A Queen's Respect

[HipHopQueen]

Of course I have to give respect to the true Queen. So sad to see her go. I was going to say she was like the grandmother I never saw or got a call from but she was always there dressed to the 9s and had a waving hello for everyone.

Aside from that I've been tired as a pot hound after a morning bunny chase. It's taking two classes, working and teaching a class. All things I signed up for. I knew it would be a lot of work but I didn't realize I would be so tired.

I'm riding at 15% Kidney function. Wondering if I were to start dialysis would I be less tired. I'm trying not to worry about things but it's hard. I'm still brightsiding things but there is also some worrying. I was approved to see the surgeons at a center, but I'm concerned because if I were to be chosen for a kidney I'm not sure I have a back up cared person. I found someone who said they would do it, but I'm not sure she would. I had my mom but she can't go on the upper floor to the kidney center to get the education. She's afraid of heights. It will all be ok. I know.

I have at least one surgery to get. I need to have an ovary removed because it has a cyst on it. Anyway enough shop talk...I'm tired and need to go read. Wish you all well on your journey. Until another brightsiding day. Goodnight says the Queen.

[Blackmidnight]

prayers. Have been thinking about you.

[HipHopQueen in reply to Blackmidnight]

Thank you Blackmidnight. Speaking of prayers. I'm sending some to you as well.

[Blackmidnight in reply to HipHopQueen]

thank you.

[Darlenia]

Yes, I've been thinking about you too! Keep pressing forward with the transplant center, HipHopQueen. Don't worry about a finding a support person to be with you at the hospital should you be blessed with a new kidney down the road. At our center, I was surprised by the number of patients who had no visitors at all while we were there - think many had come long distances. I suspect there were many virtual calls being made. I suspect your center will be happy to meet with someone like your mom virtually, too, after you get that transplant. In our case, my hubby's nurse simply sat down and gave both of us instructions on how to keep him healthy and on track right before discharge. It didn't take more than 30 mins. So don't worry and simply keep on keeping on!

[HipHopQueen in reply to Darlenia]

I sure will, forward is the one thing we can count on. Life moves forward with or without you. But on a more "brigher side" I need a fun pick me up. I thought maybe it would be getting my hair done, then I missed my appointment, then I thought maybe I'll get my nails done but my nails are crappy from my last nail project so now I'm back on the hunt. I don't want it to be food because I'm a little up in weight these days. If you think of anything let me know. I hope you're having a good weekend.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

Hi Queen! As for when to start dialysis, I think it depends on all your lab work and the symptoms of ESRD you are experiencing. Your nephrologist should give you guidance about that. I can't promise that you won't still be tired once you start. It depends on the type of dialysis you do (home therapies are less tiring than incenter hemodialysis) and if you're compliant with the diet and fluid restrictions. When you first start hemodialysis, they just clean your blood the first few times and start you on the smallest needles. Then they go onto removing fluid to get you down to your dry weight. This may take awhile if you are way over your dry weight. Once you get down to your dry weight you should feel better (less cramping, tiredness). BTW, your dry weight will vary depending on how much you weigh and eat and how much you retain fluids. That's why the restrictions are so important. There are many ways the dialysis staff can help you to feel more comfortable while there, don't be afraid to ask them for help or if you have questions. An informed dialysis patient is so much more confident and at ease! I also had my ovaries and fallopian tubes out because my sister died of ovarian cancer. It was an easier surgery because it was done arthroscopically, with less recovery time. When I got my transplant it was right at the height of the pandemic - all my husband was allowed to do was to bring me to the hospital and pick me up. We spent a lot of time on the phone! The reality sets in at home! We've made it though!

[HipHopQueen]

Awe shucks I was really hoping to be less tired. Some of my tiredness is school. I have to be up late and up early to get work done. It's a lot. People ask me how I'm doing and I say I'm tired. I gotta stop saying that. I think I'm manifesting it. I'm planning on doing in center dialysis when it is time. I don't think my mom would be able to handle helping me and I don't think my house is set up to be an effective place to do home dialysis. The dialysis nurse asked me if I had a room with a door. My room doesn't have a door and my dad is a smoker so this chick is head to in center dialysis... I think. I'm sorry to hear about your sister. Maybe I'm having mine done the same way as you. Two incisions and out through my bellybutton. Sorry to be so graphic for anyone reading. I bet it feels like a crazy ride up to now.