lifetime of hard work

[RichardOtt]

Hello, My name is Richard. I've worked in a plastic factory with toxic chemicals and breathed toxic welding fumes for 30 years until my lower back discs were worn out and my prostate became enlarge. Doctors useless treatments for the prostate lead to my kidneys going bad. I been on dialysis for 3 years now.

[Darlenia]

Hi Richard. You're in a good group. My husband, also named Richard, has been on peritoneal dialysis since June of last year. Unfortunately, his diabetes conquered his kidneys. The good news is that my hubby managed to get on the transplant list even though he's older than most. I truly hope you're managing to lead a quality life, a thing that some have a hard time achieving. Should you have any questions, comments, observations, etc., please feel free to share them here with us. We respect, support, and encourage all those on or near dialysis. It's definitely a complicated journey. Sending positive thoughts your way!

[felizesperar]

Hi Richard, my husband Jim has been on dialysis for many years. He is unfortunately not eligible for another transplant, so dialysis keeps him going! This group is a good way to get advice and positive feedback. I hope you are tolerating dialysis well. Have a great weekend. Renee

[Shelbert66]

Hey!!! I'm Shelley & I've been on the big D for 6 years. My problem is congenital, I was born with only one kidney, (A few other urinary tract issues) & the poor little thing just wore out. I'm not on here much , but wanted to encourage you to keep on keeping on. Its really no big thing. To me its like having a job. I feel fine going in & worn out when I leave. I get so damn mad at people who think all D is, is a place to sit & relax. Its anything but relaxing!!!!! Be friends with other D patients & share experiences, concerns, ideas. Covid has ruined that for us............... we are not allowed to be together in the waiting room to talk. I miss that the most.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador in reply to Shelbert66]

There are support groups online for dialysis and transplant patients. One great one I can personally recommend is run by the Renal Support Network on rsnhope.org. It's easy to sign up on their website. They are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and on the 4th Sunday of each month (check on the website for times in each time zone). They are on Zoom. They welcome all dialysis patients and caregivers and several in the group have also had transplants. After everyone has had a chance to introduce themselves and perhaps had a question for the group the facilitator goes on to open discussion of each question or concern, and after the support group is over they send out an email to each participant with webinars on the topics that were brought up.

[RichardOtt in reply to Shelbert66]

contact with others at dialysis is about the only people I meet now days. Some of them has had serious health problems. The worst part is when some people don't come anymore because they past way. Some keep going in spite of the difficulty gives hope to me.

[RhenDutchess123]

Are you a Candidate for Home Dialysis ?I am not sure of your health issues...but PD is pretty easy to learn and you can do it at night while you sleep. It gives you a sense of freedom