've made my point. most people i know don't ask me how i am because they've learned that i'll really tell them. friends who still ask are the ones who really care. on this visit to my parents, after 3 years on dialysis, my mother actually said "i guess i don't really understand" and started asking real questions. about dam time!!!

[Tinah1968]

I find it funny that people find out and say "well you don't look sick" What are  they expecting me to look like? So your right people are just not educated and they expect you to look weak, tired or 100 years old or something. But I don't and I don't complain about it because unfortunately it will not change the  circumstances.

[kitkatz]

This why I carry a big stick with me!   

[del]

Hubby carries the  too. He gets really irritated at people who think he can't do anything when he probably does a lot more than they do in the run of a day!!! 

[kellyt]

I had just the opposite reaction.  People were generally interested in my fistula when I got it, but soon forgot all about it.

Heck, I'm just barely 3-months post-transplant and everyone (not you guys, of course) has already forgotten.  I get no, and I mean NO, special treatment from anyone.  Those days are long gone.  I think I got about two weeks worth of interest.   

I think it would be totally different had I suffered through dialysis prior to transplant.   I'm happy to do anything I'm able to do.   

[MandaMe1986]

it's simple people just don't know. some think you're sick and can't do anything, others don't think you're sick at all. then there are those who say "you're not old enough to have kidney problems" that opens a can of worms and pulls out the soap box.

I couldn't have said that better

[paddbear0000]

So far, I seem to be getting the opposite reaction. Everyone seems to think I can do everything I used to. But then again, I haven't started dialysis yet and still feel like crap.

[Ken Shelmerdine]

When I get my fistula I can't wait to place it on the back of someone's neck at a party when they're not looking !. mmmmwooohaha 

[thegrammalady]

When I get my fistula I can't wait to place it on the back of someone's neck at a party when they're not looking !. mmmmwooohaha 

go for it ken! i wish i could see the expressions. i've been known to tell people i've swallowed a shark. or better yet peter pan's crocodile.

[paddbear0000]

Haha!! I'm going to tell people my surgeon implanted a vibrator, then stand back and watch their reactions!! Sadly, most of my friends will think that's hilarious!     

[monrein]

   That;'s exactly what I do Paddbear.  I say  "I know you're all jealous of this ultimate in portable vibrators, eat your hearts out girls", then we crack up.  No sadly about it, gotta have humor. 

[okarol]

  built in vibrator! oh boy!

Tina - you can find more similar experiences here http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=9529.60 What do you wish your family understood about kidney disease?

[kellyt]

When I get my fistula I can't wait to place it on the back of someone's neck at a party when they're not looking !. mmmmwooohaha 

You know, Ken, when I would lay my arm across my husband's chest he said he couldn't feel the "buzz" at all.  He could only feel it with his hand.   I tested it on my leg and such and he was right.  I could only feel it if I layed my head (ear) across it or put my hand on it.  Wierd.

[Tinah1968]

you guys are hilarious

[petey]

Marvin tells our nieces, nephews, and now great-nieces and great-nephews (yes, he's been on dialysis too long) that the doctor put a bumble bee in his arm.  The kids love to put their hand on it and feel it buzz.  At night when we go to bed, I can't go to sleep until Marvin throws his arm around me and I feel his thrill (those of you with your minds in the gutter can get them out -- I'm talking about his fistula).  It's a very reassuring feeling to me.

[circleNthedrain]

Never needs batteries either!

[paddbear0000]