It's now or never!

[Eddie2149]

Hi

My name is Eddie and 68 years old. I am a retired school teacher whose GFR went from 31 to 12 after 11 years. I want to prolong from having dialysis because I have so many things to do with my family. I am a nervous wreck right now because of all the negative stories I have heard, or read about some dialysis patients. I hope I am not just another "number" whenever I become a dialysis patient. Amen!

[Philipjm]

Hi Eddie , I am 70 and started CAPD 15 months ago, still work full time, large garden to look after, out on my cycle.

CAPD transformed my life, have energy and enjoy family, planning a trip to Sydney next year, CAPD no reason to hold you back, just have to be organised and do not let it rule your life, make it work for you, life is good.

Philip

[Eddie2149 in reply to Philipjm]

Thank you for taking time to read my story. I am just trying to cope and accept what is coming up for me in my life!

[Nicolala]

Hi Eddie

I admit, dialysis doesn't look like much fun to an outsider. And it's not. But it does keep you alive! I'm 46 and work in primary school. I've been on dialysis for 26 years and counting. I have bad days, but mostly good. I am tired most of the time if I'm honest. That doesn't stop me working, seeing friends and doing things I enjoy. It's not a life sentence, but positive attitude is the key. So do what you can now. The first few months of dialysis can be tough while you and your body adjust. Then you can get back on track and enjoy life, with maybe one or two changes. Good luck. X

[Eddie2149 in reply to Nicolala]

Thank you for taking time to read my story. I am just trying to cope and accept what is up ahead for me shortly.

[Soneram]

Hi, Eddie myself have been on PD dialysis for a year now firstly manual bit more restricted then went on overnight one never looked back can get out and about for a full day I'm shortly going on cottage holiday supplies delivered there in July I'm off on a cruise to Iceland alas have to do manual there incase there's an hiccup with machine and I can't be contacted may go to Florida later in year can take machine supplies delivered for me at destination so no hold up oh I'm 72 yrs do hope for transplant in future only been kidney failure patient for two years and PD is much better than than hemo dialysis all the best Sonia

[Eddie2149 in reply to Soneram]

Thank you for taking time to read my story. I am just trying to cope and accept what is in store for me.

[welcome]

Hi Eddie, When I started dialysis my GFR was less than 8 and when the slot became available, the medical staff at the unit were extremely knowledgeable about every conditions and I was started on One hour/Two hour/Three hour slots for 2 months before the full 4 hour slots started. This was to get me and my body get used to the process and what I would suggest is you wear light clothes when you dialyse before the fluid outtake depends on your weight/dry weight and if in the beginning ask them to remove bear minimum fluids until you are used to the process. Take reading materials with you/puzzles as you may get bored without distractions and most importantly follow the diet which is recommended to you. At my unit, the fluid intake was 500 ml plus previous output so you shall have to get used to less fluid intake. Good luck and all the best.

Madhu

[Eddie2149 in reply to welcome]

Thank you for taking time to read my story. I am just trying to cope and accept what is coming up for me shortly!

[orchid1]

Dialysis is life changing, there is no doubt about that, but it is also life saving. The dialysis staff are wonderful, very caring and sympathetic. They are extremely helpful and will take good care f you.

[Eddie2149 in reply to orchid1]

Thanks. Very encouraging words for me.