Can anyone tell me if only being born with 1 kidney and having a rare blood type will affect my treatment options?

[Imawawa2]

I was diagnosed 3 days ago with Stage 4 Kidney Failure. I have my first Nephrology appointment scheduled for next Friday. Day 1, was spent being numb and trying to grasp the news. Day 2, was spent in a flood of tears. Day 3, has been spent trying to educate myself about what the %&^%$ is happening to my body. That is how I ended up here.

[KittyMPryde]

I do know that having a rare blood type us GREAT for transplant options. I have THE most common blood type and my wait is 10 years for a transplant. I don't think it will have a thing to do with dialysis

[Imawawa2 in reply to KittyMPryde]

Thank you for that response. I am so sorry that your wait is so long. That does not seem right. This is certainly scary stuff to deal with!

[KittyMPryde in reply to Imawawa2]

Thanks. I am sorry you are going through this as well. Hopefully you can make it a long time before dialysis!

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

No your options will not be limited by your blood type. You can still choose PD, in-center, home hemo, transplant should all be available to you. Check out kidneyschool.org for great info also kidney.org AKF and AAKP. Blessings

[Imawawa2 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Everything is no new and fresh. I am having a hard time comprehending it all. Especially the diet restrictions. At least the fear of the blood type is alleviated. Thanks you for your response.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Imawawa2]

Just remember you are not alone. There are well over 35 million Americans with Chronic Kidney Disease and about 700,000 living with dialysis or a transplant. We've all suffered the shock of diagnosis and frustrations of where to turn. I would start by asking a referral from nephrologist to see a RENAL dietitian to help you with a diet for your stage of CKD. This alone should alleviate much of your concerns and remember "moderation/limitation" not E-liminate. If you have further concerns just send me a private message if you need to. Blessings

[82mf in reply to KidneyCoach]

Well put, KidneyCoach! Besides the fact that you are NOT ALONE, please, just learn to breathe!

It is easy for the human mind to take us to some dark places. DON"T GO! There is lots of SUNSHINE out here, just like KidneyCoach's picture!

Taking one day at a time sometimes turns into taking each minute as it passes.

Be strong and realize that you're not alone. I will help you in any manner that I can.

[Imawawa2 in reply to 82mf]

Thank you for your kind words. In the past month, I did visit with the Nephrologist, and she confirms that I am in Stage 3 kidney failure...not Stage 4. Before meeting with her, my mind went to the darkest places possible, strictly from fear of the unknown. I am to follow a low sodium diet, quit smoking and have routine labs done. That is a much better prognosis on life. However, I am forever saddened by those who are suffering with more advanced stages. This disease is a real eye opener in so many ways.

[82mf in reply to Imawawa2]

I feel the same way when it comes to realizing the suffering. It is one thing to realize and another to take action. Good for you and the news that you have received but do as you have stated and take action for your health NOW!

I am a PD patient who lives it everyday. I am taking action by executing patient-driven innovation in PD Home Therapy. No one has made any significant changes to dialysis in the last 60 years. I plan, or shall I shall God is getting ready to use me to change all that. Yes, I will be throwing rocks at giants!

Take care of yourself and help others to become aware. We dialysis patients had already been living a form of quarantined life and to be honest, looking at the number of CKD, ESRD patient numbers versus the coronavirus may have you asking why the scare? But I digress. We have a National Emergency Pandemic!

[Imawawa2 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you for your kind words. In the past month, I did visit with the Nephrologist, and she confirms that I am in Stage 3 kidney failure...not Stage 4. Before meeting with her, my mind went to the darkest places possible, strictly from fear of the unknown. I am to follow a low sodium diet, quit smoking and have routine labs done. That is a much better prognosis on life. However, I am forever saddened by those who are suffering with more advanced stages. This disease is a real eye opener in so many ways.

[82mf in reply to Imawawa2]

I recall my first visit to a Nephrologist's office. I was about 45 years old. It was full of old people! I thought to myself, I'm not old!! Just breathe and heed the advice of your doctors Imawawa2