[
	"since starting dialysis there has been a complete loss of fluid during ejaculation. intercourse is still fine with the execption of this. has any other male expeirenced this?",
	"Hello All...\n\n Can someone explain to me what is the difference between these three types of dialysis? Hemodialysis,Peritoneal Dialysis and Acute Dialysis.\n\nThank you in advance!",
	"Have Any Members Had This Problem In Their Units?",
	"My name is Budforce, I am a 30 yr old male PD patient in the Bay Area. I just recently within the past 2 months started on dialasys, and have been treating at home for about 8 weeks now. I find that living with Kidney Failure is not that bad at the moment, as my condition is stable now due to the PD treatments. Although, I have been having issues with Nausia, dizziness and light headedness, terrible acid reflux, costipation, physical exaustion and tiredness, the odd belly pain, and Migranes, I find that my quality of life has improved over the course of just a few months on dialasys. Prior to dialasys, I was in so much pain and discomfort I was thinkin about not moving foreward in life anymore, and had written down the hospice number to call. I am glad I stuck it through, as I am now looking to go back to college soon, and work on gaining a new carrer within the renal field. I have hopes of becoming a renal dietician, so I can learn all the good ins and out of the diet specific to our needs, and in doing so learn how best to take care of myself.",
	"Is DaVita a for profit company?",
	"My doctor told me that I need to start dialysis treatments soon. I read about peritoneal dialysis and I think that would be a good treatment choice for me. I live alone but I would still like to try this type of treatment. Will I need a partner to help me do PD at home?",
	"I like to travel. Before I got sick, I used to go on a vacation every summer. My doctor told me that I can do the PD treatments at home. Does this mean that I can't travel anymore? Will I have to stay in my own home all the time to do the treatments or will I still be able to go on vacation?",
	"High blood pressure runs in my family. My doctor has been watching mine for the past year. He told me to exercise and eat less salt and fat, which I have been doing. But my blood pressure is still too high. He said that I need to start taking medicine or I could wind up on dialysis! I do not understand the connection. I am not old and I am pretty active, what is he talking about? Can someone here help me?",
	"Hey, I know that just after hemodialysis it's normal to feel sleepy, hungry, weak and even cold. But does anyone else feel tingly? I get tingles in my feet and hands, sometimes even my face. I feel like this most of the time.\n\nAlso, once in awhile after being on for an hour I'll start to feel jittery. It's a little like a muscle tic, except it's all over my body. The best way to explain it is it's like being in an idling car. And this feeling lasts for the rest of the day. I've told my doctors about this, and they always say, \"Huh.\" which I imagine is Doctor for \"That's interesting, I have no idea what that means.\"\n\nHas anyone else experienced this? And/or do any of you have other odd feelings after dialysis?\n\nThanks, Yanichka.",
	"Medicare is a real bummer\n if you have medicare as a\n health insurance for dialysis,because\n medicare dose not pay for anything\n out of the United States\n except for the Virgin Island(USA)\n and Puerto Rico & Guam.\n\n I guess,there is nothing wrong with\n Puerto Rico,if you have the money.",
	"On June 1st I will be visiting with the transplant clinic. This will be my first visit there, and I am not quite sure what all to expect. I just got labs drawn today for the visit, and I expect more labs to be drawn there. I am bringing along with me 2 possable doners, who I wish to have tested. I am not sure what kinds of tests they are going to be doing on the 1st, but rest assured I will post my entire experience here for those who come along afterward who may end up doing the same thing.",
	"my name is Sajitha. my dad has diabetes about 10 years. just recently the doctor has told that he has about 39% function of his kidneys left. i understand that he is in stage 3 of CKD from this website. i would like to know how long would it take for his condition to reach the stage where he needs dialysis. my family members and myself are very worried about his condition and we have been controlling his diet strictly.\ni would certainly follow the guidelines in this website on how to slow the progression which i find them very useful. please let me know about roughly how long will it take for him to reach the stage of needing dialysis.\nA very worried daughter........",
	"Hi, I am looking for anyone who might have information on the prognosis of Light Chain Deposition Disease. My husband has had it for several years and has been on hemodialysis for 2 months. We have been told he can not have a transplant but not the reason why. Any information would be great.",
	"undefinedundefinedundefined\n\nToday was the first day for my husband. Has anyone ever felt real warm and burning when first starting it.",
	"I will be needing to do an exchange in a vehicle soon. I have a few questions for anyone who may have done this before. I plan on using a 7/11 microwave if posable to heat up my bag, but if thats not possable, what is a good non microwave way to get the bag heated up? Perhaps leaving it in the window in the sunshine could do? Also what are the ways you have used to hang the bag in the car? Any advice you could spare would be really helpfull to me, as I am going to need to do this exchange in about 6 days from now...",
	"Who is the lead moderator on this site, I have a suggestion, add an introduce yourself forum here...That so far is what I have found lacking here, but, overall, fairly thought out set of forums, lets hope it gets used...I will see what I can do to promote from my end...",
	"I am having a hard time with this whole kidney thing. I have read too much info 'bout treatments and dont know what to think or what to pick. My doc says I have a few months before I have to start dialysis but I dont know the best way to decide what to do. Help?",
	"I have a question;\n\nMy hubby is on the cycler at night, and when his last fill in the morning there is about 1500-2000 ml that goes in for all day. At night when he I-drains his ml ranges from 400-700 or so. His pressure is good, his weight is wonderful and sometimes his UF isn't all that good, sometimes it has a negative number. He his not bloated or he doesn't feel bloated. I think he is absorbing most of the fluid. He urinates alot during the day and night. Is that really what happens or I'm being over protective and worrying to much?",
	"Hi, my brother is 47 years old and has been on dialysis for 7 years this time around. When he first went on dialysis he was on for only a year then he got a transplant  . After about 6 years his kidney rejected and he had a major medical crisis that resulted in him returning to hemodialysis.  His shunt is in his thigh. About a year ago I noticed he had trouble walking. When I asked him about it he said his shoes didn't fit right. He walks slowly and at times appears to be shuffling. Now he says it is because the shunt in his leg. Is it possible for the shunt to cause him to have problems walking? By the way, he had major swelling in the leg with the shunt and had an angioplasty, this didn't\nimprove his mobility.Thanks, Justonian",
	"I have been a hemo dialysis patient for the last year and am planning on doing PD.\nAny advise for someone switching to PD that may be helpful?",
	"My father has been having health problems for years and late last year they finally told him that his kidneys had failed. He is on dialyasis 3 times a week and he recently talked to his doctor about a kidney transplant they told him if it was a family member the wait is about 2 years if not then about 5. With all that my father has done for me and for all that he means to me i have considered the idea of giving him one of my kidneys. However I haven't told him yet because I don't want to get his hopes up. I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with. How long aproximately will it take for me to heal and be able to return to work? trying to survive on a two person income isn't very easy but for me to be out of work for a couple of months would make it even tighter. Also, my husband and I want kids and haven't had any yet, doing this wont hurt my chances will it? there are many questions going through my head but i figure I'll start with those for now. Any help that any one can provide would be much appreciated. Thank you. Talk with you soon.",
	"i have great concerns regarding the treatment of hemodialysis patients in general. my husband has been on dialysis for two years and it seems as if the standard for healthcare is lower for him. since shots of epo are not covered by medicare the clinic will not give him any thus resulting in blood transfusions every three months or so. my concern is that his doctor and clinic staff tell me that a normal hemo level in a healthy male is 18. my husband has been averaging around 7 at pre transfusion time and is only transfused two to three units bringing him up to around a 9 or 10 hemo level. the staff at the clinic say that for a man on dialysis they accept a level of 14. besides the fact that my husband has been consistently lower than that, i am not understanding why it is acceptable for men on dialysis to have a blood level of 14. does anyone have any ideas on how i can change this, and what are your expierences regarding this issue as well. thank you.",
	"i heard about a program at the john hopkins hospital in maryland regarding live kidney donors. i have tried to contact them but have been unable to reach the correct person. the program was either called kidney share or kidney pool. the doctor was on the news saying that if people have a live donor they would test the donor and the patient and then if they did not match it was alright because they would just match them with someone who had already entered the program. for instance my husband and i would be tested and if we did not match they would find someone that each of us matched. so someone already tested would give a kidney to my husband and then in return i would give mine to someone in need in the program as well. and they said that they have a new antirejection drug that can be given during the transplant so the body will not reject it and also the taking of anti-rejection medicine for life would be unnecessary. wow. we are interested!! does anyone have any information on this program or know who i can contact regarding this? thank you so much!!! liz",
	"I have been on PD for almost 9 months. For the last week, I have had a problem of not being able to obtain an erection or it I do obtain one it goes away immediately.\nAlong with this problem, I have experianced some pain in the scrotum area. The same thing happened about 5 months ago but only lasted 2 or 3 days.\nHas anyone experienced this problem and if so was it treated and corrected.",
	"My husband was diagnosed with FSGS Feb. 2004. His current treatment is steroids, diueretics, cholestrol meds, BP meds. Our Dr. has told us that this is the only treatment for this disease. The steroids don't seem to be working and his protein is rising and he is still retaining fluid. The goal is to keep him off dialysis. I feel like we are just prolonging the inevitable and that maybe there might be other options, meds, etc. that have worked for other people. If anyone has any advice or something that has worked for them. PLEASE let us know.",
	"[  Hi... My husband had a kidney removed last year . His last CSr count was 2.7. The doctor wants it down to 1.6.. Are there more sites that can tell me how many grams of protein he needs to protect his remaing kidney?\nThanks in advance",
	"Has anybody any experience with complementary\nmedical modalities like acupuncture,reflexology,\nreiki,hypnosis (creative visualization) or something else to heal from kidney disease.\n\nI've been reading books about theories of Dr.Rudolph Steiner on extended medicine. I would like to separate\nqwackery from new advances in medicine and thought\nit might be worthwhile to hear from others.\n\nIt was a acupunture website that gave me the link\nhere.",
	"undefined\nHas anyone had a biopsy of the\ntransplanted kidney?\nWhat is this like, as I need to do this soon.\n\nThanks",
	"I am a 51 year old woman with PKD. I currently have 22% of my renal function. Before I was diagnosed with PKD, I had a severe case of pyleonephritis due to a congenital deformity of my left kidney. My left kidney was misplaced in my side close to my pelvic bone. Because of the deformity, the pyleonephritis would not clear up and I ended up having my left kidney removed. I was 26 years old at this time. At the age of 30, I was diagnosed with PKD in my remaining kidney. The only symptoms I had at that time were hypertension and pain in my right kidney. My current symptoms are hypertension, edema, fatigue and flank pain. I experience nausea at times, but my Doctor does no think that has to due with my kidney function.\n\nI am interested in communicating with people with chronic renal failure and PKD. I would like to know your experience with this disease and how it has affected your life.\n\nThanks for taking the time to read this and for sharing your thoughts.\n\nPam",
	"I currently have 22% of my kidney function. I experience nausea at times, chronic fatigue and depression. My doctor says that it is too soon for me to be experiencing these symptoms due to my kidney disease. I also have fibromyalgia, so I attitbute these symptoms to that. At what point does one experience health problems due to kidney failure?\n\nThanks, Pam",
	"undefined\n\nI will be donating a kidney to my husband next month. I am very interested in hearing anyone's story about when they donated a kidney.\n\nIf anyone would like to respond I would also welcome a private message to\n\"Soontobeadonor\".",
	"So I graduated from a size 17 needle size to a size 16 and then finally to a size 15 needle. They use them to poke my fistula.\nI always experience needle anxiety and have not gotten over it, but then again it keeps me alive. So I am wondering if there are some like me, who all are in the same basket I am in?\nThere should be a needle coping group or something?\nOne time, after they took out the needles,my own blood squirted me in the face after holding it down for five minutes. I had never seen so much blood in my life. I think I fainted.\nSo, I guess I am a wuss for blood and needles.",
	"My adult daughter has just started dialysis . She has had congestive heart failure for years but was doing very well until just recently. She had a Cardiac arrest but has been a miracle and come through this all!\nNow her water weight has to be removed and she is having this treament four times a week . So far so good ..It varies but she is losing many liters every times she goes in . I am so very impressed with the Davita people helping her !\n I am interested in the experience of others and hope that I can just read here...",
	"hi. my name is carlos vargas, i'm 36 years old & i've been on \"D\" for almost 14 years now. i've had type 1 diabetes since the age of 7 & that is what lead to my kidneys failing in 1991. i was recently a full time student at the school of visual arts in NYC studying for my degree in cartooning & illustration. but now i am on sick leave from sva because i am patiently waiting for a kidney transplant. lucky for me, i found out that 1 of my 2 brothers from Ca. is a match to donate a kidney for me. i draw cartoons, illustrations for newletters & posters on my free time. i also do designs for print on t-shirts. anyone who is interested may contact me at ricanphantom@mac.com & i will send you a link to my website. on my site there is lots of cool artwork & photos to look at. hope to hear from new friends soon. att, carlos v.",
	"Hi everyone. My husband is a new patient on dialysis as of Dec 5, 2003. He is currently having problems with jitters and restless legs especially while he is on the machine. His other problem is that he is paranoid of needles. He is still using the port that was placed in his neck. He does not mind using the needle with the Emla cream that deadens the skin, but would not be able to tolerate it at all without it. My biggest problem with the people here where he is dialyzed is that they do not want me to stay there with him until he is hooked up on the machine. I am a nurse and I understand the problems with the blood. However, the blood is his and I think that if I was going to catch something from him I would get it from kissing him or from having sex with him. I am sorry that this is so long, but what can be done to help the jitters and nervous problems that they face. Any help will be appreciated.",
	"May I know if it is possible for It is possible for a patient with a normal kidney and ureter (based on laboratory tests) to have acute renal failure?",
	"My husband died last May 29 Due to acute renal failure. It was so sudden. He did not develop any symptoms at all or showed changes in his features like most patients do. He was hospitalized for fever and after two days, he was diagnosed with an acute renal failure and was dialysis twice immediately. His laboratory results show that he have a normal kidney and ureter. Am at lost on the clinical findings. I feel there is some misdiagnosis somewhere. After he died, the doctor said they were sort of expecting him to expire two days ago since his fluids were not being discharged anymore but I feel that there are other medical options that could have been done such as removing the fluid in the body. He was incubated but there was no fluid removal done. He died with six dextrose attached in his body. Actually, the doctors said it was hepatitis B but after two days of delay, they changed the diagnosis as leptospirosis.",
	"Hello everyone,\n\n My name is Milliza i am 30 years old mother of 4 and i have kidney stones & infections since i was 17 and just this week i was admitted in the hospital for kidney stones  i had an operation they placed a fiber glass in my kidney to my bladder. and i am in serious pain any help will be apperciated. I have not been able to work, take care of children etc..\n\nHope for some help i am very scared.",
	"Mom just started dialysis and no one has really told me how much fluids she is allowed, i have her on 40 oz. but this just does not seem to be enough, i dont want to dehydrate her, how can i tell if she should recieve more.",
	"I'm a 63 year old female, have had Hypertension since 23 years old and have had Diabetes since I was 42 years old.\n\nA few weeks ago my Dr. said my potassium was slightly elevated. This concerned me as in the past I've had problems with hypokalemia. So, I ran a computer search to find out what can cause this. Up popped Kidney Disease.\n\nThen a couple of weeks ago I received a print out from my pharmacy that two medications I was taking might be a problem. The meds are Lipitor and Gemfibrozil. The print out said \"Administering these concurrently has been associated with severe Myopathy and Rhabdomyalysis\" \"Severity Level 1\"\n\nI then did some reading and concluded that I needed to test for Protein. The Dr. gave me a prescription for Albustix which the Ins. paid for. I started showing a level of \"30md/dl\". I discontinued the Lipitor and made appointment to see Nurse Practitioner in the office. My Albumin test then dipped to \"trace\" I think maybe because of discontinuing the Lipitor. But in the office, the Nurse Practitioner said I should be taking the Lipitor as the Dr. prescribed and she would make a note for my next appointment in September for the Dr. to review the lipid drugs and possibly prescribe something different.\n\nSo, I put the Lipitor back in my medicine regimen and promptly went back up to the \"30mg/dl\" on test. I am consistently running that level on my tests now.\n\nThe Nurse Practitioner did order a 24 hour Creatinine Clearence test which I did and it came back \"Normal\".\n\nI did some reading on \"Myopathy and Rhabdomyalysis\" and found that Gemfibrozil my cause Rhabdomyalysis.\n\nIf I understand correctly basically this means I have Stage 1 CKD.\n\nMy Questions:\n1.) Does the Albustix Test indicate CKD?\n2.) If I wait until September for my appointment, will this do permanent damage to my kidneys?\n\nI will greatly appreciate any help on this.\n\nThank you for reading.\n\nGramaShirl",
	"My brother started dialysis about 6 weeks ago. About 3 weeks ago when he had been into about an hour of treatment he starts feeling physically sick to his stomach. He said after his treatment he just curls up into a ball and goes to bed for 12 hrs and feels totally wiped out even the next day.\n\nHe's mentioned this to the people at the center and they just say \"Everyone is different\"\n\nIs this normal? He's by himself and I live 500 miles away. I've told him he should keep asking his doctor about this, but he is so exhausted he doesn't think clear.\n\nThanks for any information and help .\nSarah",
	"My son is 13 years old and has Alports Syndrome. His creatine level is now 1.7 what is this mean? Also, he only weighs 88 pounds if that means anything when looking at the creatine numbers???",
	"I love quick and easy meals. It makes life easier. There must be people visiting this site who are willing to sway recipes.\n\nOk, here is one of mine -\n\nCrockpot or oven (Of course Crockpot is easier)\n\nUse nonstick spray on the inside of the pot you are cooking in.\nPlace a layer of chicken pieces to cover the bottom of the pot. If cooking in the oven you will only have one layer.\n\nNext, season the chicken with Garlic Powder (not garlic salt), Ground Pepper, Cumin, and a Bay Leaf.\n\nNext, cover this layer with a can of Low sodium cream of celery soup. I use a spoon and place spoon size scoops around the chicken. Next, add what ever vegetable you like fresh or frozen. The soup will make a nice sauce for you. Do not add water!\n\nIf you are baking in the oven its covered at 375 for 1 1/2 hours.\n\nIf you are using the crockpot, start a second layer and do the exact same thing - chicken, seasoning, and soup.\n\nAfter the second laying in the crockpot I add vegetables. I like carrots, celery, and potatos. The celery will cook down but the carrots and potatos will stay as big pieces. Cook atleast 3 hours.\n\nThis crockpot chicken will fall of the bone!\n\nYou can substitute different soups that are low sodium - cream of mushroom, cream of chicken.\n\nWhen you have this in the pot cooking make a pot of rice. Thats it! I make big amounts and cook for two nights. We eat it again later in the week.\n\nDoes anyone have one to share?\n\n~Soontobeadonor",
	"From taking too much medication ( in particular\nZocor and triglicaride meds) I suffered rhabdomyalisis\nwhich led to renal failure and the inability to walk.\n My question to anyone who thinks they may have an\nanswer is simply this: Is there any treatment to\nrepair damaged kidneys? I am currently on dialysis.\n Thank you,\nrevdave@bentonrea.com",
	"Dear Dialysis Friends,\nI have been dialysizing for about almost a year come This August. Things go okay, be it I control my liquid intake which can at times be hard especially after being a human fish before the failure occurred. I love water so much I swear I could have made a good mer-man, or the green lantern ( i think he stayed in the water a-lot). Anyways I started suffering this over heating sensation between dialysis, usually before bed time or before a nap. It really sucks to the point that I lay in front of a fan, without clothes with the air conditioning full blast. I can't spoon my spouse because it is just too darn hot. I toss and turn.\nI wonder if it is my red blood cells recovering from Dialysis and my body is mass producing them at inconvienent times? Does anyone else have these weird over heating sensations? I wonder if it is menopause, but then again I am a male and I don't loose my eggs every month. I keep my eggs.\nVery wierd indeed. I have no idea whether it is serious enough to bring to the attention of my doctor. THe feeling is mainly discomfort, which leads to lack of rest because it cuts into my rest time. Am I normal? or am I the only overheating dialysis patient in the world? What to do?  wet wash cloths just don't cut it anymore?",
	"I am new to this forum. I was just told that my bun test was high. It is running 50 instead of 16. What does this mean? My doctor is getting me an appointment with a kidney and htpertension specialist.",
	"I am 45 years old and live in S.C. I work full-time and have BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois insurance (issued thru Wal-Mart, my employer). I have end stage renal failure and am being evaluated now by the transplant team at MUSC in Charleston prior to being placed on the national kidney list for a transplant. I have never had dialysis, and my doctors hope to avoid that step by my having a transplant.\n\nI understand that Medicare will go into effect for a three-year period beginning the month that I have my transplant. I don't qualify for Medicaid (I work and therefore make too much money), and I am very concerned that I cannot afford my medications post-surgery as this is a lifelong commitment. I want to know if it would actually benefit me to quit my job and take whatever steps are needed in order for me to qualify for Medicaid? I went to a transplant education class and I was the only person there that didn't have Medicaid and/or Medicare already in place - their out of pocket for the entire transplant will be $25, versus thousands for me ( and that is just the initial difference).\n\nI need help. I am uneducated about what programs are available to me, and what steps I need to take now. If you can make any suggestions I would be most appreciative. Thank you.",
	"I have creatine level of 1.6 , doctor informed me that it needs to be 1.2 before he can remove my other cancerous kidney. what are my options to reduce this level for surgery?",
	"I just wanted to know if there are any additional problems that a person has to watch out for when smoking weed that someone not on dialsys would, besides getting very hungry and trying to eat a whole pizza or something, I am talking more like is it more dangerous for us",
	"I thought it would be useful to provide some information on ways to protect the kidneys. One of the best ways to protect your kidneys is to know what can harm them and\nto stay away from it!\n\nThings to avoid include some supplements and over the counter pain medicines. These can cause or aggravate kidney damage. Some examples include Ibuprofen and acetaminophen preparations. Some herbs and dietary supplements can also cause kidney and liver damage. It is a good idea to talk with your doctor before taking any over the counter products and make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines and supplements that you take.\n\nMany studies have shown that smoking makes kidney disease worse. If you smoke, get help to stop. It’s not easy, but it can save your kidney function, so it’s\nwell worth it.\n\nYour diet can also affect your kidneys. When you eat protein, your body breaks it down into \"creatinine\", which is filtered through the kidneys. This means that high protein diets may place an added strain on your\nkidneys. Again, it is a good idea to discuss with your doctor before starting any type of diet. You have probably heard that high cholesterol raises your risk of heart disease and stroke, because fatty plaques can develop in blood vessels and block blood flow.\nThis can affect your kidneys too.\n\nSomething else to be aware of is that X-ray contrast dyes can be very harmful to the kidneys. If you need to have an X-ray that uses contrast dye, tell the doctors and x-ray staff that you have kidney disease. They can take steps to help protect your kidneys.\n\nBy learning about what can harm your kidneys you are learning to avoid kidney enemies!",
	"My mother has been on dialysis for a week now. I was wondering how long it usually takes before you get your strength back? Seems she is tired all the time.Thanks for an comments.",
	"For the past three years i have experienced so much pain in my feet. Not only do my feet turn bright red (sometimes purple), but they are swollenalmost every morning and they itch! This has a major impact on my life. I am in pain if i stand in one spot longer than five min. I don't know what to do at all. My hands also get red and swollen. someone suggested it could be renal disease. If anyone knows, or could offer some advice PLEASE HELP!  nikki",
	"I am a student in school to be a Certified Hemodialysis Technician. I welcome advice from Davita Staff and the Dialysis Patients on choosing a clinic in the Atlanta, GA area.\n I also am interested in learning to work as a Re-Use Tech and/or a repair Technician for hemodialysis machines and equipment. Does Davita re-use dialysers, (artificial kidneys?)\n Where can I find a list of all the Davita Hemodialysis clinics in the United States? I am willing to relocate.\n What brand of Hemodialysis machines are used at Davita?\n Is it possible to volunteer to work or assist in a Davita Clinic while I am a student?\n Thank you for your replies.",
	"I have very small veins. I have a fistula. Only 1 or 2 people in the center is able to stick me. I am only 22 years old. Does anyone else have this problem. Please help.",
	"Hi all\nI'm new to this site, but not to the disease. My BUN is 73 and creatnine is 9.7. Clearance is 5. I'm in the process of getting put on the transplant list. No dialysis yet...but obvioulsy soon. Any suggestions for my nausea? Thanks",
	"Iwas detected with a solitary kidney about 9 months a go. My proteinuria is being controlled with cozaar 50 mg and my dietis sugeest a 70 mg x kilo of protein. Im loosing too much weigth and im taking sodas and coffe in important quantity. Is the diet ok? and the caffein affects the kidney?",
	"I am taking care of an elderly lady. She has been on dialysis for 6 weeks. Of a night she wakes up itching. Is there anything that will relieve this? Thank you, Melissa",
	"Weight loss of 100+ sought. Diabetic a1c=5.2, cholesterol at 173, triglycerides at 426 up from 236 in march, same time protien consumption was increased, HDL 33. Would like info on proper way to lose weight and lower triglycerides, cholesterol and increase HDL. Limited mobility at present, do light weights, short walks, some yoga/streching moves. How can I reduce calories so as to lose weight while keeping potassium, sodium and phosphorus levels at in range levels?",
	"Does anyone know of a web site that has a chart or list showing the protien in various portions of meats, eggs, etc.? Thanks in advance for the help.",
	"I was age 2 when dx. with nks I was placed on cytoxan and predensone (sp). I am now 30 and found out I have a irregular heart beat and and enlarged heart. The dr.s are unsure how long this has been going on and I am courious to know if this is a side effect of the medical tx. given to me as a child. The drs say this is a common issue with IV drug users but I have not ever used eliccit street drugs like cocain. any one out there that can help?",
	"I found this forum a few weeks prior to my donating my kidney to my husband. We underwent surgery on July14th and everything has been perfect so far!\n\nI was not a \"perfect\" match, but in the transplant office's quote I was an \"excellent\" match. I matched him 1 out of 6 antigen. They do another test during the screening process where they take a known amount of blood cells from the potential donor and the potential recipient and combined them for 24 hours. They count how many cells are left after that time and my cells did not kill off any of my husband's cells. Example: 100 from me and 100 from my husband and after 24 hours there were 200 cells.\n\nThe doctor was able to take the kidney from me laparoscopically which took 4 hours, then 2 1/2 to put it in my husband. As soon as it was connected to my husband's system it started making urine before they even closed him.\n\nIt was a true miracle. I expected it to go this was but I really feel like I have been involved in a miracle.\n\nMy husband and I are both in our 30's so we are not medically compromised, (aside from his ESRD).\n\nI came home before him and had my family pack up his CAPD machine so he would not ever have to see it again.\n\nEach morning is like Christmas morning to him. He smiles all the time. Simple things make him laugh. He doesn't have to go to bed in the afternoon anymore. He was doing 14 hours of CAPD a day.\n\nOur daughter comes home Monday from my sister's house and them this experience will be complete.\n\nMany take for granted simple things in life. My daughter asked me after surgery, \"Mom, does this mean we can all eat at the dinner table again like a family?\" Does this mean Dad can go with us to watch fireworks everyear?\n\nI am truely grateful for my family and friends and coworkers that have kept me going over the last 4 years. I have always been the strong one in my household but they would allow me to vent and share my feelings.\n\nIt has been a little over 2 weeks and I have no pain. Of course I have to energy either. My concentration and work recall is a little off too but I expect this to clear up.\n\nIf anyone has any questions about my experience feel free to ask. I don't know what else one might be curious about.\n\nI know one thing..... There truely is a God!\n\nMy name in Soontobeadonor..... Now I will have to check into changing it.\n\n\n~Soontobeadonor",
	"My father has been on dialysis now for 3 months. He is experiencing severe diarrhea which he never had prior to being on dialysis. Is this a complication? No one ever mentioned it to us. He is unable to predict when it will occur and it has been very embarassing and it makes him weak, too. His doctor does not offer any suggestions.",
	"i have attached a memo i am sending to www.nephcure.org it is the story of my life this far. my protein levels at their highest were around 3,000 mg/day. i am now waiting for my results of this years tests. i am hopeful my kidneys are doing well.\n\n\n\n Attached Files \n\n My battel with ideo pathic neuphrotic kidney syndrom.txt\n(10.7 KB, 1357 views)",
	"Could someone tell me why infiltration is used for 30 minutes to take off weight in excess of 10 pounds ? Hemodialysis is then done for the regular amount of time to rid the poisons. I have never heard of this before. HELP :",
	"My center keeps the temperature at\n71. Is this normal? We all freeze for\n4 hrs!",
	"Hello, I'm a 19/m that smoked heavily and drinks pretty regulary. I have been have these really bad chest pains, and most of my pain is around my heart, sometimes i'll get a sharp pain in my stomach, and then sometimes it just hurts around the whole chest area. What do you think this is? I am very worried, thanx for your time",
	"My fiancees mother has to have dialysis 3 days a week and she has had a real problem with the thing they put in her arm, her veins are so small that they have to do the dialysis for an hour or so longer than most peoples.\nMy question is the last time she was in there she moved her arm and it made the needle bend or something. They were stopping the bleeding when we got there and she seemed fine, today however her arm is turning blue, purple and red traveling up her arm. Please let me know if that would have cause this....\n\nthank you",
	"can someone please let me know what FSGS stands for and what it means in medical terms as i havent a clue . we have been told by my little girls docter that she might have this .\n\nif anyone has a good website links or answers for me i would likr to hear from you . i know that everyone is different but a little info would be good .\n\nwe have asked her doc who told us not to worry about it yet and to wait but i cant i need to know what it is and if she has got this problem the i would rather know a little than nothing about it .\nwe would also like to hear about any meds that have to be taken or other actions .\n\n\n meny thanks nicola\n\nemail nicolarall@aol.com",
	"Why am I so very tired after dialysis. I am very weak and yet I see others that come out just fine.",
	"Hello all I was surfing and ran into this site. I have been on PD for two and half years which of those years were both on Hemo aswell. I feel that forums like this are important. Any help or advise is always helpful.\nI will do my part asking questions and answering those I can.\n\nCourious to know how and or why you are on PD and Hemo for what reasons etc...I was put on Hemo for high bloodpressure that had destroyed my Kidneys over the period of 10 years which the blood pressure was uncontrollable. I switched to PD for reasons of working to help support my family and free time for the kids. Hemo was really wearing me down 4:OO am and working till 6:00 pm was too much.\n\n\nKev",
	"what is bialysis and why would one need this and what does it entail--I may have the word spelled incorrectly--please e-mail with the answer at tootsshortcake@yahoo.com",
	"I (Bryan) have to drive my father (Robert) 2 hours over the mountain every time to dialysis. It's crazy. We live in a small town in Northern California, and there is a Davita Dialysis clinic 2 minutes away from us. The head nurse there is not a nice woman, and she is the only reason why my father is not allowed to dialize at the clinic in the town which he lives. So he has to drive to a Davita clinic 2 hours away, and i'm not sure how much longer he can keep this up. It's just not right. Anyone out there with a story like this, where a head nurse has discriminated against you or a family member on dialysis?",
	"I've been looking for support as the spouse of a dialysis patient. I met my husband right after he was diagnosed with ESRD many years ago. He has survived 2 transplants and is on the list for a third (separate long story there, but I will not regress at this point) and has been on dialysis again for about 18 months. He doesn't seem to be adapting as well as before.\n\nI know dialysis is tough - but it literally wipes him out for 48 hours until he can go again. The one good day is Sunday (his third day in a cycle). We have a 3 1/2 year old and I have a full time job. He can't seem to do anything... even phone calls to follow up on things. He doesn't seem to care about his fluid and dietary restrictions, yet he complains about how awful he feels.\n\nI want to be supportive and have been for a long time, but I'm starting to feel very taxed and at some point, I need to start living again. Any one have any thoughts? Similar experiences? Words of wisdom?",
	"I'm A 29 year old mom that wants to have another child, should I risk having a baby? My dr. whose a specialist says that sometimes the kidney's can get worse or stay stable. I really want a second child. If there's anyone out there that has gone through this please let me know.",
	"I am used to a diabetic diet, but new to low sodium. What is the best salt substitute?\n\nThanks",
	"",
	"I have been able to do a little travelling around the country. But travelling with the machine has often proven problematic. One, because it's pretty heavy! Two, the weight makes it very difficult to lift it into overhead bins on airlines.\n\n Has anyone found a suitable suitcase w/wheels that will carry the machine? I use the one suuplied by Baxter but it does not have wheels & using a cart makes everything even heavier.\n\nAny tips on how to effectively deal with airline desk folks and/or stewardesses who refuse to assist in lifting the machine? This is,of course, illegal because the airlines are required to assist disabled individuals. But reminding them of legalities at the time only antagonizes. Anyone have any quick responses that work?",
	"Does anyone understand what diffuse or multifocal chronic renal disease is? Or what diffuse of multifocal renal cortical disease is?\nAnd how can I have renal disease if I don't have high blood pressure? Any help is appreciated.",
	"My husband started dialysis early May, wanted to start with peritoneal, but situation got so bad so quick, we had to have both ports installed. We did the hemodialysis for about 6-8 weeks while his stomach tube healed. He hated sitting in the chair for 4 hours and always had an extreme headache that started about 15 minutes before he was through. He was not retaining any fluids so nurses would even put more fluid in him, to try and help ward off the headaches but nothing helped. He would go home, rest and go to sleep and it would be gone by the next morning. Anyway, I am going into great detail here. So, we have been doing peritoneal since mid-June. Using the Baxter night cycler, 2000 liter 4x/night - problem is we are wore out - the low-drain alarm is always going off - even as early at 300 liters - he has to stand up, sit down, move around, can't lay in bed and have the machine drain. So by the time he starts his next fill, he is wide awake (as I am, I try to be a partner in all this). He is also experiencing a horrible tingling/sensitivity to his legs and sometimes his arms. This keeps him awake also, skin is so sensitive, just extremely uncomfortable. Any ideas what this is? What we could possible do to help eliminate this problem? His kidney failure was due to a blockage in his late 20's, no diabetes, high blood pressure due to kidney failure but doctors feel that will go away with transplant. Otherwise a healthy mid-40's white male, still working in a very strenuous job - building supervisor for large facility. Appreciate any help - glad to have found this site, to share with others, and find out we are not alone.",
	"My wife has autosomal polycystic kidney disease. A retired nurse, age 70, she has chosen not to have dialysis or a transplant, but to see the illness through to the end.\nAs her primary caregiver, I need to know about possible symptoms we may face as the illness progresses.\nWill uncleansed poisons affect mental abilities and emotional stability?\nBesides chronic tiredness, what other physical symptoms may appear?\nMy wife is experiencing considerable pain (5 to 8). Is this normal? She is taking mscontin to control the pain.\nIn short, DaVita's relentlessly optimistic approach is not particularly helpful.",
	"I have just been diagnosed with Renal Failure.\nI have found to not be able to use Protein and Creatine with exercise ex: pumping iron. Is there a natural alternative that I can use or look for. Do you know of any diets/work out regiments that you know of. I am brand new to the Forum and all help is appreciated.\n\nThank you,\nDGS",
	"Hi,\n\nI am a new member and it is good to see a forum created to discuss about our problems.\nMy dad is a diabetic (type 1) and we are from India.\nLast month during his regular medical checkups, we noticed a high creatnine level (7.6) and went in for a diagnosis. Other than the creatnine level of 7.6, all other biochemistry levels (not sure what the others are! ) are normal. Last year there were fluctuations in his BP and he was under medication. Doctors say that the drugs could be the reason for the high creatnine level. He is now under strict diet (no protein, pottasium rich food). During his second test, the creatnine level has come down to 7. Has anyone out there experienced the same? Would diet bring down the creatnine level to normal? Would dialysis be required?\nPls do advise.\n\n ~Auxilia",
	"Hi I am new here , Hope I am posting in the right place.\n\nA little about what is going on with me:\n\nAfter I had my last child 2 years ago I had a sever kidney infection, The doctors were very worried as my family was to. I was in the hosp for 5 days. Well, anyway, ever since then I have had sever pain in my kidney, mostly on the left, but sometimes on the right. As time goes on the worse the pain and more frequent it has been coming. I have told the doctors about it and they said since I have no more infection not to worry about it. Well, I am very worried about it so I went yesterday to see a new doctor. She took a urine test and it came back normal, no infection. But when she touched the area around my kidney it was very painful. The pain comes and goes all day, with sometimes being so sever that I cant move and all I can do is cry. It has been getting worse as time goes on. The new doctor is concerned and has ordered for me to have a IVP test done soon. Here are some of my symptoms that I have.\nLow urine out put, tired, pain, nausea, headaches, feel like I have to go and then tinkle, Once in a while I will have somewhat a normal output, and a few others, but my last urine test had no blood (which I am not sure if one time you can have blood and another time not?)\n\nI looked on the web at a few different kidney sights, but the symptoms I am having can be a lot of things, the doctor said she does not think it is kidney stones, she said it sounds like kidney disease or something else I cant remember.\n\nThis is all new to me.\n\nAnyone have anything like this happen?\nDoes anyone have any ideas?\nI am worried and would like to know as much as I can before I go for the test and talk to the doctor again.\n\nThanks for all your input.\nBlessings dancingonastar",
	"HI,\n\nI had my IVP today and will not find out the answer until next week, but had a couple questions if anyone could maybe no them....\n\n1) Is it normal to have one kidney smaller then the other?\n (my left kidney the one I am having pain in is smaller then the right.)\n\n2) The tube that runs from the left kidney to the bladder had a kink of some sort in it. Kinda shaped like a question mark or a \"S\" , the right kidney the tube was straight. Could this be what is causing the pain?\nThe tech and I looked them over and he pointed these two things out to me.\n\nWe did not see any stones or anything else that was large.\n\nJust wondered if anyone had any ideas?\n\nIf the kink is the problem, what can they do about it? I just want the pain to stop.\nThanks for your comments and your input...\n(I also know I have to wait for the doctor, but just wanted some ideas)\nThanks Again,\nDancingonastar",
	"i have looked on the internet and the library, in the clinic, and on the nkf web site and i am not finding any info on this. does anybody know anything about this? causes,treatments,research?anything at all?",
	"Just wanted to know if anyone knew much about VUR?\n\nCan you have this for years till adult hood and not know it?\n\nCan anything cause this when your an adult?\n\nI have read alot about it, but it all is about children not adults.\nThanks",
	"I will be moving to Auburn, Ca in Oct. Does someone know a PD clinic and Dr. that they would reccomend in the NE Sacramento region?",
	"my husbend is on hemo. it will be 2years in Dec20,2002. when he sleeps he jitters and his legs too. he takes 2 sleeping and still doses it. when it comes to have intercourse his private dont get Hd all the way it bends. im sorry how this came out .Don\"t know what to say . I am new please help me thank you  undefined",
	"I am a 51 yr old divorced mother of a 23 yr old dialysis patient. Before they can even consider placing her on the donor list, she has to have a heart valve replacement. Since this news has become evident to both of us, I have been trying to ignore the nervous feeling inside of me, and for the most part I do. I just keep in mind that whatever is God's will, will be. Coupled with the fact that I had to place my 85 yr old father in a nursing home also weighs heavy on my at times; and yet I keep on working at one of the Universities in the city of Chicago. A lot of times, I myself have to quietly fight off depression. Trials and tribulations are supposed to make one stronger, then I must be the BIONIC WOMAN!\n\nI am now realizing the effect of a caregiver on both ends of the spectrum, dad and daughter. They are both lovely and caring of me and I thank God for that. For all those who are caregivers, please be encouraged if from no one else, just from me. Always keep smiling!!!",
	"I was diagnosed about 20 months ago with acute necrotic glomerulonephritis. My first challenge was learning to say it, much less spell it. I went through six months of chemo, then mega doses of prednisone + the other drugs, and am now on a maintenance dose of prednisone + cellcept to suppress my immune system. I had to take epogen shots at first, but I have not had to take them since Feb. 2003. My question, I guess...my bloodwork for months (I have it done monthly now) has been normal...protein remains slightly elevated, but stable. Does anyone know if it is possible I might have gone into remission? I don't know anyone else with kidney problems, and I am not comfortable talking much with my doctor. I joined this group hoping to find others with kidney diseases, like me, to talk to. I don't know if I can be much help to anyone else, but I am willing to help if I can.",
	"I have been on CAPD for two years. I still work and have had no major problems. However, I have trouble going to sleep each night. I take ambien but it still takes a hour or more before I fall asleep. Anyone out there with a similar problems or any suggestions?",
	"I am a CAPD patient and have a persistent cough that have be worrying me for over a year now. Could it be due to acid reflux?",
	"where does one go for help with coping? I'm having a very hard time dealing with the fact that I'll soon be on diaylsis.",
	"For almost a week now I have been experiencing attacks of intense pain in my lower left back. I am wondering if it has something to do with my kidneys. How can I tell whether or not it is just back pain or a kidney infection or disease?",
	"Greetings,\n\nAbout 4 years ago, my urologist told me I had abnormal kidneys. They were like sea sponges inside not the nice smooth layers like normal ones. They were small as well and under developed.\n\nWas told that later on in life I have a nice shoot of 50-50 chance of dialysis as well. The first sign of trouble was the bleeding for no reason, when my doctor didn’t find any infection and sent me to the specialist.\n\nHe wanted to do further testing, the specialist… but I became scared and never went back. Silly of me, yes I know, but I was sooooo tired of the needle pin cushions, the constant dye testing, chalk drinking, x-rays, etc when I was in my 20’s and 30’s to be told there is nothing wrong but a gastrula reflex problem that was all... here is a plain diet... see you later!\n\nWhen this specialist said, “Hey, need to do more tests, like a scope, etc… I left that office vowing to never go back! I wasn’t going to be another guinea pig.\n\nBut here I am 4 years later with the following symptoms,\n\n\n\nFatigue most of the day/night\n\n\nNausea throughout the day/night\n\n\nHeadaches\n\n\nFeeling cold to chilly to hot\n\n\nLow Appetite due to feeling nausea (When I do eat, I feel sick immediately)\n\n\nFeeling dehydrated every day/night\n\n\nDrinking water like I cannot get enough of it\n\n\nSharp to dull throbbing pain mostly in my right kidney location (back). When there is a sharp shooting pain, it runs from back to side, then up or down at times as well as right across my back… once in a while I feel my left kidney but not as much as the right one.\n\n\nI want to sleep lots due to feeling a constant low energy / tired all the time. (I am not one for afternoon naps or wishing to go to be early in the evening… over the weekend it is getting worst… just no energy for nothing at all)\n\n\n\n\nBut… I am still urinating and there is no blood in it at all. At times though, well going to the washroom I have a tingling feeling in the opening area – at times without having to go to the bathroom, I have that tingling feeling happening. My urine is a bright yellow, at times with some cloudiness to the appearance.\n\nTruthfully, I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up in emergency tonight, because I am just so tired of feeling this way and the pain is wiping me out as well! Then again, I hate to go to be told… nothing is wrong with you and here is 2 aspirins and don’t call me in the morning “sighs” \n\nHelp  Any suggestions!",
	"Hi everyone, I'm new here and I appreciate a place to talk to people in the same situation. My mother is 82 years old. Two years ago she was diagnosed with cronic kidney failure. We were devistated, and also very worried about her. She has decided against dialysis. A month ago she fell and broke her arm, then the following week she had a minor stroke. She was is bad shape, too much for me to handle, so we put her in a private care home. Now she is doing much better, but I still worry about what is to come. The doctor told us that she would probably live a couple years, now its two and a half years.",
	"Hi everyone, I'm Sistren. I've been on dialysis (PD) since Feb. 2003. I was first diagnosed with renal failure & they thought it might be due to high blood pressure. But since I'd only had that for a month or so, it wasn't likely. Lupus revealed itself in a most spectacular way(I went into a coma for 4 weeks) 2 months later & then it was pretty clear what the cause was.\n\nOh, it's been quite the year. \n\nAnyone else with lupus & esrd?",
	"My mother's lab shows that she's at 16% kidney functioning level. Her dr. says Medicare won't pay until she is at 10%. She's 84. She also has private insurance (Aetna). I noticed that it was mentioned that private insurance will pay when deemed necessary by the doctor. The dr. is telling us we need to wait til it gets to 10%. Can you clarify? Thanks, Yolanda",
	"I am new to the forum. The forum is a great support tool. I find that the more I communicate with other CKD patients by sharing experience and situations the better I feel. Life goes on and we must adjust as necessary. I have been on PD for two years with minor problems. Had to have a hernia repair becaused I lifted to much weight. Had severe urinary tract infection and required a blood tranfusion. Hoping for a transplant within the next year or two. Will appreciate hearing from others about your experiences.",
	"undefinedundefinedundefined\nI am 28 and have been on dialysis for 9 years  and I am still happy ..",
	"My mother has been in a nursing home for a year and was just recently diagnosed with Kidney Failure. Her physician and my family believe we should not put her on dialysis because she has dementia. I think we should at least try dialysis and if she is too confused, then we can give up. I just don't think she is ready to die. If you have been through dialysis I would appreciate your input on this very difficult decision.",
	"My creatinine is at 8.7 with a 10% kidney function. I am not on dialysis yet but I'm close. I have a fistula.\nThe biggest fear I have is the pain from the dialysis needles. I worry about it a lot. \nCan anyone tell me what to expect in the way of pain and how they deal with it. Do the creams (EMULA, etc.) or the freezing sprays help?",
	"Does anybody else seem to keep getting infections? I have had 6 infections since I went on dialysis in November, one year ago. My nurse keeps on telling me that they are my fault, yet as I watch the techs., they break sterility almost every time! They do not change their gloves, they do not sterilize my catheter, they touch the end of my lines with their gloves, they use end caps that they have dropped. They seem to be more concerned with time spent, not with patient care. I even had one tech say that he did not have to sterilize until AFTER he had me hooked up to the machine. One time, out of 14 patients on my shift, 5 were infected and on IV antibiotics. All of my infections have been in my blood and catheter, not outside of it.Is this problem just at my center?",
	"My father has been on Dialysis for 4 months and he suffers from severe diarrehia. The only way to keep it under control is taking Imodium 2 times a day. Is this common? Is anyone else experiencing this?",
	"I have a kidney that is the size of a new borns kidney and I wanted to know what that disease is called. It stopped working a couple years ago. If anyone can let me know what this is called please let me know\n\nthank you\nwendy",
	"I am new to this site and I have been having alot of problems with my blood pressure for a couple of years now. I have been spilling a lot of protein in my urine since I gave birth to my 10 yr old son. The doctors are telling me that I my have kidney disease. They have put me on all kinds of medications that are making it hard to deal with everyday life because I feel so dizzy all the time and I am always tired. They say may creatinine level is getting higher and a ultrasound showed that my kidneys are getting smaller. HELP just need someone to talk scared.",
	"I am having trouble with understanding dietary needs.\n\nI have type two diabetes and take oral meds to control it. I also had a recent diagnosis of high potassium levels and compromised kidney function. I'm trying to avoid excess potassium and protein but it seems many of the foods lower in these have higher sugar levels. I know I still need all these things in my diet, though to a lesser degree but am having trouble figuring out what to eat. How do I avoid extra potassium and protein without increasing my sugar intake?\n\nAny advice would help, thanks...",
	"hi all. need some of your inputs here.\n\nmy mum has stroke and is wheel-chair bound since 1999. she also has heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. in 2003 she was diagnosed with renal disease.\n\nafter consulation with her doctor, we have made a decision to NOT go on dialysis when the need arises.\n\nshe is now in hospital for breathlessness due to fluid buildup. several doctors have spoke to us and asked us why we would'nt consider to put her on dialysis. our reason was that dialysis will not give her a good quality of life considering her many other illnesses (especially her being wheelchair bound)\n\nher creatine level is now 10+. we were not told how many percent of her kidney is still functioning.\n\nwe are now waiting for a place in a hospice. is it true that going to a hospice means that they will stop her medications and basically just give her pain killers and leave her to waste her life away? this sounds very cruel. how long will she last in the hospice? will it be days, weeks, months or years?\n\nmy dad is losing sleep over this. we wonder if we are doing the right thing by refusing dialysis.\n\nany advice? really appreciate it a lot.",
	"Wow, I just found the coolest thing(well ok, for me anyway). The USDA site has an interactive page that helps you analyze the nutritional values of your food for a day. If you have the time/patience to input what you've eaten, it will give you a breakdown of everything -- esp. the stuff that's particularly pertinent for us dialysis folks like protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, etc. Also provides a similar analysis for your physical activity.\n\nIt will also keep a record of your past entries & provide you with comparisons.\n\nNow this is something I can use!\nhttp://209.48.219.53/default.asp",
	"Hello just me again,\n\nI am kinda upset tonight. I went to see the urology doctor on Thursday for the first time. This is what he said. \"that all the pain I am having is probably nothing, that it might be scar tissue from the infection I had in 2002\" He also said that \"he has like 20 ladies that all have the same symptoms and that there is nothing he can do for them but give them pain pills.\" He said \"that the IVP did show something on my bladder wall, but he said that he did not think it was anything but some air,\" he also said \"that I have a small stone in my right kidney\" (which I did not know either). The pain as I mentioned in a past post is on the left, only on the right once in a while.\n\nI am so upset right now, I feel like he was telling me all the pain and nights crying that I am in and going through is in my head. IT IS NOT IN MY HEAD.\n\nWell, anyway he is going to still do the cystoscopy and he also said he was putting more dye in my kidney's, (can't remember what the name of that was) he also said he would look at my bladder and kidney's and see if he could get the stone out of the right side.* I feel like I am in the same place I was before I seen him. With my insurance I cannot go see another doctor.\n\nIs it possible that he is right? That the kidney infection that I had in 2002 would cause scaring and that would cause the pain and that I would have to live with it for the rest of my life? Help I don't know what to do anymore.\n\nHe did not even say anything about the low urine output. He really acted like it was no big deal. He also said to me that \"he thought it was useless to do the next tests but he would do them to set my fear at ease.\"\n\nI never felt so stupid and helpless as I did that day. I have been so upset since I don't know what to do or who to talk to. I go in for the tests this Wed the 29th.\n\nOh well. Sorry for venting, just had no where else to go.\nAgain take care and many blessings,",
	"Newly diagnosed and would like to here from others with same disease process-especially related to leg swelling and protein loss. What am I facing and how long is the recovery process",
	"i was just told by my dads doctor that his kidneys are not filtering right . he is 73 and we just lost my mom in April and i dont know what to think about this he has a doctor app. on the second of next month and i just need to know what is next",
	"Hi All! I just found this forum, hope you all can be of some help.\nMy mother in law is getting dialysis and she came home one day sort of confused, is it normal procedure for a dialysis clinic to give you medication for infection? She said somebody said to her one day, ok, we're going to give you your medication for infection and she said she was like, huh? but didn't question it, figured they knew what they were doing, but her dr never said anything to her about this when he explained it to her, and this was after she had already been having the dialysis done for some time.\nThank you!\nTina",
	"Hi.\nMy husband is a diabetic, is in Stage 5 Kidney failure, high blood pressure, diabetic gastroparesis, nuropathy in his stomach(sorry about the spelling), chronic diahrria, vomiting and dry heaves. Finding things he can and will eat and still stay within the guidelines of all these issues is becoming more then I can handle.\n\nDoes anyone know of any references that I could tap to find recipes, suggestions, etc. to expand his options on food? What would be a life saver is if there was a web site or book that you could type in the symptoms and restrictions and it would give you suggestions.",
	"Hello Everyone,\n\n I have a friend thats willing to be a donor, but I have a problem I was told that sense I have Lupis there is no sense of me getting a transplant because it would just cause the new kidney to fail. I would like to know how true that is or do I have a chance? The reason is because the doctor doesn't know what caused my kidneys to fail it is betweeen high blood pressure and the lupis. Can any one help me?",
	"I have a question on Calciphylaxis. My 70 year old mother who is on paretenial dialysis just developed calciphylaxis. From what I understand, it is a very painful disease and there is a very high chance she will not survive it. Mainly, what I would like to know is......how long does she have to live. I keep thinking of the pain she will be going through (actually, it has already started) and I need to know the answer to this question. I realize it could be different for different people, I just would like to know an approximate number. I am extremely discouraged right now but I can't stand the thought of her suffering.",
	"Has anyone been able to secure a place for dialysis in Puerta Vallarta.\n\nThinking about going there and would like to know the experince of others who have been there",
	"Hi, my mother has been diagnosed wth CKF and is on dialysis now for a couple of months. She had a graft put in her arm (after having a catheter in her shoulder). It has clotted and the Dr. is saying that he can't repair or replace it and can' do anything to dissolve the clot either. I don't get it. We were told when this all first started that if it clotted she would have to have the clot removed and the graft replaced. Now they say it can't be done. Also, they put a catheter back in but told her if this one fails there is nothing else they can do for her. If anyone can explain this to me I would really appreciate it. I don't know if we need another opinion or what. Thanks alot.\nWattsy",
	"My concern is how I am going to pay for my husbands prescriptions after he has a kidney transplant.",
	"We are unfortunatly new to the dialysis world.  I am wondering where I can go/call & find out some info on possibly getting a home dailysis machine? We have to drive 100 miles 1 way 3 times a week to get dialysis.  thanks for any info you can give me.",
	"We are unfortunatly new to the dialysis world.  I am wondering where I can go/call & find out some info on possibly getting a home dailysis machine? We have to drive 100 miles 1 way 3 times a week to get dialysis.  thanks for any info you can give me",
	"My grandmother has terminal cancer, and is in the final stages of her life. Her kidneys have started to fail, and I was wondering what to expect as some one who takes care of her. I have never been in a situation like this, and would like to be prepared instead of shocked at seeing what is about to happen. She has lung cancer, and it has since spread to her liver, bones and brain. She is currently in home hospice care. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.",
	"My grandmother has terminal cancer, and is in the final stages of her life. Her kidneys have started to fail, and I was wondering what to expect as some one who takes care of her. I have never been in a situation like this, and would like to be prepared instead of shocked at seeing what is about to happen. She has lung cancer, and it has since spread to her liver, bones and brain. She is currently in home hospice care. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.",
	"Is anyone familiar with the presternal catheter? I have re-current peritonitis and do not want to go back on hemo. Therefore, I would like to know more information about this type of catheter, how it is inserted and what is the healing time before you can use it? Any information would be greatly appreciated.",
	"Hi, my husband is 6'4\" and weighs 250lbs. Is there anyone out there that is a large person on peritoneal? If so what is your schedule on the cycler? he had 8.5 hours and one exchange in the day, leaving him \"wet\" all day. Unfortunately, he contracted peritonitis once and a week later was back in the hospital with an infection in the tempcath which hadn't been removed from his chest yet  He is now turned off on peritoneal and feels it can't work for him. I guess I just want to hear from someone who has had to work with it to get it right and what they had to do. He was only on it for 1 month and was just scheduled to go into get his first clinic - didn't make it cause of infection. He is going back to hemo which he only had been on since June 1st'. Oh, he is going to be 59 next week!  Thank you! BethAnn",
	"My husband was just placed on a transplant list, met with the group we are assigned to starting from the coordinator, financial, social & Dr. We are every day hoping for that call now  He has one sibling that will be tested, other than that we will search out friends and other relatives - or it will have to be a cadaver transplant. My question is how do you go about being placed on other lists?\n\n Also, thank you for these forums, it is my first time using one and I am finding every catagory helpful & informative not to mention helping me destress while on this \"dialysis information road\"",
	"I am so happy to find this site, as I am newly diagnosed with proteinuria. It has been a scary experience for me. I am also a Type II diabetic with hypertension. My nephrologist has me on a fluid pill, plus my regular medication for hypertension; atenolol and Altace. I also take two oral medications for the diabetes. My return visit to him isn't until 4 weeks and I have been a bag of nerves, so much so that my PCP has me on Xanax for the time being. My dipstick testing has shown negative results until today when the stick turned quite green. For the past two days I have had a lot of stress with the blood pressure really high. Could this cause the high proten level on the dipstick and the urine has been very concentrated? Needless to say, I am frightened by the prospect of dialysis down the road. Can anyone say how long it will be before I will need to go that route.",
	"Hi,\nI need your help with understanding what is happening to my husband. He has been retaining water. he had to be put on three different water pills before he got reed of most of the water. He had a test about 7 weeks ago to see why he was retaining water. The numbers that are normal are 7-18 and his first test was 24.3 and last Friday his test came back as 35.3.\nhe had to have blood drawn for creatinine and he had to save urine for 24 hour for creatinine what does this all mean. thanks bev",
	"Hi my husband is 36 y/o recently diagnosed with PKD 4 mo.ago. Were looking for a good nephrologist in the Stanislaus Co. area in California. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks",
	"My husabnd was newly dx with PKD about 6 mo. ago and would like to know of any good nephs in Stanislaus Co. California. Also any support groups in the area? Thanks",
	"I'm new to this board but belong to another one. I'm on the cycler and have been on dialysis for 1 year, started on hemo. I hated hemo so decided to do PD. I really like having my days free but I HATE all the weight I've gained since starting PD. I put on 30 pounds and my doc said thats because it's sugar water that I'm getting. A stranger even asked me when the baby was due. Glad I could laugh about it. My transplant is scheduled for Nov.9th with my sister being my donor so a little longer on dialysis isn't so bad. My kidneys failed cause of my diabetes (30 years worth) which I call the sneaky disease cause you feel good one day and the next you can wake up with all sorts of problems. If anyone has any comments or suggestions about transplants, i would love to hear all about it.",
	"just wondering i have polcystic kidneys spent 15 hrs in emergency with front lower pain. had ultra sound and was told cyst had leaked. my creatine level was at close to 250. saw specialist and he will start helping out dec1. im 51 was discovered when i was forty. i dont know levels but i dont think 250 is a good no. does any body know how to lower that level. i am on blood pressure pills.",
	"My adorable baby has no teeth yet. He is on PD, due to a bladder blockage before birth.He started dialysis when he was 2 1/2 months old. He was diagnosed with bilateral blockage. His kidneys were damaged at birth.\n I want to know if there is someone else out there who has experienced the same thing with an infant. I think it has something to do with his PD or kidneys being damaged.\n Help / contact me.",
	"hello. i am new. my mother was recently diagnosed with kidney failure and is starting dialysis today. she has diabetes and congestive heart failure. i am very concerned about her future outlook. can anyone tell me what happens next, and what a persons life expectancy is on dialysis. her doctor told her she is not a candidate for a transplant.\nthanks,\nkim",
	"HI . I'm a 51 year old male with Polycystic Kidneys. About a year to go before I need Dialysis. Creatine right about 4.0. Have lived with knowledge of this disease since '88 and dealt with all the side affects. I'm a very positive person and consider myself lucky after reading some of the posts here and on other forums. I could have been much worse.\n\nMy job allows me to work from home frequently. I'm currently setting up a home-office to work full-time at home. I'll come into the office on occasion to maintain personal contact, maybe once a week or so, but after I start dialysis, I really want to avoid regular contact during the flu and cold season. I just don't need any other complications.\n\nI'll stay in touch. Good luck to everyone. I enjoy the posts and sharing information.\n\nRon",
	"hi i am a 45 yr old male and learned i have medullary cystic disease 3yrs ago .the disease has been in my family for many yrs. when i go see my doctor i ahve complained of pain in both my sides . and the doc. says its not my kidneys cysts doesnt cause pain!!! wel i rememeber as a child my mom being in lots of pain . does anyone else exspearience pain from this or is it in my head?\n\n\nthanks Scott",
	"My 11 year old son, Evan, was diagnosed with CKF a year and a half ago. He has a creatinine level of 2.6 and a BUN of 48. I have some questions I would love to get some advice about.\n\nFirst, my son is very discouraged about his diagnosis, is there some type of support group for kids with kidney disease I can get him involved in?\n\nEvan's biggest struggle right now is with enuresis. His kidneys wont concentrate his urine at all, mix that with a heavy sleeper and we have a drenched child every morning. We have tried Goodnights, not enough protection. The doctor gave him meds but he must stop drinking at night to try them....his thirst is so overwhelming that he just can't seem to give up drinking water to try the meds. Can anyone give me some advice, he is really feeling discouraged about this aspect more than anything.\n\nOur other main problem is his weight. Since before Evan's diagnosis he went from an underweight child to being 20lbs overweight. We have taken him to a dietician and family doctor. They have changed his diet to low protein, lower calories and stopped his \"comfort snacking\"...but he is still steadily gaining every time we weigh him. Does kidney disease cause a slower metabolism? It would seem logical to me since kidneys are responsible for all proteins in the body. Can someone give me some advice on this? I am going again to see a dietician, but I would like some help in the meantime.\n\nThanks for being patient, this is long, but I have lots of questions and I want to help my son.\n\nBlessings,\nLynne",
	"Hi, I am a 24 year old female I have to start dialysis this week. My creatine is 6.1 I am really nervous. I want to have kids some day is that gonna be possible.",
	"I have been looking for a message board. I was diagnosed 5/03 with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis and it was a surprise. Since 1999 I have been dealing with Congestive Heart Failure, Very High Blood Pressure, Arthritis in my knees since 1989, early onset osteoporosis since 2000. With my diagnosis I learned that all of that was in fact caused by the kidney disease. If I'd just been diagnosed at an earlier age I could've possible prevented alot of the extra stuff by changing my diet and lifestyle and slowed the progression of the inveitable kidney failure. Since it didn't play out that way I have made the best of the situation. I have 4 sons,all grown, and 3 of them will not face this , talk about it or deal with the reality that it is hereditary. Anyone know the route to get them tested? I had my catheter implanted a few weeks ago and begin my training for PD in a few days. My biggest problem now is mother being overly protective (which I do appreciate). I'm 48 years old and very independent and without hurting her feelings, how can I gently ask her to back off just a bit? I understand her concern, but I'm smothering. I'm hoping PD works as well as I have heard it can. I'm positive and ready.Any advice or feedback welcome...please.",
	"I began dialysis in March, this year. so far there've been no major problems. However, my family is in other states. I don,t want to move because of my medical team but I would like to be able to visit. Because Medicare pays all but 20% of my dialysis and I'm on Medical I can't afford to pay the extra in other states. I don't believe I've said this very well but I can't be the only one with this problemand I've been asking friends and family to contact their friens and family hoping to reach as many as possible.\n\nI do dialysis at DaVita.Napa,CA\n\nthank you,\n barbara m.",
	"Hello everyone. I'm a 19 year old female from Kentucky. I have been on CAPD dialysis for almost 5 months now. I was only born with one kidney, which caused a lot of kidney infections and hospital visits up til I was 6 years old when I got ecoli, (which is what my doctor thinks caused my kidney failure) After that visit everything was fine until my senior year of high school, where I started to loose a lot of weight, tired all the time, and my hands would shake really bad. No one really thought anything of it, except my older sister. So she finally confinced me to go get a check up. Well going to the doctor she thought something was wrong with my heart, she heard papitations, and a small murmer. So I go get blood drawn and they say I have more toxins in my blood than usual, So I go to a kidney specialist, and by the looks of my numbers he thought I was an older person and extreamly sick, but I didnt feel it or look it. Since my numbers being so bad, the day after graduation I was emited into the hospital with a kidney biopsy. Two days later I'm back in there to get my cathader put in. So that is my story. I'm looking forward to getting the chance to talk to some of you! Have a nice day!",
	"Hi to every one my story is kind of all mixed up I will tell it to you as good as I can. About 3 years ago I got purpula I don't know if any of you know what that is but it is a very red and very inflamed area on your leg or feet. It is so sore that you can't walk on it. They found out that the cause of it was to much protein then my doctor sent me to and kidney specialist which she said that my kidney worn't working right. Then I lost all of my insurance and I couldn't go back for over a year. Then when I qualified for the stated health plan I was able to go back to my kidney doctor. Then she set me up for a biopsy right away. She put me on steroids to see if my kidneys would react to that medications. I get anemia quit often and have to have shots for that I also have to give my self a vitamin B12 shot once a month. I have been doing ok for awhile. Know they are talking dialiase. I don't know when that will be, but I think it will be by the first of the year. I also have fibromyalgia and arthritis thru out my whole body I haven't been able to work now for 4 years now. Which is very hard I don't know what I would of done if I wasn't living with someone. I am 52 years old a mother of 2 and a grandma of 6. Well I can't thank of much more just that I am a little scared about the dialiase part.",
	"hi\n\nI have a question i became ill about 3 yrs ago my family has a history of medullary cystic disease my kidney specialist told me i have the same disease as my mother had. which was mcd my regular doc said i have polycystic disease. my question is are they the same with different names or are they different and need different treatment? any help would be appreciated\n\nthanks for listening",
	"I just wanted to help people be aware of the danger of high potassium while on dialysis. My mother had been on a low salt diet for about three years to help control her blood pressure and to slow her kidney deterioration. We had used the \"no salt\" salt substitute during this time with good results. Unfortunately, her kidneys failed totally after an emergency illeostomy. She had to go on dialysis. Everyone told us not to use the salt substitutes and I don't know why we didn't get that through our heads...but we continued to use it. Now...my mother is dead!!! The guilt I feel is overwhelming. I wish I could tell my Mom how sorry I am. I wish I could have the last week of her life back to do things differently. But that's not to be. The morning she died...I did NOT use the no salt. Too little too late! I'm not saying there weren't other contributing factors to my Mom's death but her potassium was 8.0!!! She went into cardiac arrest and didn't make it back. You can write and tell me how stupid I was. You won't be saying anything to me that I haven't already said to myself. I found a grief web site that said \"Guilt is not honoring...action is!\" So, that's why I'm writing this to let people know that potassium will KILL. Everything changes when your kidney function is at the level to need dialysis. Mom hadn't been on dialysis long. Maybe three months. There is so much to learn and they try but you have to dig in and find things out for yourself. Please heed this warning to BEWARE of high levels of potassium. There are other minerals and things you have to watch as well. Our only experience was with potassium and that....was enough. Good luck to everyone.",
	"Hi everyone; my doctor tells me that I have to eat foods that are low in phosphorus if anybody is out there that can help me find some receipes that are low in phosphorus, I would appreciate any help that I can get. I have been trying to find a receipe book that will help me be able to cook better foods. I don't want to go on dialis if I don't have to. It is really hard to know which foods are lower in phosphorus then others; it isn't on the labels on the foods in the store.",
	"Hello,\n\nI had PKD and my kidneys were so big that I had to have them removed before I could have a transplant. About a month ago, I had both kidneys removed.\n\nI'm on hemodialysis three times a week. After the surgery, I had dialysis at the hospital but they were very conservative removing any water. My Neph has slowly dropped my dry weight but I think I can still drop some more.\n\nAnyway, I'm hoping that I don't have too much to wait for a transplant.\n\nLarry",
	"undefined\nThis is a new development discovered by accident in a blood test. I am 71 years old, do not take any medication except a small amount of testosterone cream.\nI have a creatine level of 1.5 (normal range is 0.6 - 1.3). Also my BUN level is 27 (normal is 6-20). My Potassium level is 5.6 (normal is 3.5-5.1) and according to your calculator, I have a stage 3 condition. However I am sure my kidney problem is caused by BHP (enlarged prostate causing urine retension) and I have all the classic symptoms of it. I do not have any of the symptoms of CKD (chronic kidney disease) except minor eye puffiness. I have an appointment with a Nephrologist and a Urologist and plan to have a prostate operation to relieve the urine retention I am experiencing. My question is, if I fix the prostate problems will the creatinine and the other high readings problems correct themselves?\nDoes the kidneys have a self rejuvinating ability/capability or is minor\ndamage like this permanent?\n\nThanks, ACE",
	"Hi my name is Raul Berrios , i have been diagnos with Ckd and i was not very happy to hear this new situation. Is anyone out with any suggestios and tips that i could gather to try and turnaround this disease for better kidney function. Would appreciate you comments and suggestions. Brand New to this,bare with me. Mr. Raul Berrios , Iam 63 year old young looking man. Ha!",
	"My 28 yr old son was diagnosed with All Acute Lymphoblastic Lukemia and was doing ok with chemo until the lukemia came back. They gave him a treatment of methotrexate and he is a total mess. He had to be ventolated and now he is back in the stem cell unit of the hospital. He has had every side effect from this drug and now he has kidney failure and the creatnine level was @5 when they did the dialosis in the icu unit and now it is back up to 9. He started putting out a little urine and now it is up to 11 litres in the last 3 days. What is going on. He was given a major amount of narcotics before going to the icu.",
	"Hi Ive been diagnosed with CKD and iam at the ealry stages of the disease , one of the symtoms i have is Proteing thru Unrine which is foamy and bubbley. Could anyone tell what medications besides prenidsone could also work or even work better then this that im taking for my kedney disease. Thankyou very much. Mr. Raul Berrios. Thankyou for your help!",
	"I had acute renal kidney failure but i am making a full recovery my\ncreatine level is at 2.2 i'm 19 135 lbs my doctors said the normal is\nabout 1 - 0.7 My question concerns me being able to drink alcohol, my doctors said i cannot but they didn't say for how long.. Will I ever be able to drink alcohol again? thanks for your time.. And no my kidney failure was not due to alcohol use",
	"Could you tell me the preventive medications one can use to combat the kidney disease. Now taking Prenidsone. Thankyou you very much. Mr. Raul Berrios",
	"My husband has resently been admitted to the hospital for sever back pain. After several x-rays they discovered he had a crack in one of his vertibra. My husband, in a highly drugged state, stated he was told this was possible caused by the kidney failure and that it removes falsephates from the bones and weakings them to the point of this possible happening. Is there anything we can do to slow or stop this from happening to the rest of his bones? Do you know of any resource that will give me a detailed list of other side effects of dialisys and kidney falure that I can go to be better informed in the future of what avoid / expect?\n\nMy husband is on hemodialisys for the year and a half.",
	"My wife was on dialysis from 1976 to her passing in 1990 (she had been predicted to live until 1960!). I built a dialysis machine small enough to fit under the seat of an aeroplane. Of course we had to travel with a mountain of supplies--all of which might well be replaced at destination if any were lost. We spent two months in Greece and Portugal as well as many trips to Germany, Italy and Britain. Unfortunately, I can't encourage anyone to use this device. The reason is that I have been a chemist, and that or the equivalent is probably a must. Should you be interested in the history of the machine and LaRae's life, go to [url]http://webspawner.com/users/minidialysis1/index.html\nfor a rather long article about it.",
	"I am a 48 year old male who was diagnosed with end stage renal disease about 6months ago. It has been determined through biopsy of my kidneys that I am the victum of anti-freeze poisioning. I do not know who or how I injested anti-freeze, but I do have a short list of people that I suspect. One of the main problems I am having is with my doctor. He is a very bad communicator and never gives a direct answer to any of my questions. He has really not layed out or given me a treatment plan. I have been put on some different medications, none of which have seemed to help. I do self-catherization 4 to 5 times a day. Other doctors have told me that I should have been put on Dialysis at least 3 months ago. The only thing that I know for sure is that in order to survive, I am going to have to have a kidney transplant. I was wondering if anyone else is having or has had problems with their doctor and what they did to rectify the situation. I am open for all suggestions at this point.\n\nMichael",
	"I have been on hemodialysis for over three years. I have noticed over the last year that the quality of care has gone down. That their has been an increase in patient loads for the techs and the dietian, social worker etc.\nTheir is also more emphasis on phosphrous levels to the point of nagging.\nthey are not focusing on the other aspects of the kidney diet or any changes other dietary changes that may need to be dealt with. I was wandering if their are any other hemodialysis patients that have noticed any of these same changes in their centers. I would be interested in hearing from you. Also, is their anyone who is not seeing their kidney doctor as much. I have not seen mine for ten months.\n\n thanks\n\n hill",
	"Hi everyone, I have been in a lot of pain for months and my dr. kept doing bloodtests to check kidney funtion to find nothing, yet I was in pain, mainly my left kidney but also the right at times. If I havent went to the bathroom, for example overnight it hurts my kidneys so bad I can barely move in the morn. The dr. last week ordered a sonogram of the kidneys and sees something so now ordered a ct. I was just wondering if anyone can give me thier ideas of what it could be, and if I do indeed have some type of kidney problem, would that explain the pain???? Thank you, Laura, age 38",
	"Has anyone experienced an extreme case of gout thoughout their body after they had their Kidney damage????\n\nWe are not getting answers from the docs and would like to know if anyone out there can help us understand what is going on. Our fathers feet, ankles, and legs are swollen up to his knees, with such extreme pain he is unable to stand, let alone touch the skin. His little finger also has gout with the middle finger just healing from gout. The Creatinine level is at 5 this morning.\n\nPLEASE HELP!!!\n\nThanks,\nCheryl and Jill\n\nPatients daughters",
	"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nHas anyone experienced an extreme case of gout thoughout their body after they had their Kidney damage????\n\nWe are not getting answers from the docs and would like to know if anyone out there can help us understand what is going on. Our fathers feet, ankles, and legs are swollen up to his knees, with such extreme pain he is unable to stand, let alone touch the skin. His little finger also has gout with the middle finger just healing from gout. The Creatinine level is at 5 this morning.\n\nPLEASE HELP!!!\n\nThanks,\nCheryl and Jill\n\nPatients daughters",
	"My doctor said my creatinine is at 490 and at some point at the 500's i am going to start dialysis. I am trying to stay away from it and am willing to listen to any ideas anyone has as long as it helps it out...\n\nthank you",
	"Hello I am a 6 year veteran of dialysis . I started on Pd , got peritonitis 13 times in a year because of a tunnel infection that me and my DR. Missed.  Then I had a access put in . (Cath in neck) The stitches kept coming out . So I had a graft put in . Lasted 5 years. Second graft placed ,cloted in 3weeks. Placed upper arm fistula . Works Great. I have had 13 revisions of 1st graft. 2 on the 2nd.Have had every cath on the market except the life site chest cath.I didn't want to have it because of just having a baby, with my wife . Hopefully I can give some hope and info to those with questions.",
	"My mom has been diagnosed with CKF her Serum Creatinine number is 3.3 when I took her to the hospital because she was so swollen she couldnt walk her blood pressure was 200/98 which is normal for her these days my question is they are giving her 6 differnet meds to control her blood pressure and steroids for the swelling she has no quality of life right now because of the swelling. Please tell me what we can do to help her the doctors seems fine leaving her like this. They told her to follow the renal diet and watch her potassium now after one week she has low potassium and they are giving her shots to bring it up plus now they say she anemic..So many conflicting problems..  \n\nThank you\nTracy\ncrying in Arizona",
	"i will be giving my mother a kidney whenever she's ready. she has been diagnosed with MS 11 years ago and now it's affecting her kidneys. She's on meds for her problem but she is not qualified for dialysis, which she is happy about. I just had questioned for anyone who had given a kidney.",
	"Hi All! I just started PD 2 months ago. I am a diabetic and have congestive heart failure. My life has really slowed down - I am trying to adjust. My wife and I would like to start traveling in our RV again. The PD is going good but my exit site is not healing up. Any one else have this problem? Also, any suggestions on the best type of PD belt to use?",
	"I am new to this website. I just searched it today and thought I'd try it. I have been diagnosed with Lupus when I was 12 years old; I am currently 20 years old, a junior in college. I've had problems my whole life with my kidneys, blood pressure, anemia, you name it, I've got it! I was just recently told that I have to have a kidney transplant. It is very frustrating and depressing...so I thought maybe I'd see if there was anyone out there to talk to about it..I have a great family that is always there for me, but sometimes it's hard because they can't relate to how I feel. I am very frustrated right now!!! [COLOR=Purple]",
	"Hi\n My name is Carrie, and I was diagnosed with CKD this past February...I was shocked to learn this, because I was never sick... all of a sudden I started getting tired with pains around my heart...and this was diagnosed...\n They say I have about 20% kidney function, and with proper diet and meds I will not go on dialysis for sometime.I also have high blood pressure..\n My question to everyone is how are you handling this illness...This has rocked my life...I was an active, working 56 year old wife and Mother to two grown children, now I am always so tired, and it seems as thou I can't do everything I used too..\n I would appreciate your comments, and Thank You for listening... \n\n\n\n\n 4",
	"Hi folks, My name is Michael. I´m a 26 yr old guy living in Sweden.\n\nThe reason why I´m here is because iwnat to be a ddonor. My father gave away his kidney to my onkel and he has encouraged me to do thesame.\n\nThe first question is.. Where do I start? Can someone pls give me some links or numbers so I can get started? I really wanna do it because i saw how bad my onkel was and if I can help someone, I´ll do it.\n\nThis is no joke or anything else. I´ve been thinking on this for a long time and I wanna get to it. Hopefully I get a new friendship as well.\n\nSorry for my english. Thanks for your help.\n\nMichael\n\nmichael_frisk@yahoo.se",
	"After dialysis my husband has body pain, and cramps so bad he can't sleep he can't do anything. Anyone have an idea as to what could be causing this ? Any information would be great. Thank you.",
	"I am a 24 year old female. I have led an active lifestyle, coming and going as I please, taking trips spur of the moment. I have always been the \"rock \" for my friends to lean on. I have been doing hemo for 3 weeks and it is starting to were on me. I have started to do the work-up to get on the transplant list. Sitting in the chair the other night everything came down on me all at once and I just cried. I feel that my life is not mine anymore. A nurse said that I should see a \"shrink\" because it sounds like I am depressed, and I have not been sleeping. If anyone else has feeling like this or been through this please let me know.",
	"I am starting a 24 hour urine collection in the morning. The container does not look that large to me. Is is large enough to hold the 24 hour collection? Also, I am seeing foam/and or bubbles in the urine. Does anyone else ever experience this? I understand the more there is, the larger quantity of protein is spilling. My dipstick bottles are brand new, and yet my dipstick tests are always negative?",
	"What is the future with a stalaghorn too large to break up with sonic water treatment?",
	"MY 2 YEAR OLD SON HAS HYDRONEPHRSUS OF THE KIDNEYS WHAT HAPPENS DURING DIALASYS JUST IN CASE IT BOILS DOWN TO HIM HAVING TO HAVE IT?",
	"Hello. I just started CAPD back in August, and was wondering if anyone has had a problem with their blood sugar levels going up some since they have started.My body was not used to alot of sugar at all, and now my sugar levels have gone up some.I am not diabetic, and have never had problems with blood sugar before, the levels are not high enough for meds, but they are having me monitor my fasting levels.Other then that no health problems at all, and really love the home treatment program.",
	"Hello, my husband is 50 years old and has had kidney disease for a long time now, his creatinine level has slowly risen, until here recently seems to be jumping pretty fast, back in july his level was like 3.6 and then in october it was 5.4, that has been the biggest jump ever. Well now his doctors is stating that he wants him to have that thing put in his arm to get him ready for dialysis because he will need it soon. My questions is, my husband works, he don't have insurance, because no one will insurance not even his job when he got hired. so we have always been self pay and have to work out some type of payment arrangement with his kidney doctor, but now this surgery is throwing us for a whirl, because we can't afford it and the surgeon that is gonna do it, wants majority of his money up front. By the time we pay him off, it maybe too late, the doctor wants us to do this within the next couple of weeks. But he says can put off starting dialysis for a couple of months. is there a program that will help pay for this service bieng that soon he will start dialysis anyways. we are really just not ready for all this, and i am scared, mostly because of the finanical burden all this will put us in. Please any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.\n\nDebbie",
	"I just returned from my Nephrologist and received the results of all the tests that were done last week. I have to say I have been a nervous wreck waiting for these. When I saw him in September, it looked as though I was spilling a lot of protein and I was pretty discouraged from the news he gave me. Now with all the recent test results, he tells me that everything looks normal. I can't tell you what good news that was. I am a Type II diabetic and have hypertension, so I expect the worse at any time. We are working on controlling the hypertension and will try a new medication since the old one was depleting my electrolytes. Don't have to see him again for six months. Just a note...he has no answer for all the foam and/or bubbles I have been seeing in the urine. This is usually a marker for protein leakage. But he says, in my case, It has nothing to do with that. This might be an encouraging note to those who may be experiencing this. Good Luck everyone. You are in my prayers.",
	"I have found out last month that my kidneys are failing. My creatine level was 3.3 but after having a dye for an angioplasty my level jumped to 4.8. How high does it have to be to be put on dialysis? I am a nervouse wreck. Please advise....Ellie",
	"Have meet kidney doctor today it was a scary feeling going into the office. I have never been in a enviroment where everyone in the office professionally handled you with kit gloves. My family doctor had informed me of having ckd in september of 2004 and had chosen this doctor for me. I have cried and been upset for 2 months and this visit was not so easy. I dont know what test they are talking about but going back and forth to these doctors are stressful because the visits are spread apart by months. I am a person who wants fast results I have read some of your letters on here, and some off you seem to be in the loop of things with ckd. Will I ever feel as comfortable talking about ckd as everyone else.",
	"I have had uremia, toxemia, glomerulonephritis, nephritis, numerous kidney stones, hematuria. Now, I was diagnoed with Renal Tubular Acidosisin about 1997. In 1990 my potassium began dropping. sometimes to 1.5-2.0. I was accused of being anorexic or bulemic at that time until I was hospitalized and observed trying to eat and then my food would just spew out of my mouth like a fountain. Then, after numerous iv's of painful potassium, and antibiotics, a urologist finally sent me to a nephrologist. This man ran tests. He diagnosed and has been treating me for RTA ever since. But things are not okay. I am anemic all of the time even though I take 2 iron pills a day as well as a prenatal vitamin (I'm not preg.) I make about 30-100 stones a year in each kidney. I have recurrent UTI's from the stones. and now I am having dry itching burning skin. it feels almost like being stung with insect bites constantly. My nails are peeling. I am fatigued all of the time. and I now have supraventricular tachycardia. Is there another diagnosis that matches this profile?",
	"While having problems with my gall bladder, they discovered that something was wrong with my kidneys. I went to see a nephrologist, but they really didn't know what to make of it since they said they caught it early. They said that usually they don't see people until they are very sick. They didn't give me much info to go on. They think it was caused by medications for that I took for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (Methotrexate and anti-inflammatories - whcih they said I cannot take again).\n\nA couple of years ago when I had a physical, they found blood and protine in my urine, but when at the neph. my urine and bloodwork came back ok.\n\nWhen the neph. said that I had chronic kidney disease, I was shocked! I had no idea what that meant, and I still don't. I'm not scheduled to go back to the neph. since my bloodwork was normal. But now I'm wondering fo I should. I've noticed that on occasion I have a dull pain in my back, my ankles swell a bit, I have bubbly urine and I have nausea. Since all these symptoms happen only occasionally, I didn't worry about it. Now I wonder if it's something I need to discuss with the neph., or if I'm just getting paranoid because I keep thinking about it.\n\nThe report from the renal ultrasound said that there is diminished parenchyma bilaterally, and the thinning of the cortex is in a diffuse fashion.\n\nResistive indices are .67 on the left and .73 on the right, which are abnormal and increased for a patient of this age (I'm 34 years old).\n\nMy kidneys are about 108 mm in diameter in the longitudinal dimension.\n\nCan someone please tell me what these terms mean? I have no idea and I REALLY want to know.\n\nPlease, if someone can give me some insight, I would GREATLY appreciate it...\n\nLiz",
	"My husband recently went into the hospital and was told he had fractured t8 in his back. The doctors stated it was caused by pholsphates and calcium lose due to dialysis. Is there any thing that we can do at home to fight this and are there any other things being pulled from his body that we need to be aware of, so that we can increase his intack of those so other issues can be avoided?",
	"Hello everyone,\nI have just found out that I will be getting dialysis. I want to know if anyone knows about Medicaid paying for dialysis when you go out of state and if so is there a limit to how many times they will pay out of state.\nAny in fo will be appreciated.  \nGOOD LUCK everyone,\nCarol",
	"undefined\nMy husband has been diagnosed with CKD with anemia & has been prescribed Aransep 1 ML sub Q once a week. He will be starting treatment Monday 24th.\n\nAnyone here have any experience with this drug?\nI would certainly appreciate any information.\n\nThanks,\nJane",
	"Dear Forum members,\nToday I received the Davita newsletter about \"Emotions and chronic kidney disease\"\nNow, a few months ago I posted a long letter about Kidney ailment and other related diseases.\nAs a natural practitionair I have stated that Kidney diseases occur when the body is angry, in 90% percent of all cases it is anger that has come from family (Father or Mother). Anger is stress and angry stress is attacking the kidneys. It is easy to resolve these ailments if you are willing to learn, how to release your anger (stress) By releasing your stresses the body will start re-start his normal functions.\nIt is a simple truth that is confirmed in the newsletter by a bright doctor (medical organization) I am a simple small town doctor in the small country of Latvia and what I say does not matter! But my patients know!\nLearning how to forgive your stresses is free of charge. \ngoodluck\nA .v.d. Beek\nRiga Latvia\nthink@apollo.lv",
	"Dear Forum members,\nToday I received the Davita newsletter about \"Emotions and chronic kidney disease\"\nNow, a few months ago I posted a long letter about Kidney ailment and other related diseases.\nAs a natural practitionair I have stated that Kidney diseases occur when the body is angry, in 90% percent of all cases it is anger that has come from family (Father or Mother). Anger is stress and angry stress is attacking the kidneys. It is easy to resolve these ailments if you are willing to learn, how to release your anger (stress) By releasing your stresses the body will start re-start his normal functions.\nIt is a simple truth that is confirmed in the newsletter by a bright doctor (medical organization) I am a simple small town doctor in the small country of Latvia and what I say does not matter! But my patients know!\nLearning how to forgive your stresses is free of charge. \ngoodluck\nA .v.d. Beek\nRiga Latvia\nthink@apollo.lv",
	"Hi all,\nI'm Vincent and I was wondering if Poly Cistic Kidney Disease is an autoimmune disease? The reason I am asking is because my Dad and others in his family died of Poly Cistic a few years ago and I have a autoimmune disease called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura [ITP]. I have a decrease in blood platelets because my immune system attacks and distroys my body's own platelets for unknown reasons. Even though ITP isn't passed down and Poly Cistic can be, I hear when autoimmune disease's are in a family other members are more likely to catch other disease's in the autoimmune group. I am forever looking for the reason [idopathic-cause unknown] this ITP thing found me so I figured I'd go stright to the experts because if this group is like our platelet disorder support your first hand experence is more knolageable than your doctors. HA HA!!!\nThanks and God bless all in your struggles,\nVincent",
	"I wanted to know at what percent of kidney function that you are usually supposed to be put on dialysis. I am new at all this kidney failure stuff. Please let me know.\n\n\nThank you",
	"undefinedundefinedundefined \nMy mother is 56, she goes to dialysis for 3 1/2 hours 3 times a week. When she first started she was only going 2 hours 3 times a week, she had some sick days but over all she seemed to feel pretty good. Now she is so sick when she comes out she goes straight to bed and doesn't get up til its time to go back. There are some weeks she is so sick she doesn't eat anythig. I am really conserened about this. Is it possible to be on the machine too long? She has other health problems but the doctors said that when she started the dialysis she would feel like a new women but so far she doesn't like that women....Please help, I am open to any sugestions!!!\n\nThank You:\n\ncricket42164",
	"[SIZE=6]I have a 8 year old boy who has protein in his urine, last year he had 100mg. in one urine sample and this year he has 300mg. Please someone could you let me know what causes this and what I need to do about it. He has went to doctor and has blood and 24 hour urine sample everything come back fine but why so much protein.",
	"Hi,\n\n I wanted to know if anyone can help me understand some things. I am 25 yrs old and I was born with a kidney taht never grew,however it still worked. I found out about a year ago that it stopped working. I really didnt think much of it because you can live with one kidney. Well 2 weeks ago i just found out that my other kidney only works 80%. the kidney dr that I went to didnt tell me anything except to come back in a year. I wasnt sure if that was ok. Well I went to the DR today and I gave them my test results from when I went to the hospital in October. Well he told me that on those results my good kidney worked fine. Is it possible for kidney function to drop that much in a month. And is it possible that I could need dialysis. I am not sure what the percentage of the kidney function has to be before they put you on dialysis. I have been getting kidney infections every month now and I am starting to get scared. If you can help me that would be grateful. And sorry this post is so long.\n\n\n\nwendy",
	"I am an outside saleman which requires 6-10 days a month of out of town travel. My family enjoys a lifestyle that requires my income. I am concerned that once I require dialysis I will become unemployed, which will necessitate financial adjustments that I am not prepared to impose on my family. I have no transplant options, and the prospect of years on dialysis, with an eventual transplant holds no appeal for me. I am seriously considering foregoing dialysis when the time comes and allowing the PKD to take its course. I am not afraid of dyting. I am afraid of inflicting financial ruin on my loved ones. Anyone else have similar thoughts?",
	"I had a kidney out last year, my remaining one was fully working but has not been tested since, but for the past 4 weeks or so ive had random itching, one day its my hands, today its my neck and chest, its like little bumps under the skin, that drive me crazy. Ive eliminated everything, all im left with is could it be my kidney? So was wondering has anyone else had this? Thanks for your help.",
	"[/FONT] I have a five yr old w/ kidney reflex we have had surgury and we are still ahving probelms. she is still getting urinary infections every week and she can't hold her urine at all anymore. She had surgury about seven months ago and the doctor just keeps changing medicines. I can't handle this anymore , the horrible smell the look on her face when she sits in it b/c she dont want to tell anyone. I also have a 18mos old that has a grade 3 on one side and she is always had a strong urine smell and has diarreya all the time . She is also a very petite girl. If anyone has any answers or coments let me no please i am running out of options!",
	"my sister is on peritoneal dialysis and i am a hemodialysis tech. I would like some answers on peritoneal because i've heard some bad things about you from some of my patients that used to do peritoneal. So if anyone has any information please let me know. I am new to this discussion forum thing and i dont have an email address so if you could just post it back on the forum and i could check later i guess",
	"My mother was recently diagnosed with both Wegener's and Goodpastures syndromes when she lost kidney function and went into respiratory failure. Her recovery has been slow and rocky. Does anyone have any experience with these diseases?",
	"does loss of kidney control be a start of a problem? I'm new, so please be patient...",
	"My dd is 18 & has had 2 liver transplants. She went into acute kidney failure after both liver transplants. Both times required CVVH. In 2002 after the 2nd tp her bun peaked at 96 and her cr peaked at 6.7. Now her cr doesn't go below 1.1 and often is up to 1.4 Her docs says it's from chronic immuno meds(side effects). She also(since 2nd tp) has high blood pressure which is controlled by tenormin.\n\nShe has joint pain & no diagnoses on it. We are afraid of her kidneys permanently failing. Will the cr & bun always go up as a first sign of kidney damage. She went septic from kidney infection in Sept 03 & her cr went up to 2.8 Her prograf level is kept as low as possible to keep the kidneys happy but her liver doesn't like it to low. Real fine line here.\n\nAny thoughts? Should she be having any other kidney tests to monitor kidney function or is the bun & cr enough?\n\nThanks,\n\nK",
	"My fiance, Joey, was an alcoholic for 6 years, living off of pints of vodka a day off and on. He is only 23. He would stop and have withdrawel problems. He had a seizure from withdrawel and his kidneys failed. There is also liver damage. He is very hardheaded and doesn' t relize how serious it is. He is on fluid restriction and still wants to gulp water down. He has been in the hospital for a week now and made no progress. It is only acute right now but if it moves to Chronic, the doctors told us that he isn't eligable for transplant because of his alcoholism. SO he just has to wait until he dies and be on dialysis for a few years? How long would he live. Will he feel up to performing sexually and/or have the strength so we have have a child? How lony does it usually take before you go from acute to chronic? The fact that he has oxigen masks, does that have to do with the kidneys? Will he have to wear oxigen for the rest of his life? I am just so worried. I'm a wreck",
	"There is a organization back east that does paired kidney swaps amongst people who do not match the people they are trying to donate to. So they pair up with another 2 people in the same situation yet match across a four way swap. I want to do this with my mother since we don't match but I am in California. I am also about to start such a organization on the west coast...So if anyone is in the same situation I'm in contact me at Khalif_austin@hotmail.com and I'll put you in the swap database I'm creating. PairedKidneySwap.com coming soon.",
	"I'm new in here and I need help with my back and just wondering if I joined the right site for back problems and also hope I posted in the right area. I get a lot of pins and needles down my butt and all the way down my leg, some days are worst than others, if this site deals with back problems would someone please help me with some input and opinions please thank you",
	"I was wondering if anyone has heard of a person with CKD having weight loss surgery. And I'm referring to a specific surgery.......the lapband, which is a band placed around the stomach and tightened periodically so as to limit food intake. I have read up on it and it doesn't seem to carry the same risk as the more invasive gastric bypass and it can be removed if so desired.\n\nI know this is a subject I should discuss with my physician......I'm just looking for opinions.\n\nGloria",
	"Hello,\n I got my kidney transplant done on April 20th 2004. I am trying to share experiences with other people who have had their transplant done with regards to diet, exercise, travelling and so forth. Please post your experiences here.\n\nThanks",
	"undefined\nHi everyone,\n\nMy name is Moe,\nIm 17 yrs of age and have been dealign with Cronic Renal Failure for the past five years now. It is beginning to worsen into ESRD and I am feeling down. I notice that I am very tired and need caffeine to keep me up. I am currently in my final year of High School and plan to do Medicine thereafter. However, I notice myslef as not \"normal\" as i am skinnier than others becasue fo this disease and the loss of my protein. I feel very down every now and then as I go through my daily morning rountine of taking 10 pills to \"keep me going.\" I don't want to give away my feelings to the public that Im down because then they will put me on anti-depressents. Which will just supress my feelings. I have been on the the search for a cure but the biological clock is ticking and nobody will listen. They are putting my on Cyclosporine but I know htats not goign to work becasue nothign has worked so far. I dont know why I have to have this at such an early age. I wish that I could be cured and live a normal life. Instead of being down every now and then thinking about how much trouble my life is in. How people will think of me later on? and how down I will be when I am at a worse stage in this disease. If oyu have any solutiosn for me I woudl really like ot hear them as I am being to lose sight of future.\n\nI love you all and hope for the best of all of you\n\nMoe",
	"I'm a patient at Davita Riverside, Ca. I found this Great Truely all natural seasonings, with No Salt, No Sugar, No Potassium Chloride. the website name is www.bensonsseasonings.com and i want to thank my dietician for telling me about it and keeping my spirits up when i \"drift off track\" of my eating habits.\nThanks again Davita!\nZac",
	"Hi - my name is Jo and I have been on dialysis since September 2003 - I have various other health problems including Diabetes, neuropathy and a Charcot's joint - I have only just come across this site and found many useful items and in particular the forums are a great way to pick up information and just to hear from other people having similar problems is a comfort..\n\nI write a blog about my experiences in hospital with all my medical problems and I would hbe happy to chat or email anyone who wants to\n\nbest wishes\n\nJo Parker\n\nSerendipiteeJo's Blog",
	"My dad is on hemodyalisis 2 times a week. He started last week and is doing well now, but I don´t know what consecuenceshas this treatment.\nHe is 70 years old and has prostate cancer.",
	"hi my father has been in reanal failure for about 7yrs nowand he has got irritable leg sindrom he has tryied every thing. hoping someone can help he cant handle it any more",
	":what does 1.8 mean on your test  ) undefined",
	"My mom has been on dialysis for almost a year. After 3-4 months on dialysis, she started experiencing terrible headaches at her center.\n\nHowever, when she has dialysis other places (hospital, three different dialysis centers in KY) she NEVER has a headache!\n\nHer nephrologist has tried everything - sodium bicarb, bought the same machine as the hospital, increased/decreased her time on the machine.\n\nMom has tried eating before treatment, sitting up, laying down, ice packs, pain pills, fluid restriction - you name it.\n\nBless her heart, she does not mind the dialysis itself, but it is tough going knowing you are going to have a horrible headache that lasts for 3 hours after. She has such a good attitude, though - she says she is thankful for the days the headache is less than others.\n\nIs anyone else experiencing this?",
	"My daughter was diagnosed in January 2004 with Nephrotic Syndrome. We had tried the IV steroids, it didn't work... Now we have her on prograf and prednisone. She has been in \"remission\" since June 2004, then all the sudden, she in NOT... She doesn't have infection (that they have found) and she is has HIGH protein in urine and some blood. I'm extremely scared. Is there anyone that can help me understand, why all the sudden she is not in remission any more? Is this normal? What can I expect? We have an appt with her Nephorlogist on Monday. This is still \"new\" to my family. Just needing to talk to someone that knows what I'm going through.  Laura Kay",
	"Hi,\n\nMy name is Michelle and I am new to this site but not so new to dialysis. I have been on PD for almost a year. When I first found out about my kidneys it was a shock but also I was glad to know exactly what was going on because i felt so bad. My blood pressure was around 180/110 for the most part and I was so tired all the time. I was itching like crazy and then I started having nose bleeds. My doctor (the one I work for) suggested that I go to my family doctor and tell her the symptoms I was having. I did and she sent me for lab tests. She called me the same day I had the tests and made me come back to her office. She told me my creatnine was almost 14. She told me to go pack some clothes and things I would need and get to the hospital for possible emergency dialysis. I went and had the best Nephrologist I could hope for. He was really great and he answered all my questions. I had ultrasound to find out the size of my kidneys and to see if it affected both or just one. It was both. They are only about 5 cm each. I had the catheter put in on a Friday nite after I had been in the hospital for a couple of days with them trying to get my blood pressure stabilized and also I had to have blood transfusions and iron because I was severely anemic. Anyway, I started PD on January 30, 2004. I was doing 4 exchanges every day until about September or October. I am now on the cycler and do 5 exchanges each night and I manual one during the day. I feel much better!!\n\nI haven't decided to get on the transplant list yet but probably will soon. If anyone has experiences with transplant - good or bad - please write me back and let me know how it was for you.\n\nThanks for any information and I look forward to hearing back!",
	"Hi there,\nMy name is fiona and I'm mother to a 2 yr old who is being investigated for early renal failure.....her creatinie level was 1.29. Her blood pressure is upper side of normal and her calcium level is also upper side of normal........\ndose anybody know what to expect nxt we have been waiting just over 3 wks for the test results.",
	"Hi. I am newly diagnosed with IaGN and am a bundle of nerves. I am in the medical field, so I know enough to make myself dangerous...lol. Any ideas on the steps besides prevention? I have heard bits and pieces about prednisone and/or autoimmune medications. How often are labs tested? What about water intake? Where is the line drawn between what is good and what is too much?",
	"Can anyone tell me what I might experience having my permacath under my collar bone removed? I'm worried about pain.",
	"My brother needs dialysis every other day at 430 in the morning, he must be up by 3;30 as it takes some time to get him to the clinic. Many times the session begins late, we arrive to pick him up only to find we have to wait for up to an hour before he can leave.\n\nI understand scheduling is difficult, and the clinics never know what to expect each day, but it does wear out the family when the scheduling goes haywire.\n\nI was interested on finding out how patients get to and from their clinic appointments. We use a transportation service, but this is costly and sometimes they are late, messing up the clinic schedule.\n\nHow have others dealt with topic? For me it is a daily worry and I am trying to reduce the stress of it.",
	"hi, I have only one kidney and and its working only 50%. my doctors nurse told me I have kidney diseaseand I wouldn't get any better that I would just get worse but to this day my doctor has not told me anything. I was just wondering if anyone out there knows anything about this. my doctor is a man of few words.",
	"My name is Gail. My husband is new to dialysis and his main problem (besides feeling tired and wiped out after treatment) is that his circulation is now VERY poor. He is also a diabetic but his circulation was never this poor till he started dialysis. Is anyone else having this problem and is there any way to increase circulation to avoid future problems?",
	"Recently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease , I am very sad. Just thinking about the possible life changes is scaring me. I'm 56, single with a small dog, work 4 days a week and have a moderately active life.\nI'm going through the initial stages of reading everything I can about the disease. My creatinine level is 1.6 and I am told that I have 26% kidney function. My blood pressure is under control but I am very overweight (195) and am working on reducing sodium, fat, calories, etc. The doctor said not to change diet or intake of fluids yet and he will see me in 2 months. Seems like a long time. Should I do anything else until in the meantime?\nYour support would mean alot. I just want to have hope that the future is brighter than I am imagining at this moment.",
	"I read somewhere abut a mixture of Listerine and a few household ingerdients can make give comfort to itching. It can be put in a small spray bottle too. Anybody know what it is?",
	"Hello all I am a new member. I am 28 years old and have been on hemodialysis a little over 5 years now. I am currently on the transplant list. I was told about this site at my diaylsis center and thought I would check it out seeing as I would meet new people that have the same problems as I have. The doctor told me that my kidney failure was caused by my high blood pressure. Just wanting to talk to others that are going through the same things.",
	"undefined\nMy husband recently started dialysis. He has been a diabetic for over 25 years but never had too much trouble with his circulation until starting dialysis. He is now getting cramping in his legs and feet and wants to know if others are having this same problem and if there is anything he can do to improve his circulation. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.",
	"undefinedundefinedundefined\nundefined\n\nMy husband has been ill for many weeks and on the 8th of December, I took him over to Virginia Mason in Seattle and they immediately put him in the hospital and started dialyisis the next day. The dialysis went fine but he had a TIA after the 1st and 2nd time. He has not agreed to the surgery to place a more permanent port because he is not sure that he wants to continue. He told me that he will continue through the holidays and if he doesn't feel substantially better, he is not going to continue with it.\n\nHe has been ill for many years but just recently his kidneys failed completely. I don't know how to help him. We have been married over 34 years and I just want to help. Any suggestions? Thanks!",
	"I have a burning feeling on my back in the kidney area. Has anyone else had this? Does it have anything to do with kidney disease? Do you know what causes it? Thanks.",
	"Usually after dialysis, i have itchyness all over my body and i have to use creams to make it better.\n\n1. Whats causes this itchyness? What can i do to improve this situation?\n\n2. Is it alright to play golf on a dialysis day where the punctured holes on your forearm are still fresh and just plastered?\n\nThank you for your time.\nRegards,\nNathan Isaac",
	"hey everybody when i was in fourth grade i had to be rushed to the hospital\nto get dialisis and i hated it the first day i was naushas and kept throwind up then i i got better to hear the rest of my story e-mail me at vallierae123@yahoo.com",
	"My husband has a very rare disease called hsp (henoch schonlein purpura) which has cased his kidneys to fail. He now awaits a kidney transplant. Through out the last year we have both missed allot of work, and medications and traveling to specialists has taken a toll on our finances. My husband is 40 years old and a self employed contractor. I am an education student, and am just finishing my last placement. We have no medical insurance coverage. Out of the kindness of our friends hearts they have been collecting money for us. This makes us feel awful. I know that they just want to help and that this is probably the only way they no how, but I can't help but feel like we are taking advantage of people. Some of the people who are contributing are not well off them selves. It seems their kindness has become another burden in a sense. How do I thank these people? Do I send them cards of thanks? I don't know how to take this. Well I guess I just need some words of wisdom here, if anybody can enlighten me with some advice on how we should be handeling this I would really appreciate it.",
	"Has anybody ever had their catheter get out of position? My husband had his inserted in October and has not been able to get a treatment yet because the catheter has dislodged some how. When they take x-rays the thing is pointed straight up instead of down and will not drain. They have had him on laxatives ever since, thinking that emptying his bowels will drop the catheter down in place. Any thoughts on this??",
	"Iam due to see my kidney doctor on the jan. 6, 2005 lN THE LAS COUPLE OF WEEKS I HAVE BEEN REAL TREID AND FEELING SICK TO MY STOMACH AND HAVING A LOT OF HEADACHES. MY LAST LAB SHOW MY CRENTINES AT 3.3 SHOULD I CALL MY DOCTOR OR IS THIS NORMAL PART OF THE PROCESS PG KIDNEY FAILURE? my hand and round my eye have been sweling more it use to be in my legs hav'nt hAD ANY THERE LATELY. BUT FEEL SICK ALL THE TIME.",
	"This is my love life story guys,,..By the way, advance happy new year to you all...\n\nIf you smoke, or someone you care about still smokes, then this may be the most important letter you will ever read, because . . .\nAs love define as, conquers all...\nTo this day I have fantastic story to tell you from that short time life of a smoker guy my boyfriend than all others combined.\nHe was a very smoker guy, he can use more cigarettes per day. I told him to stop but he can’t. It’s too hard for him, so I did my best as a partner. I was so lucky when I know about the products of nosmoq and it has been part of my life. With my encouragements, and faith to God , I give nosmoq cigarette product to my boyfriend and went on to become an instructor with hopes of being like a teacher nor a doctor to the physician, my boyfriend-with a fantastic life, friends to no end! He taught me well enough that I knew I had to return to share my life story with somebody. I wasn't working for so seven days of trying to observe my partner. There was no work involved just the cure of great passion! It would have been very easy for me to stay with the guy I loved most forever but I learned that I had to make my own way-right or wrong and have no regrets. I do not regret staying in touch. He begins to express how important I am in his life both were to me. Sooner, it gives him waking up what happened to his body, the lesser pains, lesser illness and he thanks for letting me in on the secrets of NOSMOQ. That is why, I encourage you guys to try these products and be one of the many smart persons in this world. I want to give thanks too to NOSMOQ( http://www.nosmoq.com)\nNow, we've been together all throughout years. He was my husband and we really fight our relationship..\n\nfor those who had the same experience of smoking,\nhttp://www.nosmoq.com\n\nemail me at\n\nsupport11@3gcare.com",
	"Today, i had a wonderful story to share to you.\nIt was my sister's experience..\n\nShe had a bestfriend since high school up to college. Her bestfriend named Shiela. When they were still in high school, shiela always yella because of her painful kidney. My sister aileen advice her to drink coconut water as many as you can, especially before and after bed. It happens, her kidney gettin worst, so she needs a dialysis. But oh my god, it cost a lot for her. They don't have enough money for throughout to just a dialysis. She fight all those things, somehow she did not know what to do, shiela was too tired of dialysis because it was too painful during on that. It happens, my sister visit her and she said, \" take care of my mom best, i love you\", so it does. After a small talk, her eyes close and that was her ending, she died. My sister can't even eat at those days, you can't even talk to her because of state in shock. Even i, could do the same thing. I feelp pity about shiela..God has plan each one of us..\nThat is why, be careful of everthing you do, if there are still chances , grab for it..\n\nthank you...\n\nsupport11@3gcare.com",
	"My 33 y.o boyfriend has been on PD for over 2 yrs now. He suffers from chronic fatigue, insomnia and depression. Every few weeks, his legs/ankles swell due to water retention. Although he enjoys the freedom with PD, being tethered to the machine overnight depresses him after a few months.\n\nWe've been dating for 5 months. I'm trying to educate myself on renail failure and the various health considerations. This site is a good resources as I now understand that fatigue is common side effect. I'm also trying to understand the dietary connections. My boyfried is very health conscious and monitors his salt and dairy intake. But I coof often and want to make better decisions when preparing meals.\n\nCan anyone recommend any good resources for:\n-nutrition\n-general health\n-support groups for family members\n\nThanks!",
	"Subject: Medical\nQuestion/Comment: I was dianosed with stage 3 CKD in March 2004.\nRecently my place of employment was found to have had Stachybotrys\n(black mold). My office was found to have ahigh count of\nAspergillus/Pencillium a count of 170. I have researched this fungal\nspore to find out it attacks the kidneys. Sixteen months 12/10/04 prior\nto being diagnosed my BUN was 17, 3/2/04 my BUN 28 , 5/5/04 BUN\n28,GFR 57. My question is do you know if this drastic change could be\nfrom this mold? Or could you lead me to someone who might know.\nthank you for your help!\nJerry",
	"In one of the articles here, Pirfenidone was recommended as part of the treatment. I need very badly to know how I can get or where I can purchase Pirfenidone.\n\nThis drug can reverse my kidney disease. Anyone with the information, please email me at topaz777@msn.com. Thank you very much and God bless you all.\n\nCynthia",
	"hi, im from philippines.My husband just started his dialysis session last mont after we found out that he is having a CKD.sometimes while performing hemodialysis he also need blood transfusion.Hes only 21 yrs. old.\nin the past weeks he's just feeling ok but now he can hardly remove his bowel and even lose his appetite, is that normal or it is because of the medecine that he always take.",
	"My dad has been on dialysis for about 2 months. He said that he is starting to hate going there because he gets a back ache from the chair. We have tried putting a pillow by his lower back. Have any of you experienced this? I was wondering if maybe there was a special pillow that he could use for his lower back.",
	"I was in the hospital in March with kidney failure lost down to 97 pounds befor I got another opion. The other Doctors thought it was all in my head.\n\nWhen I went into the hospital my BUN was 105 and creatinine was 2.1 I was in the hospital for a week things got beter.\nUntil a few weeks ago I started getting week again but gained weight due to fluids.\n\nI need to know when I should go see a speligest. My G.P. Doctors says not till get to 4. What can you all tell me who have experience wiith this problem. When do you go on dialysis am on a diet now.\n\nThanks\nSisseylee",
	"Is there anyone that can help me. My father who is 74 has diabetes tablet controlled, and recently he fell going to the bathroom and broke his ankle in three places which needed a opperation. However the hospital said that because he had renal failure this would be difficult. It was the first we new about his problems with his kidneys and it was a shock to us all, he was at the stage where he could not pass urine and very high pottassium level, they catherterized him to release the urine and performed the op. However i am concerned that they told me that he is in renal failure but they are releaseing him from hospital without any treatment, not dialisis or a offer of a transplant, My father has no appetite what so ever and limited thirst, any ideas on what i can do or ask docters as i am very worried that he will die when he is home without any treatment .. thank you very much for taking the time to read this",
	"Some recipes call for wild rice and some for white but have seen nothing regarding brown rice on the diets for kidney patients. Can anyone help? Is brown rice okay?",
	"hi,new to this site.i have been on dialysis since '94.lupus knocked kidneys out.on transplant list almost two years.i have good days,bad days.been thru so,much.was married for 20 years.hubby left last year.two 'kids',19 &15 yrs.have brother thinking of donating.he (me too),wondering how to donate without going broke??would like to talk to someone on dialysis,transplant,ect.how do you cope?",
	"I know this sounds weird but for some odd reason 2 1/2 weeks ago my husbands kidneys started working on there own and he was taken off dialysis and he is still feeling great but his potassum and protein and creatinine are starting to rise a little and Monday he will have another cath. put in his chest and start dialysis again. He is still not feeling sick yet, but we are afraid if we don't get him on dialysis that when his kidneys go back down it mite be to late to get him help.\n My question is what could have caused this and is there a some other cause that could have shut his kidneys down and then what could have started them back for that long of time before the numbers started to rise again?\n Sincerely JRH",
	"I here alot about pain meds. causing CKD, I take a lot of meds because I have a form of Artiritis that affects the joints badly. I take these meds.\n1- celebrex 200mgs 2 times a day\n2-cyclobenzaprine 1 time aday\n3- hydrocodone 5/500 as needed\n4- diovan hct 80mg/12.5mg 1 time a day\n5-hyoscyamine 0.125mg 4 times aday\n6- nexium 40mgs 2 times aday\n7- flonase 50mgs 1 time aday\n8-wellbutrin xl 300mgs 1 time aday\n9- bayer baby asprin 1 aday\n10- chewable vitamins 2 aday\n11- tums 750mgs 2 aday\nMy question is will any of these meds. cause CKD and if so what can I do to prevent this from happening? These are all meds. the doctor has me on, some because the meds. messed up my stomach . Most of these meds. I have been taking more than 5 years now and could they have already started the damage to my kidneys without me knowing it?",
	"Hmm..I dont know where to start..since this is a long story..well sometime ago I was told that I had high blood pressure..the DR gave me some medication..in July I had a heart attack and while I was in the hospital..a nephrologist came to see me and told me that he thought my kidneys were malfunctioning..in October I went to see the nephrologist and he sent me to a hematologist because he said I had some unusual protein in my blood..I saw the hematologist in November..he took blood..then I saw him 3 weeks ago and they did a biopsy on my bone marrow because he thought I might have a tumor in my bone marrow that is causing my kidneys to fail..I saw him again this past week and he still doesnt know why my kidneys are malfunctioning..I go to see my nephrologist on the 18th of January..and Im so scared..Im tired all the time..and I sleep alot..I also go between hot and cold..more cold then hot..and I itch all the time..I was wondering if anybody has gone thru this..I really need someone to talk to",
	"Hi\nCan anyone explain uremic nueropathy. iam closr to esrd and i have been having alot of tenderness in my feet. At time its so bad it hurts to walk and they tingle alot. Can this happen with uremic Nueropathy?",
	"Hi all,\nI’m new to this forum, and would like to tell my story, and then ask a few questions if I may. This may wind up being a rather long post, but I will try to be as succinct as possible.\n\nI’m a seventy two year old male with fifteen or sixteen diagnoses, but I will try to only hit the biggies. I remember from the age of four on, that I was told I had an ‘athletic’ heart and a murmur – but I was expected to outgrow it. Symptoms increased slowly and I did serve two years in the Army – including Korea – but by then I had learned how to dodge the really strenuous things I could not do.\n\nOK, now we fast forward to 1985 when I had my first heart cath., following which I was informed that I had familial hyperlipidemia. After about a year on the then drug for it – Lopid, my liver complained and I had to come off it for a couple of months. At that time my cholesterol went to 825 and my triglycerides to 2,080. (Recently my cardiologist told me that people with familial hyperlipidemia usually die off in their fifties – so I’m twenty years to the good, - so far.)\n\nI had my second heart cath in 1997 and my third – this time with a stent, in 1999. Now we fast forward to that wonderful year 2003, which saw me in the hospital twelve times – plus an after-care facility. In May I went in for my fourth heart cath and stenting. This procedure usually takes about an hour on the table – in and out in a day, but I was brought in a day early to be pre-hydrated and given mucomyst to protect my kidneys. I was then running about 3.0 with my creatinin. Anyway, the procedure ran six hours over two days. They damaged the artery and had to put in a second stent to cover it, and I wound up the second day with pneumonia, my blood pressure had dropped to 70/40 and my kidneys were in trouble. I was released one afternoon – too soon – and was back the next morning. After three more days I was again released too soon, and the attending forgot to tell me about the need for Plavix – or write me a prescription.\n\nI passed out a few times, and then saw my cardiologist who hit the ceiling about the Plavix – saying I could have a massive coronary. He gave me three tablets right there and then, and a prescription for on a day for six months – but it was too late. The next morning I awoke with a mild stroke, went for a fasting blood test, then went to breakfast and passed out on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. I saw my PCP who took one look and called the paramedics to drag me into another hospital. The stroke was confirmed, but I got rid of all the symptoms in about three days of working on it. From there I went to an after care facility. (Total lay-up time 2 ½ weeks.)\n\nIn doing the heart cath my cardiologist noticed a blockage of my renal arteries – one 85 the other 99 percent. In July, after recovering and building myself up, I went into the hospital and had my renal arteries angioplastied and stented. At that time they found my iliac arteries blocked, so in August I had my iliac arteries angioplastied and stented. (Six springs in one year.) At that time they noticed blockages in my legs that will require surgery, but the blood flow is still sufficient, so we just check that annually. But I wasn’t through.\n\nIn mid December I had what I thought was a heart attack, but was released after three days. At the end of December I had another episode and was back in the hospital. This time I lucked out and got a knowledgeable cardiologist, and on New Year’s Day I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy – which explained a lot of things.\n\nIn 2004 I was only hospitalized five times – things are getting better? Along the way, I picked up some other problems – Diabetes (I am now on Glynase and 300 units of insulin a day. This generally keeps my glucose readings below 200.) My lipid readings are too high, but I am already on three drugs for it, and there is nothing else to try; - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Hypertension, long standing anemia, degenerative arthritis in my spine, hips, legs, shoulders, neck, tail bone, and my left thumb (I’m a lefty.) Let’s see, what else – Oh yeah, I’m now in congestive heart failure, and taking diuretics for that shut down my kidneys, so my last hospital stay was for kidney failure – a little over a week - getting out for Thanksgiving. Now I am walking the line between too little diuretics putting me in the hospital with congestive heart failure, or too much putting me back in the hospital with another bout of kidney failure. My lungs are pretty well flooded and I have that good old persistent dry cough that goes along with it.\n\nOn January 12th I am scheduled for a little out patient surgery to create a fistula in my arm to facilitate hemodyalysis – as I am already technically in end stage renal failure. Although my creatinin level is all over the map at the present time – it is estimated that my current GFR is ten. In the hospital my creatinin level had gone to 6.1, - and that now brings me to my questions.\n\nI would like some information and experiences with Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis and Transplants. I have by no means finished my investigation and studies, but I would like to get some user points of view also. After all, it’s what life is like with the choices we make that is the bottom line. I still enjoy life immensely, and have no plans to alter that situation any time soon. Anything you can provide that will make my investigation and choices easier would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot - Burt",
	"hi my name is mary and i am really confused about kidney failure. My 72 yr old mom was just diagnosed with kidney failure. she has no kidney function what ever, she is a diabetic and is now on dialysis, she has trouble keeping her blood pressure level up, it has caused some heart damage, and the doctors dont know if she is going to make it. she is in a coma state in ICU at the hospital. Should i have known that this was happening, cause in october of 2004 her kidney tests were normal and then 2 months later they fail. this dont sound right to me. please someone help me.",
	"can anyone tell me when it time the doctor will place the acess for dialysis. iam not sure of much because i feel thing are not being explain to me. it took 46 year to just find out what diease i haved for taht long. iam at 16 percent and i doctor has not told me nothing except i need to think about dialysis. can anyone please help to understand a little more",
	"Hi, I'm a 41 year old who has been living with CKD for a long time. I found out I had a creatinine level of 2.4 when I was 19. Within the last year and a half, my creatinine levels have risen to a 4.0 and all of a sudden I have high blood pressure 140/88. My dr. put me on Benicar, but I don't like the way it makes me feel (my right kidney hurts a little all the time). I don't know whether this is due to stress (my husband of 12 years up and left me and my son without warning). I am hoping that this sudden increase in creatinine levels and my high blood pressure are due to the unfortunate events that have taken place in my life recently, and that my blood pressure will go down in time after I am on a good diet and good exercise program. I am not overweight. But, my dr. is now talking to me about end stage kidney disease and possible dialysis within the year. I am sooo scared, can someone please advise me....Could my creatinine levels stay where they are for a while or does this progress fast....I have a beautiful little son and I am very emotional about it all right now. And, can you live a long time while on dialysis? Thanks for replying...",
	"Hi everybody. I would like to know if I need to be on a renal diet at this point. I still have full funtion of kidneys although I do have tired spells. I have polysistic renal disease and was diagnosed in 1969 at 3 years old. Right now I eat anything I want but I do have weight issues. I tried the Atkins diet and had alot more energy but then I get reluctant to stay on it cause of the protein. Does anybody know if it would hurt me? Also is soy protein included as a no no ?",
	"Hi, I'm a 30 yr old female and have been diabetic since the age of 8. This past February to my surprise i was hospitalized with a heart attack. I recovered quickly and went about my daily life being my normal cheery self not giving too much serious thought to it, convincing myself that all would be just fine with my positive attitude. Well, on Dec 20, i woke with an extremely bad headache and was unable to speak correctly, once again, being the 'optimist' i am, i waited for this too to pass and go on with my life...only to my surprise, upon calling my doctor two days later i was told to go straight to the emergency room with the advice that i had probably had a stroke. And what do u know, after arriving at the hospital i was told that not only had i suffered a stroke, but that my creatinine level was 3.6, therefore i spent Christmas in the hospital....which is especially bad because i have 2 precious little boys at home that i had such big hopeful plans with on Christmas!! Well, they released me from the hospital on Christmas and one week later i had an appointment with a nephrologist at which time they ordered more blood work, well....just today i got yet another phone call with not so good news....my creatinine level is up to 4.2 AND for the first time it has hit me and IM SCARED!! I have found myself several times today with uncontrollable tears running down my cheeks...and not so much tears for my self but more for my two little boys that i want to be able to raise with my own hands... would love to hear others stories and create a support circle to help us all through our unsettling times....look forward to hearing from u!!\n\nFeel free to email at Kitteez@aol.com",
	"a few years ago my father got told he has ckd and as he had ascemic heart problems he would have to let the ckd take its own course he seems to have got really bad at the moment and has been admitted to the local hospital but no one seems to be doing any tests on him . they just leave him in bed or tell us he is fine but how long can his body take befor it gives up without any treatment? none of the doctors seem that bothered about him and when i ask questions they look at me like i am nagging them.please someone put my mind at rest. he also has started to take tias and seems to be getting more confused as each day goes by and then other days he seems perfectly fine he is on tablets for high blood pressur and for some reason water tablets is this normal",
	"I have just found this site.I am 51 & have had kidney problems all my life. I have to go next week & have a heart cath. Then on the 28th I am to have one kidney removed due to a mass on it. After the biopsy they will decide when I can have a transplant. (My husband is to be my donor),In the meantime I will be on dialysis. I have insurance through my job but still need some info. to help with the cost. I am told to apply for medicare & disalility but that can't be done until I am actually on dialysis. Any information will be appreeciated.",
	"Hello guys, i was looking for a good forum which is abt kidney/dialysis patients and i found this one... seems like a good place to discuss and share the ups and downs with dialysis.\n\nI will now introduce my self abit, i m male 24 originally pakistani, but living in Norway for last 10 years. I have been suffering from kidney failure since 2000, and having hemodialysis since then, i got kidneytransplant once in 2002, but that kidney didnt last more than 1,4 years, so now i m back on dialysis, 4 times a week, 5,5 hours each treatment.\n\nI dont have any problems with this whole disease, only thing which is really hard is the restrictions abt not getting to drink water. I dont drink alcohol or and other special drinks. I just love ice cold water, and when my kidnies were in function, i could drink up to 10 litres of water daily, but now after i got ill, i m allowed just to drink abt 1 litre a day, so thats the hardest part of the whole disease.\n\nwell i wont make this very long, i hope to get in touch with u guys who r having the same problems and maybe share some problems and learn something new from u guys,\n\nhope to hear from u guys!\n\nThanxz\n\n/Mvh Rana",
	"My mother has been livining with me for almost 7 years. My mother takes dialysis 3 times a week and she has been on dialysis for about close to that time. My biggest battle with my mother is her fluid in-take. Even though we talk about it, I am about to loose hope on what to do. I have bought thirst quinchers, I have bought frozen plastic ice cubes, I have done the crushed ice, I have bought cups that are a one cup serving, I have purchased a water jug with measurments on it and I have bought gum, a tongue cleaner. I try to calculate the water in food items but it is hard. My mother doesn't seem to realize sometimes that food that she eats and want to eat contains some type of water. We have battled with my mother's blood pressure; right now she is taking three types of meds for it. My mother has even suffer from renal posioning before. It you by chance know where I can purchase a counter that counts the liquid in food that we eat or a site on the internet that might have this information for me it would help greatly. It is so hard seeing my mother having to be deprived of something that she has always loved. I want to make what ever days God bless us with to be filled full of life and continue to laugh and enjoy each other and not argue about water. This is the first time that I have reached out for help from someone, I have always tried to research and find what information that I need. I have search on the internet and just can't seem to find what I need. I see how this can effect someones thinking; my mother can get so confused at times, she knows what she wants to say but the words don't come out right. This is sometimes hard to see because I know my mother is a wonderful person, full of wisdom and highly intelligent. She went back to college when I was a freshman in high school and she graduated the top of her class with double masters in four year. I admirer her and she is my best friend and I am so Blessed to have a mother like her. I want to give her all of her ROSES while she can still smell them. Please help me if you can. Thank you\nfrom when a daughter loves her mother.",
	"Hello Folks.........I'm just now preparing to start PD and have been going\nin weekly to flush. My catheter was placed about two weeks ago and if my\nlabs hold up, I'll probably get to wait two or three more weeks before I train.\nMy question is in regards to my catheter during a flush, when they drain my abdomen. I get this bad pinching pain when the catheter continues to try to drain. The renal RN told me this is normal and I am wondering how I'm going to sleep at night with a cycler that will drain 4 times a night. Anyone out there have this type of problem? Is the catheter aligned properly?",
	"hi dear, i got creatinin test with score result is 1.2 mg/dL.\ni am male, 34 years old.\nthis is become a kidney problem?\nthank you for answering my question.",
	"My husband's blood creatinine is now 3.1 --his Bun has risen from 35 to 39.\n He says he won' go on Dialysis or have a transplant ; I was wondering if anyone knew about how long he has; He has had a 4 way by-pass\nof his heart about 7 years ago. He has gout, arthiris, he takes 2 different\ntypes of blood pressure a day;--one of the blood pressure medicine he takes twice a day. His feet stays swell. he has many things wrong with him; I ask his doctor the last time he went to see her, but she would not\ngive me anything concret. --she said that it veriys with different people.\n He sleeps alot. his mood somtimes swings. He knows his condition but doesn't want to talk about it much. Prayer we both believe in. will talk more next time.\n\nMisty",
	"I'm new to this group or any group for that matter. My mom has always been heathy, active and young (but she has high blood pressure and there are heart problems in the family). She is only 58 and in September went into the hospital because hee blood pressure was over 200. With in about 3 days we found out one of her kidneys had failed and her criten level was at 10+. For almost a month we waited while she sat in the hospital trying to get her bloodpressure down and remaining kidney back to normal. They ended up putting a stent in and said the kidney was now at 90% (from only 10%)\n\nNow for the last 3 month she has not gotten any better, her blood pressure is still not under control, her criten level is rising .1 a week up to 3.1\nHer feet are swollen and her toes are purple. We were told that this was probably some plaque that released from the stent.\nWe just found out that she has an abdominal aneurysm at 3cm but they are not concerned about it until it get 5.5cm.\nToday we just received news that her remaining kidney is only working at 22%.\n\nSorry for the long explanation but there seems to be so many things going on and no one knows what is causing what. They are now talking about dialysis and putting her on a transplant list. I have heard bad things about dialysis from people that work in the medical field and I know a transplant in not a guarantee.\n\nThis is all new to my family and has happened so quick, we are working on getting second opinions but I'm just learning what all this means.\n\nAny comments or knowledge would help.",
	"I've been getting really painful cramps all over my body for a while now, mainly my feet and calfs also my neck, stomach muscles and hands. There doesn't seem to be any consistancy as to causes, if I try more salt, less salt etc. Any ideas, or better still a total cure...so I get some sleep?",
	"Hi there. My name is Jen. I was diagnosed with kidney failure in February 2004. I knew then that my kidneys were failing. However, I was not, and still am not, prepared for this. I thought that I could laugh the whole thing off. I have realized that it is not going to work that way. In December 2004 I had a fistula done. They had to do it at my left wrist, which is my prominant hand, because my veins are \"healthy.\" Well, it lasted two weeks, and then it fizzled out. So last week I had it done again, just above the original one. Now I call myself Frankenstein. I have read a few threads in here, and I have seen how people are going trough the same things that I am going through. The itchy skin, the exhaustion for no reason, the lack of self-confidence. It has all come on so suddenly. I have not yet started dialysis. I am not yet on a donor list, b/c I lack the will power to quit smoking. I need some true-blue people to talk to me about this. I get frustrated with my friends and family b/c they think I am dying and I do not see it that way. Others tell me, \"oh, You are so young.\" (I am 30). Others, still tell me they are grossed out by it. So please, I would love to talk to some people that understand this, that will not tell me all the things that I do not want to hear, that will give me advice on how to talk to my overprotective and anxious father. Please feel free to email me or if you see me online, IM me refinnejennyl@aol.com I just need to smile like I used to.\nThanks for listening\n~Jen",
	"Hi everyone, My name is LuAnn, I'm 47 years old, diabetic and just been diagnosed with kidney disease. The doctor said I'm in stage 3 kidney disease and I had to go to a dietitician who put me on a renal diet. The things I miss most are coffee, potatoes and tomatoes. It's really hard to find good diabetic renal recipes on the web, but I did find a couple of cookbooks. I have lots of questions about this disease and am going to websites to learn more. I hope to learn more here. If i understand it correctly, the better I do on my diet, quit smoking and start exercising the longer it will be before I have to go on dialysis, is this right? Does anyone know how long a person in stage 3 has before dialysis? I'm scared about the whole thing and cried all the way home from the doctor's office. Thanks for listening.",
	"My mom has had about 3 fistula put in and they all have failed and now they have a port in her neck that they are using for her dialysis. Is this ok or should I be concerned greatly?",
	"Hi Folks,\nMy name is Joe Z. I'm 60 years young and was diagnosed \"out of the blue\" with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 5 years ago. I felt I was in perfect health (despite knowing I was at least 20-30 pounds overweight and had been for years). I had no family history nor any of the classic symptoms of any physical illness though I had been on blood pressure medication since 1977. I saw my family doctor twice a year for prescription renewals and routine blood tests. It was a routine blood test that indicated a \"possible kidney problem\", confirmed at my first appointment with my Nephrologist. I was SHOCKED when he told me my kidney function was 30%. He changed my BP meds which lowered my BP noticeably and kept it consistent. He put me on sodium bicarbonate to lower my blood acid, and on a low potassium diet. Over 3 years my creatine started slipping from 3.0 to 3.4, and then finally this past April my kidney function was down to 15%. I was instructed to become educated on dialysis options- either PD or in-center Hemo. I didn't want to face the every day requirement of PD- three times a week sounded much better so I opted for Hemo though my clinic visit was depressing. I didn't learn about Home Hemo until recently, in another forum. As exciting as it sounds it's not yet available in my area. Having learned of the advantages I wish it were, and I hope it will be \"some day\".\n\nI had a fistula created in July, and I've remained stable at 15% through my last labs at the end of December, and I still feel good. My next lab status/function check will be 2/28. I now accept imminent dialysis as a GIFT of LIFE, rather than a curse as I did at first. I'm not on a transplant list yet though I have passed the required annual stress test and colonoscopy. I'm hoping maybe I'll get the call in 3-4 years and when I do I hope it's successful. If not I'm resolved to continue dialysis forever. I'm been encouraged learning that some people have lived basically normal lives on dialysis for well over 30 years. I'll listen to my Neph and do all I can to prolong this wonderful vacation called LIFE.\n\nI look forward to reading about your experiences and sharing whatever information is applicable.\nJoe Z",
	"Please bear with me for some background information before I get to the \"Title\" of this post.\n\nI was told this past April by my Nephrologist that my kidney function was down to 15% and I needed to become educated on options available for dialysis. He gave me a brochure (from Baxter) that briefly explained Hemodialysis (Hemo) and had a bit more information on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). He mentioned that PD could be done at home, in some cases during the night while one sleeps. He suggested I call the clinic across the street from his office (Gambro) and set up an appointment with the person in charge of PD. I did. Before I got there I read as much as I could find on the Internet (via Google searches) about dialysis options and I even found a few Forums, some specific to Hemodialysis and some specific to PD. I then attended the presentation at Gambro with my significant other. We were shown a very well-done Baxter video. The video seemed heavily weighted on PD, but did give a good overview of in-center Hemo. Three days a week, 4-5 hours per session under supervised care seemed much better to me at the time than approximately 8 hours every night of my life. And of course with the PD \"cycler\" we'd need to convert half our bedroom to my own \"mini-clinic\", and also be faced with receiving and storing a large amount of supplies shipped to us monthly. At that time the thought of being fully responsible for my treatment, even with a partner, was scary. I asked the PD person at Gambro if I could have a tour of their Hemo clinic, and she immediately arranged a visit with the supervisor on duty. I can't say the clinic environment and chat with two patients receiving dialysis was something that made me look forward to 3 visits a week, but to me it was still better than treating myself every night of my life.\n\nAfter finding another excellent Forum made up of both in-center Hemo patients and PD patients I began to get reassured that both methods offered the gift of LIFE, and that many dialysis patients live very normal lives using either method. I also learned from these folks that ATTITUDE was KEY- no matter what we do in life to make the best of it we MUST have the right attitude. I began to accept my inevitable in-center Hemo. I had a fistula done in July, and bought a laptop recently to help pass the time when I do start. My next evaluation is 2/28.\n\nFinally, the \"Title\" of this post. Only within the past month, in a Forum I read daily, did I hear about the availability of \"HOME Hemodialysis\"- in some geographies in the US. Don't forget- my \"dialysis education began in April and by the time I had my fistula done in July I thought I knew everything there was to know about dialysis options. It wasn't until December- a month ago- that I even heard of- completely by chance- Home Hemodialysis. Thanks to the help of some very knowledgeable people in the Forum I have learned a LOT about it in one month. There seem to be many advantages to me, even over PD. From everything I've read those who are using Home Hemo love it comapred to in-center dialysis. I am confident that with the availability of equipment and systems that have been approved within the past few years by the FDA for home usage, with the intense training program necessary I could do it. The PROBLEM is that there is no clinic or training center that supports Home Hemo within 200 miles of where I live. In fact, to the best of my knowledge ther are only 6 (six) clinics in the entire state of Florida that train for and support Home Hemo. And Florida is a HUGE state geographically and population-wise.\n\nAll the things I hear about Home Hemo are POSITIVE. After all I've read about in-center Hemo (mainly the problem of infection and its possible horrible consequences) my feelings have totally changed about having control over my own dialysis. I've heard that Home Hemo (and PD) is far less costly to insurance companies and Medicare than is in-center Hemo. The only possible negative I've heard is that it's comparatively NEW technology and hasn't withstood the test of time as have in-center Hemo and PD. However, there seem to be a number of people who have been doing Home Hemo for while. I ask those folks if there ARE any negatives, or any VALID arguments AGAINST Home Hemo.\n\nMy last question to folks doing Home Hemo is what factors made Home Hemo available in your area? Do I need to write to my Congressional Representatives and US Senators and make them aware of the cost and other advantages of Home Hemo, and ask them to do what they can to make it available in my area?\n\nThanks in advance for any help and suggestions.\nJoe Z",
	"how long can you stay active on PD and what time does it take for a kidney?what should i eat and drink?are there any books i can read on this and last what is the life i can have on this i am only 56 would like to see 70 thats all",
	"No question the best renal advise I ever received (and listened to) was \"Put in your own needles\".",
	"I RECEIVED A CALL FROM MY NEROPHOIST WANTING TO CHANGE MY APPOINMENT FROM THURSDAY, jAN. 20 TILL THURSDAY THE 27OF JAN. HE WANTS ME TO TAKE A CLASS ON DIALYSIS ON THE 26 BEFORE I SEE HIM. MY QUESTION IS DID YOUR DOCTER HAVE YOU TAKE A CLASS PIROR TO STARTING DIALYSISAND IF THIS COULD BE AN INDICATION THAT IAM GETTING CLOSER TO STARTING DIALYSIS. VERY CONFUSED",
	"The second best renal advise I ever received (and listened to ) was the suggestion that I should dialyze at home and daily. Since switching to daily home hemo I have seen my energy levels increase, my dietary restrictions are far less sever, I have no post dialysis symptoms, I can think more clearly, I’ve been told I look better (skin less yellow, eyes not red) and I need fewer medications – no blood pressure meds, no EPO(with a hemoglobin of 14.3) and fewer binders (two tums v. 4 renalgels).",
	"To long ago to remember all the details. I know I almost passed out at the end. And I had to get multiple sticks in my new fistula. It's now 16 yrs later and all is well\n.",
	"Hi,\nMy name is Maria Davila. I live in New York. I am writing in reference to my father who has been receiving dialysis for about 2 years. The reason I am writing is because his doctor is trying to pressure me into giving my consent so that he can receive peritoneal dialysis. My father suffers from dementia. Aside from that, 3 months ago the doctor stayed on the phone with me about 1 hour convincing me that a graft on his arm was the best alternative and could last him about 2 years. Unfortunately it didn't last 3 months. Two years ago, I gave consent for a fistula on his other arm...that never worked. During these years he's been receiving dialysis through catheters which always seem to get infected and therefore removed. Right now there is a catheter in his groin which didn't stop bleeding for 24 hours. They did a cat scan of his neck area and found that all the sites were exhausted.\nI don't know what to do. My dad is suffering so much. I feel it's all my fault. I'm writing because before he solely depended on the VA for his medical assistance but just recently he got his Medicare card. I'd like to know of specialists that can offer other solutions beneficial for him in other clinics or hospitals.\nAmerican Access in NYC did not want to treat him because he's in very poor condition. His graft at this time needs declogging. His veins collapse easily.\nQuite frankly I don't know where to turn. I don't even know if anyone will respond to this email.\nI beg you to help me and my father. My dad is in a wheel chair. He helps out with certain things but needs a lot of help with others.\nMy number is 917-207-4064.\nI want my dad to get the best treatment. It doesn't matter what it costs. Please help us.\nThank you,\nMaria Davila",
	"If you are having difficulty managing your fluids, you might try a DigiStraw. It is a \"digital straw\" and tracks what your drink. I am a kidney transplant patient and now after 10 years recently back on hemodialysis with DaVita.\n\nI invented the device some time ago to help me manage my fluids, I am making the device available to the public in a couple of months.\n\nGo to www.digistraw.com and see if it is for you.\n\nEric",
	"Hello\n\nMy sister lost of her kidneys to benign fatty tumors. She is now living on half of her kidneys. We know nothing about the nutrition except having a lot of water. I guess the diet for my sister and a patient on dialysis must be quite different. Our objective to help her keep her half kidney as long as possible. Is there any advice (nutritional and otherwise)? Where can I get a full nutritional and dietary advice for this situation? I certainly appreciate your tips and references.\n\n\nThanks a lot in advance\nH.",
	"",
	"undefined\nHi my name is jude and I was just told that my kidneys are around a 45% working and the rest is gone. I am very scared and am trying to find out all I can. My dad died with this in'01 and i am now headed down that same path.\n I am diabitic, and have high blood pressure and high cholestrol so basically I'm a mess. I also suffer from chronic depression and this didn't help much. I feel alone and don;t know what to do or where to go. Jude",
	"I looked for messages from caregivers to see how others were handling their personal experiences. Did I miss them? I would like to know how others deal with some of the issues that come up. Like to hear from anyone who's been there. Thanks!",
	"I noticed no one had posted on this Exercise site and just wanted to make sure it was working! Congratulations to those of you who try to exercise no matter how little. Great job!",
	"Dining out can be a challenge for some of us. It is important to remember the \"foods allowed\" and the key-word \"moderation\". I admire folks who have great will-power. Best wishes as you learn the art of dining out on a renal diet.",
	"Hi,\n\nI am a Vietnamese with CKD stage4/5. I was recommended a renal diet from a dialysis center. It is difficult for me to find out the list of Vietnamese food/fruits/vegetables contain high potassium. I am living in Cleveland, OH and there is no Vietnamese dietitian in area. If there are any Vietnamese dietitians in your center, can I ask the favor to contact me to help me with this problem? Thank you very much.\n\nNam Nguyen\nNam7111959@yahoo.com",
	"i just w  anted to say hello...i am from canada and started dialysis yesterday...feeling pretty tired today..cathether hurts a bit..",
	"I have meet my Specialist in 11/2004 my doctor has ordered\nmy first renal test with a standing order again before I see the dr\nin may. I received direction from my Specialist about capturing\nmy blood pressure with a home monitor which I did and my primary Dr. put me on blood pressure medication. My primary Dr. received the first test and had a nurse called to see how I was doing on my new medication but I get the feeling my primary Dr. knows something and will not tell because, I have another renal blood work due before\nseeing Specialist I guess what I am saying is the waiting is tearing\nmy insides out. I have been diagnosed stage 2 and the waiting is to much. PS: what will help with not knowing in between visits.",
	"I've had problems for 4 years now. It started out as burning when I urinated. I didn't feel I was able to go to the doctor because my parents were busy with their divorce. Then it got worse and I had a burning and itching in my vulva. Then one night I had a terrible sharp pain in my side. I have had sharp pains since then, but most of the time now, I just have a crampy feeling in my side. The vulva pain has re-surfaced in the past few weeks and I am trying over-the-counter yeast infection treatment (I know it sounds like I'm trying to extinguish the fire from the flames rather than the base.) For the past two years I have been having inconsistencies and am embarrassed to tell my pediatrician. I have been to the emergency room twice. Last year I went unconscious. They told me I had caloric depletion or hypoglycemia and the only evidence was \"ketones in your urine.\" He asked me if I had any kidney or liver problems and I said, \"How would I know?\" He then asked, \"Is there any alcohol use?\" There was absolutely none. Then he said no. I have had at least one complete UA a year ago in the ER (if not several others--up to 5). The only thing they found was ketones. I was misdiagnosed by an ER doctor and sent to \"the diabetes management center.\" I was also misdiagnosed with anorexia about two years ago (ketones again). Right now the only thing that is keeping me from a seeing another doctor is my fear that it is kidney disease. I am in college, and making a 3.9 (surprisingly). I'm afraid that it would take me away from what would be my last year at life and I'd be sent to the hospital and know for sure that I am doomed to die. And there's no way I'm going to be in Depends at 20. So I have made up my mind that I will go to a doctor (my unapproachable quack that takes my sh*tty insurance) after I graduate this May. Hopefully my treatment will not take more than 3 months. Then I can go back to school and be fairly happy but insecure about my medical problems. I can't trust anyone right now. My mom would raise a stink and drag me kicking and screaming to my doctor and probably have a panic attack if she found out I was dying and try to fight herself into a hospital even if I do not want to see her (she's done it before). I have never had close friends, and I've never been in a relationship. I can't talk to my therapist because she told my younger sister's therapist about my mental problems (a psychotic episode and major depression) and she blabbed to my sister and she makes fun of me, and I think she'd tell my mom.\n\nI also have high blood pressure (about where the recommended line is on this site, and I have always been cold natured.\n\nSo do any of my symptoms sound like kidney disease? Different websites seem to give me different info. Anything you could say to me to make these 4 months go smoother? Any advice that I probably won't take? Maybe an uplifting message if nothing else.",
	"I have been on PD for 10 months. In the past 3 months I have developed an uncontrollable scratching sensation when I start to sweat. If I cool down it goes away. All my levels are good except my calcium is a little high.\nMy doctor says that it could be the calcium (he is not sure) and I am now on a low calcium solution. any help would be appreciated.",
	"I found out about having a single kidney when I had a problem pregnancy. I was having the symptoms of pre-eclapsia, but found out after a really rough time that I had been born with one kidney. My renal doctor informed me that not only do I have a single kidney but I have an extremely rare kidney disease related to those with a single kidney. What I am wondering is if anyone is familiar with this and what I shoulddoto best keep my health. I am also wondering if anyone else is in this situation, and if someone can tell me the chances of having more children. How fast can something like this can progress? I know this is a lot of questioning i one post, but I just foud his site!!!",
	"undefinedundefined\n\nHi\nIam a care giver to a 89 year old lady she like my grandmother.\nNeed help to understand somethings. She is chose not to go on dialysis.\nHer kidney funchen has been at 13 now it has droped to 8 not shure what that really means. The doc. have tried to explain but this is still all so new to me. no family around so iam all she has so I need to now how long dose she have. She is very tired but the at 89 I would expect that. She has been complaing about her stomic and have learnd from the site that to much protein could make this happen. Just wont to make her as comfortable as possible.",
	"hello everyone..just thought i would say hello...i am from ontario canada and was diagnosed with diabetes 5 years ago and started dialysis last week..am feeling really washed out but i guess thats to be expected..will i start to feel better soon?and with the pain around the cathether go away?am having a hard time sleeping on my back as im not used to it..have pericarditis as well but again they said tht was not uncommon for dialysis patients..by the way i am 46 years old and have been put on the transplant list already..any advice as to what i should expect from dialysis whould be apreciated..have a great day everyone..and remember that no matter how dark the night ..it must give way to a new dawn..",
	"i am 28 and recently fell in love with a 27 yr old man in the end stages of chronic renal failure. he refuses to take his meds. knows practically nothing about his condition and has been in denial for the past 11 years. he just recently had a fistula put in and can not skate or paint as he used to and is very depressed/paranoid/moody. he at times is positive and will take his meds and eat low potassium foods. he still smokes, but has definitely cut back and will possibly stop soon. he is absolutely certain that a transplant will not work and he believes that his donor will be mad at him. he has alluded to the fact that he thinks he will die at 29. a year and 1/2 away. i have been reading to educate myself, but he pretty much refuses to discuss his illness. i have a list of low potassium foods and only buy those and quite often cook dinner for him, but am still kinda confused and in shock. he didnt tell me what was up with his health until we had fallen in love and its very hard for me to digest everything and deal with his moods and anger and fear with out going crazy. i am scared he will die and that he has given up. i try to make him happy and let him make his own decisions regarding his treatment. it seems to work at times. ok.",
	"HI.\n\nMy husband is having his hemodialysis sesion since october last year From that moment on till now we make love twice a month.\nl just wanna ask if it is ok to make love with the person having CKD\n(glomerolunephritis). I am asking coz im afraid that might be transmitted through sex. I am alarm becase i was having a headache and muscle pain lately. Please i really need somebody's advice.[/COLOR]",
	"For a pt with ESRD of hemodyalisis, how much pottasium, phospourous, calcium are they to have per day?",
	"Well i'm 25 and for about the last three years i've had kidney problems. I've been to a urologyst.(sorry not a good speller)he said I was having spasims , but the past 21/2 years since then I've still been having problems.Sometimes i'm doubled over in pain.I don't have ins so i dont know what to do, but i really feel like there's something not right about my kidneys.I just really need some advice from some one please write me back and give me your oppinion.  :undefined",
	"I was diagnosed with Iga nephropathy in March last year..and the only reason I found out was because my legs swelled up to the point where I couldn't walk..and since then they haven't gotten that bad..even before I started taking meds..and now that I'm not taking them at all. I was actually worse when I was on Lasix..but I think it may have been because I was drinking heavily pretty much every night..I don't know..I have so many questions and the last doctor that I had I couldn't understand which was fine at first because he just talked to my ex while we saw him because I was in another world staring into the wall..but then when I had to go alone..I just really don't understand anything he is saying because of his thick accent..and poor english. I recently found a new (and awesome) doctor that's not 3 hours away but my car broke down so I have no way there anymore because we have no public transportation here..so..anyway..I'm just full of questions and I'm just kind of scared to ask them because they might be considered stupid or inferior to others'..I guess I just want someone to talk to..",
	"Hello All, hope everything is okay with everybody. I am 24 yo female have been on dialysis for about 5 months and I have no sex drive, is this because of the meds, is anyone else going through this. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME",
	"I need to know if the potasium level is monitored during dialysis?",
	"I am looking into a patients symptoms, I am a nurse. She is an alcoholic and has alcoholic fatty infiltrated liver and multiple types of casts in her urine, I am concerned about the possibility of kidney disease from her alcoholism. The Dr I work with is not, he is a OBGYN. I need access to info on her problem. I know that alcoholism can cause kidney problems and or disease, but I cant find any info online. HELP !!",
	"My husband is on Dialysis. For the last couple of months on of his new symptoms is the body shakes. These come on for no reason, at different times of the day and night. What causes this? Is this normal, or a sign of a nother problem in the works? What can we do to decrease them? Thanks for any help you can give.",
	"Hi, I switched from pd with machine at home 12 hrs a nite to manuel 2 1/2 hrs. a day spread out in 1/2 hour cycles every 2 hours. Which is alittle more work hooking up 5 times a day. But is better for me, one is less time on actually dialysis and frees up more time in evening and can travel easier if I want to. My problem is I do greater volume of solution at each cycle. Which is ok except makes a stronger dialysis because shorter time.\nWhich I was cramping up on. I cut back percentage to all 1.5s and drink more fluids which seem to help somewhat on cramps. But I get a burning sensation in the upper arm muscles. I notice that it subsided somewhat in between cycles when I either eat or drank fluids in between cycles. I do not want to drink to much fluid to compensate for this.\nDid anyone else had a simlar experiance on pd? I have been on dialysis for about a year now. I have 5% kidney use left. Thank you for any response",
	"http://groups.msn.com/KidneyKorral\nWell, this is blatant piracy.\nI have created my own site for the ESRD community, and I call it the KidneyKorral.\nIt is an informal site for ESRD patients, professionals, and their FAMILIES.\nIt has a picture post page, a message page, and most exciting to me, a chat room.\nI look forward to developing this site for information and support in dealing with renal replacement.\n\nI am a dialysis technician with eight years under my belt, and boy, do we need this forum!!\nPlease help me help you help us.\n\nHope to see you in chat soon.\n\nTry it, we might like it!\nThis is where... http://groups.msn.com/KidneyKorral\n\nYou pick when.\ntom of earth",
	"does anyone know anything about being on plamapheresis?",
	"well my dr has told me that my undorn child has dialated kidney's an has not tryed to tell me anything more .....what does it mean that my undorn has this problem an what are the riskes?",
	"HIPPA...according to Janet Reno, we should enjoy the same confidentiality in our medical records that we do in our financial institutions, our credit lenders, even our local video store...\nSuch were the comparisons she presented to the House when she proposed the bill.\nWell, first of all, financial institutions and credit lenders have done a damn poor job of protecting us from identity theft, and confidentiality is a service we pay for when dealing we employ them. And nothing is confidential to the IRS, credit bureaus, or any other institution when we apply for a loan, or come into large amounts of money.\nThe other day, I opened a second checking account at my bank, and first things first, they ran a check to see if I had any outstanding accounts in any other banks, which it turns out, I did...$40.00 in fees from an account closed three years ago. I had to settle with them before I was allowed to open a new account.\nAnd my local video store has turned me over to a collection agency for late fees, and now said agency has my address, phone number, and employer's name.\nFurthermore, they are promising to place the account in my credit record and damage my credit rating.\nThe clerk at the video store is (maybe) a high-school graduate, and under no compunction to protect any information she has about me.\n\nBut!!! If I want to share personal information about a patient's condition, history or transplant status with any hospitol, clinic or physician, I MUST obtain legal permission or face dire consequences, both professionally and financially!\n\nThe purpose of HIPPA is primarily to prevent exploitation of the patient for commercial gain...\" Yes folks, Edith Kerbloncovich uses Polysulfone dialysers for her treatment...Shouldn't you?\" Gimme a break!\nBut Edith just returned from the Chama Chili Festival when the transplant people called, and her potassium is through the roof so she is ineligible for the kidney...and I can't tell them a thing about it!! I can't even voluntarily show that her labs have been in range for the last eight years, and that I know her as an extremely compliant and worthy candidate for transplant! And I can't tell them that Edith is the foster-family placement co-ordinator for three Pueblos where the demographics indicate the highest rate of child abuse in the state. (fictional Name and Chili festival)\nWhat ever happened to the days when a healthcare giver was treated like part of a family?\nIn my humble opinion, HIPPA has damaged the humanity of the patient/caregiver relationship and opened a whole new market for damage seeking attorneys at the expense of overly dedicated, underly paid technicians and nurses.\n\nRebuttal is invited.\n\ntom of earth",
	"Well I was thinking of getting a portable DVD and waching some movies while I am on the machine. Even listening to a CD player, or a lab top, thats if its in your budget. Hey just a few suggestion. I am going to start doing my reading while in treatement. Well thats thats for now. Take care all and have a bless day.\n\nShay",
	"TODAY I FOUND OUT NY SERUM CREAT. JUMP FROM 3.4 IN DEC TO 4.1 WHICH MAKE MY GFR AT 12. WHEN YOU ARE IN END STAGE DO YOU STILL URINATE? I STILL URINATING BUT HAVE NOTICE A DEC;LINE IN OUTPUT. ALSO DOES A WOMAN CYLCLE CHANGE. I NOTICED IT VERY VEWRY LIGHT NOW / i know these are dumb question put don't know the answers.thank for your help.",
	"I have been taking lithium for manic depressive illness since I was thirteen years old. Thirty years later there is not another treatment that is effective for me. I have gone from very disabled, in my youth, to competent and functional as an adult.\n\nThe condition of my kidneys has steadily been detiorating. I have also used a mild diaretic in conjuction with lithium to help the drug become more effective. I have false diabetes and urinate, drink fluids all trhe time.\n\nRecently my blood tests have shown further and more dangerous decline in kidney function. I have pain at night (lower back). My urine is sometimes frothy. My creatine levels are not normal. I have never noticed blood in my urine. I do not have other symptoms listed in your site.\n\nI live in Wilmington, NC. Medical help here is surprisingly difficult to get. I cannot discontinue lithium. I wonder if I will actually die from complications with my kidneys.\n\nDo you know anyone in the Wimington area?",
	"I do not like to read that ppl are having such a hard time with this. My kidneys are at 11% function....if I am lucky, nothing has changed excpet my diet. I am living a normal life, as much as i can. I must admit that the diet is what really got to me. I am only on 1 pill. And no symptons. Everybody just has to look at he bright side of things. There are lots of ppl to talk to about this. including your doctors. I have read in some forums that ppl are deathly scared. The rate for tranplant is 90%. In canada that i know of anyway....I just want to say i know what you guys are doing thru....just talk aout feelings and you will feel better. I have so much help from the tons of nurses and doctors i have seen. And is you want you can ask me. I may be only 23 yrs old, but age means nothing. Talk friends about it. I do enjoy ready what other ppl have to say, there are a lot of positive things on this froum.",
	"Does anyone have any information about whether soy products are acceptable in the diet of dialysis patients? My son was told to avoid dried beans, like kidney, pinto, re-fried, etc. I don't know if soy beans and products made from them are in the dried bean category or more like green beans.",
	"Hi I am new. My husband had a septic shock shut down, Oct 8, 2004. His kidney shutdown along with other issues, and for 8 days in ICU they kept him from dying. He had e coli in his blood. The creatine level were near 4.0 but at release from the hospital they were 2.5. Over the next months, his blood pressure was up and down, family doctor working to stablize blood pressure by adding and removing bp meds. Creatine came to 1.7. In January , the creatine started rising and as of Feb 24 it is 3.1. He has an appointment with a kidney specialist on 3/14. This appointment our doctor made weeks ago. Is this typical to wait so long to see a specialist, how worried should we be? I am really starting to read about this and am becoming alarmed. Can this be temporary and go back down? So many questions, I know you all are not doctor, but experience carries direction.\nIf you are a doctor. comment please.\nIf there are diagnoisis centers, where. We are in Virginia, east coast.\n\nThanks\njudilex",
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	"Hello everyone. My wife donated a kidney to our son 4 years ago. He was 12 yrs old then.\nThe relationship between them was great at first. Over time it has deteriorated. Our son now acts like he is resentful for what my wife has done, like he wished he didn't have a donated kidney. I want to know if there are others who have, or are, going throught this too and how you dealt with the problem. Our son doesn't want to talk about it.\nThanks",
	"My mother has just been told that she only has 30% of one kidney functioning. The other one was severly blocked & probably happened over 15 years. They also found that she has vascular disease in her stomach surrounding the kidney's ; the doctor said it was like a plaque(whatever that means) She also said that they couldn't do an angio. because the risk of surgery outways the functioning of the kidney's. She said just take the medicine she prescribed(a vitamin D) and watch my mother's potassium intake. I think that I could be doing something more for my mom. I live with her and cook for her, she's 77 yrs. old. , has had heart surgery, gout, anemia, high blood pressure, arthritis and takes a bunch of medicine every day for all her ailments. She swears by what the doctor says, but at least I can help with her diet. Any suggestions? Should I try to talk her into a second opinion?",
	"Well, this is my first time here and want to say hello to everyone. All my life I knew I was going to end of up with kidney failure, due to cancer I had as a child. Just recently about 2 years ago I had started medications to slow down the process. I am not on dialysis yet but i'm sure it will be soon. I don't let this get me down. I actually think sometimes I am in denial or don't really understand the whole thing. The thing that is scary with me is that I only have one kidney. The doctors say it is it is up to me if I want to have a transplant right away or go on dialysis for a while. How is someone suppose to make a dicision like that? Anyway, maybe someone can write a response to this and help me understand a little better. The other problem that I'm having is nobody will give me insurance, not even the state. They say i'm not critical enough, what crap! So, needless to say my medical bills are outragous. Anyone else have this problem? Please help",
	"My sister removed one kidney and half of the other kidney and is living on half a kidney. We are concerned about the return of her cancer. Also bacause her intake of dairy products (calcium) is limited , we are concerned about bone loss.\n\nAny recommendation is appreciated.",
	"Like this says take your binders with every meal. Not before, not after, during your meal. Oh, and follow your doctors advice on binder usage, (some people don't need them).",
	"The only way i have dealt with my kidney failure is by talking to family and friends. The only thing is nobody really takes it as seriously as I do. I sometimes wonder if they are all in denial or just don't want to deal with it. I have had my 2 sister and a girlfriend offer to donate their kidney, but aren't showing any interest in getting started in the testing process. I often wonder if there is other places to go for support. I only have one kidney and scared of what could happen. I hear people live on dialysis for a very long time. Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions please reply. Thank you and good health to all!",
	"Just started dialyis in Jan. I would like some recipes",
	"Questions bout proper procedures in Dialysis Centers?\nBefore I start with my story I want to say that my Hubby doesn't go to a Davita Dialysis Center......He has been on Dialysis for almost 3 years....so many things trouble me.....My Hubby tells me of procedures that I feel are not followed correctly at the dialysis center... Am I wrong? If I am please tell me....It would greatly ease my mind...examples...not changing gloves, not wearing gloves, ignoring patients that need help, or that are asking for help, asking and encouraging patients to end thier treatments early, (this is done so they can get off work early ) each time they take these patients off early they shorten their life span & quality of life, they drop items in the floor & use them, reusing bags that hold the artifical kidney....so many questions i have about his treatments...Can someone please tell me is this normal in all Dialysis Centers? Am I just overly concerned for my Hubby & the other patients? i want to complain but afraid it might come back on him...they might do something to endanger him....of course what they do I already feel endangers him & the others too...why can't we treat others as we would wanna be treated? It could be them sitting in that chair someday. Maybe I worry too much? But I want the best for my Hubby & the others too. I also have another question...What is the proper procedure for disposing of the gloves, etc with the blood on them? Should they just be threw in the trash can by the patients chairs? My Hubby told me that he is the only one that actually takes the time to wash up before & after treatment & that sometimes there are things like needles, etc on the sink. My Hubby has told me that they don't like it if he asked them to not take him off the machine at the same time as another patient. He says he wants thier total attention & he wants clean hands & gloves before touching him. My hubby asks for gloves for himself to wear when getting off the machine. When they drop a bandaide, etc in the floor & try to pick it up & use it on him he insists they throw it away, wash their hands & get a new bandage which doesn't make him one of their favorite patients. They have given up on trying to get him to shorten his time because he has told them they get paid to give him the full treatment & he is getting it. Sometimes they go to break knowing they have a patient coming off & it will leave two at a time coming off with only one person doing this. My Hubby says they will go from patient to patient & used to NEVER change gloves till my Hubby filed a complaint about it. Ever since he did that they have not been very nice to him & I think he has been labeled a trouble maker. But I just don't think they should be taking breaks if they have a patient coming off. The breaks should be taken before or after? Am I wrong in thinking this way?",
	"Hello,\nI have been looking at posts online since I found this wonderful site. You all are wonderful, kudos to the people who are enduring the dialysis process with words of honesty and strength in determination. For you all, like myself who have recently been diagnosed , the courage to \" reach out\" and find others that are feeling the way we do. Lastly, for the caregivers for your utmost love and support for the patient. i.e. spouse, friend, etc. YOU all are so precious, thanks for the opportunity to review this site, makes me feel not so alone.\n\nKeep faith and love in your hearts, life is too short and the little things are what matters.",
	"Hello all. As I said in my thread title - I am new to this. My fiance has just been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. He is a diabetic and has high blood pressure. He is 42 years old.\n\nI do not know to what extent he is at in this disease and am hoping to go to his next doctor's appt with him so that I can become more informed on this subject.\n\nWe are terribly worried - as we have big dreams of \"growing old together\". I've read through so many posts on this site and have some hope that it's not a \"death sentence\" as I first thought. We cried together on Friday because I think both of us are terrified of the outcome of this.\n\nAt this point, all I really know is that he has had 2 protein tests and the protein in the urine had increased on the 2nd test. They sent him to a kidney doctor which in turn told him about having the CKD. So right now, I don't know anything about how far along he is.\n\nI guess my main reason for posting here is to see if anyone knows if it's possible to prolong the need for dialysis or a transplant? If so, how long can it be prolonged?\n\nI'm so scared for him and want to be able to be strong for him when I go with him to the doctor and help him through this. I would love to see some words of encouragement from those of you that have been down this road or if you have a loved one that has been here too. Any advice or suggestions are welcome. Thank you.",
	"I am in the beginning stages of the qualifation process for kidney transplant at Stanford. I have been to my first appt. and they basically gave an hour long seminar on very basic information. My second appointment is next week and I have a concern....they said in the first appt. that you can't have any open infections to qualify for a transplant.\n\nI get small staph infections on my legs, and I'm worried that this will disqualify me for a transplant. I've never had a major infection and I keep my staph under control as much as possible with cleansers. Once or twice Ive taken antibiotics to make them temporarily go away, but its my understanding staph stays with you forever.\n\nDoes anyone know if this will disqualify me?",
	"hi, my name is vic i have been on dialysis for almost a year and i have been having a very tough time dealing with everything i would really like to talk with someone you is dealing with the same thing, i have been sick since i was eight with something called alporte syndrome which affects vision, hearing, and the kidneys my doctors told me that it wouldt progress until my early thirty's but im nineteen and i have been affected by all three symptoms so it's not surprising that i suffer from depression  . It's also hard to meet people my age with the same problems so i hope someone contacts me",
	"Hey all. I have of late been tasting salt in my mouth all the time . i don't eat any but i still taste it all the time. Does anyone know what this could mean.???. even when i cough and bring up something it has a salty taste to it.",
	"allall\n\nGood morning. My husband went on dialysis in December with complete kidney failure. He has diabetes and has been disabled since 1986 with a back injury so we have dealt with health issues for many, many years.\n\nI have been beside him all the way but right now, I don't know how to deal with emotional health. I want him to get some help but he said he is \"okay\" and doesn't need to talk to some doctor about dying. I love him dearly but he doesn't see how much this all affects me. I try not to feel selfish when I am overwhelmed but I really do think it is natural to feel that way.\n\nAny advice?",
	"My husband has been a hemodialysis patient for nearly 3 years. In that time, we've both learned quite a bit about how to live full lives within the parameters set by dialysis. He continues to work full time, and we enjoy the weekends tremendously. I happened to read an article about home hemodialysis and was impressed with the clinical outcomes of this treatment, and also with the fact that it can fit so well into an active life. However, finding a clinic in our area who will teach us the techniques we need has been a disappointment. (He tried PD, but the catheter failed both times.) Does anyone have experience with home hemodialysis?",
	"I sent these questions to DaVita via the corporate web site. I received a reply telling me that the questions could be answered only by the administrators or owners of THIS Forum. My questions are:\n\n1. Does DaVita presently offer training and support for the NxStage Home Hemo system at any DaVita Dialysis Center in the continental US?\n\n2. If yes, approximately when and where will training and support first become available?\n\n3. If no, does DaVita plan to offer training and support for the NxStage Home Hemo system?\n\nFor anyone not familiar with the NxStage system, it requires no plumbing and is portable. It has been approved by the FDA. Additional information can be found on the NxStage web site http://www.nxstage.com/. At present the answers to these questions are not on the HomeDialysisCentral web site http://www.homedialysis.org/. Thanks.\nJoe Z",
	"I would like to make a meal for a friend who is on renal dialysis. She has recently had both kidneys removed. Is there any reason not to use wine in cooking? It seems to me that would be a good way to increase flavor.",
	"My mother is insulin dependent diabetic and has chronic renal failure. She is so confused on which foods she can and cannot eat based on whether it is good for her kidneys or her blood sugar control. Doctors give her diets but trying to constantly compare what to eat is difficult. Are there any diets out there to follow that are good for both of these ailments?",
	"Does anyone have any suggestions on increasing dietary fiber safely?\nAnnette",
	"Hi, I am not on dialysis, but my father is, or at least he was. He never was diagnosed with any renal failure, and went into the hospital about 6 weeks ago for his COPD and congestive heart failure. He came home after 8 days with C Difficile - a hospital acquired bacterial infection. After about 3 weeks of sever diarrhea and dehydration he went back to the hospital and was diagnosed with all renal failure. (Probably caused by the dehydration). Anyway, he started dialysis, and his numbers did not improve with the dialysis. THe doctor told us that we should let him stop the dialysis, that he probably would not regain any kidney function, and that on the chance that we did get him home, he would be living with pain and have no quality of life. He is 77 years old. He decided to stop his on Monday (today is Friday) His last treatment was last Friday. His vitals are remaining stable, his blood pressure is good and his heart rate is still good. THe doctor's have said that his heart couldn't handle the dialysis and he would never et stronger. We, as most people would, believed the Doctor and have tried to make peace with this.\n\nI decided to do some research today, and came across this website. It seems to me that my dad possibly had acute renal failure, which I read is reversible. Also, people live quite active, healthy lives on dialysis. Is there something I am not understanding? I welcome any comments from more experienced people. I want to know that there is no hope for my dad. I don't know if we should get a second opinion or let him go. Any thoughts are appreciated.\n\nA loving daughter",
	"I am of course am not looking for a medical diagnosis but at least someone who may have had this experience. My husbands has high red blood cells and is between stage 3 and 4 kidney failure. He is supposed to have low red blood cells even to the point of anemia (so they say) he has an excellent Dr but I don't like not knowing why this is high. he did an ultrasound to look for any possible tumors and ran addt'l labs, all were normal. Any help out there!",
	"undefined\nMy mother maybe gong on dialysis, shortly she is handling this better than I am. I need to know where I can locate a supoort group in my area for myself and other members of my family. Any any suggested books to read.\nThank you",
	"I found that there are good caregivers and there are those who seem to have more trouble. Let's face it when a progblem occurs especially when they insert the needle and your arm blows up, the purple arm lasts a month. So, I have noticed that some caregivers are more likely to have this happen more often than others. So, I say, it is your arm and you have to live with mistakes, so try to have people who you have confidence with work on you. It's nothing personal, it's just that our life is already painful in many ways and we need all the best we can get.",
	"[living with esrd\n\nI'm new at writting on the internet so please excuse by typing and spelling errors.\n\nI have been a kidney patient since sept 2003. Started on Hemo Dialysis for 3 months and switched to CCPD Jan. 04. I addapted pretty well as I continue to work on my job full time. Some nights I am very tired and wish I didn't have to hook up but by Husband pushs me to do it.\n\nHe also bought us a Motor home so we could go to Disney by putting the machine and all the cases of pd fluid withus. This worked out quite well except the gas was very expensive.\n\nWe are going to Chicago in August and plan on going by motel instead of motor home. I'm sure we can pack the machine and boxes up and take them with us.\n\nI think i've said it all except I am afraid of getting perintonitas. Can't spell it but would like to hear from anyone who does CCPD.\n\nI also am very thankfull GOD has given me the strength to do this.\n\nPhyllis",
	"I have problem controlling the amount of fluids I drink. So, I thought that it might be a good idea to buy small dispensable cups and set out the amount of cups I would use each day and throw them away as I use them.\nI'm gonna try this and see if it makes a difference.",
	"Hello All, I am getting my fistula tomorrow, I would like to know what I can put on it after the surgury and after dialysis to keep the scar tissue down, I've seen some pretty big ones. Thankx and God bless.",
	"Seen my Neph. on thursday he said my diease is very active right now . wanted to schedule me with the surgeon to have my fistula place, but said my blood counts were to low. He has me giving myself procrit shots once a week. He said by my last lab i would more likely be starting dialysis in sept. just need to vent it still seem unreal at moments. thank for listening.\nbun is 43 and s/c is 4.0",
	"I'm going to my first outpatient dialysis on Tuesday. Currently I have the neck cath but I'm not sure whether I should get the arm cath or the stomach one...my doctor has put me on a transplant list because the rest of me is so healthy and young, but I'm torn. I know young people get transplants fast, so is it better to get it in my arm or in my stomach? Dialysis makes me so tired I can barely walk, and I've been having a major water retention problem. Is one type better for those symptoms?",
	"I'm going to be put on a transplant list very soon and I'm terrified of it. I want to get a new kidney as soon as possible to fix this, and I know it's only a treatment, not a cure, and I could have to go through this again in twenty years, blah blah blah.\nI'm wondering how long you wait for a cadavor before they start looking at live donors. I know the kidney donation process is much harder on a donor, but I also don't want to wait for six years before I can get better.",
	"I'm a 40 year old with complete renal failure. I started dialysis about a year and a half ago when I was pregnant. I have been back and forth between PD and hemo due to several complications. I am now back on hemo permanent and do not plan on going back to PD. I think it has taken me this long to accept that I am really sick and have to take my condition seriously. Im finding it difficult to find a list of foods low in potassium, low in phosphorous, low in salt, low in fat, and still have flavor and variety. I absolutly love all of the things that i can not have. Milk, yogurt, nuts, oranges, bananas, and ham are all of my favorite foods. Milk and chocolate milk are the hardest for me to resist. I do substitute creamer for milk and it is doable, but definately not the same!\nI have a tremendoulsy supportive husband who married me just as my kidneys failed me and I can honestly say that I am happier now than i have ever been but dealing with this disease is no easy task. Sitting in that chair for 4 hours nearly kills me everytime and afterward, I'm so weak i can barely walk. My 15 year old waits to see how i'm feeling and hides in her room when i'm wiped out. I think this causes stress in her. She doesnt want to upset me or anything.\nWell, I think I was in denial for a while and did not seek any help in dealing with this but now i have a desire to talk about my experiences and hopefully be able to help others. I also am interested in educating people about kidney disease and causes because I feel that I was cheated of proper medical care and I don't want to see anyone else go through this if they do not have to.\nOne last thought: Knowing what salt can do to the body, and what it can then lead to, why is so much of our diet drowned in salt? Surely many items can survive a much lower content. How come the food industry isnt trying to lower it? Its just not necessary. I can say I have one accomplishment, I dont need salt in my food anylonger. My husband doesnt like it and made it easier for me to get off of it. Now, im trying to get my daughter off as well so thast she doesnt repeat what I am going through.\nWell, those are my thoughts for today. Thanks to all who read this.\nsabrina",
	"I am responding to a caregiver who asks for other caregivers to talk with.\nMy sister and I take care of our 91 year old mother who has been on peritoneal dialysis for over 2 years. I also would like to talk with someone who could add support or options. It has been most difficult for the two of us this last 6 months.",
	"hi, i'm ebony and i recently started dialysis. i found out about a month ago that i have esrd. my doctors thought that i would have a little more time than my body allowed, so i had to start dialysis early.\n\ni am so upset that this happened to me. i am only 25. i hap so many plans! i was attending law school and had planned on writing a novel. as a result, i had to sit out of school for a while. i feel like everything is falling apart around me.\n\nwhat makes me the most upset is that, when i was younger, some of my treating physician's noticed irregularities in some of my tests, but never followed up on them. i am angry with myself that i didn't ask about the irregularities and that i didn't notice that something was wrong earlier.\n\ni try to be upbeat, but it makes me mad when people stop and stare at me because i have a permacath in my neck and chest area. no one asks about it, they just stare. this is all so new to me. i guess that maybe i am a little self conscious, but at the same time, people should have the guts to ask about my condition rather than just staring at me as if i am some circus freak!\n\nif anyone has any advice on how to get through the first few stages of this, please let me know! i am hurt and angry and sad all at the same time. i know that i have to learn to deal with this, but i really don't know where to begin! please help!",
	"My father was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 10, and then with kidney failure at the age of 35. He is now 40 and undergoing home peritoneal dialysis. My problem is that I just recently left for University and am not there to see his condition. I only hear what he and my mother tell me. Recently he foundout that the current treatment is no longer working and he is going to need to travel 200 miles, 3 times a week to take hemodialysis. His fingers and feet are being eaten away by the diabetes because of his poor circulation, and his emotional state is of the poorest. He treats everyone terribly and doesn't do anything with himself. He used to work on contruction but was demoted to an office job because of his condition. When he starts hemodialysis he will have to go on full time disablity. He is a man who used to take part ina very healthy lifestyle, andnow goes to work and comes home. Because of his poor circulation he is no longer capable of receiving a transplant, and what I want to know is how much longer he will have to suffer on dialysis. The last thing I want is to lose my father, but Iam curious to know how long someone can survive in this condition. Please email me with any information or if you would be able to talk to me. Thank you- Melony__@hotmail.com",
	"when i was younger i used to have a lot of uti's (urinary tract infections) i was always in and out of hospital for about 6 years, i was very very ill when i had them. Well i am 16 now and in january i had a kidney infection (detected by a urine sample) i had antibiotics and it cleared up within about 3 weeks. About 4 or 5 weeks after that i had the same symptoms again, and had to take another urine sample to the doctor, another kidney infection was dectected and i went onto antibiotics again, when i had finished these i was still having the symptoms so i went back to the doctor, but it was a different doctor, and she put me back onto antibiotics for another month, and then i had to do another urine sample, my mom foned up my regular doctor on friday and she said that they found blood and some other abnormal cells in my urine, and that i should to the doctor straight away. So i went to the doctor but i couldnt see my regular doctor so i had to see the other one again, and she said to us that there was no blood in the urine, and i have to do another urine sample in a month. Now i am very confused because i have two different stories from two different doctors, i dont know what to do this doctor (not my regular one) just keeps making me do urine samples, and she isnt really telling me if there is anything wrong. If i am ill i would really like to know. Anyway can anyone help me here? what can i do in this situation? Do you think that having two kidney infections within a month is normal?\nplease help thanks",
	"I have a Medullary Sponge Kidney, My doctor said No Adkins diet. I don't know where to look to help me lose weight, and stay away from foods that would harm my kidney. Does anyone know of a recipe book for people with kidney problems?\n\nKyBuckeyeCat",
	"Hi all. I started dialysis June of 2002. It all happened so fast for me. In around June of 2001, I started experiencing horrific joint pains. They were so bad, it felt like I had sprained an ankle, shoulder, wrist, or wherever it was that day. It would literally move from joint to joint and last from 24 - 48 hours. Well I got in to see the doctor, and he noticed a high white blood cell count. So he sent me to a rhumatologist. She did a urine collection and found protein falling from my urine. I was sent to a Nephrologist. At this time, they thought I might have the disease \"Lupus\" so he ordered a Kidney Biopsy around December 2001, and the results would take a few weeks to get back. Well, as it would be, I ended up in the hospital with a pulminary embilism and while I was diagnosed with \"Lupus\" as well as informed my kidneys were failing at a rapid rate. By June, my weight had jumped up to 378 pounds (talk about fluid overload) and finally I went in for emergency surgery and 6 days straight dialysis.\n\nI can remember my first cramps. Nobody told me *ANYTHING* of what to expect about dialysis. I didn't know what the cramps meant, let alone how to prevent them, or to let the nurses know so they could turn off the UF for a short while. As far as diet, I knew just briefly what I should and shouldn't have. I ended up learning allot of that on my own from reading books, as well as getting a renal cookbook.\n\nAnyway, I spent several times going in and out of the hosptial for various reasons until my health finally became stable. I decided that I wanted to try PD Dialysis because there would be more freedom for me with my dialysis as well as fewer restrictions on diet and fluid intake. BIG MISTAKE. I ended up getting a major infection in my portacathitor, and when they went to remove it, I managed to get a super resistant bacteria growing in my abdomen. I've been battling that for the past 7 months now, and FORTUNATELY it appears to be gone. It took a test medication to kill it off (called Tigecycoline or something like that). The PBS program \"NOVA\" got word of me taking this test antibiotic, and asked if I would be a part of a 6 hour special on \"Super Bugs\" and \"Super Antibiotics\" to bring knoledge to the lack of drugs in the works. I of course said I would, and they filmed my last surgery as well as the first administration of this test drug. It's due to air this November, so look for me . I estimate it's probably my 15 minutes of fame, but there'll be important messages in this documentary that will affect everyone.\n\nAnyway, my health is FINALLY starting to stableize again, and I've decided to stick with Hemodialysis from here on out until I can get a transplant. My weight is down to 88.5 kgs (roughly 195 pounds) now, and I look forward to being healthy enough to try to get on the transplant list to get myself a new kidney. I hope that everyone else here is thinking the same thing for themselves (if they wish to). I look forward to getting to know some of you guys, and if any of you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I sure wish I had a resource like this when I first started dialysis.\n\nTake it easy\nKidneyBoy\naka\nRyan Woerth",
	"Hi,\nI'm Nel.\n\nI do not find it easy to cope with a long term disease.\nYet I can see how I can influence what people think of me.\nHow they respond to me.\n\nIt helps me cope easier in every day life...\nIt helps me deal with the help I might need.\n\nI wrote a website on this topic...\nMaybe it is of interest to some of you?\n\nLiving with long term illness.\nhttp://www.xs4all.nl/~nvwagen/english/\n\nI hope you find your way,\nenjoy your rays of sunshine,\n\nNel",
	"Hi, this is my first visit to this board, so thanks in advance for any help or advice. My Dad is 52 and will be starting dialysis on Monday. He was originally scheduled to have a fistula implanted, but now needs to begin dialysis immediately through his chest. He's very nervous and wants to know what he can expect on this first day of dialysis. Any advice would be helpful! Thanks.",
	"I will be starting dialysis very soon. I'm very concerned about sitting for 4 hours without going to the bathroom. I am unable to do that now. Now is this going to work in dialysis? Thanks\n\nBettiecarney@aol.com",
	"My name is Clarissa and one of my twin girls was diagnosed with esrd at birth. (before birth really) They are now 6 1/2 months old and on PD at home for almost 4 months now. I knew nothing of her disease before it became such a big part of our lives, and constantly have little questions. The girls' names are Isabelle and Madeline, Isabelle is on dialysis.\n\nI just thought i should give a quick introduction hoping there's other people that will like to \"chat\" with me about kidney failure, dialysis, and hopefully have tips to help make the girls more comfortable. I hope to hear back soon\n\nClarissa",
	"Hi, my husband had an accident in Feb this year, and his kidney failed after that, his doc said it should be acute, but so far he still under dialysis. he is 33 and unexpected for this change at all (I guess nobody does anyway) does anyone has any experience on Actuate Kidney failure? or how can we find a good doc in Houston, TX. all we have is the insurance book, which does not tell much about the doc. any suggestions will be highly appreciated, I need to help him to get back to life thanks",
	"My husband showed symptoms of orthopnea (sleeplessness and difficulty in lying down due to congestive heart failure). He had CKD, and the doctor kept saying that he did not need dialysis. We made a special appointment with the nephrologist when he showed symptoms of orthopnea, but the nephrologist did not recognize it!\n\nWhen the toxic products begin to accumulate in the blood, and are not removed by giving timely dialysis, can they not affect the heart and lead to orthopnea and congestive heart failure?",
	"Hi I'm 23 and have been on dialysis for about two years now. Basically I haven't had much problems with my phosphorus before now. I can't figure out what is going on, but I figure it has something to do with my declining kidney function. My phosphorus has been fairly high latley. I believe it was on a downward slide because I got very strict on my diet. I slipped and I ate two big slices of Pizza and instead of trying to get my phosphorus back down I was raising it up again. I am just concerned because I have talked to the dietician and I guess I am still confused on what to do. Do some people have more trouble getting rid of phosphorus then other? I am on a really high dosage of Renagel so they said I didn't need to take anymore. I was just wondering if it takes a while once your phosphorus is high to get it back down. I don't seem to remember it being this hard when it was high before to get it back to the normal range. It has just been recently that it has been out of control. I am itching like crazy latley on my legs mostly. I seen to get the same answer from my dialysis clinic every time and thats \"take my binders and avoid high phosphorus foods.\" I could swear I've been doing that but it doesn't seem to matter. I have lost a lot of weight because I am afraid of food. I am still eating I have just cut my portions way back and I am concerned that I am not getting enough nutrition. Not eating is basically the only solution I see because nobody else has any useful information for me",
	"Hi everyone,\n I am new here...I have been reading up on this website, and some of the forums, so I thought I would ask a little advise. Can anyone tell me how they realized they had kidney problems. I am a 29 yr old female. I am very overweight. I have had high blood pressure for about 10 yrs. I have a 2.5 yr old son, and when I was pregnant, did everything possible to make it better. (Went off work, took meds, watched what I ate, etc.) Well I have to say I have been terrible. I have not gone in for a check up since my little guy was four months old, or taken bp medication. I have a BP moniter, and I get reading in the 140's over high 80's. Thought that was ok. I have had pain in my lower back all week, and pressure inside(like a tightening feeling) It feels tender too. I went to a walk in clinic yesterday (dr doesn't work weekends)as it felt like the same pain as a bladder infection, although I had no other symptoms. They did a pee test and showed nothing, but dr gave me an antibiotic in case it was early detection. My bp was high (160 over 110). I have an appt on May 5 with my family dr, which I made the end of last week. The dr at the clinic said perhaps I should try to get in sooner. I also just feel unwell. The past few days I have been so exhausted, and irritable. Well I have had other problems I ignored and I am getting frightened. I had bumps from bruises below my knees that itched like crazy for months. I had bumps before and my dr told me it was dry skin, so I kind of ignored it this time. Now all of my legs itch, my head, and almost anywhere. I have looked into symptoms of CKD, and I do have a metallic taste in my mouth too. I void okay, although somedays not as much as others. I am going to call my family dr tomorrow to see if I can get in sooner. I am so ashamed and scared. I have a young child that needs me, and I feel absolutely dreadful. I can't believe I let myself get so bad. Does anyone feel like the symptoms I am having are signs of something really serious/ developed? To top it off, I work in the health care field caring for elderly/ill persons in their homes. I have seen many people with kidney disease, and known of many having to give up 3 days a week to go for dialysis. The nearest place to do that here is over and hour away. I work too. I have a feeling my life is about to change. If anyone could offer any advise, please do, as I am so nervous to go get checked out...",
	"Brice Kidney Disease\nCan any one answer a question for me. my husband told me that a long time ago that the doctor tolf him that he had a kidney disease called Brice. has anyone ever heard of it? If so would you please write me and let me know how i can find out about it. Thank You so much.",
	"Please help. My neice whom I am very close with was rushed to the hopital this week and diognozed with Renal Chronic Disease. She is only 12 years old, has only one functioning kidney, and is at 12% kidney function. The doctors say it could be 6 months to 2 years before she needs dializes or a transplant. I am very upset, I dont know what to do. Her mother died 2 years ago and she lives with my mother, her grandmother. I was thinking of adopting her before this happened, but now I am not sure. I just want someone to talk to here. I dont undersand this disease. I am worried about my neice and my mother (who has to care for her). My poor neice has to take like 20 meds twice a day. Please help.",
	"anyone out there on peritoneal dialysis do you know if it is ok to do abdominal excersises or will it dislodge the catheter?\nI've started walking 1 hour 3-4 days a week but my abs are a major problem now. i used to workout quite a bit but the closer I got to needing dialysis the more tired i would become. I'm now getting my energy back and I need to something about my belly.\nany response would be apreciated",
	"Hello,\n\nI'm new to this group, and just wanted to introduce myself....I'm tish i live in So. Calif , and i also have ESRD i was diagnosed when i was 8 yrs old ( now 41) I've done both hemodialysis, CAPD , and also I've had 3 kidney Tx first one done in 1981 the second in 1984, and the third in 1991 the later lasting 14 yrs i started back on dialysis in Febuary this year doing CCPD it seems to be going ok im getting used to it all over again, but let me tell you it really took me some time to get used to it all over again im a very busy person i like to keep myself active, and i know that i still can as long as i adjust my schedule. I hate to admit it, but i really took this rejection of my kidney hard this time all my life i have struggled with this disease have had so many surgery's , prosedures, and tests , and didn't let it get me down i really felt stong inspite of it all, and everyone i know knows me to be strong, and now after all these years i feel myself really letting it bother me , and i can't seem to help it i know that i feel older, and my body has been through so much, and sometimes i can't help but wonder how long my body will endure this disease, and when i turned 40 that was an eye opener because some of my Doc's had told me years ago that if i made it to 40 that would be amazing then i had other people tell me your so wild , and crazy you'll probably out live all of us..........well i know i need to pick myself up again, and be strong i have a beautiful 17yr old daughter , and a very supportive partner he's just a wonderful guy we laugh, and cry , and enjoy eachother very much still after 20yrs together he's always known me to be a fighter , and not get caught up in any pity party's ( like im doing now  ) i guess i joined this group to maybe vent to someone that could really understand me, and i didn't want to worry my partner about it right now i guess i just don't understand why i feel this way now after all these years, but i do know that i need to get a hold on thing's again because i feel kinda miserable my close girlfriend told me that maybe i was going though my 40ish midlife crisis, but if that's the case i need to go out and buy me a new sports car  I'm sorry to vent to everyone on my first post i guess i got carried away and let my feelings take over thank you all for listening.\n\nTake Care,\nTish",
	"Hello,\n\nI am writing this in hopes that someone can offer some advice or refer me to someone that can.\n\nMy dad of 82, just started with dialysis Friday April 29, 2005. The day before, Thursday he had the catheter put into his neck and as the dialysis was going through on Friday, the stitches site started to bleed. The nurse/technician that was taking care of him just put a Band-Aid on it. So later that night (dialysis was done from 6pm-9pm) around 11:30pm when he was getting changed for bed, my mom noticed a softball size knot around the stitches site. She called the doctor's office and the doctor on call called her back to tell her to put some ice on it and to watch him for an hour or so. Around 1:15am his neck, back, chest, and arm was swelling and blood was seeping out of the stitches site. So she called 911 and got him to the hospital. At the hospital they basically said that his body would have to heal itself. They took x-rays and everything was still intact. They are saying that when he went in to get his dialysis and they took off the tape that it pulled on the stitches which caused a bleed out. Another doctor from the practice came in to see him today, Saturday and we asked what about dialysis on Monday, since the site is still bleeding, is this going to happen again, will they have to put in another catheter, what should we do? And the doctor said and I quote \"If this happens again, that is the chance you will have to take.\" What kind of answer is that?\n\nSo my question to you is what can we do? Should we take him to his dialysis appointment on Monday? Is there someone that we can talk with? Is this a common thing? Will he heal from this?\n\nI am so sorry to bother you with my questions but I am so new to dialysis and what to expect that I don't know where to go. I hope that someone can relate or understand where I am coming from.",
	"My husband went on dialysis Feb., 2004. We are in center self-care. I\nset machine, needles, etc. My husband has a fistula. Some days I feel\nlike a hamster on a wheel. I wonder why Davita can't start some\nsupport groups for caregivers. I feel as though I need to be able to\ncomunicate my feelings--which swing from being hopeful to being angry!!\nI am glad I found this discussion group.\nThanks for letting me express myself.\nLois",
	"i have a couple Questions about home dialysis,symptoms ect my friend was diegnosted with renal failure and told they wouldnt work again but i think they might of made a mistake",
	"I have a question.  My husband is considering moving from HD to PD. However we have some questions regarding life with the catheter. What kind of activities are allowed with a catheter in the stomach...hot tub, swimming, etc. are the specific activities we have questions about.",
	"hello to all who read this, i am writing this in hope that someone who has walked the path i am on will be able to help me deal with and understand my little baby's condition. when i was pregnant with her the doctors told me she had a condition called Multicystic Kidney Disease, this baffled me because i did not know what this was otr what caused it to happen to such a little innocent unborn child. i have been reasearching this disease and to no avail have i found much. the specialist told me that it was all genetic and was a maformation caused during development, still, i am so terribly confused. i really need some information on this, she is now 6 months old and is currently functioning on one kidney , and they are checking soon to see if the disease is spreading and if her bad nonfunctional kidney is shrinking and going away, they have told me that if it doesn't start shrinking they will have to remove it soon. can anyone give me any info on this disease or any personal experience to help me, god bless",
	"Im 28 yrs old have been on dialysis since the age 0f 10.Kidney failure was to strep throat at age of nine kidney stopped working within a week was on all kind of meds for long time but finally could not regain renal function and was put on hemo.Then about the age of22 was put on pd but infection probs. caused me to loose my cath. Ihave now been back hemo for 1yr1/2 and guess im coping ok . I dont like it but put up with it for know . I have often thought of stopping treatment but not sure what to do. Transplant is really not an option for me due to lots of infection and stomach probs. Im trying to convince my DR. to change there minds about that. P.S. \"when your a child you really never think anything like this can happen to you. All i ever wanted to do was grow up and maybe someday have a family but i guess that will never happen now but thats ok i have made my peace with that .I just want to be normal what ever that means. THATS ENOUGH FOR NOW ITS HARD FOR ME TO TALK ABOUT EVEN NOW . this prob. the most i have ever said on the subject.",
	"I am itching from head to toe, I know this is from uremia from my kidney problem, but what I want to know is there any way I can get some rest from it, I tried Benadryl ( it is aproved by Doctor) but it didn't work and this scratching has me bleeding from scratching so much. Any help would be appreciated.",
	"Hello,\n\nI currently found out I had cresentic glomernephritis which is a progressive form of kidney disease. I am only 32 years old and a single mom, and have recently started chemotherapy treatments to combat the disease. I'm feeling very depressed, sick, and tired. My family dosen't understand and I'm basically trying to deal with this alone because I feel I can't show my true anxiety. HELP!!!",
	"Hello Everyone,\n\nI am very new to kidney problems, though not new to severe chronic illnesses. Just 3 weeks ago had a doctor tell me my kidneys were not working as good as they should. I was unsure what she meant by this. So when I got my lab results from medical records, I started looking up some of the tests. My GFR was a 63. I had no idea what a GFR was, and in reseaching it, I found the DeVita website. Sometimes I wish I was dumb and stupid, then I wouldn't worry as much.\n\nIn addition to the low GFR, my PTH was high - 59, and the Vitamin D was low at 8. One of the first things I looked up was the PTH. From my research, it really looks like I might have MEN1, though the endocrinologist dismissed it without any further testing. Which really didn't ease my concerns, as he also dismissed the honeymoon diabetes, secondary to chronic pancreatitis. If you would like to know more about MEN1 see this webpage: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/endo/pubs/men1/men1.htm . If you have MEN1 or any Pancreatic disorders, please let me know.\n\nAnyway back to the reason I am here, the kidney problems. I have looked at a lot of the presentations and other information on the DeVita site, and it be honest, it really scares me. I have enough going on with my health, without adding more problems. But the sad thing is, it will only get worse as I develop more and more secondary conditions to the pancreatitis or MEN1.\n\nAny and all advice is welcome! I have a lot of questions. Things like what other tests should I have? With a GFR of 63, should I request a referral to a kidney doc? What should I be watching in my diet - all ready on an ultra low fat diet because of the pancreatitis and have sever malabsorption. Is there any medication that will help at this point? I know I need to quit smoking (working on that), what other lifestyle changes are recommended? Please help me sort out all the issuea associated with nearing stage 3 of chronic kidney problems.\n\nThanks for the help!!!!",
	"Hi to all. This is my first time here. I went to Dr. Tuesday, had first dialysis treatment Friday. So much for a gentle introduction to this disease. Tomorrow starts my first day as an outpatient receiving treatment. Needless to say this has sure given me a new disposition on life. I have a long way to go to come to some realizations, but hopefully with the support and encouragement of new friends, we can all get better at getting better. Thanks",
	"hello my name is dj and i'm currantly waiting to be put on dialysis because of my week kidney funcion and i wanted to know after u come out of surgery can u feel it are u in pain after or what because me personbally i don't want it period but in order for me to get better i guess i have to do it my bestfriend just got out of the hospital having her's put in another place so can someone tell me something or send me some pic's so i can see what i'm getting into thank's....",
	"i have been real sick for the last week. sick to my stomach, headace and really weak and treid. Called my Neph. he told me to come to his office. At which time he told me that he was going to do some labs and if they are any worse than my last labs he was going to put  me in the hospital tomarrow and put a perma cath in and start dialysis. he hoping that i just might need a higher dose of procrit. Im really nevous tonight and don't have anyone to talk to. I hope you don't mind me venting. take care.\nsheila",
	"Hi Im new...my son is 3 yrs old and he was born with damaged kidneys becuase he had a urine blockage while in utero. everytime I go back to the doctor the news gets worse. My husband and I will start to get tested to see if we are matches, but the dotor sai  d he may not need a transplant for another 3 to 4 years. but dialysis may be in his future ...Does anyone know how young is too young for dialysis?",
	"I just found out a few months ago i have CKD. It has been a shock for myself and my family. I have always been a very healthy person so for this to come about we were shocked. Still not sure why i got it.But why does anyone get sick? I am in the third stage now and have been put on a low protein diet. Which is very difficult. I am afraid to eat anything anymore. I have lots of questions but not to overwhelm anyone i really need to know how long can i stay at the stage i am in? Does this progress quickly? And any input on this diet would be wonderful. i have alway ate anything and whenever i wanted. So this is also an adjustment.",
	"im son to start diayasis and feel very scared\ndoes it hurt",
	"im soon to start diayasis and feel very scared\ndoes it hurt",
	"My husband has been on dialysis for about 5 years now. He has always been at the same facility. Yesterday a new person hooked him up and set his machine to run.\nHe woke up in a sweat and feeling extremely lousy. He found out that in the two hours he had been running he had already pulled 7 kilos! Normally he only gets about 5 (depending on how much he gained) pulled during a visit and that is spread out over a 4 hour period. He went ahead and ran the other 2 hours just to filter his blood, but he was very sick when he got home. The RN on duty just shrugged his shoulders and said, \"mistakes happen\" I am not perfect and I am sure they are not either, but in the profession they are in you would think they would be a little more empathetic to a patients needs.\nOf course the director of the facility was not in and probably will never find out this happened unless my husband tells her.\nWell I just wanted to vent my frustration. Thanks, for listening.",
	"Hi everyone, I'm kind of new to all of this.  I had my left kidney taken out in 1997 and have been living fine with one kidney till last year. I've had a recurring bladder infection for about 6 years and my doctor told me that - that causes stones in your kidneys if left untreated. I also have short bowel syndrome and have lots of problems with that. I'm not really scared just curious about dialysis and there is no way I would live through a transplant as bad of shape as my body is in from my short gut. I know my husband acts like nothing is wrong and is not very sympathetic to anything going on with me right now. So I'm all by myself in this. I would appreciate any and all replys, maybe we can all help each other a little by just venting our feelings. I know by writing this I feel a little better already. Thanks\nDebra Dickens",
	"Hi Folks,\n I thought we could start a thread were we post any kind of poems, quotes or affirmations any of us use or live by. Here's one to get us started:\n\n\"When tears come, I breath deeply and rest, I know I am swimming in a hallowed stream where many have gone before. I an not alone, crazy or having a nervous breakdown.... My Heart is at work my souls is awake.\"\n\n(Mary Margaret, Funk in Thoughts Matter: The practice of spiritual life)",
	"How about Jello? anyone have any info on the K+ and PO4 in diet flavored Jello? Thank You , Daniel",
	"Im having a problem with the fluid restriction, I have been getting thirsty alot, I tried a new method that I thought would work, and it don't some times when im in the kitchen and i get thirsty i put some water in my mouth and don't swallow it, but I still seem to get a lot of fluid on me. the only thing i crave is water, what is other ways to help in this situation",
	"Hello, I'm not a dialysis patient, but my mother has been for more than 6 years now, she is going to be 77. This has been very hard on her, as she suffers with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and she has compression fractures in her spine. She has been going from bad to worse for the last year. She broke her hip last year and apart from being an extremely painful experience, it takes a very long time to heal from this, especially if you are older.\n\nJust a bit of history. About 3 years ago my daughter who is the only one in the family with my mothers blood type donated one of her kidneys to her. This was a tramatic experience for both my daughter and my mother. Everything seemed just fine for four days then apparently a blood clot developed and they had to remove the kidney my daughter donated. You cannot image how devasted my daughter my mother, and I were, it was like losing a part of the family. We discovered sometime later that it was actually the fault of the surgeon who performed the transplant.\n\nSo back to dialysis for my Mom, and one less kidney for my daughter. Which brings us basically to where I am today. My mom can no longer even get up, she can't dress herself, she can barely even move. She is in constant pain, even though she is taking some strong narcotics. She told me she doesn't want to live this way, and that it is time for her to go. Believe me, not something I wanted to hear. I need to speak to her tomorrow about her options, and I know she is going to tell me she doesn't want to go to dialysis any more. I really need to know exactly what happens to the person who stops. If there is anyone who knows, please let me know.\n\nIt is so sad, but it is her choice, and because I love her, I will support whatever decision she makes, no matter what I may feel.\n\nThanks.",
	"This is the second plea for any kind of input. My first one was on 5/25 and have had not one message of any kind back. Its hard to talk to family about this disease sometimes. So i though coming to people in my situation would be helpful. As far as what to expect, diet, and just talk about emotion ups and downs. But there have been no response at all to my request. It is very disapointing for me i thought the messages would flood through. Not so. So if not here for the emotional help or insight on CKD then where? The web site has been very informative and i will continue to check it out.",
	"for the last 1yr 1/2 i have been thinking about stooping. im not afraid of what will happen cause for me it would give the rest i have been looking for many yrs. been sick since the age of 10 im 28 now regardless of what any body thinks or says its my life and the choice is mine. i will make my decision soon just wanted get this of my chest i really dont have any body to talk to",
	"Hi folks,\n I know many of you have asked which is better........ I often visit other sites just to get feedback or read other's experiences. I found a poll that was done on a webite called Dialyze.org\n(first you'll see the poll, I also added a post by a member.)\n\n Here's a copy of it:\n\nDialyze.org\n PD 64% [ 9 ]\n\n HD 7% [ 1 ]\n\nI don't know yet.. 28% [ 4 ]\n\n\nThe bottom line is that PD is a treatment option that delivers therapy daily and constantly in some cases. For that reason, long term quality of life is much better. Nonetheless, HD is less invasive; no catheter to manage. So, it boils down to opinion. I have been treated for ESRD for 25+ years and been down both roads including transplant for 5 years. Now, on PD I have realized that none of it is easy. Do not misunderstand; PD bogs you down with setup and hours of treatment a day but with more dietary freedom. My opinion, regardless of the work load, is PD.\n\n Take care!!!!!!!!!!",
	"Happy birthday pcunningham222!!!!!!!",
	"A new report suggests that metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease are linked.\n\nFive signs of metabolic syndrome:\n\n- Large waist measurement—over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men.\n- High triglyceride level—150 mg/dL or higher.\n- Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (\"good cholesterol\")—under 50 mg/dL for women and 40 mg/dL for men.\n- High blood pressure—130/85 mm Hg or higher, or taking blood pressure medications.\n- High blood glucose (blood sugar) level—110 mg/dL or higher.\n\nDiabetes and heart disease already are known to be linked to metabolic syndrome. Now it appears kidney disease is also a risk.\n\nThis Daily News Central article goes into more detail:\n\nMetabolic Syndrome May Heighten Risk of Kidney Disease\nhttp://health.dailynewscentral.com/c...iew/000940/31/",
	"My brother-in-law found out he had polycystic kidney disease last year. He has a brain aneurysm and recently found out his kidneys were bleeding out. I was wondering what that meant? He is in his early thirties and still has kidney functioning.",
	"I am on renal dialysis and am high on both of these. So, they gave me lists on what to avoid and it seems like if it isn't on one list, it is one the other. I would like to find a book that tells what I can have, not what I can't. Or maybe suggested menus or something like that. I try to be on the positive side and this is a real downer, checking the lists and trying to find something that isn't on them every meal. In fact, both of my levels went UP after I started trying to watch it closer.\n\nThanks.",
	"I'm going through all the preliminary test but my have to go on dialysis shortly.",
	"Hi all\nI am Donna and I am at 23% and will be getting my AV fistula placement the 24th.",
	"My mom will be on dialysis soon, She is 72 this year. How long can she live on dialysis , 5, 10 years or less  . Will she be able to live a healthy and happy life ?",
	"Hello,\nMy husband has been on dialysis for two years. His kidney faliure was due to high blood pressure.\n\nHe drank alcohol while on high blood pressure medication. The doctors\ncan't tell me if that is why his kidney's failed and at this point it doesn't\nmatter, however; he continues to drink, especially after dialysis. He says\nthat \"it takes the edge off\". I know this is a problem, I just can't find any\nmaterials on this subject or if you can/should have alcohol if you are in end stage renal failure.\n\nHe is also being considered for a transplant. I have heard that once on\nanti-rejection meds that alcohol is NOT allowed.\n\nThanks,\n GApeach",
	"Hi I'm new to this and I have some questions...Last year I was DX with Fibromyalgia and miagranes. Just recently started having pain around my kidney area..My renal scan shows that my left kidney has 28% function and my right has 45%. My dr. does not understand why my function does not equal 100%... Does this mean I 'm having some kind of kidney failure????   Please help!!!!!",
	"I had a kidney removed last year. I understand my other one to be working well. I was told to avoid caffine and protein. I have been worried because I have been eating mnm's like every day. I started also eating fruit salads with walnuts about a half a cup a walnuts a day. I avoid red meat. Can the walnuts hurt me??? I can give up the chocolate if I need to. I can't find any answers online.",
	"I am learning to make better choice when we go out to eat. I ask up front if they will cook the food the way I want it, no salt or seasoning with sodium. Olive oil is ok to cook grill, no sugar added and all sauces or salad dressings on the side.\nMost places have been very accomadating to me. I get a take out box right from the time my food is served and divide it right then and there unless my husband and I decide to split the dinner.\nSandwiches, I give him the extra meat and cheese.\nFahitas, he gets the quacamole, rice, beans and salsas. They made a special order of salt free chips just for me.  Asked for no seasoning so they simply squeezed a little lime juice on for me. I feel good!\nI order my steak, fish, and chicken the same way with a side salad of lettuce and onion or a fruit salad.\nWhen in doubt I ask for a poached egg on a dry English Muffin-Yummy!\nI also enjoy a teaspoon of fresh (salt free) peanut butter in my oatmeal.\nTake home orders usually make great sandwiches the next day. \n(I am pre-dialysis, level 5 at 9% capacity)  LOL",
	"Hello to everyone. My grandmother is in her late 70's and a very indenpendent women. Recently she has been told she has hardening of the arteries to the extent that while doing balloon surgery to open the arteries in her legs they instead put a stent in one of her kidneys then could not save the other. She was told her legs were 100% blocked but had enough blood flow to her feet through viens to walk that the major concern was the arteries in her neck which were 90% and 95% blocked and if not fixed would cause a stroke. Before this could be done she had some blood work which showed her kidney was still not functioning properly. That was 3 weeks ago. When she went to the hospital her kidney was at 20% when she left the hospital it was at 12%. She finally saw the \"kidney\" Dr. yesterday and was told she was going to need dialysis. Today we were told her kidney was at 10% and something in her blood was at 4.2 (I think it starts with a c or k). We do not even know where to begin with all this. I have found a few articles on the internet about dialysis but all they say is what the differnt types are. What we would like to know is what are the side effects of dialysis, which type do most people prefer, does she still need to pee when she is on dialysis, how tough is the road we are headed down, will she eventually be able to do her treatments herself, how much help is she going to need from family, and many more questions? I know I should be asking the Dr. all this but like I said she is a very independent person and does not like the idea of someone speaking for her. She does not know the answers to these questions and doesn't think to ask them to the Dr. herself. I don't want to step on her toes but I do want to help. I know we aren't the first to experience this but it feels that way right now. So if anyone has any info, suggestions, or encouragment PLEASE let us know. Thank you so much!",
	"Can someone tell me what it means to have a dilated kidney?",
	"Dear all,\nMy mother-in-law is diabetian 60 yrs age,weight 40kg, Blood glucose 14.5, High Blood Pressure 189/88. The doctor recommand for her 1. increase wight 110 but the food are low protein, sodium, potassium. pls give food list.",
	"Hi I was just told to day that I have to start dyalisis inabout three days thay will put in the shunt or what ever it is called and then off I go",
	"Hi My husband recently started Dialysis, he did not have blood pressure problems in the past, but now his blood pressure is always high 200/120, his medicine does not seem to work, any one has experience with this? what medicine work that we can our doctor? thanks",
	"Well ihave searched a lot on proper calorie diet & weight loss information. i have visited sites like www.webmd.com, www.slimtour.com for diet & weight loss information.although i got a lot of stuff on weight loss & diet but i am not getting proper calorie intake to live healtheir. can anyone suggest me the best way and site for this.",
	"Hi, I am 28 and my boyfriend of three years found out that he has chronic kidney disease and has to undergo a transplant operation. I feel so conflicted not about the surgery but about what my role is. I want to be there for him, but I feel so helpless and I am really scared!! Has anyone else experienced this that would be willing to share with me to help me relax and not be so uptight about this situation.",
	"Hi, My Name is Nichol. MyHusband has been in renal faliure for over 3 years now. The numbers have been pretty stable untill the last 2 months. Last monthwe were at 3.7 and this month 4.1 with 16% function left. Doctor said we are looking at maybe 2 more months and then off we go. He is 55 born with one kidney, no idea how that happened. he did not find this out unitll he was 45. I am scared and have no idea on what is goint o happen next. we have been told by other ppl that it might be best to get the shunt put in now so it can heal before the dialysis. Would this be best? ANy suggestions and help would be great.\n\nNichol",
	"My name is Tara and I am the mom to an almost 5 year old girl who is end-stage renal. She started out Minimal Change when she was 15 months old, after she had an MMR immunization. We went through all of the steroids, drug changes, hospitalizations, etc. Then, a month before she turned 3, she was in the hospital and went into congestive heart failure and respiratory failure. That is when they diagnosed her with FSGS and put her on peritoneal dialysis. She has been through plenty of bouts of peritonitis before they found out that the staph had attached itself to her catheter. They just did a catheter removal and revision about 2 months ago. Things have been fine since then.\nI am a Certified Medical Assistant, so I am her full-time caregiver. I can't work a job because no one understands what it is like to have a child with chronic kidney disease and have to drop EVERYTHING to take them to the children's hospital (which happens to be an hour from our house). So, we deal with my husband's pay, which isn't much when you figure he's a cop and gets paid just like anyone else in a public service job.... NOTHING.\nPlus I have to watch what we do to make sure that we don't bring any sicknesses or diseases home so she doesn't get sick. We put her in a private school that only has 70 kids in it from preschool to 6th grade. Everyone knows about her and her kidneys... and I don't have to appeal to the school board about her absences every semester. If I had to do that for this past year (pre-k), she never would have passed.... they would have failed her just based on her absence from school. But for that benefit, we have to pay tuition... YAY!!\nEnough of my venting..... I am happy to be here and I hope to meet all of you soon. And I promise I won't always be the sour apple!!!",
	"Hi: My name is Scott.\n\nI'm getting ready to have to start Peritoneal Dialysis, and i'm wondering\nif anyone on here is doing PD, and if so i would appreciate any information on your experience with this type of Dialysis.\n\nI have not been to my PD classes as of this date, and i'm really curious about what to expect.\n\nI had my catheter put in on june 08/05, and i'm going to begin classes soon\nbut i was hoping i could find someone already on PD that could give me some insight as what to expect, and has it seemed to help in making yourself feel more active etc.\n\nAny information anyone may have and would like to pass on will be greatly\nappreciated.\n\n Thanks,\n Scott...........",
	"Loosing my spirit happens to me on dialysis. I forget it's better to be above ground than below. Trouble certainly comes when your on dialysis. Today I found a very cool message that lifted my spirit where it needs to be. No matter what my physical condition, I can be better. That's what we all want. Listen to this encouraging message.\nGo to www.cryofthespirit.com/dontsettleforless.html",
	"Hi - My grandfather has been on Dialysis for the past 2 years. The major problem he is dealing with is his legs. The skin on his legs is so sensitive that if he just touches something, they cut and start \"oozing\" liquid (hate to be so descriptive but it's the only word to describe it). The scabs never heal and they seem to burn him. The Doc said it has to do with the x-tra liquid he drinks. The machine can only extract so much and the rest seems to come out his pores. He has been asking around but no one else seems to experience this. Does anyone have some insight on this - what is it called & how to heal his legs? Thank you in advance!",
	"Hi everybody,\n\nI have been suffering from chronic kidney disease for some time and recently (five months ago), started dialysis. I live in Belgium which is a great place to get treatment for such diseases.\n\nRecently I have stumbled on information concerning the BMP-7 protein and its potential to reverse chronic kidney disease. It was discovered by\n\n\nHTML Code:\n\n\n\n<a href=\n\"www.curis.com\">Curis\n</a>\n\n\nand it looks like it has the potential to radically improve our lives in the near future. Don't take my word for it, look it up. Pre-clinical trials are over, clinical trials should be about to start. They will be carried out by\n\n\nHTML Code:\n\n\n\n<a href=\n\"www.orthobiotech.com\">OrthoBioTech\n</a>\n\n\n(a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson).\n\nBMP-7 is a protein produced by the (healthy) kidney which transforms scarred glomerular cells back into healthy cells. It is perfectly safe and without side effects, and has already been FDA-approved for the treatment of kidney disease-related bone problems.\n\nThe problem is we have to get this thing approved for treatment of chronic kidney disease before it can be available in our hospitals. I recently met someone who was willing to petition the FDA to fasttrack the approval of BMP-7 so we can all profit from its virtues.\n\nPlease, if anyone is interested in helping us out, please reply.\nThanks.",
	"My grandma is in her late 70's and has been on dialysis for almost 2 weeks now. She is a very independent women and at first let us help her alittle but wanted to be in control of the situation. She has had vomiting every day since she started dialysis until 2 days ago. Now she has started driving herself to and from dialysis 3 times a week. She says she is ok to do it. Now she doesn't even talk to us about it any more. She acts like she just wishes no one even knew about it and thought she was is good physical condition. I want to respect her wishes and am trying to back off and let her come to me but I am concerned that she doesn't eat well, has been getting sick alot, and I honestly don't know how well she takes her medicine. I just want her to get better but I don't want to push her. Is this something she can take care of by herself.? How does everyone else deal with this? I appreciate any input you can give me. I am kind of at a lose on this. Thanks!",
	"I am very frustrated so I thought this might be an appropriate forum.  Thanks to an online checklist I found the other day I thought to check with my insurance about coverage for my husband's dialysis out-of-state. It hadn't even occurred to me prior to seeing the checklist.\n\nI called the insurance and they directed me to the local medical group.\n\nI called the medical group and they said I have to begin with the health plan. Ironically, she told me to tell them exactly what the health plan told me to tell the medical group.\n\nI am now trying to get in touch with our local social worker. We went through him to arrange the out-of-state dialysis to begin with so I'm now beginning to think that all is well; however, I'm very frustrated with the system.\n\nWe have been so blessed with coverage throughout everything we've gone through that to have this happen is just crazy.\n\nThank you for letting me vent!",
	"i found out on thurday my neph is setting me up with the vascular surgeon tohave my fistula placed. he said my kidney are now shutting down at fast rate. my s/c was 4.0 in two months jump to 4.8. . just need to let out hope you don't mind me venting. i guess i thought i was ready but i really was'nt ready to hear it. thanks for listening\n\nsheila",
	"Hi-I'm new to board, and very new to learning about Kidney Disease. However, after reading others posts here I already feel this is one of the best places to share stories, get information and receive/offer support. Several days ago at the age of 33 my husband Alberto was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. His kidneys are functioning at 50%. His doctor prescribed Prednisone. In August my husband will be tested again-the doctor told us then that he would have a good idea if the medicine was helping slow down the progression of this disease. I wanted to know if someone else on the board has this same diagnosis and if so, can they share their experiences with me. Such as, did the medicine help? Also, as there is no cure for this disease, how long does one stay on this medicine if it does work? What happens when one goes off this medicine? I did ask the doctor these questions but he didn't really answer me fully. I'm basically looking for any information anyone can provide that has similiar or same diagnose. Thank you in advance-\nCarin",
	"I'm new to these forums but I don't know where to turn right now. My boyfriend is 31. He has been a diabetic since he was 10. For Several weeks he had had a hard time breathing and keeping water retension down. His folks and I finally took him to the hospital in June 2005 in which he was diagnosed with Congestive Heart failure. The doctors determined that it was time to begin dialysis. He was in the Hospital for 7 days and had 2 surguries. the first was to insert the dialysis port into his chest for temp use and the second was to begin a fistula. Rich is extremly active and when his doctors told him he couldnt go back to work he did as much around the house as he could. He ended up back in the hospital this last week in which he had developed 2 clots. one was removed which the doctor also found scar tissue had formed and blocked the artery 100%. So the chest tube had to come out and they preformed angioplasty which failed 2 days later and he had to have a stent inserted. His fistula has not matured yet so they had to put the new temp tubes in his groin. He is having a hard time getting around and in a lot of pain. I've tried to make things more comfortable for him but everything I do just isn't working. Rich was released from the hospital yesterday and last night before taking him back to the dialysis unit for his nocturnal treatment he cried. He said he hates god which cuts through me like a knife but I feel like I have to keep a good look and an understanding attitude. He feels as if his life is over, and I don't know what to do. He says he doesnt know anyone else his age who has to deal with this, and the nurses at the hospital don't help because they have all looked at his chart and said to him \"your the youngest patient I've ever seen on dialysis\" even though the nurse from the dialysis unit has told him she has seen teenagers in there, the negative responses from people have really hit him hard. I've begged him to agree to councelling but he refuses saying that that is just more time out of my day I have to take to do something else. He desprately wants to go back to work but the weight he lifts is too much on his fistula and with the stent in his neck he is very limited. I spoke with his social worker at the hospital but before he was able to see him, Rich had been discharged. He said he just wants to be alone and I told him I will not let him shut me or his family out and he knows that is the worst thing for him but I don't know how I can show him that his quality of life is so much better than he thinks. Someone please help me out with this one. His social workers haven't been able to do anything yet.",
	"Hi all,\n\nI am new to this forum but not that new to dialysis treatment. I have been a patient since December of 2003. One day a carefree happy go lucky person, the next day hooked up to a machine Now as most of us know that is some wake up call.\n\nFrom my first day to a month or two ago I guess you can say I have been in the dark, going for treatments but with so many question remaining unanswered. I have found a number of web site that provided me an avenue for answers. And of course I have gotten a couple of books from the clinic I have been receiving my treatment through. As a patient I have wondered if there is such a thing or person who acts as a Patient Advocate? DaVita has a number positions but none that works independly of DaVita who handle concerns of the patient, I guess the position within the DaVita structure that comes closest to this would be the Social Worker but that position is part of DaVita. Does anyone know if such a position or organization exist? I am aware of ESRD Network, but I was looking for someone more closely associated with the patient because as far I can see the ESRD Network is for complaints and that is not what I am interested ni pursuing.\n\nI am interested in exchanging commnications with anyone in the Colorado area who is on dialysis and I can be reached at my Email Address or I can be reached through My Web Site .\n\nI see,I have a lot of postings to read but will be happy to exchange thoughts and ideas with other patients, no matter where located.\n\nRon\nusmc_poet",
	"Hello Everyone,\n\nI am hoping that maybe I can get some answers or guidance here. I have quite an extensive history of medical problems, most related to the digestive system. The major problem is Chronic Pancreatitis with severe malabsorption. This has been an ongoing problem since 2000. What I most concerned about right now though is a rapid drop in my kidney function. In six weeks my GFR dropped from 63 to 51 - which averages out to be a 2% drop in kidney function per week.\n\nUnfortunately I was left to find this on my own when I picked up lab results from medical records at the hospital where I am most often seen on Thursday. My PCP is on vacation right now, but still feel someone in his office should have red flagged this significant change. I do have an appointment with an On-Call doctor in his office on Monday.\n\nMy kidneys were first looked at about 8 weeks ago when I had blood in my urine one day, gone the next. It was theorized that I was passing kidney crystals and that is what caused the blood. Labs were drawn at that time and showed an elevated PTH at 59, low Vitamin D at 8 and GFR was 63. (Calcium was normal) I saw an endocrinlogist for the first who said the elevated PTH was due to the low Vitamin D. He put me on 50,000 units once a week and told me to get checked again in 8 weeks. As far as the GFR at 63, the only thing that was said was my kidneys were not functioning as well as they should.\n\nSix weeks later (2 weeks ago) I had an appointment with my PCP, I had the labs rerun then. It is these results I picked up from medical records last Thursday. The good news was my Vitamin D was back to normal ranges. But my PTH was still elevated at 59 and my GFR had fallen to 51!! This reduction in kidney function is what has me scared!\n\nOnly changes in medication during this period was I started on monthly Sandostatin shots as a treatment for the chronic pancreatitis and also started on an over the counter Zinc supplement as found to be low (one of the elements the sandostatin will affect). Kidneys problems is NOT a known side effect of the sandostatin.\n\nAny suggestions, comments are most welcome. It has already been suggested that I ask for the the GFR to be run again on Monday and also to have all the trace minerals checked. Any other suggestions on what tests I should ask for, possible causes or general information is greatly appreciated!!",
	"I am interested in starting or becoming associated with a Patient Advocacy Program that would allow an exchange of information about patient support. If there currently is such an organization or anyone who is involved in such a program I would love to hear from you.",
	"I added a message to this forum in the Sart a Support Group dealing with the subject listed above Start a Support Group it appears that there are many of us from both side of the commonality where the needle meets the skin looking for answers. I was hoping rather than having to search all of the posting to gleam a grain of information that we have a common area dedicated to meeting that very aim.\n\nWould love to hear from anyone, anywhere who would be interested in joining such an undertaking.",
	"Since the installation of my PermaCath in February I haven't been to the gym. I'm concerned about specific exercises to avoid dislodging the catherer. What do people do to stay in shape, specifically, what lifts and stretches are safe. My mental state has been very fragile these past montns. I still work full-time and have three,four-hour treatments a week. Any ideas? Email: dcawley53@aol.com David",
	"Hi all just wanted to introduce myself and tell you all a little about me. I currently work for a Gambro Healthcare unit in CT(We will soon be a Divita clinic). I am A Patient care tech, and have work for the clinic for 6 years.I am also trained in reuse. I love my job,yes it is hard some days but all I have to do is think of my patients and it helps get my out of bed at 3:30 am. I feel as a PCT it is not only my job to provide the medical care for which I am trained but also I try very hard to make every pt in the clinic that day feel special,a hug and wave or just a how are you today? I am never too busy to give a smile. As pts yourselves does anyone have any suggestions for me, if you had one wish while at treatment, one thing that would make it better for you for the time that you are there what would it be?\nthanks for your time\nremember it take more muscles to frown then smile.",
	"I am writing for my mom. She has been on dialysis for 5 years. For quite a while now she gets very figity and itchy inside-under her skin. The only thing that helps is taking benedryl, but who wants to have to take that every night? Has anyone else had this and if so, were you able to stop it? some nights she just wants to claw her skin off it gets so bad> Thank you in advance",
	"Hi! My name is Pamela in Louisiana, I was engaded to me married* he has dediced that he can't handle my heatlh issues. I lived with him and his daughter of age 15 now...for 4 years. I have two sons of my own ages 22 and 18...they are great to me. I feel very alone right now and not sure what steps my life should go in at this moment...Although i am good at being positive for me and my boys. I am on the list without the correct insurance coverage to help with the cost of a transplant. I want a transplant so much. I have been on Manuel for 10 Months, I am now on the cycler and not sure if i can handle the cycler due to the tied down feelings i have...I Started dialysis in Aug 03. I pray everyday for me and all the folks who have this diease! LUV YA!",
	"Hi everyone! My name is Ashleigh and I live in Lakewood,Colorado.I was diagnosed with Kidney Failure in August 1st,2004,ive had kidney problems since I was young though I had Grade 5 Reflux at the age of 9 and had surgery to correct the problem but as the years went on high blood pressure took its tole on my kidneys and they failed,ive almost been on dialysis for a year and im on the transplant list out here in Colorado at Porter Hospital.",
	"Went to the Doctor today and she told me that I had a lot of white blood cells in my urine. Could someone explain to me what exactly that means. I have diabetic nephrothapy (not spelled right) and sometimes my blood pressure goes down to 85/54 and then it will go back up to 130/84. I am keeping my diabetes under control through diet. I do have other things wrong with me which keeps everybody guessing.",
	"My brother has CRF and has steadily become more weak and tired. Is there anything he can do to help himself? What causes the weakness in CRF when there is normal hemaglobin and only slightly reduced hematocrit?",
	"I'm trying to find out what baking ingredients are acceptable to ingest such as: Chocolate\n\nDoes anyone know of a free site with a comprehensive list?",
	"My boss loves beans! Having read about the high potassium\nlevel in beans, we are wondering if some of it can be leached out as it\ncan be in, say, potatoes.",
	"My mother in law has been on dialysis for I'd say about a year and a half. She also has had 1/3 of a lung removed due to lung cancer during this time. We have moved in with her to help her out with the things that she can't do for herself anymore, and i definitely have some ?'s that i don't feel comfortable asking her about. I would like to know if in any way dialysis affects ones' mind as well as body? She seems much more forgetful, clumsy, and uncordinated. I understand why she's a much more angry person towards others, but can't quite figure out the traits i listed prior. Someone please respond, and let me know if dialysis could be the cause of all this. ???",
	"I am the wife of Ron and have no idea what these lab numbers mean or what level he is at He does not like to talk about it at all so I joined this to maybe get some answers. Thanks for your help\n\nHis last labs were\nBun 57\ncreatine2.7\nhow do I know when he needs to start dialysis from the numbers like the above that the Dr gave us ?",
	"I have to have one Monday. I clotted off both of my lines yesterday within a few minutes of \"the stick\". Just wondering what its like? Anyone else have to have one? Thanks in advance for any insights you might have.",
	"i can't believe how fast thing are going for me now. seen my dr june 30th said need to have fistula placed will have mapping done on july 28th sugery the following week. i sent my tranplant application in a week ago already heard from the tranplant center for eval. my insurace has already set me up with case manager. im happy but sure making my head spin. i thought it would be month before i heard from the tranplant center. does it alway go this fast?\nsheila",
	"Hi my dialysis family!\n Hope you all are doing well.\n I don't know how many of you visit the BRUMLEY dialysis on-line website. Well, there a group of us decided to write Oprah a letter to see if she can have a show to educate her viewers on kidney failure. We specially want the show to reach those people who can either delay or avoid altogether kidney failure. Some people might not even know that it can be prevented, one example are those people who suffer from hypertention. Many of those people are either not informed of the possibility of kidney failure if B/P isn't controlled. Yet, there are others who think \"this will never happen to me\"\n So, we want to see how many people want to join us on this crusade. Our goal is to get lots of people who will join us on our E-mail campaign. Each person will individually email to Oprah, and ask for this show. We feel that the more emails they get on this subject the better chance this topic will be noticed. Once we get enough people willing to do this, we will set a date to send them, be feel that if for example they get 10 emails of the same subject on the same day the odds of catching their interest are higher than if they get one here one there. Do I make sense?\n So if any of you would like to come aboard on this crusade, please either post here, PM mr , go to the Brumley board, or email me at BusyBee719@hotmail.com\n Thanks!\n Marina   \nP.s. If you go to the brumley.com/renal board look for a thread titled \"send email to Oprah show\" it was started on July 10.",
	"Please help us get started with my sister. she started on dialysis at the hospital and Tuesday we start the center. How do people drive or what agencies help to transport. I work and my sister quit driving. This is all new to us and she feels we should just drop what we are doing and be there for her. Help. I called different agencies and she is not wheelchair bound so medicare won't help.",
	"Hi, I am new to this forum. Here is my sitiuation. I have been diagnosed with GN type 3 when i was 16. I am now 31 WHEW!! With no problems until the last year or so. My test results are now showing a creatinine of 3.6 and a BUN of 57, My hgb level is now a 10 My nephrologist told me it is time to contact a hospital that handles transplants since my mom and sister are willing to get tested....my concern is....i have been in stage four for over a year and a half. I am now at a GFR of 15 which is extremely close to failure since that is GFR 14..( Correct me if i am wrong i just don't seem to understand). Should i be concerned that the hospital i called can only set me up for testing in Oct? They didn't even ask me what stage i am in. Is this plenty of time? At what point to i need dialysis or transplant? If i am sooo close to stage 5 it feels like things should be moving faster. Also should i be getting injections of PROCRIT?\nI am currently taking benicar for blood pressure, lipitor for cholestor and Phoslo 3 times a day. I Feel like the more questions i ask that maybe i am being pesty and over reacting. I have been fine all these years cause it was never a reality and now that it is i am very scared and feel like i am lost and confused....please any advice in appreciated. U can email me at dravenrayn@aol.com or even IM me or email me at work Christine.Reed@wachovia.com Thank you for taking the time to read this.",
	"My husband and I recently spent 2 weeks on the Oregon coast. He had dialysis at the Lincoln City Dialysis Center in Lincoln City, OR.\n\nFantastic place. The setting is beautiful and the staff is very friendly and upbeat. The 'participants' he met were all very friendly and positive.\n\nWe highly recommend this location to anyone traveling.",
	"My father is 78 years old and has diabetes. He controls sugar level thru' medication for the past 10 years. Just three weeks ago he stopped passing urine. He was admitted to hospital with creatine 1.5 and thru' medication he passed 2 litre urine next day. However, blood test showed his protein level to be low after he passed urine so Doctors tried to control his water intake. 2 days later he again dropped to very little urine. Doctors then put him on dialysis. Since his creatin level was normal and he did pass urine in the hospital, Doctor decided to not put him on permanent dialysis. He performed biopsy on Kidneys 4 days ago and all the tests came out normal. Doctor is puzzled if kidney is healthy then why it is producing very little urine. At present he is going thru' dialysis every two days. Doctor has put him on the gradually increasing steroid therapy with a hope that he will pass urine.\nHas anyone experienced this before ? If so, how were you able to remedy this problem.\n\nThanks.",
	"Hi everybody\n\nI am new to this site. I am a nursing student in Los Angeles CA. I am very much interested in home dialysis. I been calling to many dialysis centers to train me during the summer but no luck. Is anybody here willing to help me find a center. You will be helping me and my family.\nThank you so much.",
	"My grandpa has been on dialysis for almost 7 years. He has started to be very short of breath and very fatigued. At one time he had swelling in his legs but that has gone. Help! I am not sure what is happening and what I need to do to help. Don't get any feedback from his doctor at all.",
	"My grandpa has been on dialysis for almost 7 years. He has started to be very short of breath and very fatigued. At one time he had swelling in his legs but that has gone. Help! I am not sure what is happening and what I need to do to help. Don't get any feedback from his doctor at all.",
	"Can anyone give me information on an online support group (not forum)\nAlso is anyone from PA or even on aol who wouldn't mind talking?\nMy kidneys are expected to fail within the year. I am just now setting up appointment for transplant waiting list and i will find out about fistula in Sept. I am dealing with things better mentally now but just would feel more comforted talk to people who have been through it. Thanks and take care.",
	"Hi, everyone. My name's Shannon... I'm only fifteen years old, and my dad was told less than a week ago that we only have a month or two until his kidneys fail... He was diagnosed at an early age with glomernephritis, and it's finally hit its bottom point... He initially didn't want to go on dialysis, but my mother and I are trying to change his mind. Any information -anyone- could give me about dialysis could really help us right now...",
	"My husband returned to his neph. last Wednesday and received wonderful news. He was reduced to 2 days of dialysis and returns in one month to see if he can be removed from dialysis for a period of time.\n\nNeedless to say, he is thrilled. We attribute it all to God and His wonderful grace.",
	"Hello, Im Diana. I am new to the forum and have been having some new kidney problems although not as serious as most of you. I am concerned that my problem will lead to more serious ones, so I am here to discuss with you those things. I am also a nurse.",
	"Hello,\n\nI have been carrying on the same kind of forum in Poland for a year now.\nI started dialysis in 1990.\nI had my first kidney transplantation from 1991 to 1994.\nAnd the second one in 1998.\n\n\n I want to point up the presence of people from Poland on this issue.\n However, the language barrier, makes discussion impossible.\n\n Best wishes to you all.",
	"I'm kind of new to this forum thing.... so appologies if this is not relevant or even interesting to anyone.\n\nI'm trying to put together some text that could be perhaps used in restaurants. Basically, I'm fed up eating out at steak houses, asking for a medium rare steak and getting some frazzled bit of tyre instead. Either that or its still moo-ing on the plate. Why can't they cook it the way I want it???\n\nGot so fed up with my steaks not being what I ordered, I decided to write an article all about it.\n\nRestaurants need steak cooking guidelines",
	"I need to find a list of acceptable foods that I can have that will be Low Protein, Low Sodium, Low water content, and low Phosphates! Any suggestions where I could find this? Thanks, Jeanie",
	"I have been in end-stage renal failure for 4+ years with creatinine level hovering in the 4.0-4.3 range. I'm told now to lose weight in anticipation of a transplant--but I'm also on medications for treatment of Bipolar condition. Any suggestions as to how to safely manage weight-loss? I currently have no clinical symptoms of kidney disease. Thank's",
	"Hi all,\n A few weeks back I asked if any of you would be interested in emailing the Oprah show requesting a show on kidney failure. Some of you showed interest in the matter. We've (Tish from another site and myself) been posting in the different sites we visit trying to get more people involved. I'm happy to announce the we've picked a date to send these emails. It will take place on Monday Aug. 15. If you folks are still interested please write your emails and then go to OPRAH.COM and follow their email instructions. You might want to add the words Kidney failure/COJO on the subject line, I feel that we might get a better response from them if we do that.\n Good luck to us!!!!!!!!!!\n Marina",
	"My brother in law has a patent fistula in his forearm. He has terrible pain in his hand that keeps him up at night. He does not want to change the fistula because it is functioning fine. Any tips for pain relief in the hand?",
	"my mom is on peritoneal dialysis she's keeping a lot of the solution in like 1200 of 2000unit bags has anyone ever done that doctor won't answer questions!",
	"will be having my av fistula placed on tuesday, august16,2005. can anyone tell me how long it take to hav the surgery?",
	"my neph has been the greaest person to help me deal with my diease. he always there for me when i need questions answered. he has well edcated me to my ckd. He a neph that truly care about his patients and always speak to you in a kind way and simple terms so you can understand. i thank god everyday for giving me such a neph. I m now reaching the stage of needing dialysis will have fistula palced on the16th of august thanks to my neph i have been dialysis free for 47 years. god bless him.\nsheila",
	"teal\nHi all. I am new here. My Husband has pkd. He has been instructed by our neph to eat less red meat and more white meat like chicken, turkey, fish, ect. and no more fast foods and no processed foods. I make lots of cassaroles and hamburger helpers from scratch. But i use the canned soups and veggies to make them. Because I just am not able to do a garden yet. He also needs to eat more fresh fruits and veggies which is a little eaiser to do. My question is do you have recieps that are inexpensive and call for white meats. If any of you can help us it is greatly apprcatied. you can email me at buffyhalliday@yahoo.com. Thank you for you help",
	"I'm hoping there's someone out there who can help me. I have seen literally 15 different doctors. Been to the ER more times than I can count. At this point, they think I hang around there for 8 hours in the waiting room for that occassional shot of delaudid. I can think of better things to do.\n\nIn the past 45 days I have gained 40 pounds of fluid. I have veins/vessels popping on my feet as I walk..I literally sleep upside down in a chair so I can stand on them to go to work the next day. My BP on the beta blocker is typically 160/110. My GFR is currently only 84, but I am sicker than $*!!. My body hurts so bad from the fluid that I can't stand anyone touching my skin. My PCP called it \"chronic fatigue syndrome\". Other docs call in Psych. right away because I am so frustrated that I'm nearly hostile. I've been told I have 2 stones, but they do not pose a threat. I've also been told that a GFR of 84 is perfectly normal kidney function - yet I only urinate twice every 24 hours and every website I go to that calculates it tells me I'm in stage 2. Do I need to wait until I'm at stage 4 before anyone treats me?\n\nI'll take any advice I can get. Please tell me what all this means! I'm desperate for answers. The doctors all think I'm perfectly normal, yet my ankles are the size of my knees and every part of my body is in agony. Anyone?",
	"I have found a new board to post on and that's where I'll be!",
	"I say this great pamplet one day at the dialysis center regarding over the counter laxative use, has anyone else seen it. it was on products to avoid. we have a new dietician and she is unware of this pamplet. please send me a copy if you have one. thank you",
	"In the dialysis i saw this great pamplet on over the counter laxatives, I believe it was made my davita, our last dietician handed them out, but our new diatician does not know what i am talking about can someone send me a copy if they have one. thank you",
	"Hi everyone. This is my first posting. I was doing hemodialysis for a year. I hated it. Three days a week, I was weakened and sick. It was also painful! I was not a good patient for hemo. Last Oct. I had the catheter inserted for peritoneal and I am so happy I did. I feel better and everyone I know has remarked about the change in me. I'm healthier too. I plan my work and running errands around my exchanges. (4 x a day) If there is anyone out there currently on hemo and considering PD, I would be happy to answer any questions about it.",
	"I am very pleased to announce that I donated my kidney to my brother. I have been waiting to do this for the past 3 years. My brother had some illnesses that prolong the sergery. I am happy to say that we are both doing great. I was nerves at first but I read and talk to many people that went through sergery. I only had to spend 1 day in the hospital. The first days were kind of hard to get out of bed but I had alot of help and support. If someone asked me if I would do this all over again I would have to say yes.",
	"Hi my name is danny. I have been on dialysis for about 3 years. For the first few years, i was fine physically. However about a year ago my health has declined rapidly. My symptops include feeling like i am going to pass-out, so weak and tired. so tired that my breathing sometimes is difficult. I can not go out of my house; my feet are shaking and i feel i am going pass-out any minute. my doc can not tell what is wrong with me; he said my dialysis report looks okay, my heart seem to be fine too. any one have this problem? does my dialysis not work anymore? I am so desperate.",
	"Hello everyone...my name is Angie and I am 24 years old. I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago with CKD and FSGS. At the time that I found out it felt like one thing after another was going wrong. My husband and I had been planning our family and had started trying for a baby about 6 months before I was diagnosed. I was receiving fertility treatment and at my last appointment my treatment was abruptly stopped. My doctor discovered a pattern with high blood pressure. He ordered a bunch of tests and that night he called me at home and told me he was referring me to an internal medicine specialist. That same week I went to see this new doctor and he ran more tests and it was discovered that the protein level in my urine was extremely high so I was then referred to my nephrologist. At this point I started to feel really nervous and scared. I didn't know what was going on and I wouldn't be able to get into see the nephrologist for another 2 months. When it was finally time to see the nephrologist she immediately scheduled me for a kidney biopsy. This is when I found out that I had FSGS. I was then told that I would not be able to continue trying to start my family, that there were too many risks involved now. I became really depressed and angry at the same time.\n\nWhen I first found out that I had CKD my kidney function was at 40%. As of my last appointment which was the beginning of this week my function is down to 18%. I was given information to read and a video to watch on dialysis and transplant and was told to start preparing myself for what comes next. Although I'm not exactly sure when I will need to start dialysis or if I will need a transplant it is good to know that I have choices in treatment. As my function decreases and it gets closer to the time that something will need to be done the situation becomes more real and scarier.\n\nMy husband as well as the rest of my family have been a real good support system, but as supportive as they are I sometimes think that they can't possibly understand how I feel. I am always tired and when I get a cold or any other kind of illness it seems to drag on for longer than normal. My doctor tells me that this is normal for CKD patients, but knowing that it is normal doesn't make the frustration go away. Because I am so tired all the time I no longer want to do any of the things I used to find enjoyable. I just hope that one day I will feel half way normal again.\n\nAngie",
	"Hello everyone! I am ana and i would like to lose weight very quickly. Which is the risk if I use pills?",
	"My Father-in-Law has a mass in his kidney which is decreasing his kidney function. He is 84. He does not yet qualify for dialysis, and I don't think he will do it even if he gets to that point. He feels good, but tired. I have been trying to find a food list that I can present to him so he can choose what to eat. Any suggestions? He is a meat and potatoes man, and is not happy about giving up meat. And, does this include fish, chicken, pork, turkey? His doc (kaiser) won't send him to a nutritionist unless he agrees to change his eating habits, and my FIL wants to see what is offered before he agrees to change. *sigh* Thanks for any suggestions you may have!",
	"had my fistula placed on august 16, 2005. went to see neph on 24of august and he tell me my av fistula is not working and needs to be redone. told me to call the sugeon and when i did she was real ugly acting like it was my doing. neph told me to her call him because it need to be don asap because my kidney fuction is at 13 and will need to start dialysis very soon. when i tod her she got very mad and really blasted me as though i was wasting her time. i don't feel i deserve that kind of treatment when i see her monday i will be letting her know how i feel. we don't deservse thois kind of treatment it not our falut we were dealt a bad hand. sorry fo be so long just needing to vent.. sheila",
	"Hi everyone,\n My name is Amanda and I am 16 years old. I was diagnosed with Glomerulonephritis when I was 15. I just need a place to come to for support. I am NOT on Dialysis yet because i am on prednisone and Imuran and many other meds. I was on Cytoxan (chemo) but im off now. I( hope that eventhogh I am only 16 you will all accept me and help me to find support. I have not found any place for kids to recieve support for Kidney issues only Cancer.",
	"Hi, all!\n\nMy name is Chelle and I am in the process of doing research for my college English Comp final paper, which I have chosen to do on dialysis. My grandmother is a peritoneal dialysis patient and I am interviewing her as part of my research, but I would also like to get other points of view from both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients, mainly how you feel about it personally and what are the pros and cons of each dialysis. Any input would be greatly appreciated.\n\nThank you.\nChelle",
	"I'm currently on a transplant list, and I currently have a possilbe friend\nwho will donate her kidney, but I'm in termoil has to making a decision\non whether to start dialysis. First, I have had two liver transplants which\nis why my kidneys have failed. I'm currently feeling very tired and mainly\nItching terrilbly. I have great doctors but I'm wondering from others who\nhave expereinced itching if being on dialysis helps relieve the itching? If my\nfriend can be a donor dialysis should be only temperally. I'm new here\nso I hope I'm going about this right. Thankyou",
	"Hi, My name is Carrie My Mother In Law has Been on Dialyisis for alomost 7 yrs. she has got so weak that she hs moved in with us. She has lost her i sight from high sugar. we both work and we do have home health to come in she has just been here one night this will make 2 it is going to be hard but i think i am going to need some support . i'm looking for maybe a chat room for caregivers . anyone know where i can find that ?",
	"The site ikidney.com is also a great site for information for dialysis patients, staff, and families. See what you think!",
	"Making a decision on when to start dialysis.\nRight now my main concern is will dialysis\nhelp relieve the itching? I'm currently have\na possible donor so can't decide whether\nto go ahead a start dialysis even if its going\nto be hopefully a short time. I do have great\nDoctors.",
	"does anyone else haqd realy bad headaches. i had had two ct scansand nothing in them told me what was cuasing the headaches. i do have some calcuim biuld up on the tentorial and posterior falx. can anyone give me some more info in this?",
	"Hello everyone,\n\nI am new to this forum but not to the world of dialysis treatment. I have been a dialysis patient since I was 8 years old, now in my early 30's and still enjoying and living a productive life. I am interested in talking with anyone in the California Los Angeles area who is on dialysis and started as a teen and or has had a transplant.",
	"I would like to know why DaVita doesn't have emergency numbers or contact information on its website for displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina. Assuming that some of the patients are able to get out of the area to where there is power and help, if they wanted to stay with DaVita or let someone know where they were, this website would not help. DaVita is always about what is good for the patient, I truly feel that, but I was shocked to log in and see information about \"Sex and Chronic Kidney Disease\" when I was looking for how I could help other DaVita patients.",
	"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nI would like to know why DaVita doesn't have emergency numbers or contact information on its website for displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina. Assuming that some of the patients are able to get out of the area to where there is power and help, if they wanted to stay with DaVita or let someone know where they were, this website would not help. DaVita is always about what is good for the patient, I truly feel that, but I was shocked to log in and see information about \"Sex and Chronic Kidney Disease\" when I was looking for how I could help other DaVita patients.",
	"All the talk I see is on supporting the needs of the Dialysis patient. Eating right, exercising and communicating with others in same situation. My husband is told he is unable to work indefinitely because the doctors cannot get his body chemicals regulated, so now you loose most of your family income. where do you go for immediate help. This hit us hard and fast. I work but do not make enough to support dialysis diet, medicines, home, and 3 kids.\n\nDoes anyone have a suggestion as to where I can get immediate help.\n\nI'm desperate at this point.",
	"well tomarrow i will be going to have another shot of having a fistula placed in less then a month. i so tried at looking at doctors i can scream. i been seeing a doctor for one thing or other con  stantly for a month now. i know i have to get ready to start dialysis soon but boy this is to much. i sit at night and cry iam so tried. thanks for letting me vent.",
	"please ignore! this was a duplicate entry by mistake.",
	"Can the moderator or someone with a medical background please give their opinion on whether a severe case of food poisoning (Norwalk virus) could possibly hasten the progression of Polycystic Kidney Disease? I have PKD and was maintaining fairly well until I got a bad case of food poisoning. My kidney function started to deteriorate soon afterwards. Within a year I needed to be on hemodialysis. Up to the time of the food poisoning I had been maintaining a creatinine level around 4 to 4.5.\n\nI don't expect a definitive answer, but I would really like to know if there is a possible causal effect of food poisoning on the hastening of my condition.",
	"HI! Call me BJ---I am NEW to all this! I was told I have CKF in Oct. of last year! The first thing they did, was put in a stent, in my left Renal Artery, as it was blocked. The damage is irreversable, my creatine is stable@2.0! So, I am doing ok! All I can do is keep reading, and educate myself, as best I can, And KEEP THE FAITH! I found it HARD to cut my SALT, because--I LOVED it! PICKELS etc!! I LOVED my h2o TOO! But, I love life, and my family---so,I take care, the best I can. We are raising our Grand-daughter, she is 9yrs. old---BIRTHDAY in a week!!!!! She keeps me young at heart, and is one good reason to HANG IN THERE!-RIGHT? My DR. wants me to do my dialysis @ home, the MORE I think about it, I really Don't like that idea!-----Just thought I might get some ideas from one of you? It would be nice to talk to someone who knows where I am coming from! My hubby, and Grand-daughter, seem to get upset when I talk about things![you know what I mean]! Thanks , for anything you might have for me! GOD BLESS![thank for listening] --BJ",
	"where can i get one?",
	"Help!, my partner has esrd and is on dialysis he also has extreme chronic pain. His pain Dr. doesn't seem to know about renal failure. They have had him on everything from Nubain to Oxycontin. Would anybody know what time released pain killer wont react with his desease. I'm desperate",
	"My husband had a massive heart attack 6 weeks ago.He is 53. He had to have open heart surage. The dr didn't think he would make it. He was in a coma for 10 days. He had no signs of a heart attack. He worked for three days before going to the dr. He is a diabete and has been for about 12 years he has always watched what he ate and took med for diabetes. While in the hospital the dr told me his kidneys were failing. My husband had no signs of having kidney fauilure but they had been failing slowly over the years. When he left the hospital his feet and body was swollen we thought he would go on dialsys when he went home. Now his feet and legs no longer are holding fluilds but his creatnine was 4.2 when we left the hospital today it was 5.6 and his BUN was 111 when will the dr start him on dialsys? He is drawing short term diasablity from work and he will for six months so we have insurance. But what can we do when he no longer has it? Where can we go for help? We have always worked and he has always seem to be healty we have never needed help before so we are trying to learn about heart, kidney, and insurance all at the same time. I pray every night just to have one more day with him. We have been married for 30 Years. We just don't understand how he could have gotten so sick so fast.",
	"I have a 34 year old mentally retarded son, who has had kidney disease from birth. He has ureterostomies (diapering situation all his life) and now, after being relatively stabile for the past 10 years, his creatinine has slipped to 3.8. His nephrologist has recommended that he undergo surgery to create a fistula. After three visits to a vascular clinic at local hospital, doctors can't seem to agree on anything. The only thing positive in his favor, is that my son is very trusting and cooperative with all medical procedures (doesn't mind bloodtests, etc) and he has good veins! Since I have to make all medical decisions for him, I don't know what to do. At the present time, he is on a low-protein diet, has a good appetite, sleeps well, seems active, etc. He has started to experience a little red blood cell anemia (doctor prescribed occasional injections for this). The nephrologist seems to feel that he should have the fistula surgery now, as it needs time to mature. I want to do the right thing, but when the vascular surgeons can't seem to agree, what am I supposed to do. Is there anyone out there who has a fistula, and at what point was it done? My son's BUN is about 40 - 47 and his creatinine see-saws from 3.5 to 3.9. (was stabile at 2.8 to 3.1 up until last November. He currently has a total kidney function of about 17% - 68% of which is right kidney, and 32% left kidney, which as large kidney stone inside - they said it would be too dangerous to operate at this point. Any advice anyone can give me at this time would be greatly appreciated. My son has only Medicaid for health insurance, which does not help the situation.",
	"I found an awesome planner and organization tool for caregivers dealing with any medical conditions.It is very helpful in dealing with medications, emergency contacts, screenings, expenses and other helpful gadgets. It has a software version you can use this to create a complete electronic profile medical history. If a loved one is lost or in an emergency room,\nprofessionals can instantly learn what medications a patient is taking, what chronic conditions he/she may have, or what allergies he/she may be subject to. I believe it is most worth it as it can give a source of stability and comfort in dealing with day-to-day stress. Their website is www.theguidetogoodcare.com it really help me manage my father and i thought i would pass the information along.",
	"Hi\nmy name is sabrina. i am a 40 year old who have been on dialysis a little over two years. im just getting around to getting evaluated for kidney transplant. i have a few ppl in my family willing to donate a kidney but i just found out how expensive the medications are! no need to go through with the transplant, assuming we have a match, if i cant pay for medications. If anyone knows any organizations that can help with this, please let me know. i dont qualify for any help from the state because between my social security disability insurance payment, and my husbands work, they say i make too much money if you can believe that! Any help is greatly appreciated.\nthanks",
	"Hello...\n\nI have a Grandmother who is going to be 90 next month and has a problem with her kidney, yes just 1. She had 1 removed back in 1964 and has been living with 1 ever since. But has been told by her doctor that the one she has now is starting to shut down, been working alot since 1964. Doctor told her that she needs to go on Dialysis but is afraid to because of all the bad stuff she has been hearing in the \"past\" I am trying to find any kind of info that might help her decide what would be best for her to do so that she can live a much longer life. Not to sure where to go to get this info so that I can print it out for her to read. Any info from anyone would be greatly appreciated. \n\nThank you!",
	"My best friend has complete kidney failure,her parents have\nrefused any treatment. My question-she is very seldom awake and weak\ntoday they are releasing her from the hospital. Hospice is going to her\nhouse 3X a week. Confused-some relatives are talking that she can get better others (including her mother) act like it is fatal. Can someone tell\nme, will complete kidney failure something that you will die from if no\ntreatment is done",
	"I have recently been diagnosed with fourth stage esrd. Had a biopsy that indicated renal faliure was due to gout. I am wondering if there are others with this diagnosis and what your experiences have been.",
	"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nI found an awesome planner and organization tool for caregivers dealing with any medical conditions.It is very helpful in dealing with medications, emergency contacts, screenings, expenses and other helpful gadgets. It has a software version you can use this to create a complete electronic profile medical history. If a loved one is lost or in an emergency room,\nprofessionals can instantly learn what medications a patient is taking, what chronic conditions he/she may have, or what allergies he/she may be subject to. I believe it is most worth it as it can give a source of stability and comfort in dealing with day-to-day stress. Their website is www.theguidetogoodcare.com it really help me manage my father and i thought i would pass the information along.",
	"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nI found an awesome planner and organization tool for caregivers dealing with any medical conditions.It is very helpful in dealing with medications, emergency contacts, screenings, expenses and other helpful gadgets. It has a software version you can use this to create a complete electronic profile medical history. If a loved one is lost or in an emergency room,\nprofessionals can instantly learn what medications a patient is taking, what chronic conditions he/she may have, or what allergies he/she may be subject to. I believe it is most worth it as it can give a source of stability and comfort in dealing with day-to-day stress. Their website is www.theguidetogoodcare.com it really help me manage my father and i thought i would pass the information along.",
	"Hello!\nIf I will donate my kidneyAB+ to someone I don't see any problem in that because in same Time I can and recive Help,if you will wrte to me porec1957@yahoo.com",
	"I recieved a kidney transplant October 26, 2000 and I am rejecting it big time. I am at the level right before they get you ready for dialysis. That is not the big problem. I am suffering from being tired all the time and at the same time having insomia when I lay down. I just heard yesterday a husband of a lady that works in one of my Dr. office that is on dialysis (peritinal, he is bedridden) also suffers from it. I started when I was in intensive care and my Transplant and Nephrologist wasn't too too concerned cus I was under going some treatments that really wiped me out. So I am wondering how common is this? If anybody knows please let me know.",
	"........................",
	"I've had chronic kidney infections since I was 2yrs old now I'm 24yrs old. I'm having symptoms like there is protein in my urine, my urine is dark and has a terrible oder, I rarley urinate even after drinking tons of fluids all day long and when I do hardly anything comes out, and I'm super tired. I had an ultrsound done of my bladder and after drinking 32oz. of water my bladder was barely full so I chugged more water and then the ultrasound showed my bladder was even less full. I don't get what's going on, but I'm pretty sure my kidneys aren't working right. In March of 2004 I had Sepsis(blood poisoning) from having a bad kidney infection; had to have 2 transfusions, and almost died. Has anyone else had any of these problems? What could be wrong; and should I be seeing a doctor immeadietly, I've had these symptoms for like 3 months.",
	"My name is amanda i am 28 years old. Over the last 4-5 years i would occasionally get bad pain on right side of back. Between 1-4 times a year. I didn't really worry to much as the pain would fade away. I have been taking b-12 shot for 3 years.\nTwo weeks ago i started to feel ill. Sick to my stomach and very dizzy. I have never actually thrown up. I am getting more dull pain in my side.I am urinating sometimes 2 times in a hour and getting up 1-2 times in the night. Mu urine looks a little cloudy and the first pee in the morning is bubbly. I keep getting these@#$ hiccups. I have not lost any weight and my appetite is not so bad.\nAfter going on these sites i belived maybe it was kidney infection. I went to my dr 2 months ago for blood work as i was so so tired and worn out. He did blood work and urine and never called so i assumed it was ok.\nIs it possible that this has come on in the last two months. I know this is not medical advice just looking for opinions. I feel like a hypocondriac with all these problems and i know it sounds stupid but i feel like my dr looks at me like here she is again.\nAlso embarrasing but i have discharge coming out of both nipples(when squeezed) one nipple is milky and other is green and sticky. I know i have a lot of complaints but you know when you feel something and your sure thats what the problem is.\nMy bp last night was 133/72. I have never had high bp.\nAlso(sorry im rambling) i have two marks on my right leg below my knee which are red/brownish. It is not a lump or no red dot signaling broken blood vessel. It is smooth like my skin but very noticable. I have had it 3 weeks. My eyes are very puffy but no puffy around hands or feet .\nSo thank you for any input and suggestions and i wish all of you the best and a loving heart.\nTelling these experiences can really help and motivate.god bless",
	"My husband has stage 4 kidney disease, no dialysis yet. His nephrologist has told him to get family members tested to be ready when he gets to transplant numbers on kidney function. He is also non-insulin dependent diabetic with hypertension. Both of us work long hours (he is a structural engineer, I am an optometrist -- I am an employee, not my own boss, so have NO flexibility in job). We are in our early 50s. We went on the zone diet where all your meals are delivered, loved it for weight loss & convenience, but found his potassium & phosphorus levels are even higher. His dr. advised no more zone diet. He also has to limit protein. All we were given by the nephrologist were some LONG lists of what NOT to eat. I am about ready to go to the vetrinarian to purchase science diet KD & call it meat loaf. Neither of us LIKE to cook or have TIME to cook. We would like to stave off a transplant as long as possible. Anyone out there who can offer suggestions or help?",
	"My husband is a hemodialysis patient temporarily and we were told he cannot drink boost  . Which nutritional drink is best for him? He is recovering from peritonitis and the surgery to remove his CAPD catheter. We want him to heal strong and be ready to have the catheter reinserted as soon as possible, however he does not have an appetite and is nauseated easily.",
	"Hi all,\nMy son-in-law just today diagnosed with Berger's disease. (He is 23). His doc said take fish oil tablets and antihypertensive and this is day one for us. We are all ignorant and wanting to learn. He has had small amount blood in urine, on and off, for 4 years but biopsy said Bergers. Are we on the right track?\nWe will welcome all emails and advice. Thanks in advance.",
	"Hello,\n\nMy son is a Type 1 Diabetic and for 3 weeks now he has had a lump on the lower right side of his back. The area is not sore to the touch and it doesn't bothr him. However, his blood sugars have been primary in the 300 and up. The lump is visible when he is standing up normal and from the side. It is a hard mass that looks like the shape of his kidney.\n\nThe ER did blood work 3 weeks ago and the doctor said his kidneys were fine. However, he was spilling Ketones like crazy. Also, at the ER they took X-rays of his kidneys...they were also fine.\n\nI went to our regular Ped doctor yesterday, she said it looked like it was his kidney. When my son twists a little bit the other kidney(shape) is seen too. However, the other side is not visible when he is standing up and is not hard. She also asked for another opinion from one of the other doctors.\nThe doctor is going to do some more tests. What kind of test would be good to look for why this would happen?\n\n\n\nDoes this sound like a kidney problem?\n\nThank you for your time.\n\nRH",
	"I have an iliostomy and last year had both kidneys operated on ( through the back) staghorn stones compacted. I did well until last week when I was rushed in to ER for 2 stents from kidney to bladder, now I guess I am in for the same operation again this year. I drink 3 litres of water per day , but I am so confused over what I can and cannot eat with both the ostomy and the kidney... any suggestions.... I do no salt, potassium, I can't eat raw veg's or whole wheat... I would appreciate any input. Thank you",
	"Speaking of \"Other Experiences\", can anybody tell me what Social Securitys job is. After working all my life, never needing any assistance from public services, my kidneys fail and I go to Social Security for help and they want to beat me up with paperwork.\n\nI've been on peritonal dialysis for almost two years now and my insurance is running out, so now I need to sign up for Meidcare Part B. I think it should be a fairly simple thing but I've spent the better part of the last two months just trying to get this one thing done.\n\nMainly they keep wanting me to make an appointment and then when I do they tell me I need to get another piece of paperwork. I wanted to get this done before the end of October (when my insurance runs out), but I wound up having to make now my third appoint for Oct. 13th.\n\nAnd I think the thing that gets me the most is that everytime I make an appointment, they send me out the paperwork to sign up for Social Security Disability (I've been getting disability for almost two years), do they even read their own information.\n\nI'm just venting, but if anyone is going to be dealing with Social Security any time soon, be sure to pack a lunch and a supersize bottle of aspirin.",
	"my best friend died yesterday due to his kidneys failing to work. He was on dialysis. I don't understand how this happened. I think someone is at fault. He was at the hospital two days before...they let him go home and told him he was healthy. Why didn't anyone see this coming? I've joined this web site and I ordered a free bracelet in hopes to make others realize how important it is to take care of yourself, in his memory. But is there anyone that can explain this? How does this happen?",
	"Hello everybody. My dad has recently been diagnosed with renal failure, he's been on dialysis since July. He has also been diagnosed with early stage alzheimer. He is having a hard time with his diet, especially with his liquid intake. My mom checks him constantly, ( this frustrates him so much!!) but he manages to sneak his way to the fridge for water!!! So his legs swell up, he has a hard time breathing etc...My dad is one of the greatest human being you'll ever know, and until a few months we never would of guessed that he would get so sick, to see him this way is very painful. I guess the only way to deal with this is one day at a time. Anyways, he will be celebrating his 80th on Oct.15 and I would like to bake him a birthday cake, does anyone have an idea???\np.s he also was diagnosed with mild diabetes\n\nI would greatly appreciate any ideas, thanks!!!",
	"Who knew that you can still get life insurance even though you've had a kidney transplant!\n\nWe specialize in helping people find life insurance coverage no matter what their physical condition... Whether you are healthy, have diabetes, or have even had a kidney transplant, we can help you find life insurance!\n\nWe shop the market to find the coverage that you want and need at the best possible price.\n\nCome visit us and let us see what we can do to help you! This is a no-obligation service and it is provided at NO COST to you!\n\nwww.eLifeInsuranceDepot.com",
	"My boyfriend (who's only 24) has End Stage Renal Disease. I am so proud of him because he's very positive and lives a normal life. He goes to college full time and treats me like a princess. He's just way too cool (because he treats me like a princess)! My bf does not know anyone his age who has ESRD. I suggested that we go to a support group but he said that the members are a lot older than him...(way older)! I think he wants to meet someone his age...someone who has ESRD, goes to college and lives a normal life. Is there anyone who lives near Kentucky who wants to be our friend. Does anyone know of a convention/conference/camp/gathering of some sort for people with CKD? Please help us!!! Thanks!",
	"Does anyone know of a website thas has a table of food values covering patassium and phosphorous?\nThanks,\nTony",
	"I just found a website: http://www.mrspice.com/ that sells salt free-fat free seasoning sauces. They also include recipes on their website. The really great thing is that the nutrition labels for their products include potassium and phosphorus content.\n\nMakes life much easier!",
	"My mother was diagnosed with diabetes about 5 years ago. In May of this year, she suffered a stroke. A couple of weeks ago she was put in the hospital because her blood sugar levels were very low(around 30). She had just been put on a new medication for her diabetes and that is what caused the problem. While she was in the hospital, we were told that her kidneys were not functioning properly. I asked them on a scale from 1 - 10, 10 being perfect, what number are my mom's kidneys functioning. The Dr. said about a 7. I assume that means they are functioning at about 70%?\nAfter she got out of the hospital, we went to our family Dr. for a recheck. At that time, we were told that she should go on a Renal Diet. I've have searched the internet, and have not been succesfull in locating a list of foods that are acceptable. Can anyone out there help? We have LOTS of questions and not very many answers.",
	"Hi everyone...\n\nI am new here and new to the whole world of dialysis and kidney disease... my boyfriend has the kidney disease Fabry which leads to kidney failure and just got out of the hospital from a scare. So here I am trying to learn as much as I can so he has someone knowledgable to help and support him.\n\nI noticed in some of the posts that there are a few people at stage 5. He is also at stage 5 and I am very scared. I have no idea the timeframe on anything and that worries me.\n\nHe goes in for his first surgery Nov. 3 (I guess to get the tubes or something inserted so he can then begin to get dialysis??) and I have no idea what to expect and I don't think he does either. Is it a painful process? Did you want support while going through all of this?\n\nHe is 35 and has no immediate family out here and a limited number of TRUE friends... I want to be there for him but don't want to overwhelm him.\n\nAny advice, comments, etc. that anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated. I intend on frequenting this board often and learning as much as I can... and in advance, I thank all of you for your time!\n\n- Jenni\njen23257@aol.com",
	"my dads kidneys are slowly failing, i cant find anywhere that tells me the first signs and symptoms to watch for, i find lots of info on dialysis but he has a bad heart and an aortic aneurysm so has chosen to \"let nature take its course\" can anyone direct me or tell me from personal experience? His doc said one thing to watch for is confusion I think, to tell the truth I'm so confused I just don't know what to do. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks....",
	"I have been a dialysis patient for ten years and my Nurses are the best. My nurses really care about their work and the patients. It seems as if they never run out of patience. I have been at ny center long enough to see some of them get married and have children and they we talk about families, friends and a whole lot of other things. Some of them almost seem like sisters to me. My Nurses are the best and I'm glad that they are in Bridgeport, Ct.\n\nDan",
	"I am a diabetic dialysis patient wondering if there are frozen entrees that I can have and also if there are snack foods that are okay for me. I can't seem to find resources on the web with this type of information. Any help much appreciated.",
	"I was a empoyee for a short time at davita dialysis in seattle olympic view. I have about 10 yrs of Dialysis experience and have never seen anything like this. Patents being scheduled on top of eachother 5 to one tech ratio sotimes no nurses on the floor. Most tech ther are very inexperinced so this seems normal to them.Rummors around town from respectable units told me not to work there two times .I was hired ther once and turned it down 3 yrs ago. I just moved back from Florida and thought I would give them a chance. The stress got so much I couldnt take it anymore so I quit.I did it a little old fashion f u I quit .But to my suprise my facility director that is only there mabe 1 day a week talked me out of it .After telling her what I thought of her unit and manegment skills I figugured a closed case .But no I was talked into staying and I took the offer becuse she promised change. I was going to call state and report my findings I feel she was worried about me retaleating back .I also have a home patient that is my fiance and when she visited the unit all she could say to me was why nobody moves when ther is a alarm. this was durring my conversation with my f.a .This clinical director is not fit in her education to preform a good clinic . I think the most disturbing thing she told me that this clinic was real bad befor she came 3 yrs ago I cant belive that.So all renal inpared people of divita if you go to Seattle go to the North West Kidney they are much more ogainized and care about the patient rather the time and money they can save on your treatments.My goal is to report this clinic to every state agence I can Intill they remove Arlene from her job to save the wellfair of the patient that needed help. I have a new job with patients in great heath on dialysis. I will never quit trying for those patent at olympic view the human race deserves better.",
	"Hi there,\nIt's a first for me on this forum. I just wanted to say thank you to all who have given me some information which I can happily pass on to my parents. My Mom goes 3 times a week for dyalisis and is big time diabetic; she feels like her life collapsed.\nMy Dad has been wonderful and he's taking such good care of her.\nThese two have been yearning to go on a vacation of some sort but they are constantly discouraged and being told that it's a hassle, she might not get her time spot when she gets back, lots of paperwork, etc....\n\nThey found out about the portable machine but were quickly discouraged as well.\n\nHowever, I did find that cruise company posted on this forum and which caters to dyalisis patients very interesting. They would love to go to Florida for a few months (they live in Canada) but they don't really know how to go about it.\n\nAlso, my Dad wants me to find out about a liquid that an ex-neighbour used in lieu of dyalisis and was able to spend a week at the cottage without having to go to the hospital. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?\n\nAgain, I'm so happy I found this site and thanks to everyone for your ideas and suggestions. All the best to all of you; I admire your courage.\nMichi",
	"Hi, I'm new to this all, not even sure if I am spelling this correctly, but its the device placed temporily in the chest area. My mother has been on dialysis for only a week, and this past week she has been having problems with pain and tenderness. If you are aware of this will you please help? I was told it is normal, but dont think she should be uncomfortable.",
	"I've been on dialysis since Jan' 05 and have had some dramatic experiences...\n1- My vascath was replaced after 3 months,\n2-My fistula still has not matured enough for two needles\n3-In may'05 i discovered i had calciphylaxis...I would appreciate any positive experiences anyone may have re: this disease\n\nHas anyone got any news or updates regarding hemo dialysis??\nI look forward to feedback, since this is my first post\n\nGreetings to all\n\nThanks to all from Cajunland,",
	"I am 55 yrs old. 5 yrs ago I had a total hysterectomy & of course,had several blood tests done to prepare for that surgery. There was never mention of any CKD. I was told about 2 yrs ago that I had CKD. At that time it was described as moderate. It was explained to me that progression is slow & should not have to deal with this for about 10-15 yrs. Well,after having some routine blood work done 2 weeks ago my primary dr. suspected it has progressed rapidly. I was told on looking at the results of these routine tests my GFR was looking to be about 24. He ordered a 24 hr urine collection & more blood work to confirm the status of CKD. I had this done this past Saturday. I am still waiting for those results. In the meantime,he told me to schedule an appt with the neph I saw 2 yrs ago. My appt with him is Nov 17.Needless to say I am a nervous wreck. My question - is it likey my disease could progress this rapidly? It is my understanding that if my GFR truly is at 24 I have reached stage 4. Also if progression has been that rapid I'm afraid dialysis is very near. I would appreciate any feed back on this issue. Thank you.",
	"Hi Guys!\n\nFirst of all I’d like to know you all. It’s been long time since I haven’t joined a forum like this.\n\nAnyway, my father is the one who undergoes hem dialysis sessions here in the Philippines. Luckily, I have a job wherein I can sustain his dialysis sessions until it came to a point wherein he needed it more frequently. I did everything but still it’s not enough. I’m currently working as an RF Engineer in a telecom company here in Manila. I spent the rest of my time at the office even after office hours just to obtain enough overtime claim to support my father. I work more or less 14-16 hour a day. The minimum wage here is quite low. It’s enough only for a single like me. I thank God for having a job like this, at least. God knows how I love my father. Because of this problem I learned how to spend my time wisely. I’m even so eager to learn up to the utmost of my career.\n\nI know this is quite odd but if you have any idea how to help me please do so. I’m planning to apply in U.S. or Europe for any related job within the field I’m currently in so that I can earn a lot and enough to sustain my father’s need. This is the best way that I know so far. If you know any employer in need for an RF Planning & Optimization Engineer like me please just let me know. For kind people like you guys I really appreciate for spending some time in reading what I posted. You can reach me at my mobile no. +63-927-994-5842 or mail me at 18-A Habito Street, Iyam District, Lucena City 4301, Philippines.\n\nI love my Father so much so I can't lose hope, I hope you guys feel the same thing..\n\nJaime L. Laredo Jr.\nRF Engineer\nNokia-Ericsson GSM Planner & Optimizer",
	"hi my name is robin. i've been on dialysis for 5 years oct 31. i have tried every type of dialysis there is. they have so much trouble with me. i have had 40 surgeries in all. i jsut wanted to come in here and say hi and introduce myself. i hope to make some great friends on here and someone i can share my thoughts with.\nRobin",
	"I just found out i am 3 weeks pregnant. I have one son that is 6 years old. My creatinine level is 2.8, the doctors are saying that i will lose my kidney and then have to go on dialysis and then lose the baby. I have read on the net that people can have successful pregnancies on dialysis, I am wanting to know if anyone you know has had a successful pregnancy. Any information would be helpful.\nThanks",
	"This is my first post here and I have to say right away that I do not have a kidney problem, but my mother in law does. The problem is that she was diagnosed with Liver Cerosis about 12 years ago, even though no Doctor has been able to tell her where it is from, and things were actually doing pretty good for awhile. Now here kidneys are failing and she has been put on a Liver Dialysis and the doctors hope that the Kidneys will start funtioning again. She started a little over a week ago. She was scared to death of the dialysis and is still quite suprised how week she has become. Is it normal that a person is weak a day after dialysis? She had her forth treatment yesterday and seemed to be doing better after it than today. Today seemed weaker. I try to encourage my wife and tell her that it could be from the dialysis. I have also wondered if anyone can tell me if there is something we could give her to drink, perhaps crannberry juice. Will that help anything?",
	"I just started dialysis two months ago and am trying to lose weight. I am restricting my caloric intake to around 1400 calories per day. Based on that, I should lose approximately 2-3 pounds per week. At my dialysis center, they are reluctant to challenge my dry weight. Most times they attempt to remove only water weight that will get me back to my previous post dialysis weight.\n\nI've spoken with both my nephrologist and charge nurse and they seem more concerned with cramping or blood pressure dropping during dialysis than with supporting me in my weight loss efforts.\n\nAny recommendations.",
	"I was at the hospital last month for abdominal pain and they found polycystic kidney disease as the most likely suspect. I am scared about the cost and the treatment related to this disease. I don't have insurance but I am working---I need to see a kidney doctor. (necorologist)sp? but am worried about the cost to have a biopsy of my kidney. Anyone know the actual cost to get started on a treatment.\n\nThanks Cherryl",
	"I think I ahave Kidney disease. My family and doctors don't know what I have but they know it is bladder related. I beleive I have kidney dysfunction. I have all the symptoms. They think it is a bladder infection but they have a negative result.\n\nPlease help.",
	"courier new1Black\nMy brother is on dialisis for 1 year. All test paramettres including blood pressure are good.\nBut he is worry cause loosing weight. His usuall weight was 162-64 pnds, now is 154. He is 69 years of age.\n\nAny advice is appreciated.\nThanks",
	"I wonder if anyone can help me. My Mom is on dialysis and today they used a clamp to stop her bleeding. I have heard that clamps can ruin your access! Am I correct?? Please help!! I would like to keep my Mom well informed....Thank you.",
	"[SIZE=4]Hello all. First I'd like to say that yes, my name really is Davida. My Mom named me after my twin brother David. Thought it must be a sign when I found the Davita.com pamplet at the walk in Erie, Pa. this past weekend.\n I am a worried Mom/Grandma and a grieving, mad sister. My oldest sister passed away a little over a year ago. There was quite an age difference between us. She was in high school when I was born, and I'm only 7 years older than her daughter. My sister was diagnosed with kidney disease about 25 years ago. I was just a teenager. She wasn't quite 30 at that time. The doctors told her that one kidney was diseased and the other had never grown from birth. She lived a very long and happy life. The doctors had originally told her that she would not live to see her children grow up. She attended both of their weddings and has three wonderful grandchildren that she spent a lot of time with. She had two transplants and needed a third but was too ill to be eligible. She'd had some genetic testing done quite a few years ago and had told everyone that it was NOT hereditary. For 3 years prior to her death, every fall she wound up in I.C.U.. The last time she was in I noticed that they had posted outside her room on a wipe off board \"hereditary renal ?????\". I can't for the life of me remember what that last word was. We were all so upset and worried about her that it was the last thing I wanted to worry about. This is where the \"worried Mom/Grandma\" comes in. My daughter is pregnant and due in late December. Six weeks ago she had a sonogram done and the Dr. told us that one of the babys kidneys was filled with fluid. She said that there did not seem to be a blockage, maybe the tube was underdeveloped. Two weeks ago we had another sono and the one kidney is still fluid filled and the other is starting to fill. My daughters OBGYN told us that this is something very common and we shouldn't worry about it. Said they will do another sono before the baby comes, and then do a sono on him at birth and take it from there. Due to all of the privacy rules my sisters Doctor told me he can't tell me anything, but to make sure that my daughter pushes her OBGYN to do something because it is not normal. Now I am in the process of trying to get one of the nephrologists here to check it out. I have asked my sisters daughter what it was that was written on her Moms board and she said \"Don't worry, she didn't have anything hereditary, that's just what the Doctors called it.\" I'm shocked that at 30 something years old she would belive that the Doctors would call it something it's not. I am curious about the hereditary thing, the only thing I can find that would be hereditary is PKD, but the baby and my sister have/had no cysts. I could be just a paranoid Mom and I certainly hope that is all it is. I just need someone other than family to vent to. My Mom is in her late 70's and I really don't think she could handle any of this. She did everything for my sister, she took her to and from dialysis 3x's a week for the last few years of her life, took her her the Doctor appointments 3 hours away from here, did her dishes, laundry, everything and anything. My sister was such a big part of my Mom that I thought for sure when my sister passed away it wouldn't be long before my Mom went, Thank God she's still here. Thanks for listening and I wish everyone out there All The Best. Davida",
	"My Partner Started Dialysis On July 2005. Since Then Had Been Not Easy To Adapt A New Change As Huge As This Into My Life. Ex: Transportation, Meals Be Done Before Left To The Center. Hours Of Treatment : 7:45 Pm To 11:45 Pm.\nAnd His Moods Swings Are Hard On Me And The Kids : Boy 8yr And A Girl 15 Yrs. Sometimes I Feel Guilty Of Felt Angry At Him For What He Said Or Behavior And I Cannot Help But To Asked To Myself Is That Alright. It Wouldn't Be Easier If I Am The One To Go Throught It Than Him? Perhaps I Would Handle Better Or Not All? I Just Dont Know What Is Correct Or Not. And Not I Have Not Talk This To Him Because I Am Afraid He Took This The Wrong Way, I Guess.",
	"Hi everyone.\nHoping to get some support here. My husband is in Stage 5 and just had a paratenal surgery on Monday. His first dialysis is scheduled for Nov. 7th - don't think he can hang on that long. He is not the same person and is really acting strange and he is not eating hardly anything at all. I have voiced concern with the doctor and hope I can get him admitted for catheter to get dialysis soon. He is so depressed and scared. I just want him to feel better.\n\nAny support or advice would be appreciated. I am finding that it is hard to find support with this right now - maybe I am not looking in the right places, etc.\n\nThanks. Betsy",
	"Well, I was right. He couldn't wait. In the middle of the night he has shortness of breath and I took him to the ER. They admitted him and did blood work - his creatine level was 16 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\nNeedless to say, they ran a catheter in the neck and got a hemo dialysis going. He is in the hospital now for about 4-5 days. I am glad I took him and listened to my inner voice. He couldn't make the decsion in my opinion to go to the doctor because he didn't want that catheter in his neck or hemo, he was too weak and not stable.\nI just want him to feel better and be back to his old self.\nThanks for anyone who reads this and reply if you'd like.\nBetsy",
	"My lood Type its AB+ and I will donate my Kidney to someone,my HLA Tisuue Tpe its A2,B38,B63,Cw7,DR4,DR15,DQ1,DQ3 so for all other info my Emai porec1957@yahoo.com",
	"i think its also important to support and encourage our caregivers as well.....like doctors, dietitians, our family........\nbeing a dietitian the best compliment i ever received from my patient is that \" ur encouragement and support increases my life for one more day, it gives me courage to fight my disease\"\nthis compliment made my work more effective and i got more motivated and dedicated towards my patients..........\nshare ur compliments in this forum.........\nhave a good day\nneendia",
	"Hi guys, I'm new to the site. Just joined today, in fact. But I've been reading a lot of the threads here and I've heard a lot of people singing the praises of PD, especially for younger patients. ( I'm 27 ) I'm on hemodialysis for a little over a year now. I thought I was totally strange b/c I thought I was the only one who felt worse after the treatments! I graduated from the chest cath to using my fistula, and now I hate hemo even worse! LOL ! My arm infiltrates on a pretty regular basis, so I'm so afraid to move even the slightest bit that my whole arm will fall asleep while I'm in the chair. It's a drag. But what I really want to know is what are the requirements for getting on PD?? I was told by one of the techs at my unit that you have to have a special water line ( or something like that ) installed in your house, and that it is a very expensive process. Can someone please give me their personal experience of the requirements? Hemo has really been rough for me and my family, and if there is another option available to me, I'd like to be able to make an informed decision about it. Thanks! Darla.",
	"Hi again folks! I wanted to talk about a new website that I just found. It's called matchingdonors.com. This is a non-profit website that aggressively matches living donors with people in need of organs. I don't have any experience with it yet, but apparently all you have to do is fill out the bio and they match you with donors from their list. I'm going to give it a try! After all, what do I have to lose? For every new person put on the national transplant list, there are over 80,000 already waiting for an organ. The odds are not so great, right? Anyway, if anyone has any experience with this site, please post a reply. I will update info as soon as I have something to share. Best wishes to all!",
	"Hello,\nI am 30, and I just found out I have CKD... Anyway, I need to go on a low protein, low potassium and low sodium diet. I have seen a dietition but I need help with creating a meal plan for myself. If anyone has any idea on how to get started or now of a website I can go to please let me know.\n\nThanks...",
	"I believe I will have to make a decision as to why type of dialysis I should choose. By the sound of it, PD seems to be the way to go. I love my food, is PD the best choice for us in terms of food limitations? If infection does occur, is it painful? And is it life threatening? Is infection easy to treat? I love t receive some advice.",
	"I am a Type I diabetic for over 33 years. My doctor just told me I'm at Stage II diabetic nephropathy, with my Creatnine at 2.1\n\nI realize every case is different, but what are people's timeline for going from Stage II to ESRD? I have been on an ARB and an ACE Inhibitor for years.\n\nPlease help, I need to plan for something.\n\nRob",
	"Hi everyone! This is a GREAT forum. I'm a hemo patient (since August 15, 2005). I have determined that PD is going to be my method of choice and will be meeting with my neph to get started on the procedure in November. I have PKD, diagnosed 25 years ago. Afterall, there is no perfect method out there, but, having spent the past 2.5 months on hemo, I've determined it's definitely not for me. All of your posts have reinforced what I already determined (with God's help), to be of great value to me. Though the hemo procedure is working, I don't like how I feel afterwards: weak, nauseous, headaches, listless, etc. I also don't like the needle sticks. Plus, the possibility of coming into contact with so many germs and diseases at the hemo center.\n\nLast weekend, the head nurse was asking the patients if they wanted a flu shot. A lot of people did not get one, but I did get one (though I've never had one before) Has anyone else had a flu shot since they've been on dialysis? Did you still get the flu?\n\nThanks so much and I'll keep you all posted on my PD progress.",
	"I am new to cooking for someone on the d word. I am making it o.k. for night time, but that dreaded lunch is driving me crazy. My hubby is still working 3 days a week,( construction work,) and has to take a lunch. There are only so many ways to do chicken, egg, and tuna salad. Any suggestions?",
	"Well where to begin. i see alot of people that feel bad about there selves and people that are afraid of what is instore for them. well let me say this. your not alone i once felt like the way you all do. and i know its hard sometimes on the machine. but remember its our lives not that machine or pd, its our lives we should live it how we want to use the machine to your advantage if your going back to school or balancing a check book or reading a book. use it. dont let it get you down, yeah there is akit if responsiblity. that we must do. but god never gives you more then we can handle, to me this is a test of will. am i going to let my illness run me or am i going to run the illness. yes its scary to think that the end might be sooner then later but for what its worth. what life i have left is mine and imma live it to the fulest i got a wonder fiance that is there for me when i am tired and there for me when i am full of life. there are times she tries to make me rest but i wont not yet maybe when i know i cant get up but not now this is my life. i know its tiring for me sometimes but if ifeel sorry for myself i am gonna miss it and i dont want that. spending time with my fiance is very important. i love it and i love playing my video games and spending time with my family. so dont let our illness beat us. we can beat this thing we just have to be there for each other i know i get down on myself sometimes but i read the posts and see i am not alone and neither are any of you\nso peace and gods love\nrl from cali",
	"Hello, I don't know where to start. My 81 yr mother inlaw has lived with us for 4 years and we just found out (12 days ago) she is in ESRD. She got sick so fast I had no clue. I noticed she started shaking and her short term memory was not right and I took her to the doctor. We thought at first she was just sick with a virus that our family had but she just couldnt shake it. Now its this. I feel so lost and overwhelmed by all that is happening and she is so scared of everything that is going on. She looks to me to help her and I don't know enough and its hard to find all the answers. She has had 6 Dialysis so far and she at first did not want to even try. My husband I talked her into at least to give it a try. She hates it so much but said she will try until Jan 1st. One problem she has with it is she hates sitting still for the 4 hour treatments and asked me to see if they can give her a pill to help her edgyness(sp). I have a appointment for her tomorrow with her regular doc. But I am not sure If I ask this doc or the kidney doc. They said her kindey function was at 9.5 % out of 100%. She also had some heart problems they see. But no one knows when she had them?!? She had no pain or anything! We are close and I am scared for her. She aked me if this is the end for her. She asked me is she going to die soon. I feel so lost. Her doctor told me, she can live a few weeks or a few months. I asked him What about a year and he said \"I don't know\" Her regular doctor said it doesn't look good. Her Blood pressure was 210/109 today!!!! it came down but that can't be good! I am following the diet and the meds, pills 5 diff ones and another they started with the dialysis. I'm so afraid of messing up. I guess I am just venting but please if anyone has pointers or help on how to talk with the docs or questions I should be asking PLEASE tell me. Thanks Mimi",
	"hey there, my name is Margot and I am at 10% kidney function being close to dialysis. My problem is that my doctor prescribed Rocaltrol - calcitriol , and after only one tablet one day ago I had very bad side effectets. Nausea,weak and tired, apathy,headache,stomach ache.Has anyone out there taken this med and i wish to know if this wears off quickly or not. I dont feel it is worth taking and would rather put up with the sore joints it is meant to be fixing.",
	"Hi I am Vee I was transplanted in Dec 95.  My transplant lasted 9 years I was so happy but earlier this year my transplant start failing so in Feb 05 I started back on dialysis. It broke my heart to be back on dialysis,  I even blamed myself for my transplant not working. But my doctor kept assuring me it wasnt my fault sometimes transplants fail. But I thank God for the 9 years I did have. THe transplant team placed me back on the list so I am awaiting another transplant. And I am ready whenever they call me again. I am trying to make the best of my situation by staying busy. But every once in a while a get real sad and frustrated why am I here.  One day on dialysis I just broke down and cried.  I was so grateful to the other patients and staff. That entire time they saw me sad they made a special attempt to make me smile and laugh. I didnt think about how sad I was the entire time I was there. I thank God for my caregivers and my fellow patients whom made me feel like family.",
	"My wife Has fibrillaryimmunotactoid glomerulonepheritis.\nThis is the first time I have ever talked about that I may lose her.\nWe've been married for thirty-four years this going July and with her kidney disease the only thing that's a cure is a transplant.\nThis from of kidney desease is very rare... only fifty cases and we can't find anything about it. Can anyone help with a web site?",
	"My favorite Aunt was diagnosed with Kidney failure a week ago. She will need Dialysis 3 days a week 4 hours a day etc. I read an article in the wall street journal about a man who survived almost 10 years on Dialysis before ending his life (he stopped going 3 times in a row). I know this is a dark subject, I'm just trying to be there for my family right now. What is the survival rate for Dialysis? Are there any books we should be reading? Any help would be greatly appreciated.",
	"Hi, my mom goes to a Davita center that is being ran by an idiot who does not know the patients or their feelings and he has chosen to get rid off a lot of the best tech's and the front desk receptionist and they tell us it's all about numbers and money but they can afford to remodel and open new centers but who cares how the patients feel about any of it. The patients are so mad and unhappy that it's chaging how they feel about doing dialysis. Somebody out there can you please help !!",
	"Hello all, this is Gus from http://www.dailyhemo.org ...have been on dialysis since 1978, but today am doing dialysis in the comfort of my own home. If your new patient on dialysis and have doubts of wanting to go home feel free to visit my site for more information or contact me about un-answered questions you may have. You can read more about me in the frequently asked questions section of my site. There's also a small gallery of pics of my home setup. You can send in yours to! Show the world that it is possible to care for yourself at home.\n\nOn another note I wanted to let all of you dialysis caretakers, and patients whether in-center or at home know that we're running a survey about the usability and safety of dialysis machines and are hoping that many of you would participate in this survey. Doing so would help researchers how to improve and better dialysis machines for this future to come.\n\nYou can visit the surveys page directly at\n SURVEYS\n\nor visit main site at\nhttp://www.dailyhemo.org\n\n\nWe're also welcoming news writers who can contribute latest news on ongoings in the dialysis community. News pertaining to home dialysis, regulations, new dialysis technology, or even interesting stories that home patients would benefit from. If you think your the writer for this then check in with us and have people nationwide read your news in the fronpage!",
	"Hi, I James, and I just wanted to see if anyone knows about the radioactive seed device. My access graft cloged twice within a week after two weeks of use. The Surgeon wants to extend into the upper arm if it happens again. I know the radioactive seed device is yet in reseach, but should I seek eligibility?\n\nPlease advise.\n\nGod bless you all.",
	"Hi - I'm new to all of this, altho it's been coming on for a long time, so we now realize. Wonder why what's ahead is so hard for the doctors to let us know! I'm finally to the point of having the fistula placed in my arm - (I am right handed, and that was the arm with the best veins). When we asked the surgeon what to expect, he said \"you'll never know it happened - it won't hurt a bit\". Of course not the actual surgery, but why couldn't he have given us some idea of the good/bad days after. When we went back with the \"BAD\" he said \"if I had told you, you wouldn't have had it done, would you?\". I understand that it isn't too unpleasant for some, but for me it has been pure misery! Firstly, the dr. tried to do it at the wrist - when that didn't work, he closed the incision and went on to complete it inside my elbow. That did work and healed very nicely, while the wrist is still very painful--it looks like 2 inches of dead meat - my hand is numb and cold and when it wakes up is very painful - tingly fingertips, and being my \"do everything hand\", I can't write or eat or do anything. Our family doctor gave me antibiotics, which didn't seem to do anything - instead of better it's worse. Can't sleep - can't get comfortable during the day. Anyone been thru these results? We go back to the surgeon tomorrow to see what he has to say. It's been a month - should be getting better soon, right? Please talk to me, cause if this is any indication of what's to come, I don't want any of it! ! ! I hate to get discouraged before we've even begun! I am looking into everything I can find here, but don't know where to go next. It looks, by my own calculations right now, that I must be in stage 4 - why isn't anyone telling me anything? Getting pretty anxious. . . .",
	"I am preparing to get a fistula. Above and beyond that, I have no clue what to expect. I have read some of the discussions and until then knew nothing about whether or not you could shower, chills, headaches, vomiting, etc. I am a 54 yr old divorced female, very active, and wonder how this will affect my life. I do not have a significant other--will I ever have one now?  I already have an insulin pump attached to me,; is something else going to be embedded in me too?: I feel like a total idiot because I know nothing about this. Please help.",
	"Fistula problem\nMy wife has had a fistula created in her left arm. This seems to be curtailing the circulation to her fingers. The surgeon hesitates to reoperate in order to modify the fistula as he says it may collapse the fistula. Has anyone had experience with this? Would physical therapy of some sort help?",
	"hi this is my first time here and i want to know if any of you or some you know had a kidney remove ?and how are they felling know ?becuse i had my left kidney remove 3 1/2 years ago. afther my kidney was remove i lost stenght in my back ,,,I get tire stand ...when i do bend bend my back side gets inflamation..the doctor says that the removal; of the kidney had nothing to do with my back side or all the above coplications i have...i would like to hear from other patients like me\n\n thank you zenaida",
	"Have any of you had an unstable GFR? Mine has been hovering around 32% for a while, but my latest GFR shows 55%!!! My sed rate (measures inflammation in your body -- I have lupus) had been running very high and now it is within normal limits, too! It appears that my GFR is greatly impacted by the amount of inflammation in my body. I'm not having nearly as many \"bubbles\" when I urinate as I did and my UA showed no protein. I'm very excited and keep asking my doctor if my kidneys are okay now....he says no, but I keep hoping that they are. Of course, I realize that my inflammation, etc. could go up at any time..........(sigh).\n\nHave any of you had a similar experience??????",
	"My husband is late stage 4 kidney disease (not diabetic) . We are not yet working with a dietitian. He is trying to lose weight before he goes on dialysis. He has lost almost 40 pounds and has about 15 more to go. I’m having difficulty estimating portion sizes of protein & thus don’t really know if I’m meeting his nutritional goals. I need something a lot more exact than “a 3 oz serving of protein is about the size of a deck of cards”. I’ve looked online for scales & they seem to range from about $30 to several hundred. I believe one that has a smaller range of capacity, (as opposed to 0 to 22 lbs.) will be more accurate, but I don’t know how much I need to spend to get a good one. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks",
	"Hi,\n\nMy Mother was having creatinie 1.7 before angioplasty in the heart and one of the kidney\\ies' artery. After that the level becomes high. now it is 9.7. Doctor is telling there might be a risk to go for diialysis because for her weak heart. They are just observing after changing medicines and they predict there are some infection in the kidney.\nShe is having only one kidney working. She is diabetic and having high Blood Pressure. She is passing in average 1200-1300 ml urine per day, but her oral liquid input is maximum 300 ml.She is vomitting quite often and having the notia. She hardly takes solid food.\n\nI will be so gratetful, if anybody share his/her experinece/suggestion as soon as possible.\n\nThanks and Regards,\nSandip.\nIndia.",
	"Hi I am new here and am a little worried.\n I am in, well I dont know what stage im in, going by the american standards using my UK numbers it looks like im in stage 4 of CRD, the thing is a few months ago they gave me a AV fistula im not having any problems with it, however with me being now living in USA i dont understand the way they calculate the stages, my own doctors in britian never really told me anything except that i would be on Hemo Dialysis as any other was'nt an option and once on it it would be a life time of it. I looked at Davita.com's symtoms of Renal failure and it confused me, it says if u chew ice you may be in renal failure, how is this so, I eat ice constantly in fact its to the point i actually crave it. Does this mean things are getting worse or am I just addicted to ice, I never ate ice all that much in Britian but now its every drink i have i have to have ice in it to chew and or i get cups of ice by its self to eat? can anyone explain to me how to correctly calculate what stage i am in, my creatine level is just hitting 400 and both my kidney fuctions is down to 22%\n\nI would be grateful if anyone can help, thank you",
	"i am frustrated by the amount of things i have had to give up recently, for over 29 years i have had CRD, 5 months ago they gave me a list of everything i had to give up and i have to say it was hard but i managed it it ranged from things like chocolate, mushrooms, french fries, anything with a high pottassium level or a high salt level, as u can imagine this pretty much left me with almost nothing but bland horrible food to eat, however i managed as i refused to give up red meat. but today i heard that if u itch as constant as i do then it could be sodas that is causing it.\n\nmy question is this, if i give up Sodas what else am i to drink, I dont drink anything other than Diet Coke or Water, I dont like fruit juice or any other form of liquid refreshment.\n\nNow it is going to be not only bland food but boring water too, what kind of living is this for anyone, ok it might very well save my life i understand that, but at what cost, i have done everything they have asked me to do, giveing up everything they asked me to give up, from as i said french fries to cigarettes to alcohol. I have done everything they want me to do, take all medication they want me to take, why does it have to be so hard>?\n\nI am on 7 tablets in the morning and 9 at night so every day i take 16 tablets just to stop from dying, i know a lot of you will say im being over dramatic but its not fair, everything on their stupid list i love.but yet i still follow what they tell me and still they dont tell me anything. still i continue to do what im told. WHY?...\n\nIf i refuse the medication I know exactly what will happen, I will be feeling great for about 3 months then my face will swell from the poison and toxans, i will start to hyper ventilate or appear to, where as in fact my body will blackout constantly for 10 mins at a time for about 4 days then my body will shut down completely, if i dont get hospital treatment my bicarb level will drop tremendously ( last time it went to 3) and my pottassium level with reach the sky. my creatine level will hit in the upper 900's..my kidneys will start to fail and i will need emergency dialysis, this may not help. or it might ( it did the last time), my heart will weaken and most likely give out, or i will suffer from extreme brain damage.. I guess you are all wondering why i know so much about this...Well to be honest 2 years ago around this time i started to feel despondant about my CRD the lack of information from my doctors, So i decided to experiment and refused medication the result was i nearly died, wont be playing that game again, but i just wanted to tell you all incase someone out there is feeling the same way, yes it takes its toll the constant doctors visits, the lack of information the lack of understanding HOWEVER if you look hard enough you will find all you need to know, but no matter what DONT stop taking your medication and no matter what age you are some of you will even consider it..It isnt worth the pain and misery it causes. So please dont even consider it for a moment\n\nThank You",
	"Caregivers-Let Us Unite! Happy Thanksgiving!\n\nWhether it is offering comfort, assistance, or solace to a family member, spouse or friend on dialysis, caregiving is one of the most important (and rewarding) acts that a person can perform for another. However, it many times goes unnoticed, unappreciated, or just taken for granted. November is a month for caring, sharing, and giving thanks. Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated now and ironically, it is National Caregivers Month.\n\nHow appropriate! Native Americans, who provided food, sustenance, and support to our Pilgrim forefathers, were truly our first caregivers. As then, our era today needs the support for those who take care of their loved ones in need.\n\nOne of the reasons that caregiving has evolved into a $265 Billion Dollar per year altruistic need (U.S.) is because of the increased longevity of life. It is estimated that in my state of Massachusetts alone the figure approaches $4 Billion Dollars a year. Much of this is due to advanced medical technology, but we also need to factor in the caretakers role. Caregiving is a universal undertaking of unforeseen magnanimous proportions. Therefore, more attention should be devoted to this cause.\n\nSo what does this have to do with dialysis?\n\nIn my book, Poignant Moments . . ., “Linda Alexander . . . points out that, “Dialysis patients have presented larger interpersonal problems for health care professionals to consider than many other chronic groups . . .” She goes on to explain “. . . their care entails attendance to variables not usually included in treatment plans. . . .”\n\nHere are just a few personal characteristics that ESRD caregivers face day in and day out with their care receivers:\n• Acute and chronic anxiety\n• Dependency\n• Depression\n• Restlessness\n• Anger\n• Complaintiveness\n• Non compliance\n\nAnd there are many more!\n\nWhen there is a choice, home dialysis, whether it is PD or HD, is among several options loved ones can make decisions. A time that, 33-year home hemodialysis caregiver Marlene Axtmann recently said to me, she was thankful for having her loving husband home during the holidays.\n\n But what do we have here?-we have approximately 350,000 thwarted victims of ESRD by a 1973 noble piece of legislation. Yet at the same time, Medicare does not allow for payments for dialysis caregiving, never mind an optimal health treatment plan or self-education for those afflicted. Caregivers for ESRD patients are not well known. Look at the internet discussion boards. Com’on folks we are few and far between. “There is a big gap there” as somebody in the know recently commented to me. Where are we, or for that matter, where are all caregivers for all chronic diseases recognized? It is in November-National Caregivers Month.\n\nLet us remember, “You’re not alone.”\n\nCaregiving comes from the heart, from the soul, from the inner most part of one’s self. Sometimes there is a choice. Sometimes you have no choice. Whether you feel you have alternatives or not, a caregiver frequently will be undertaking insurmountable complexities. It can be a trauma like any other. Dialysis caregiving often takes more than just psychological soothing. It takes on a technical aspect and commitment in knowing that there is not a cure; there is no hope, unless the care receiver stays on board; on board a ship that began in the sixties and is now surfacing after years of a non-responsive general public awareness.\n\nHome dialysis offers a more personal approach, including comfort, less arduous treatment, and empathy from professional caregivers. For these reasons, I am thankful during this time of reflection for having had the opportunity to care for someone I loved on home dialysis.\n\nAs 81-year-old Jurgen Hesse, dialysis author and patient says, “What do people think we terminally ill people want before anything else? We want someone to give a damn for us, someone who offers us his or her care…”",
	"hi there\ni was born with reflux of the urethera,(think i got that right),otherwise known as \"reflux nephropaphy\" i wasnt diagnosed with that til i was 17, so damage was already done. I have 1 kidney functioning 30% and the other 70%, i have been told they are stable which is great. But i still suffer lower back pain every day, it hurts, some days are alot worse than others. MY renal specialist has done tests and says it shouldnt be kidney pain. Im finding it hard to deal with and to understand, as its the same pain i have suffered for years when going through uti's and hospital visits ect. just hoping someone could give me some advice.\nthanks sparkyroll",
	"Hi. I guess I should start from the beginning. Three months ago, my husband found out that he was born with only one kidney. Since that time, n IVP was done to check for a kidney stone. Three days later, my husband was admitted with renal failure. We were told that he has endocarditis and this combined with the dye load from the IVP shut his kidney down. He had two weeks of hemodialysis before leaving the hospital. Since that time he has gone three times a week at the local dialysis center where we live. Since starting at the new center, (on October 29, 2005) he has only had labs once, on Nov 14. There have been no tests done to see if his kidney is filtering at all. His infectious disease doctor was blown away by this fact. My husband has been put on medicine for high blood pressure, and an iron pill since starting there. He has major joint pain. I feel like they are taking off too much fluid during dialysis since he has no swelling AT ALL. He is eating very well, and gaining a lot of body weight, but they just take him down to his original dry weight each session. Can any one give me any information? I feel so helpless and hopeless",
	"I hope someone out there can give me some advice. Three months ago, my husband found out that he was born with only one kidney. He is now 42 years old. On Oct. 8, he was diagnosed with a kidney stone. On Oct. 10, an IVP test was done. On Oct. 13, he was admitted into the hospital with acute renal failure. While hospitalized, he was diagnosed with endocarditis. The doctor told us that this, combined with the dye load from the IVP test, shut his kidney down. He went through two weeks of dialysis in the hospital. Since being released from the hospital, he has dialysis three times a week at our local dialysis center (Since October 27). The doctor ordered bloodwork to be done weekly. It has only been done once, on Nov 14. There have been no creatinine clearance tests done. Nothing to check the filtration of his kidney. His Phosphorous is 7. The bloodwork that WAS done was taken from his acces site in his neck. The ID doctor said this can cause false results and that it should be taken from his arm. His blood pressure is elevated to the point that he has been put on medication. His Lasix was increased also. Now, he is having extreme joint pain. I have told the nurses that he is gaining body weight and is no longer retaining fluid. NO ADEMA AT ALL. But they continue to take him down to the original dry weight. I am afraid they are taking too much fluid out of his body. He is really scared as am I. Does anyone have any information? PLEASE?",
	"Hello to all,\nI am the mother of a 20 yr.old son.He has been in end stage Kidney failure sine age 4. He had a fistula (spell check) put in back in may of this year.He just had blood work last week, well, his crieatine is at 15.They called me & said to take him to be admitted monday morning. I don't know which one of us is more scared.Chris is not showing his feelings to much to me. However I know he is scared..I am a wreck,but I will not show him just how much..We all knew this was going to happen one day..However it don't really make it much easier.They called me today & told me the time & that they wanted to put a cath in.This is what I don't understand.He already has the thing in hie left arm..Why does he have to go thru that too? I didn't tell him..Not yet anyways. He is already saying the he don't want to go. \"I feel fine\" is all he keeps telling me..I just hope is all goes well.We have been through the transplant class,dental clearance is done.I am glad that I found this site. I am going to show Chris & hopfully he will check this out..I have got alot of usefull information from this.Thank-you all..it really is helpfull..",
	"Hello again. Just a quick question. My husband has been on hemodialysis for six weeks now. He has recently been having an ammonia taste in his mouth. Have any of you ever experienced this? If so, do you know why it happens, and what you can do for it? I am new to this and don't quite understand. The people at our center are not very helpful.. Hope to hear from someone soon.",
	"Wow! this is all new for me. I'm not sure to believe it or not? I guess my doctor wants me to be ready just in case I have to go for dialysis and doing a fistula will help in the process after it is healed enough. Now, how long will this be ready for dialysis access? My doctor says it will take up to two months and if I don't have to have dialysis by then. There is a chance that I will end up getting a access through my neck. Knock on wood that will not happen. I am nervous about this fistula and whole kidney failure thing. I don't want to believe it and think that it will heal itself in time. I know that I'm having symptoms already, swelling ankles and feet, side aches, and soreness, with itchy feeling. Is that the sign that my kidney is going? Should I have this fistula in my left arm instead of right since I use my right hand to write with and function my daily routines? Man, I'm scared and thought I could get through this, but now that it's going to be tomorrow it's all I think about. This is the first time I got on this and would love to talk to someone about this to ease my nerves.",
	"Hello I dont know how to beging but here it is my son john is now 5yrs old he was diagnosed with kidney failure on may of 2004 , Its so weird yesterday i found some films and i did not no what they were, the next day i got then developed when i got then back it was pictures of him before our lives change his eyes had such a beautiful glow that now is fading little by little, Can someone tell me how can a mother deal with such pain and worry in her heart!",
	"78 yo man w/ESRD on HD 3x/wk w/ h/o HTN, COPD, PVD, ASHD, h/o AAArepair w/gortex graft 10 yrs ago, s/p colon resection for intestinal bleed fr divertic. w/colostomy 4 yrs ago, blindness secondary to retinitis pigmentosa x 30 yrs. No h/o diabetes nor MI.\nHD thru A-V fistula ,right forearm w/ good flow.\nQuestion: Pls list most common causes of sudden severe drop in BP (>195/100) w/in 5 - 10 mins of starting HD and list of most common causes of severe HPON (80/50).\nThis has been occurring in every dialysis for the past 3 1/2 wks. Pt. has dialysis w/ DAVITA in Jacobi Hosp area, Bronx,NY\nFlds removed have been adjusted since to pt's body weight(dry)\nWhat changes in his dialysis settings do you recommend?\nList complications to pt's mental state , cardiac & overall condition and symptoms they will present for early diagnosis & treatment.\nNeed response ASAP",
	"most common causes Severe BP changes during dialysis\n78 yo man w/ESRD on HD 3x/wk w/ h/o HTN, COPD, PVD, ASHD, h/o AAArepair w/gortex graft 10 yrs ago, s/p colon resection for intestinal bleed fr divertic. w/colostomy 4 yrs ago, blindness secondary to retinitis pigmentosa x 30 yrs. No h/o diabetes nor MI.\nHD thru A-V fistula ,right forearm w/ good flow.\nQuestion: Pls list most common causes of sudden severe drop in BP (>195/100) w/in 5 - 10 mins of starting HD and list of most common causes of severe HPON (80/50).\nThis has been occurring in every dialysis for the past 3 1/2 wks. Pt. has dialysis w/ DAVITA in Jacobi Hosp area, Bronx,NY\nFlds removed have been adjusted since to pt's body weight(dry)\nWhat changes in his dialysis settings do you recommend?\nList complications to pt's mental state , cardiac & overall condition and symptoms they will present for early diagnosis & treatment.\nNeed response ASAP",
	"My partner has renal failure and has done since he was about 7 or 8 and is now 42. His function has been pretty steady until about a year and half ago and then he started to decline steadily at first then was dropping about 2-3% each visit (2-3 mths). We were expecting for him to be about ready for dialysis about may next year but he has just been for his appointment and discovered that he will now be ready for dailysis before christmas. He has opted for CAPD and the doctors have stated that he will have his tube in place for end of december. I am alittle confused as to what can suddenly cause such a drastic decline in a couple of months. I know this may seem like a stupid question but could this be at all related to stress problems or is it purely medical. Any information you guys could give me would be great.\nHelen",
	"Hello all, I'll try to make this short. My daughter now 28 has had two kidney transplants. The first from me when she was 20. Complications in the O.R. resulted in the removal of the kidney 9 days later. She did one year of peritoneal dialysis, then had her second transplant from her Dad that lasted almost 4 years. She is once agian on peritoneal diaysis. Jen is now married and teaching second grade. I have been going over her house everyday and braking down and setting up her cycler machine for her. She calls me all the time almost on the verge of tears thanking me for helping her out. She says that I have no idea how much that helps her, just knowing that when she gets home from school all she has to do is spike her bags and connect. So, I am thinking of starting my own business of going to peoples homes and doing the same thing for them? There must be quite a few people on PD that work and find the chore of handling the bags of solution not to mention the trash, very time consuming in their busy day. Does anyone have any advice or need for this service? Thanks, Good health, Judy",
	"My mother has 1 shriveled up kidney and one not looking good? She has not seen doctor yet, but she is waiting for a letter from the office of orologist to confirm her appointment. What does that mean for her if one of her kidneys is shriveled and what would the doctor do to save her life..HOW MUCH LIFE does and will have due to this? PLEASE HELP> she doesn't know very much about this form that she has.She thinks she will be on dialysis and not live long. Can someone help!!!? pleaseplease....",
	"Recently with everything that has happened over the past few months, I have become overwhelmed with trying to manage everything. Managing my husbands doctors appointments, dealing with the complications he has had, taking care of our finances and most of all trying to give my kids the attention they deserve. My husband, if approved, will not start getting his disability social security until March. The money is slowly running out and I honestly do not know what to do. We do not qualify for government assistance so I dont know where to turn for help. I dont want him to have to worry about anything so i try to handle it on my own. Its getting to me badly. I love this forum. It has been very helpful to me. At least I can vent. Does anyone have any advice?",
	"Hi. I am wondering if anyone knows how you can tell if a vas-cath needs to come out. My husband has had his in for six weeks now. It bled some a few days ago. Now it is really touchy around the entrance. How will we know? The dialysis nurses will not address the situation. They only clean it and put a fresh bandage on daily. They cannot even tell me how long its good for. Can anyone help? I would appretiate anyone's opinion. Also, does anyone know if it can be replaced? It just seems that it would be very dangerous.",
	"Hello, I am a 24 year old female whose been on dialysis since I was 13. I'm At that age to where I wanna baby. My boyfriend and I were talking about having a baby, and I wanted to know if it's possible or is there anyone out there whose on dialysis and has conceive please reply back and give me some kind of information thank you .",
	"Hello. Please help me if you can.\n\nMy mother is in need of a kidney transplant and I know that I am have the same blood type as her. She is advanced in age and is quite low on the donor list. I am more than happy to give her one of my kidneys, but I have some questions that I need answered. If there is anyone out there that can help me, I would certainly appreciate it.\n\nI am in the Navy, active duty, and am still waiting to find out from my chain-of-command if the Navy will have any say as to whether I can undergo such an invasive surgery. Would anyone be able to answer that question for me?\n\nMy next question is in regard to the process or surgery itself. As the potential donor, what type of testing will be done to me prior to the surgery? Also, what is the recuperation time?\n\nAny information anyone can gve me on this matter would be heartfully appreciated.\n\nThank you,\nrwenthe@hotmail.com",
	"I have known that my kidneys were failing for about 3 1/2 years. While I was pregnant with my miracle IVF baby I got the news that I had protien and blood in my urine and was referred to a nephrologist. My kidney function went down hill slowly and I got a permacath inserted on Monday and had my first (short) dialysis session right afterwards. The first dialysis session was only two hours long, however, it was HORRIBLE! For the first hour and a half I felt fine. I was a little out of it because of the drugs used for the permacath. The last 1/2 hour I got really hot and felt like I was going to throw up. Is this normal? Do you typically feel like this each time you dialize or does this get better?",
	"My cr is now 4.0 according to the gfr charts that puts me at a 14 which is failure. at what number do you start dialysis and when do you get a fistula put in.",
	"My question is this. Has anyone every experienced the onset of arthritis symptoms during dialysis? My husband is in his sixth week of hemodialysis and has suddenly started having extremely bad joint pain. But it doesnt stay in one place. The pain jumps from one joint to another. The nephrologist at the center says it is nothing that she can treat him for. The infectious disease doctor says it is nothing he can treat him for. His family doctor says he thinks it is do to electrolyte imbalances. Finally we met with his primary nephrologist today who says he thinks it is arthritis. He did bloodwork today, finally, someone did. So maybe something will show up there. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.",
	"I am not on dialysis yet, but from what I have seen and learned, I think I am going to choose peritoneal. I would like to hear from others about what kind of dialysis they are on and how they feel about it. Thanks!",
	"Hello, I am just so worried about this symptom that I'm having and it's a big concern. All my doctors seem to not know which it is, either from an infection or the CDK I am having.\nI have this reoccurring swell on my left ankle that puffs up like a balloon around my foot and lower knee. It seems to get worst when I walk a long distance and include salty foods in my diet.\nIs this happening due to the CDK? I'm not on dialysis at the moment. I just received my fistula in my right wrist and just getting it ready, only two weeks now.\nI'm just wondering if I'm getting to the point sooner than I think. It may be from the anemic that I am feeling.\nI also have these spots around my ankle that will not go away. They are scaley and rough, but dark.\nAs anyone been going through this or know what this could be from? I would really like some input if you don't mind. The more and more symptoms that occurr I'm getting more and more scared of just the thought of dialysis.\nThanks,\nRivy",
	"HI everyone! I don't know where to start! My mom is 58 and has had renal failure and congestive heart failure together for over a year now. She is in the hospital a couple times a month and often ends up in the ER after dialysis. I think my dad is past the point of even feeling like trying to make it work. I felt desperate and found this site today. Is there anyone out there that has these 2 problems together? The 2 seem to contradict each other often as far as diet goes and it seems difficult to get the heart doc and kidney doc to collaborate. They refer back to the dietician and she refers back to them. I believe her hospital stays and having to be put on a respirator could be lessened if her diet was more correct for the 2 problems together. I know phosphorus, sodium, calcium, and potassium all come into play together here. I bought a great cookbook called the No Salt Cookbook, but obviously, there are other things besides sodium that must be considered. She has gone from 181 lbs last Sept. to 88 lbs now. Even worse than that, she can't seem to find any quality in life...I have to help her find that somehow (strangely enough, I think diet is the most important factor at this point for her.) I know many of you have been going through the same feelings and situation as her...please give me some insight!!! Thank yo so much!",
	"Hi all\n\nI'm new to all of this --- here we are just learning all the terms. My husband hit that 12% mark and our world suddenly changed\n\nTomorrow he goes to the surgeon for his fistula install date (that doesn't sound right but --)\n\nOur lives just changed so much -- and we seem to focus on all the bad --- when we have so much to be thankful for\n\nI am sooo thankful that there is dialysis and that my husband can live with kidney disease --- yet --- many nights i have crept from our bed to another room --- curled up with the dog and just cried --- I wish i would stop that\n\nKnowing there are others out there does help\n\nso Hi ya-all",
	"My aunt is about to go on PD and she dearly loves her 4 dogs that spend constant time with her. We are trying to find the best way to do these treatments in conjunction with the dogs. We have thought of some kind of tent or something like that but are unsure. Any good suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks in advance.\n\nRobin",
	"My grandma is in ICU @ Hosp. She has been on dialysis for about nine years. She has polycystic kidney dis. She went in to hosp. because she fell and broke her hip. She had partial replacement, the surg. went great. The problems she is having now started happening a day before she fell, after dialysis, and everytime after that since then. She gets very shaky (her whole body shakes), she spikes a fever, her blood preasure rises, and she in non-responsive. I am tring to look for any info that would be helpfull to me. If there has been any other cases of this happening? If the dialysis ever stops working? Anything?\n\n Thank You!",
	"Good Morning All:\n\nThis is my first post on this Forum so first allow me to introduce myself:\nI am a 74 yr old Diabetic male with Stage 5 CKD and fast approaching the Dialysis stage. I have known about my kidney condition for about the last Ten years. Last year I went into complete Kidney failure and spent 3 days in Intensive care and then was transferred downstate for an evaluation. Fortunately my figures came back where they had been in 2000.\nSince then my labs have been sliding downhill and I have to make a decision as to the type of treatmentI will opt for.\nUntil yesterday I had pretty well settled on PD and was at the stage of determining which of two nearby Clinics I would use.\nAt that time I found out that a Hospital about 110 miles away had the NxStage System One in use so I drove over to visit their facility.\n\nWhat I want to do is to solicit opinions from other patients who have, or are having, experience with this system.\nHow well do you like it?\nHow easy and comfortable is it in use?\nHow reliable is the machine?\nHow easy is it to maintain the machine?\nHow often does the alarm go off, and is it to understand the trouble codes?\n\nNext, I have been discussing the access with my Neph and asked if I should get both the Fistula and the PD Catheter in case of problems with the PD I would be ready for HD.\nShe advised against getting both, then when I talked with the Nurse about the NxStage she recommended that I get both at the same time. Confusion    .\nWhat is the best advice?\nShould I get both accesses or not?\n\nRegards and God Bless us One and All.\nBob",
	"My husband is in late stage 4 but not yet on dialysis. We are not yet working with a dietitian. Does anyone know of a table showing the phosphorus and potassium of milk substitutes (hopefully by brand name)? Some renal recipes call for dairy rich non-dairy creamer. When I checked the USDA database it appears that non dairy creamers are lower in phosphorus than whole milk but actually higher in potassium. It is possible that they vary by brand but of course nutrition labels (in general) don’t list phosphorus and potassium. According to the USDA data base, regular soy milk is somewhat lower in phosphorus and potassium than whole milk but still high in potassium. The USDA data base only lists canned rice milk (Rice Dream). Are the nutrients for the canned & boxed product the same? What does it taste like – phosphorus and potassium are low but can you really substitute it for milk in recipes?\n\"Cooking for David\" renal cookbook says to use Vitamite 100 low fat milk substitute. My local grocery store said they couldn’t get it because it was discontinued by the manufacturer. It was unclear if this was all Vitamite products or just the low fat. I have emailed Vitamite but not yet received a reply.",
	"As of tomorrow my 86 year old mother quit dialysis 2 weeks ago. She is now in her home while my siblings and I care for her 24 hours a day. The doctor said she would pass within 2 weeks give or take. She is still hanging on but seems to be fading. I would appreciate any info on signs to expect, etc.\nThank you\nJill",
	"I am 40 years of age and on dialysis for the second time. I was transplanted in 1993 and am now awaiting another kidney. I am having the same problem I had the first time I experienced dialysis, a moderate to severe muscle pain that begins the moment I am hooked up to the machine and continues to worsen after the treatment. The first time, in an attempt to alleviate the feeling, I tried to run it off, stretch it out, etc., but nothing worked. I ended up needing sleeping pills to get any rest at all. That was when I was in my 20s when perhaps I was a little braver about dealing with pain. Now, I insist my doctor give me pain pills. Once I take the pills, the pain goes away for the most part but for some stiffness. I will be relatively OK until the next treatment, and then the pain returns. I read a report by my nephrologist to my transplant surgeon, and he called my condition a form of myalgia. I've asked nurses who say it's a neurological condition. The staff at dialysis thinks I'm having cramps, but this is not cramps. I know what dialysis cramps feel like, and this isn't that. Once I had my transplant, the pain disappeared for twelve years until dialysis began again. The first couple of months of treatments, there wasn't much pain, but it kicked on the third month. The same was true the first time.\n\nHas anyone experienced anything like this?\n\nThanks",
	"My Blood Type its AB+ and I will donate my Kidney to someone(help for help),my HLA Tisuue Tpe its A2,B38,B63,Cw7,DR4,DR15,DQ1,DQ3 for all other info my Emai porec1957@yahoo.com",
	"Good news! Tim's Creatinine level is down to 3 and his dialysis time has been cut down to 2 days a week. He still has the awful joint pain, but we are seeing a Rheumatologist today (although I still think it it is something else). His PTH level is still high. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of things and he will feel better soon. Prayer has pulled us through so many things. He was saved last week, so things are really looking up for him. I will post after his appt. today.",
	"I forgot to ask a question at the dr's office yesterday and was hoping for some help on here. I am trying to decide between hemo and pd. I might not neither either since i have living donors being tested and if they are approved i could possibly go straight to transplant and avoid dialysis but just in case that falls through my question is whether i choose either one of these IF i get a transplant could they or would they remove the fistula or the tube for pd if i do in fact get a transplant or are both of those permanent? I definately want to avoid a cath in my chest. so was thinking maybe i should prepare for the fistula or tube but didnt know if that is permanent.",
	"My mom has stopped eating, she has always loved food, she has been taking little bites for the last month to where they had to put her in the hospital monday 12-19-2005 and today 12-21-2205 they had to put in a tube through her nose to get nutrients in her body because she is very malnourished and very weak I am worried that this is not going to make her feel any better she is only 66 years old and she is a diabetic and a renal patient and she looks like she is 89 years old. Has anybody been on a feeding tube and has come out of it ok?",
	"My Mother-in-law just started dialysis and none of us are sure what type of support would be the best for her. She is a widow, age 72 with 4 son's and daughter inlaws. At times the boys seem to pamper her and just sort of go along with whatever she is asking for at the time. What advise can anyone give a daughter inlaw who would like to be sure she is eating right, getting the proper over all care for a diabetic on dialysis. Since she was 1st diagnoised 5 or 6 years ago with diabetes we have all encouraged her to keep better control of her sugar levels, but she just doesn't seem to get it. It isn't unusal for some family member to be called at 2 or 3 am, because she woke up, weak and shakey and her blood sugar will be dangerously low. Should we assume she will be given dietary instructions and advice or what? I read somewhere that fluid intake was important also. She usually doesn't drink very much but will all that be gone over with her also or should one of her son's be asking for all this info?",
	"The doctor does not know what I am getting cramps after dialysis. Can someone help me. I am up all night with this cramps the night I have dialysis.",
	"Hello,I wish happiness and prosperity to all! Merry Christmas and Happy new Year.",
	"I didn't realize that I could ask for bendryl to assist with sleep while on treatment. I have trouble falling asleep while dialysing. Can they give us meds?",
	"My question is this: Has anyone ever experienced pain in muscles or joints while on hemo. My husband has very bad pain in these areas. At first it seemed like joint pain, then it went to his pelvic area, now sometimes it seems like its in the muscles. Any info will be greatly appretiated. We as well as the doctors are grasping at straws.",
	"I am new here and soooooo sad. My sweetie-pie 11 year old doberman has chronic renal failure. I guestimated his GFR at about 10%. Hemodialysis in dogs is not really an option, although I have considered a PD catheter. I am currently managing him with lots of subcutaneous fluids (40 mls per pound) and have been able to get his uremia down with diuresis. He is on an H-blocker to limit gastric acid, and a phosphate binder (tums). I also have him on erythropoetin (Procrit) to boost his low red cell count (19% where normal is 45%). Since I don't have kidney failure, I am am clueless as to how he feels....he sleeps a lot, is wobbley and carries his head at half mast. I am wondering...what on earth can I feed him. He is so hungry but so picky. He likes chicken but at 55 lbs, can only have 16 mg protein/day...that's about 1/2 cup chopped chicken which he can gobble in 15 seconds. I have been poking canine renal diet (he hates it) down his throat but it makes me feel so rotten to do that. I love him sooooo much. Does anyone have any ideas?",
	"I am a dialysis patient who is a large person. I am not getting very good clearence I am trying to find centers that do tandum dialysisizers in hopes to bring the information to my center.",
	"I know chocolate is one of the foods we shouldnt be eating but was reading thru the internet today and saw something about substitute chocolate. Does the dietician or anyone else here know anything about chocolate extract and its nutritional information? I read that you can use chocolate extract where a person isnt supposed to have chocolate but it didnt go into the nutritional information. Could it only be talking about allergies to chocolate? Sounds like it would make for some good cookies or a nice cake. Responses?\n\nOn another note, I have been baking my own breads lately using the yeast fermentation method. I found out that another leavening agent is acid and baking soda. Is there enough acid in peaches to make baking soda react to and give off the proper gas bubbles to make it rise or should I add extra acidicity to fullfill the process? Also, is there any potassium in banana extract? Thanks",
	"we are going to honolulu and I will need two hemo treatments . Devita has no centers so can anyone recommend a nice one or is there a site that reviews them thanks",
	"HI\n MY NAME IS SUSIE SMITH I LIVE IN PA.. I HAVE STAGE 3 DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND I AM 43.. I HAVE SEVERAL DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS..\n I AM NOT ON DIALISYS YET.. MY KIDNEY DOC JUST SEEMS TO BE SO CAVALIER ABOUT IT ALL.. BLAMING THINS ON MY WEIGHT AS MOST DOCS DO.. I AM HAVING WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SOON--SO I PRAY THAT MY KIDNEYS WILL HOLD UP.. MY BUN IS UP AND DOWN GONG UP TO 52 ANS BCK DOWN TO 27 A FEW TIMES--MY DINEY DOC SAYS THAT IT WAS THE PRESCRIPTION IBUPROFEN I WAS TAKING--AND WHAT I WAS PROBABLY EATING... I STARTED SEEING HIM ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO WHEN THE PROTEIN LEVEL WAS UP TO 3-I WAS SPILLLING.. NOW I AM NOT SPILLING PROTEIN.. MY SUGARS WENT FROM 13% 2 YRS AGO TO 7.4% AVERAGE STEAADY FOR 2 YRS NOW.. WHEN I ASK HIM ABOUT DIALYSIS HE SAYS THAT I DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT FOR A LONG TIME AND HE GAVE THE WEIGHT LOSS SURGEON CLEARANCE FOR MY SURGERY.. BUT I KNOW THAT THINGS ARE NOT WELL.. I CAN FEEL IT... HE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD PROBABLY DIE FROM CHF BEFORE I WOULD EVER HAVE TO GO ON DIALYSIS --I RETAIN ALOT OF FLUID..  ... I THINK I SHOULD BE ON DY BECAUSE OF AL THE FLUID RETENTION I HAVE--IT IS GONNA KILL ME--I HAVE TO SEE IF THE FLUID IS GONE AFTER THE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY..\n I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE--I FEEL THAT THE DOCS LIE TO ME SOMETIMES SO I WILL NOT GET UPSET AND GET SICKER..\n\nSTAGE 3 CKD--HE NEVER TOLD ME THAT--I FOUND OUT FROM THE CALCULATOR ON THIS SITE--GOING BY MY BLOOD WORK RESULTS.. MY CREATINE WAS UP TO 1.8 AND THEN WWENT BACK DOWN TO 1.3--THE CALCULATOR STILL SAYS STAGE 3 AND WHEN I ASKED HIM AFTER I TOLD HIM I KNEW--HE GOT OUT HHIS HANDY CALCULATOR CARD AND SAID--OH YEAH YOU DO HAVE STAE 3..\nLIKE IT WAS NOTING.. I WAS DEVESTATED.........\n\n I TRY NOT TO THINK ABOUT IT AND AM TRYING TO EAT RIGHT AND BY GETTING THIS SURGERY I HOPE IT HELPS--BUT I WILL HAVE TO EAT HIGH PROTEIN ALL MY LIFE AFTER THE SURGERY AND THAT WILL NOT BE GOOD FOR MY KIDNEYS I KNOW..\n\n BOY LIFE SURE IS FUNNY--SOMETIMES YOU JUST CANNOT WIN HEY!\n\n WELL HAPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. AND I WOUO LOVE SOME ADVICE AND SEE WHAT OTHERS THINK AND KNOW ABOUT STAGE 3...\n\n THANKS--SUSIE",
	"I am new on this board and am 65 with a creatnine level of 2.5, not on dialysis yet - kidney injury. I still am active (power yoga daily, weekly sex, ballroom dancing, etc.) and restrict meat/fish consumption to 3 ounces per day. My urologist says that dialysis is in my future, I drink lots of crisp tasting water and 2 cups of coffee daily. I eat lots of steamed veggies and lots of fruit. My only symptom now, is my hands and feet get inordinately cold.\n\nCan anyone on this board give me lifestyle tips to postpone my future date with dialysis?\n\nCecil",
	"Hi:\n\nMy father has been a non compliant diabetic for the last 30 years. His philosophy was life life 110% for 80% of your life and then you pass. Well, as you can imagine, his strategy has not worked out as he expected. About 8-10 weeks ago he started dialyis, 3 times a week and our world has changed.\n\nMy father is now a changed man. He is angry at those closest to him (my mother) and from what I can see pushing everyone away. My mother is sad and scared and quite frankly miserable.\n\nIs this normal? Could the medications be doing something to him as well. Is there a support group online or with locations around the NY area, where I can suggest my mother and the rest of our family attend.\n\nI want to be sensitive to what my father is experiencing and be a source of assistance to him but I also need to try to help my mother deal with this better.\n\nI don't know where to start and am hoping you can help.\n\nThanks!",
	"Has Anyone Here Used This Company ??\n\nAny Feed Back Would Be Helpful\n\nThank You.........stay Well",
	"My Name Here Will Be Shirts.\n I Have Been A Renal Pt For 12 Years\n I Cant Remember My First Tx\n\n My Life Does Not Revolve Around Kidney Disease\n I Was Given Great Advice From A ' Clinic Friend'\n\n 'dont Live For Dialysis But Use Dialysis To Live'\n\n Stay Well",
	"my friend's mom had a dialysis for quite some time! it was really hard. and seeing other patients's skins turning to purple/violet/black while they're undergoing it made my heart break evrytime! i know how hard it was for her! the pain and everything!\n\nthe good news, after a few months the doctor told her that they've already found a donor for the operation. all of us were glad! finally, hope came! prayers were answered! it was a successful operation! but still taking some meds. i know there is hope for everyone. don't cease to pray! god bless!\n\n\nchester",
	"Greetings, I've been reading this site for almost a year and have found everyone sharing very informative. Thank you! One year ago I had a suddeb onset of kidney failure, due to Lupus Nephritis. Luckily, drugs and good care have helped me to be in remission and functioning back from 19% to 40%. Yes, I consider myself very fortunate! Yet, I am always researching causes, treatments, and future outcomes. I would like to continue this health and not have to face the reality of dialysis. So if anyone else has had good luck with Lupus Nephritis, please share, I would be happy to provide details of my first year of treatment. THanks and have a great & healthy New Year.",
	"hi i am angie, i volunteer at davita in statesboro i love working with the patients we play games, we sing i sit and talk to them the patients are like an extended family of mine .. i do bulliten boards for the patients to look at and enjoy instead of the bland walls .",
	"Has anyone here undergone a transplant at Mayo Clinic in Rochester? I am trying to get mine scheduled today (I just got word yesterday that they accepted my sister as a donor for me). How long were you in the hospital after the transplant? Did you stay at the Gift of Life House in Rochester?\n\nThank you.",
	"My husband started Hemodialysis in September of last year(2005). His health has decreased daily. They have increased the pressure, the time, meds. Nothing has helped, he is so very weak. His KT/VD is very low, he has yet to reach even the bottom of the goal range. The Drs. and nurses at the center dont really seem that concerned. I am watching my husband fade away daily before my eyes. Has anyone had any of these problems? Is there anyone who has any suggestions? Any response would be greatly appreciated.",
	"the best way around dial in my eyes is the 4 rules.1.dont think about dial 5 mins before you go on and 5 mins before you come off.2.theres always someone worse off.3.dont listen to other patients moaning about how crap they and dial are.4.take the micky out of every body.",
	"What rights does a cargiver have?\nMy husband has signed that I can have info dealing with his health/ dialysis, but the administrator and nephrologist will not engage in a discussion about uremia and some other issues he is dealing with.",
	"We first saw the nephrologist last year because my then 5 yr. old daughter had blood and protien in her urine....no other symptoms. After severel more urine and blood tests it seemed that she no longer had any protein or blood in her urine so the neph. said that she had the form that comes after you have an infection. he had us follow up with urine tests every 6 months for 1.5 years. Well...I year later (now) it seems that she has protein in her urine again. In the last urine sample she gave he said she had a high level of protein. We are waiting for the results of her 24hr. urine sample and then I guess we will go from there. I may be jumping the gun by joinging this forum but I felt like I needed to talk to someone that understood how scared I am for my daughter. Is there anyone that has had the same expierence as me and my family? It is my undestanding that many forms of Glomerulonephritis can be treated with drugs and that the problem seems to go away. any info that someone wants to share with me would be great....TIA!!",
	"My dad started dialysis this week.\n\nLots of changes ahead for him and the family as his caregivers.\n\nJust came here to maybe learn, ask some questions etc,\n\nAll I know right now is he thinks it's the begining of the end and very discouraged, somewhat depressed.\n\nI'll be around I'm sure as we learn more and have questions.\n\nM",
	"My husband was diagnosed with IGA kidney disease in Sept. He was put on a dosage of 60 mg of prednisone along with Lipitor and Enpril among other drugs in Oct. I lost him to Suicide on Dec 14th. I am certain it was the Prednisone.\n\nIs there any one else out there that has had similar experiences? I really would like to talk with them.\n\nMeredy\nMeredy@triad.rr.com",
	"Hello, I have been off & on dialysis most of my life & am glad to see this forum here. Let me look around a bit & I'll get back on this forum. DaVita has a good site here & this is unlike anything Ive seen before out of a care giver. I should benefit from this plus I hope I can benefit others so for now, hello to everyone here.",
	"I am currently awaiting a kidney transplant on 2/22/06. My wonderful sister is my donor. I would like to give her some sort of gift the night before the transplant. My plan is to put together a bound book full of picutures of us together when we were little along with a poem. I have looked online for a good poem but have not found anything that really suits what I am looking for. I would like it to be a sister or Thank You type poem (but not too mushy). Can anyone help?\n\nDid anyone else give their donor a gift or have any other ideas?\n\nThank you.",
	"Hi. Had a graft put in my left arm after starting dialysis in June 2005. Graft failed 5 times, clotting everytime, and the last surgery, clotted in recovery.\nHad numerous venograms on arms and legs.They have decided after 18 catheters (two have literally fallen out in my lap!) to go with the leg graft. Nervous, little scared, but looking forward to being unconscience this time! Last Monday, when Cat. fell out and cuff was showing, I had unfortunetly just eaten a burger so no anesthesia for me! Felt like a pin cushion, and Black and Blue! Wow! Hopefully tomorrow will be the tying up of last years headaches...18 surgeries since June. Need a break!\nLori from Enfield, CT",
	"Hi,\n\nI am just wondering how people on here found out they had to start Dialysis?\n\nWhat happened to me was that suddenly one day I became ill and my kidneys just stopped working...all of a sudden just like that.\n\nI was very healthy before, ate no artifical foods at all and was a gymnast before and extremely health conscious.\nI did not have a family history of kidney problems and had no health issues ever at all.\nI know because I'd go to the doctors just to make sure I was fine even when I had a cold.\n\nI even had a serious knee injury and took no painkillers for it-just oced my knee instead every day for a few hours.\n\nSo, I am wondering why this happened to me?\n8 years later all I have seen on my medical chart is \"cause unknown\".\n\neven when I went to the hospital emergency, they did not beleive I was sick and sent me home 3 times that week and I almost ended up dying!\n\nFinally I was admitted and put on emergency dialisys.\n\nHas anyone else had any experiences similar to this?\n\nThe unit I go to is quite unfriendly and people never talk to each other there.",
	"Hi,\nnot too sure where to post this question on this board- but this seems like the most widely read section so here goes....\n\nI have been trying to find out this question and answer for over 5 years and every time I ask someone they think I am crazy....\n\nDoes anyone on Hemodyalisis do any sports or \"extreme\" sports....like Downhill skiing (not leisurely skiing but on the \"blue\" or \"black diamond\" hills?\n\nAlso, does any one one dyalisis do any Rollerblading?\nI am hopeing to try speedskating this year and rollerblade alot when I can in the summer.\n\nDoes anyone on dyalisis Scubadive?\n\nI tried it figuring, if the dive was not too deep and I was well enough to get onto 3 big airplanes before then a short dive couldn't be bad (other than the tight wetsuit I was careful with).\n\nEveryone in the unit I am at is over 60-70 and 80....so any \"younger\" people I have run into a few in their 20's and a few in their 40's think this is a crazy question?\n\nI am really curious what sports people do (and yes, I do kow the \"risks\" of doing sports...but wouldn;t they apply to anyone?).\n\nI do also wear all the proper protective equipment in case anyone is wondering that.\n\nSo, does anyone on dyalisis do anything other than bowling, walking, light jogging?\nwhat has your doctor or nurse said if anything?\n\n\nbtw...my family is fine with my doing sports, so that is not a problem",
	"I am wondering what do people on here say when they meet someone, like if you are interested in dating someone?\n\nIt seems everyone on here is married or their parents are on dialiysis.\nI also read a post about thr guy who already had a girlfriend before starting.\n\nSo, what do you tell someone when you meet them ?\ndo you tell them you are on dyalisis before you go on a date, during, after?\n\nonly if the relationship becomes more serious?\n\nI'm very confused as to how to go about this.\n\nAny suggestions are welcome.\n\nAlso, what would be a good place to meet someone. I doubt bars and clubs would be a good place. I am not religious...so definitely not any religious places.\n\nI do volonteer for a bunch of different groups, so maybe through there or something.\n\nI look very normal and healthy, so even my doctor had a hard time beleving I am ill sometimes.\n\nEven when I go to the bigger unit in my city people ask if i am there to see my mother becuae I look too \"healthy\" to be there.....",
	"My Mom is 83 years young and very active and independent-(until kidney failure set in). Both my sister and myself live in NY and NJ . 2 weeks ago my Mom had to be admitted to a hospital, she recieved 4 treatments in 4 days. She is now home and my sister and myself have been traveling back and forth to help her get started at the clinic. Her problem is she has high blood pressure and the cuff on her arm is such a fear for her. She refuses t come up by us and I'm wondering if she will adjust? She goes to the clinic 3 times a week and has a 3 hr treatment. By the time she gets there and is home it is really more like 4 1/4 hours. She has a 3pm appint but really needs earlier in the day since we can't be there 24/7. The clinic is telling us there is a waiting list for earlier, even the Dr. recommended earlier. Should I contact the Dr. to get her in earlier since the Dr. is affliated with this clinic. I am emotionally drained and trying my best to help her. I go down to Fl almost every week from Sun to Weds. I also have to work to pay my bills. Her nefrologist wants her to try PD, but we don't know if she can handle this. She does have home health and she is entitled to someone to be with her all night if she goes toward the PD. Or is she better off the 3 days a week. As you can tell I am so torn with everything. If anyone is in the same position please advise any words of wisdom will help me at this point. The good thing is she is a fighter but I'm so worried and anxious all the time. HELP...",
	"I know this must sound like the dumbest question in the world, but someone told my Uncle this, and now he's convinced that he'll never urinate again. I told him that I think that he would still urinate, but that his kidneys would not filter the urine. I also told him that I believe that the things that are normally filtered by the kidneys will now be in his bloodstream, and that is why he is going on Dialysis.\n\nI think the reason for him believing this is that he hasn't urinated in several days (or so he says). He's currently in the hospital. 5 days ago, he was found on the side of the road, face down and unconscious. The doctors say that his muscles were infected and that the reason he was in that situation was because he overdosed on Methadone. He was on the Methadone program for years and was taking 100mg a day, until recently, when they kicked him off the program. Then, they allowed him back on, and increased his dose from the starting dose of 10mg, all the way up to 80mg. They did this at a 10mg per day increase. So, in other words, he was taken all the way up to 80mg in just 1 week's time. He told me that he couldn't remember anything about the incident and that he wasn't positive that he really overdosed. Usually, he would (at most), take a little from each day's dose for the week and divide it into the first few days. Then, the rest of the week would be hell for him, because he would be going through withdrawals. But, because he had gotten caught with some heroin in his blood, they put him on daily doses (he has to go every day to get his dose ... except for Sunday, which is what they call \"take home\"). He told me that he remembered that he had just gotten his take home, right before the incident occured. But, he said that he wasn't on Heroin.\n\nThe only meds that he was taking at that time (besides the Methadone), was Klonopine and Phenergan (which he had just gotten). He has been on Klonopine for most of his life, for anxiety. He has been known to abuse it though, by taking more than prescribed. But, the Phenergan was a new prescription, so I'm wondering if something happened with it. Maybe he took too many. The doctor had given him 50mg Phenergan, and they normally only give people 25mg tablets. So, if he had the bright idea of using them to get high, in addition to the Methadone (that the clinic so quickly increased from 10mg to 80mg in 1 week), then it's quite possible that he hadn't OD'd, but was just unconscious. And, maybe he got these kidney problems from laying on the side of the road in freezing weather for who knows how long? Or maybe the hospital gave him some kind of drug when he was admitted, based on their assumption that he had OD'd, and maybe that medicine caused his Kidney Problems. Or maybe he simply OD'd and that was the cause.\n\nOn a side note, he has this big red area on his outer thigh. It looks like a huge bruise, but it's red. It actually looks like a birthmark. He doesn't know where it came from. If anyone knows what it might be, I'd love to hear your ideas.\n\nThey said he will do Dialysis treatments three times a week. Is this the normal amount? Is there anything he should be careful about? Pitfalls? I'm looking for some inside information. Some advice from anyone who's on Dialysis or who has known anyone on Dialysis. Maybe you can help prevent someone from going through the same problems that you had.\n\nThank you in advance to anyone for your help. I look forward to chatting with you. :-)\nJoe Wise",
	"Hi,\nI am very curious as to what people here do to keep active.\n\nI was hoping someone would respons to my previous post- yet no one did so far.\n\nok, maybe it is a bit much expecting people to rollerblade and bike?\n\nso, what activities do you like to do. like a walking club? going to the gym?\n\nI guess I've had \"normal\" people tell me I shouldn't be doing as extreme sports- but thats what everyone else i know does...and what i grew up doing.",
	"I am new to this site. My husband and I are both 28 and he was diagnosed 3 weeks ago as stage 2 and now he is stage 3 and going down fast. I dont know how much more I can take We have a 3 year old little boy (Noah) and It is really all I can do to keep up with him. I am a stay at home mom and Now we hear that if he has to go on dialysis or certain meds He will loose his Job. He is a truck driver and you need to be able to pass a physical, and unfourtunatly he can no longer pass that physical. My hubby has always taken care of himself, He is a normal weight doesnt drink, eats right. And has no family history Of kidney desease. There are times when I think god why did this happen to him. We have been together for literaly half our life since we were 14, And the only things that run through my head are all the bad ones. I dont know what I would do without him and I dont ever want to find out.\n\nI guess I am just feeling the effects of this whole thing and we are just getting started.  I know I have to be strong for him and I do try but when I am with my sister or friends I fall apart. I need to find an outlet for all of this emotional stuff, Does anyone know of a good site? maybe a chatroom? thank you all for listening to me ramble!!!\n\nDawn",
	"someone pls help me i dont know what to do i am scared... i have the chest ports and i am seeing stitches that i didnt see before is this ok? or are they fallen out? omg someone pls tell me is it ok or not....",
	"hey all..i am 26 age i have been entering dialis 2 years in turkey.. and still living and i finish graphic design in last years...and my art develop in dialis times..i usualy drawing in 4 hour in dialis time i want to show my works and i want tell people never lost their hopes......sometimes our life is not easy but we can learn more things from life......dialis realy effect my art......somehow i change......life is countine and still living....i want to say new ilnesss dont lost your hopes and countinu to live with your hopesfind some energy and belive godgod will send somespecial thingsand about my works..i draw in dialis time later edit and colored in computer in home...for more artwork http://fantasticvolk.deviantart.com\n\n\n\n Attached Images \n\n Untitled-1.jpg\n(16.2 KB, 374 views)",
	"Hello my name is Anna. I am not the patient, however my mother is. I can't even imagine what she is going through. I don't like seeing her like this. She is a strong and independant woman and does not like to ask for help. I am the worry wart daughter who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. I'm sure she has cried more in private that I have. I try to stay strong around her. Only through you all can I really know what you are going through b/c she won't let me in. I feel like I'm am losing my mind, my mother is my world, my strenght and my rock. Help me to cope and help her.",
	"I have Chronic Kidney Disease and I'm losing a lot of protein through my kidneys. I also have diabetes, high blood pressure, anemic, hypothyroidism and nerve damage to my lower legs. If that wasn't enough, the Doc took some tests and found something wrong with my heart. Now she is sending me to a specialist.\nI am tired and hurting all the time, which is not good because I am raising my great-grandchild.\nHow do I handle all of this without going bananas. I am taking so much medicine that I feel like one huge pill.",
	"Hi,\nI am just wondering how people on here feel after they leave the dialysis unit?\nI haven't been able to find out much from doctors or anyone where I go.\nAll that any doctor has told me is you are supposed to \"feel tired\" but better.\n\nI find that every time I leave, I feel alot of muscle pain, am short of breath (not from fluid, but feeling weak) and feel extremely dehydrated.\nI usually have to have food with alot of salt right after I leave.\nI asked if too much salt was being taken off, and I was told it was fine- yet I still have these problems.\nI also find I am more itchy after I leave, but am fine the next day- I think I am alregic to something they are using in the machine.\n\nIs it \"normal\" to feel so horrible each time you leave?\nI've been there for 8 years already and still have these problems.\nI also don't have alot of fluid to lose, maybe 2kg at most- so I know that is not the problem.\n\nAny responses are appreciated!\nThanks",
	"My father just started dialysis this month and he has lost two pounds already and he was under weight to begin with. We have a hard time getting him to eat and his diet is so restricted low salt, low potassium and low phosperous that we are at a loss what to feed him to get him to gain weight. Does any one have any suggestions????",
	"Hello, My name is Robin and I was born with Fanconi Syndrome, a genetic kidnsy disease. I started on peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) in 1985 and in 1991 started on hemodialysis. During those 21 years, I've had 4 transplants and was placed on the waiting list for a 5th on in 2004. As a result of having kidney disease and having to take Prednisone for many years, I've developed hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. It's been quite a battle for a long time for me and I have a hard time staying positive but I have come a long way.",
	"I've only just signed on. Has anyone experienced severe insomnia after starting peritoneal dialysis? It makes life a misery.",
	"Hi!! I have polycystic Kidney disease, I have know this fact since I was 35 years old, so ive known for 25 years. But it is just now that my kidny fuction has been really low its down to 14%. I get my blood work everymonth my potassium is 4.3 hemoglobin148 Iron saturation 34% calcium2.29 Phosperous1.23 creatine426 Albumin46 gfr 13uls/uin colestrol 5.31 Ive been going to the dialysis clinic for 7 years and they have been helping me hang in there. Ive almost gone on dialysis twice and been in emergency. But my question is when do they startyou on dialysis??? is how you feel or is it by your blood work??? if its by how you feel I should have been on it it two years ago I am always tired and daily life is a struggle, just no energy!!anybody who can tell me some guide line I sure would appreciate it thank you!! RON",
	"I am a 27 year old former soldier and I just went to the doctor and she said my urinalysis showed a high level of white and red blood cells. I am currrently trying to match the symptoms with a problem but having no luck. Does anyone know what it could be and are willing to share your story with me?\n\n Sincerely,\n SC 27",
	"My mom began Hemo - 3rd treatment. I'm seeing many different side effects. She becomes very disoriented. Will fall asleep while talking, eating etc. as if over medicated. Severe weakness, will suddenly become so weak she can't stand without help. Difficulty with speach. So many symptoms we cant get a handle on it. We are have trouble getting information. Is this normal for her condition?",
	"Good afternoon, My name is Lisa. I am writting on the behalf of my niece. She is at the point in her life where the Doctors are talking about a transplant. My niece and I are close, we are both 34 years old. My problem is I offered to give her one of my kidneys, but I have so many questions and I am unable to find the answer to most of them. Is there anyone I could talk to that has been a donor before. Thanks for your time.",
	"Yesterday my mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital with kidney failure. The doctors told us that \"her number\" was at 11 when it should be at 1 or lower. I've tried searching the net to find what this \"number\" means, but without having more information, I can't get anywhere. The only other information the doctors have given us is that she is not a candidate for dialysis.\nCan you give any idea as to what the name of this \"number\" is and what it means? Any help would be very appreciated.\nThank you.",
	"My father is a new dialysis patient, and due to other conditions is getting so bad that i may need alternative transport for him. does anyone know who i would talk to about choosing an ambulance service for the future transports?",
	"Hello my name is Jennifer and I started dialysis this last July. My kidneys gave out while I was injured at work and recieving therapy for a torn tendon sheath on my left arm. I do not accept that my kidney failure is from diabetes because I went from no problems to instantly having only 20% in a week. I did not have high blood pressure and all my tests came back good right before I had problems. Since my on the job injury, I have had to have a complete hysterectomy, had a reaction to the morphine that caused me to loose my eyesight and my blood pressure went out of control while on operating table. My first day at dialysis my husband and I moved in to our first house, pretty stressful there. I was lucky in one aspect, I had my fistula 8 mos before I started dialysis so did not need a catherter(sp). I was also a home health aid and helped take care of a wonderful elderly gentleman for 6 mos. that was on dialysis so I was slightly prepared. My husband is very supportive and very interested in learning about kidney disease. I am also very interested in talking with anyone that is going through with this as I am pretty isolated because friends just dont understand and its hard to make new friends right now. Well I plan to post more often so I hope to get to know more of yall on here.",
	"I have read and been told not to lift heavy items with the arm that the fistula is in. Once the arm is well healed I would not see why it would matter. I have yet to hear the exact physical reason as to why one cannot do it. All I ever get is \"You are not supposed to.\" Does anyone know the exact physical reason as not to lift heavy items(weights) once the arm is fully healed, instead of \"just because.\"?",
	"My Name is Daniel Oduor, i have been a kidney patient for i would say all my life, i was first diagnosed when i was 10, i'm now 29.\nI first had my transplant at age 16 and The Good Lord has helped me through for 12 years taking antisuppressants, I'll be getting ready any time soon to start dialysis due to my deteriorating Kidney again, My creatinine is at 490, my Blood pressure is always high despite taking BP meds, i get a stint change every two months, i just became a truck driver driving over the road, now i'm again getting ready to quit it because of migrains that strike at any time, i dont know if i'm worried or confused, i'm just looking to get people to talk to on how to go about this expensive ordeal without insuarance, some one please talk to me.",
	"Last Sunday I took my husband, 46 years old, to the hospital because of a bad swollen and infected leg. After taking blood and doing some tests, he has cellulitis in the leg and that his creatin level was 6.5. which is very bad the doctor told us and he was admitted. Comes to be that he has high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney failure. Doctor asked if he had any previous blood tests that would have his creatin level so he can compare it to, to figure out what is going on. Still no one has explain anything to us about the kidney problem just that they are shot and that if the previous test which was back in 10/2003 did not show some problems he would do a biopsy, but if they did he wouldn't. I was able to get the old test results and at that point his creatin level was 1.8. Doctor told me that he was at stage 5. I asked about dialysis and he said not yet, this was wednesday. Friday afternoon he had a temporary Port??? to start dialysis that his kidneys were bad they will not get better. Saturday spoke with nurse asked when will the dialysis start she says waiting for blood results that maybe will not have to do dialysis. Well blood results were not good.\nsaturday afternoon doctor told him they were going to do dialysis either today or sunday. sunday morning, today, doctor says no dialysis, my husband says, that the doctor now does not want to do dialysis because his levels while in the hospital are still high, they have not gone any higher. I have a hard time trying to reach this doctor to talk to him. I am so confused because this was literally dropped in our laps and I have no idea as what to expect. I did see the doctor who put the port or whatever you call it to start the dialysis today, because he removed it from the groin area. He said that we should talk to the kidney dr. about a fistula. He explained a little to us about his kidneys are bad that he will have dialysis but the kidney dr has to do better planning. Right now we have no medical insurance. Can we get and sort of disability? I have no clue what we are entitled to. Like I've been saying I am so confused, scared and everything else that you can imagine. Is he going to die, I have no clue. I'd appreciated any information that anybody could give, thanks.",
	"I am still fairly new to this as my Medicare is just starting next month (or right after my transplant on the 20th of this month). I have heard by my social worker that Medicare will help cover anti-rejection medications after the transplant. Does anyone know if Medicare will cover any other medications after the transplant (blood pressure, water pills, vitamins, etc.)? Do we need to get the new perscription portion of Medicare too? Are we eligible for that and how much more does that cost?\n\nI was shocked to get the first bill in the mail from Medicare to find out that they bill in three month increments!\n\nAny information that anyone can give me about Medicare would be greatly appreciated.\n\nThank you.",
	"i am 35 years old....i am diabetic. i was recently put on a blood pressure medicine because i had protein in my urine. this was supposed to help me reduce the protein. my metphormin was increased as well to lower my sugar. i suffered severe back pain, tiredness, nausea etc. i quit taking my blood pressure medicine( by the way my blood pressure has never gotten over 130 over 87) and my back/ kidneys are feeling better. i have now been told that i may have kidney anerisms or harding of the arteries in my kidneys. i need to take a ct test to determine whether or not i have this. my future is headed for dialysis or worse. have any of you experienced anything similiar? can anyone offer advice ? can anyone tell me its going to be o.k.?",
	"Is anyone on that? Im not quite understanding what is it's purpose, or how it helps kidneys. Sorry, just learning.. Thanks!",
	"I live in NY state. I can't believe how they set up the dialysis center. It's like being in an emergency room. No privacy. Doctors & nurses discuss my personal health problems/diseases and right next to me is a man visiting his wife. He can hear all my personal business.\n\nThe visitor is there during my 4 hour treatment. I like to sleep during my treatment, but I can't sleep with him 2 feet away from my talking and looking at me. I'm not allowed to pull the curtin. Nurses have to be able to see the patients.\n\nI wish the center would have all private areas. They only have one private room. I stayed in the private room one. It was great. I was able to sleep. Talk to the nurse about my health problems. Didn't have to worry if someone was hearing my personal business.\n\nDo I have any rights for privacy? Why can't they make all the dialysis stations private?",
	"Having undergone a successful cadaver kidney transplant on Valentine’s Day 1976 – a day I could never forget, has changed my outlook at life.\n\nIn 1976, transplant surgery was still in its early years. I was given a 50/50 chance. My journey began with an allergic reaction to a penicillin injection, causing renal failure. Fortunately for me, having had no other health problems other than that caused by the injection, I spent a minimal ten (10) weeks on hemodialysis and one (1) day on peritoneal dialysis, in comparison to others who spend numerous years receiving such treatments while awaiting a donor. I must say that each patient’s case is different; there are countless twists, turns and obstacles for each of us on that journey. It would be an understatement to say that much of my young adult life was turned upside down, because of my kidney problems. There were many times that I felt a lack of determination and belief that I could and would live a normal life. I thank God that through the help of supportive family and friends, I was able to find the motivation, which helped me to pursue a very productive life.\n\nNo family member, except my deceased father had one of the critical requirements for transplantation, which was matching my blood type. I am thankful to some unknown person and the family member who made the donation possible. To this day, their identities are unknown to me but never forgotten. The memory of this kind gesture will stay with me as long as I live.\n\nAs a transplant recipient, I treasure the second chance of life; it is more enjoyable being able to…\nWork full-time\n\nFurther education and career aspirations\n\nSpend more time w/family & friends, travel – do any/everything the energetic, healthy person can do.",
	"Hi all!\n\nMy husband has recently started on dialysis...today was his third session, and the first 'full-length' one (3-1/2 hrs). He has a...umm...catheter thing in his chest (it must have a name!), and has a 'speed' of 300.\n\nToday was not a particularly good day...he was delayed getting on (because they weren't totally ready), and then had to have antibiotics for an hour afterwards...the whole thing has taken all day, and now he's well and truly wiped out.\n\nHe has multiple medical 'problems' which do nothing to make him feel well, and has been in a hospital three times already this year with shortness of breath/CHF, nausea/vomiting (yuckky bile stuff!), and finally because some on-the-ball doctor decided that it was time to get him sorted out...including dialysis. He has an appointment for fistula formation on 3/16/06.\n\nThings do not seem to go well at all...he's miserable, and drives me to total distraction with his general 'non-compliance'. He won't do anything...doesn't always take his pills...his appetite has decreased to almost zero...he's lost weight. This has been going on since at least August last year, and while I know that he's feeling 'crappy', he won't even attempt to help himself.\n\nWe don't have a 'family network' that we can draw on...his brother lives on the West Coast....all my family live in the UK...I have him, and he has me.\n\nI am absolutely exhausted with all the stress and strain that I'm under. People keep telling me that I should 'look after' myself, but where the heck do I find the time? I discovered last week that I have 'tested positive' for the H-Pylori bacteria...and now have an ulcer. I am also having severe gallbladder pain, and need to get that looked at...problem is...I don't have the time to do it. My work is suffering, and if it wasn't for the 'Family & Medical Leave Act', I'd be out of a job by now!\n\nAs I said...he's had his first 'real' dialysis today (yes, I know it's ALL 'real', but you know what I mean!)...he's currently in a Rehab facility so they can build him up so he can be strong enough to come home...problem is...he's just said that he doesn't 'want to do dialysis' any more! He's been THREE times, and doesn't want to go again!\n\nI'm at the end of my rope...I KNOW he's feeling ill...I try to make him feel better...I try to explain things to him (I used to be a nurse...ironically, on a dialysis unit in the UK!)...I try to be patient and caring...but it's all becoming too much for me...it's making me ill...and I simply don't know what to do next! Home health have said that they won't come because he's 'not safe' to be at home, and we have two dogs which 'they' say he can't look after...so, instead of offering help, they threatened to report us to Elderly Services!!! This last trip to the hospital was horrendous...his digoxin level was elevated, and his doctor virtually accused me of poisoning him (\"Well, he had to get it from somewhere\") even though he's not actually taking digoxin/lanoxin!\n\n HELLPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!\n\n Thanks for listening!",
	"Let me start by saying, I couldn't find the appropriate topic to post the following thread, so I decided to park it here.\n\nNote: Admin/Moderator, please feel free to move to the correct board.\n\nFor quite sometime, I have been surfing the net to find a half-way interesting board where renal patients gather, and where I might be able to share my thoughts.\n\nI would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to commend the developers of this site. From what I have read so far, I believe it can inspire many renal patients -- a site where they can interact with each other in areas of:\nAwareness: sharing views; exchanging ideas and information, in order to enlighten each other;\nEducation: providing an opportunity for patients, family and friends, youths and adults, to participate in various discussions such as, dialysis, and other organ and transplant related issues.\n\nCongrats!! Cheers for your continued progress and commitment. Wishing all Staff, Members and Guests, “good health, happiness and prosperity during the year and ALWAYS.\"",
	"Hello everyone,:\nI am 38 years old and going through my second dialysis experience. The first time I was on PD and it was okay, time consuming, but I made it through a two year wait. In 1997 I had a kidney and pancreas transplant. Eight years later they decide to quit on me, so here I am again. This time I'm on HD. Now my potassium and phosphras is to high, my protein is to low and I'm having a heck of a time trying to keep my fluids to a minimum because of my sugar levels. I'm going crazy with my diet, because half the time I'm not sure what I can and can't eat. What I can eat as a dialysis patient I can't eat as a diabetic and good foods for diabetic are a no-no for someone on dialysis. I am getting severly depressed because I don't want to go through this again (dialysis / transplant). Is there a happy medium emotionaly and physically? If anyone has any advice or just wants to talk PLEASE,PLEASE feel free to do so. I could really use the company.\nThanks missdialyser2",
	"My mother is almost 87 years old and is in stage 4 kidney disease. Her nephrologist has suggested dialysis and we are terrified by the mention of it, but we know she doesn't have any other options if she wants to live. She has other health problems as well and we are wondering if not doing dialysis is even an option. She lives by herself and she wants it that way. My sister and I both work full time but live very close to her. We are wondering how we would be able to arrange transportation to and from a dialysis center since we both work. We are meeting with her nephrologist tomorrow to get the full scope of her medical condition.",
	"Hi there!\n\nI am brand new here. I'm glad to see there is somewhere I can go and know that I am not the only one going through something this life changing.\n\nI was dignosed just this past July 2005 with chronic kidney disease. I must tell you I was frightened. My mom passed away in 1999 from her fight with kidney disease. I saw her go through hemodialysis, a transplant -- that failed 9 years later -- and then on PD. I saw what she went through toward the end of her life and I was terrified. I still am on some days. My dad also had kidney disease due to his diabetes - unfortunately he too has passed away due to heart problems from diabetes.\n\nIt's hard for me to believe that I am going through this disease. THe lifestyle adjustment I've had to make aren't too much of a challenge - just adjustments.\n\nI am a PD patient, and I just started on the cycler machine -- after going through a few months on manual exchanges. I almost feel \"normal\".\n\nThe more education I receive about kidney disease, the more at ease I am. If there is anyone else out there -- go out and get all the information you can! WHen you don't get the information right your mind can give you some dark ideas! I have a really good PD nurse who answers all my questions and fears.\n\nWell.. I think I've rambled on ... I just wanted to say hello, and share here just like everyone else. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in my fears and questions.\n\nPeace...\nCarmel",
	"I am a manager for a small travel agency 40% of clients are disabled. not only are there a lot of cruises that offer dialysis.We also have a land cruise to south africa. Now as has been stated before in this forum medicare and some private insurances will not cover these costs.We are adding land and sea cruises all the time. so if I can help please let me know.",
	"Hi! My name is Amber. I'm 24 years old. I have gloculornephritis (spelling?). I've been seeing a nephorlogist since I was 18. Things have slowly gotten worse over the past 5 years. \nI have 2 beautiful children (age 3 and 1) and a wonderful husband.\nMy kidney disease has history of getting better for some people, unfortunately I'm not one of those people. In the past year I've been on some pretty heafty drugs (funtion is down to 50%). I've been on cytoxan and predisone, now I'm on cyclosprine. (this is new) I've been on diovan and lipitor for 5 years. I've been on iron supplements also, I'm very anemic (had to have a blood trasfusion with my first born, got down to 4  )\nIn the last year I started procrit shots, sometimes it's every 2 weeks, twice a week, once a week.. Whatever my count is of course. My husband has been giving them to me.\nJust wanted to introduce myself. I know dialysis is down the road for me and possibly a transplant. The doc and I are trying very hard to stall both for as long has possible, but she thinks I'll probably need a new kidney in no more that 4 years.  It's all very overwhelming. Nobody understands, and i'm having a hard time coping.",
	"I usually try and start conversation with other patients or with nursing staff\nThis usually gets the other patients talking and learning they are not alone in their struggles. I think it helps to boost moral while waiting. My girlfriend and I go out when we can so I invite others on our little excursions - some accept, some don't. We always have a good time out. The next time I go to dialysis I talk about things we saw or did, if someone is really interested - I invite them to go the next time.",
	"I am a needlephobic. I'm not just :afraid: of needles, I actually have anxiety attacks over the thoughts of being stuck. I don't know how I am going to endure dialysis. I am scheduled to have the permacath and fistula done on Tuesday and I have been crying for a week. Any thoughts on overcoming this fear?",
	"Two weeks ago I had my right kidney removed because of a tumor.\nSince I only have one left I want to make sure I am kind to this kidney.\nI do have Divata's recipies.\nShould I drink lots of water? I do not like medications as I believe they are hard on kidneys too.\nAny suggestions.\n\n\nGlenda",
	"I had a nephrectomy two weeks ago.\nMy OBGYN gives me a CS125 blood test each year and he didn't like the numbers this year and decided to order a CAT scan.\nThank goodness he did. They found a cyst on my right ovary and a tumor on my right kidney. Because of the location and size they took my kidney and cyst out.\nMy surgeon performed a Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy. This is a new procedure and allowed me to heal quickly. He said my surgery was a textbook surgery and every other organ was just fine. Apparently the tumor was ONLY on my kidney.\nMy OBGYN is now on my Christmas list.\nI was home after 3 1/2 days and have been resting now for two weeks and will see my doctor today.\nNow I need to be kind to my kidney. I am sure low sodium and lots of fresh water is on the list. How much sodium should I be allowed daily?\nI do believe by keeping your immune system healthy is the best way to prevent diseases. Less stress through Yoga and exercise are essential.\nGood luck with all your various issues\n.\nGlenda",
	"I experienced a COMPLETE dialysis disaster yesterday. I went to a different clinic than I usually go to in preparation for my transplant on Monday. Yesterday (Saturday) was supposed to be my last calm 3 1/2 hour session. When I got to the clinic the nurse used one of those plastic coupling type things in my Permcath to draw blood. When she tried to pull the plastic out of the Permcath the plastic thing shattered into several pieces, many of which were still lodged inside my Permcath. After trying to get it out for about a half hour, they sent me to a different hospital via ambulance so a surgeon could look at it and try to get the plastic out. He had no luck and after an hour decided that I needed to get a femoral (sp) line inserted so I could get my dialysis done. OUCH. Needless to say, that was a pain. So, I finally got my last calm dialysis session completed 3 hours later than expeceted after an emergency ambulance ride and a big headache later! I really hope I don't need dialysis after the transplant as that will mean I will need ANOTHER line inserted (the femeral line was removed right after dialysis) because my current Permcath is pretty much destroyed. No news yet as to when the destroyed Permcath will be removed. Oh well.",
	"Hi everyone my name is Tawana and I received a kidney/pancreas transplant in March of 2004. The transplant has been going fine so far, with no rejection issues. However I have had problems with infections from the antirejection medicatoions, that have required a few hospital stays. I must admit the day I received my transplant I was excited, but when I woke up from the surgery I was in a host of pain, and felt like I never wanted to edure this again. Since the recovery I have been fine, and wish that everyone here is doing fine with their transplants. I know some people are still waiting and would love nothing more than to have a transplant. Last but not least to all transplant recipients never miss a day of taking your medications, after all we waited long and hard to receive these organs, and for me dialysis is no longer an option. Bye for now Chasity",
	"I'm on diaylisis and I use to go to diaylisis on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 AM. I've been to this clinic ever since it opened. About two weeks ago we got a new administrator. A couple a days ago she made me change my times. A new person needed my shift. She said I could have the 10:00 AM shift but I have a daugter, a sick boyfriend, and his son to take care of, so the time didn't fit into my schedule. So now, to keep my 6:00 AM time, I have to go to a different clinic. Which is a 30 min drive compared to my 5 min drive. I also have sleep apnea and I'm on a fixed income. Is there any advice on my situation? Can they do this?\n\nAlso, at other diaylisis clinics, if you have diarrhea do they still keep you on the machines? What do they expect you to do? Poop in your pants! We were told they won't take us off our machines. Please, leave feedback",
	"My Vitamin d2 is low. We are going to start treating that. Apparently this is a sign that my parathyroid needs treated soon.  Is this just another step closer to kidney failure? I'm 24 and have had CKD since I was 18, I know someday failure will happen but this soon? Is my life over.",
	"Ok I have been told that when I have to start dialysis to tell them I don't want reuse, can someone give me a link so I can read up on this. Sue",
	"Hi! I'm a 62 yr young female recently diagnosed with stage 3 renal failure. I've been overweight most of my life, diabetic for the last 5 yrs, have fibromyalgia, WAS epileptic from 12 to 40(thank god for menopause!). Love to drive, read, cook(when I have the energy), helped raise my best friend's 3 kids so she could earn a place in the record books as the person surviving the longest on dialysis(17 yrs back then) and have been told that I'm the original ****eyed optimist...but now and then,\nit all gets to me.\n AND, this is one of those times! My gp sent me to a dietician who told me to ignore the diabetes diet ,she had given me yrs ago, and replace it with a renal diet...which looks to be almost completely the opposite of the diabetes diet! HELP!!!\n I recently saw my 1st nephrologist who ordered no tests, glanced at my swollen legs(I inherited my mother's water holding genes), and told me that if I would lose a substantial amount of weight...I would stop the kidney deterioration and most likely not even be diabetic anymore!\nDon't these guys know that we REALLY listen to them...just reading the davita website told me more about my condition than the doctors have.\nI made an appointment with another nephrologist(at another hospital) so we'll see what he has to say.\nHappy to talk to anyone who has been in this position ... VERY happy to share recipes for renal patients, thanks for letting me vent, Pauline",
	"i had my left kidney removed 2 weeks ago and am trying to figure out what i can eat? my doctor was very vague, just said to watch my sodium. i am finding it difficult, everything has sodium. i am wondering what kind of sodium intake i should have? after reading some recipies here 400mg of sodium for one meal seems ok. i'm just very unsure. 400mg seems like alot to me?",
	"Hi, I am new to the group and have been a long time kidney patient with Chronic Renal Failure since 1979. My creatinine has been 3.5 for several years and now within a couple of months has risen to 4.1 My nephrologist gave me polystyrene sulfonate to bind the potassium and said we need to discuss dialysis for the future. He also said there is a new?/ medication that was expensive but if I wanted to I could be part of a study group to help with costs. Has anyone been in any study groups like this or know what kind of medication he is talking about? I am not sure if I want to take part in a study or not?",
	"Does anyone know if it is common for labs not to be done regularly to monitor how much kidney function is returning after going off dialysis? My husband has regained 35% function of his single kidney, but labs havent been done in over a month. How can we know if the kidney has regained more function, if nothing is done?",
	"i'm engaged to someone with kidney failure\nthis is all new to me and him also he started treatment right when we fell inlove how ironic is that\nnobody is supportive of me because i have 2 young children and i shouldn't stay with him because i am puttint them through alot\nthats what people tell me\ni love and him now and always will but it's so hard when everyone only sees that one thing negative and can't see how much we love each other\n\nneed some feedback",
	"I am trying to locate actual studies that have been perfomed on the benifits of exercise and Polycystic Kidney Disease. Any help would be greatly appreciated.",
	"Hi,\n\nI am 38 years of age. I live in Australia.\n\nI have had HD for 5years (give or take a couple of months). I do home dialysis. I am very thankfull for that.\n\nBoth my kidneys have been removed due to cancer. \"Funny\" story that.\n\nDoctors found a brain tumour. I went to hospital to have it removed. Doctors could not operate due to a high blood presure. They said that they needed to find the cause.\n\nAfter some tests prognosis - Kidneys full of cancer.\n\nThey removed both my kidneys and three days later (while I was still doped up) the brain tumour.\n\nThree days after that my body gave in and I slept for two months. Only to wake up (forcefully) to maybe take a mouthfull of food.\n\nIn between that I had my Fiistula made/put in/build etc.\n\nWell thats me.",
	"I know the FDA has recommended no more than 12 ounces of fish per week and advises against consuming large fish at the top of the food chain like Swordfish, etc. because of mercury content. Should people w/ CKD, ESRD, and dialysis patients be even more conservative in their consumption? Hubby really likes tuna salad and it's a good source of nutrition.",
	"i have been on dialysis for quite some time now. at the start of my treatment there was a product called Re/Neph that i used and liked very much. this product had the levels of potasium and phosphorus that are in line with kidney disease guidelines as well as 10g of protein, the best part was that it tasted great. when that product was discontinued some years back i had to switch to another supplement that wasnt up to par. now i am happy to share with all of you that Re/Neph is back, however it is now called Re/Gen, i encourage all of you to try this product and please talk to your dietitians about it and other products from Nutra/Balance. They have truly made my life on dialysis run as smooth as possible.",
	"i have been on dialysis for quite some time now. when i started this i was using a product called Re/Neph, that product was discontinued a few years back and i had to switch to a product that wasn't up to par. the long and the short of it is re/neph is back, however it is now called re/gen. the potassium and phosphorus levels are in line as well as there are 10 g of protein, the best part is that it tastes great. i encourage everyone to talk to their dietitians about this product it has truly made my life on dialysis run as smoothly as possible.",
	"i am the fiance of a patient\n i think he is in denial of his condition\ni tell him if he loves me he'll take care of himself and he tells me that he is\nhis mother calls me and lets me know of things he's not doing and acts like it's my fault\nhe's been gettin treatment now for about 6 monthes and i've been here through it all i'm not a spy or a private detective how am i suppossed to know what he's doing when i'm not around and how can i tell if he's not i'm not a doctor\n\nplease any advice would be greatly appreciated",
	"Hi! I'm new here. My daughter Megan whos 17 has kidney disease and may be starting dialysis soon.We are having a really hard time getting her to take her meds.Does anyone else out there have a teen who won't take their meds?I don't know what to do.Her doctors and I have tried everything Please help if you can!",
	"I am at 45% of Kidney use and from what I understand that is good that I have found out at the age of 37. so that I may be able to keep it at that. I have been having to have lots of Dental procedures (sp) on my teeth. has anyone had this happen to them. I have had 2 RC in 2 months. One a year ago. and They are going to have to go back in the one they did a year ago Thursday.",
	"I don't think you can help, but thought I'd ask, maybe someone else has had a similar experience. My husband has been on hemo-dialysis since 1/12/06 for slow progressing mempranoproliferative-glomerulatnephritis which was dx in 1975 and finally got to the point of needing dialysis. To make a long story short, 3 weeks ago (on 2/7/06) he started to lose his vision, worse in the right eye, no peripheral in either. He is not a diabetic, had heart bypass surgery (5 grafts) age 43. The loss of vision progressed rapidly, so he has gone from a very active self employed 51 year old with 20/20 vsion to not being able to drive, read or work, and having to hang onto my arm when walking . He has central vision in the left that is blurry, little vision in the right. Had an MRI and spinal tap to rule out cerebral tumors. The IOP is fine. We have seen 2 neuro-opthamologists in Boston. They think it may possibly be a severe drop in blood pressure that deprived the optic nerve of blood supply, possibly during dialysis. I got a printout today from all of his treatments and there was no major BP changes, 150/90 pre down to 100/60 post treatment. The optic nerve is very inflammed. He is on high doses of prednisone (80mg per day to start) and alphagan drops twice a day. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks so much!",
	"Hi i m a CAPD patient and what to share my experience with other patients.",
	"I need some information please?? if someone out there can please help me with what I have to ask?? I went to the Renal Clinic the other day, and was talking to my social worker and Nurse and we were discussing how I was feeling. I just havent been feeling all that great as my GFR is at 12% Kidney function. All my blood work is normal except for my Creatinine which is at 467mmol/L, which is high. The sugestion was that I try dialysis for a week but my renal nurse told me if If I tried dialysis I may have to stay on it as my kidneys would shut down, is this true and if so what are the odds of this happening?? Ive been prolonging putting off dialysis for a long long time with a strict diet and really watching everything, I was supposed to have a brain scan for a anyerism and I wouldnt have it, because the dye they inject would cause my kidneys to shut down. The ct didnt show an anyerism for sure so I put it off and am waiting till I go on dialysis before I give the go ahad for the dye injection. But I hve prolonged the use of my kidneys by at least ten years by being very strict with my self and never giving up hope. Sorry for wandering off of the subject but I would sure appreciate if someone could answer my question. I think this is the greatest site on the internet for information and support thankyou!! and keep up the good work!! Ron R(I have polycystic kidneys and have know for 35 years)",
	"I appreciate any knowledge any of you might share with me about my son's recent situation. He is a college football player in Ohio who recently survived acute renal failure. My knowledge is minimal at best, but I hope I am looking in the correct direction. He has come out of this experience thus far completely successfull. However, can anyone tell me if there may be long term future affects from this. I thank any of you in advance for your opinions!",
	"Hi,\nI would like to do dialysis at home but don't have anyone who can watch me all the time.\n\nCan you do home dialysis by yourself??\nWhat if you were being \"watched\" by a video camera or someone over the phone- but not in person?\n\nI have an alarm system at my house where the company respons in 1 or 2 min and immediately by live voice if I press a button.\n\nWould this qualify me to do dialysis at home.\n\nI would like to be able to have some sort of \"normal\" like and be able to do things other than spending a whole day getting to the hospital, being there 5 hours in all (the one I go to is extremely slow...) and then spending another 1 hour to get back home.\n\nDoes anyone have any suggestions??",
	"I am wondering if anyone experienced discomfort and pressure in the pubic area after their PD catheter placement. Also, did you have problems urinating? I feel pressure and discomfort in the pubic area. I feel like I need to urinate, but then I cannot without straining.\n\nThanks for any information!\n\nSheila",
	"Hi,\nmost people do not know this and my unit only has a \"post-it\" not size paper taped to a buletin board where no one walks by- so no one has seen this warning.\n\nAlso, my doctor, dietician and anyone else has not mentioned this.\nI just remeber seeing this warning last week and it reminded me to go online and see if it was really true???\n\nWow! What I found is really scary.!!!\n\nhttp://starbulletin.com/2003/04/28/features/health.html\n\n\n Health Options\n\nAlan Titchenal\n& Joannie Dobbs\n\n\nMonday, April 28, 2003\n\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\n\nKidney patients\nshould avoid star fruit\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nStar fruit is a decorative and refreshing treat and, for most of us, a healthy delicacy. But for some people with impaired kidney function, the star fruit (also known as carambola) can be deadly.\n\nResearchers from Brazil and Taiwan are studying why star fruit causes serious life-threatening reactions to some kidney patients.\n\nQuestion: What are the symptoms of star fruit intoxication?\n\nAnswer: Typical symptoms occur within one to five hours and include persistent hiccups, nausea, vomiting, agitation, insomnia, mental confusion and convulsions. Death sometimes results. A study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo found that hiccups were experienced in 30 of 32 cases, and vomiting in about two-thirds. Even though mental confusion and convulsions were less common, these symptoms are more likely to be associated with death.\n\nQ: Does star fruit cause kidney problems?\n\nA: No. Star fruit intoxication only occurred if some degree of kidney failure already existed. For most of those affected, kidney decline was extensive enough that they were being treated by blood dialysis, although in four cases kidney problems had not reached that severity. There is no evidence of any problem for people with normal kidney function.\n\nQ: What substance in star fruit causes this problem?\n\nA: The tangy tartness in star fruit comes from high levels of oxalic acid (or oxalate). Weakened kidneys can be damaged if high levels of oxalate accumulate in the organ. But it is likely that another toxin in star fruit is also problematic since common foods such as spinach contain even greater levels of oxalic acid and do not seem to be associated with this severe problem.\n\nThe Brazilian researchers think that star fruit contains a substance toxic to nerves (a neurotoxin). People with healthy kidneys probably clear this toxin from the blood quickly and experience no problem. Without efficient kidney function, the combined effect of oxalate and a neurotoxin may deliver a double whammy.\n\nQ: How much star fruit needs to be consumed to produce toxic effects in kidney patients?\n\nA: As little as one half of a fruit and less than eight ounces of star fruit juice has caused serious symptoms. One person died from eating just one fruit.\n\nCurrent medical treatment for star fruit intoxication is prompt kidney dialysis. Anyone who experiences hiccups, vomiting or other unusual symptoms after eating star fruit should seek medical attention as soon as possible.\n\nOn the positive side, star fruit lovers with normal kidneys should be able to continue enjoying the delectable treat without concern.\n\n\nHealth Events\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\nAlan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S. and Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S. are\nnutritionists in the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal\nSciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, UH-Manoa.\nDr. Dobbs also works with the University Health Services and prepares\nthe nutritional analyses marked with an asterisk in this section",
	"-I think this message sgould really be seen, so am posting it in a few places. Hopefully that is ok!\n\nStarfruit Warning!! Do Not Eat It It Will Kill You!\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nHi,\nmost people do not know this and my unit only has a \"post-it\" not size paper taped to a buletin board where no one walks by- so no one has seen this warning.\n\nAlso, my doctor, dietician and anyone else has not mentioned this.\nI just remeber seeing this warning last week and it reminded me to go online and see if it was really true???\n\nWow! What I found is really scary.!!!\n\nhttp://starbulletin.com/2003/04/28/features/health.html\n\n\nHealth Options\n\nAlan Titchenal\n& Joannie Dobbs\n\n\nMonday, April 28, 2003\n\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\n\nKidney patients\nshould avoid star fruit\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nStar fruit is a decorative and refreshing treat and, for most of us, a healthy delicacy. But for some people with impaired kidney function, the star fruit (also known as carambola) can be deadly.\n\nResearchers from Brazil and Taiwan are studying why star fruit causes serious life-threatening reactions to some kidney patients.\n\nQuestion: What are the symptoms of star fruit intoxication?\n\nAnswer: Typical symptoms occur within one to five hours and include persistent hiccups, nausea, vomiting, agitation, insomnia, mental confusion and convulsions. Death sometimes results. A study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo found that hiccups were experienced in 30 of 32 cases, and vomiting in about two-thirds. Even though mental confusion and convulsions were less common, these symptoms are more likely to be associated with death.\n\nQ: Does star fruit cause kidney problems?\n\nA: No. Star fruit intoxication only occurred if some degree of kidney failure already existed. For most of those affected, kidney decline was extensive enough that they were being treated by blood dialysis, although in four cases kidney problems had not reached that severity. There is no evidence of any problem for people with normal kidney function.\n\nQ: What substance in star fruit causes this problem?\n\nA: The tangy tartness in star fruit comes from high levels of oxalic acid (or oxalate). Weakened kidneys can be damaged if high levels of oxalate accumulate in the organ. But it is likely that another toxin in star fruit is also problematic since common foods such as spinach contain even greater levels of oxalic acid and do not seem to be associated with this severe problem.\n\nThe Brazilian researchers think that star fruit contains a substance toxic to nerves (a neurotoxin). People with healthy kidneys probably clear this toxin from the blood quickly and experience no problem. Without efficient kidney function, the combined effect of oxalate and a neurotoxin may deliver a double whammy.\n\nQ: How much star fruit needs to be consumed to produce toxic effects in kidney patients?\n\nA: As little as one half of a fruit and less than eight ounces of star fruit juice has caused serious symptoms. One person died from eating just one fruit.\n\nCurrent medical treatment for star fruit intoxication is prompt kidney dialysis. Anyone who experiences hiccups, vomiting or other unusual symptoms after eating star fruit should seek medical attention as soon as possible.\n\nOn the positive side, star fruit lovers with normal kidneys should be able to continue enjoying the delectable treat without concern.\n\n\nHealth Events\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\nAlan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S. and Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S. are\nnutritionists in the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal\nSciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, UH-Manoa.\nDr. Dobbs also works with the University Health Services and prepares\nthe nutritional analyses marked with an asterisk in this section",
	"Starfruit Warning!! Do Not Eat It It Will Kill You!\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nHi,\nmost people do not know this and my unit only has a \"post-it\" not size paper taped to a buletin board where no one walks by- so no one has seen this warning.\n\nAlso, my doctor, dietician and anyone else has not mentioned this.\nI just remeber seeing this warning last week and it reminded me to go online and see if it was really true???\n\nWow! What I found is really scary.!!!\n\nhttp://starbulletin.com/2003/04/28/features/health.html\n\n\nHealth Options\n\nAlan Titchenal\n& Joannie Dobbs\n\n\nMonday, April 28, 2003\n\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\n\nKidney patients\nshould avoid star fruit\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nStar fruit is a decorative and refreshing treat and, for most of us, a healthy delicacy. But for some people with impaired kidney function, the star fruit (also known as carambola) can be deadly.\n\nResearchers from Brazil and Taiwan are studying why star fruit causes serious life-threatening reactions to some kidney patients.\n\nQuestion: What are the symptoms of star fruit intoxication?\n\nAnswer: Typical symptoms occur within one to five hours and include persistent hiccups, nausea, vomiting, agitation, insomnia, mental confusion and convulsions. Death sometimes results. A study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo found that hiccups were experienced in 30 of 32 cases, and vomiting in about two-thirds. Even though mental confusion and convulsions were less common, these symptoms are more likely to be associated with death.\n\nQ: Does star fruit cause kidney problems?\n\nA: No. Star fruit intoxication only occurred if some degree of kidney failure already existed. For most of those affected, kidney decline was extensive enough that they were being treated by blood dialysis, although in four cases kidney problems had not reached that severity. There is no evidence of any problem for people with normal kidney function.\n\nQ: What substance in star fruit causes this problem?\n\nA: The tangy tartness in star fruit comes from high levels of oxalic acid (or oxalate). Weakened kidneys can be damaged if high levels of oxalate accumulate in the organ. But it is likely that another toxin in star fruit is also problematic since common foods such as spinach contain even greater levels of oxalic acid and do not seem to be associated with this severe problem.\n\nThe Brazilian researchers think that star fruit contains a substance toxic to nerves (a neurotoxin). People with healthy kidneys probably clear this toxin from the blood quickly and experience no problem. Without efficient kidney function, the combined effect of oxalate and a neurotoxin may deliver a double whammy.\n\nQ: How much star fruit needs to be consumed to produce toxic effects in kidney patients?\n\nA: As little as one half of a fruit and less than eight ounces of star fruit juice has caused serious symptoms. One person died from eating just one fruit.\n\nCurrent medical treatment for star fruit intoxication is prompt kidney dialysis. Anyone who experiences hiccups, vomiting or other unusual symptoms after eating star fruit should seek medical attention as soon as possible.\n\nOn the positive side, star fruit lovers with normal kidneys should be able to continue enjoying the delectable treat without concern.\n\n\nHealth Events\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\nAlan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S. and Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S. are\nnutritionists in the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal\nSciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, UH-Manoa.\nDr. Dobbs also works with the University Health Services and prepares\nthe nutritional analyses marked with an asterisk in this section",
	"Starfruit Warning!! Do Not Eat It It Will Kill You!\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nHi,\nmost people do not know this and my unit only has a \"post-it\" not size paper taped to a buletin board where no one walks by- so no one has seen this warning.\n\nAlso, my doctor, dietician and anyone else has not mentioned this.\nI just remeber seeing this warning last week and it reminded me to go online and see if it was really true???\n\nWow! What I found is really scary.!!!\n\nhttp://starbulletin.com/2003/04/28/features/health.html\n\n\nHealth Options\n\nAlan Titchenal\n& Joannie Dobbs\n\n\nMonday, April 28, 2003\n\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\n\nKidney patients\nshould avoid star fruit\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nStar fruit is a decorative and refreshing treat and, for most of us, a healthy delicacy. But for some people with impaired kidney function, the star fruit (also known as carambola) can be deadly.\n\nResearchers from Brazil and Taiwan are studying why star fruit causes serious life-threatening reactions to some kidney patients.\n\nQuestion: What are the symptoms of star fruit intoxication?\n\nAnswer: Typical symptoms occur within one to five hours and include persistent hiccups, nausea, vomiting, agitation, insomnia, mental confusion and convulsions. Death sometimes results. A study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo found that hiccups were experienced in 30 of 32 cases, and vomiting in about two-thirds. Even though mental confusion and convulsions were less common, these symptoms are more likely to be associated with death.\n\nQ: Does star fruit cause kidney problems?\n\nA: No. Star fruit intoxication only occurred if some degree of kidney failure already existed. For most of those affected, kidney decline was extensive enough that they were being treated by blood dialysis, although in four cases kidney problems had not reached that severity. There is no evidence of any problem for people with normal kidney function.\n\nQ: What substance in star fruit causes this problem?\n\nA: The tangy tartness in star fruit comes from high levels of oxalic acid (or oxalate). Weakened kidneys can be damaged if high levels of oxalate accumulate in the organ. But it is likely that another toxin in star fruit is also problematic since common foods such as spinach contain even greater levels of oxalic acid and do not seem to be associated with this severe problem.\n\nThe Brazilian researchers think that star fruit contains a substance toxic to nerves (a neurotoxin). People with healthy kidneys probably clear this toxin from the blood quickly and experience no problem. Without efficient kidney function, the combined effect of oxalate and a neurotoxin may deliver a double whammy.\n\nQ: How much star fruit needs to be consumed to produce toxic effects in kidney patients?\n\nA: As little as one half of a fruit and less than eight ounces of star fruit juice has caused serious symptoms. One person died from eating just one fruit.\n\nCurrent medical treatment for star fruit intoxication is prompt kidney dialysis. Anyone who experiences hiccups, vomiting or other unusual symptoms after eating star fruit should seek medical attention as soon as possible.\n\nOn the positive side, star fruit lovers with normal kidneys should be able to continue enjoying the delectable treat without concern.\n\n\nHealth Events\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\nAlan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S. and Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S. are\nnutritionists in the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal\nSciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, UH-Manoa.\nDr. Dobbs also works with the University Health Services and prepares\nthe nutritional analyses marked with an asterisk in this section",
	"My mom has been on hemo dialysis since Sept. of last year. She has had a lot of problems. She had a fistula and it collapsed, she is on her 3rd perma cath. For some reason they keep getting infected or just stop working. Her veins are bad, they tried to put a graph in on Dec. and it wouldnt' work. We had the pd cath put in a week and half ago and it is healing very well. We go for the training class a week from tomorrow. I just worry about infection since she has had so many problems with the perma cath. Can anyone give me some insite on that? and as far as pets go are they not supposed to be in the room the dialysis is done at all or just not while she is on the machine? She is going to be doing the one at night. I really don't know how this works but I'm sure I'll learn more when we go for her training. any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks. Tonya",
	"Hello, I'm new and searching for someone to just give me a list of things my nephew CAN eat! Seems that I read everything that he can't. He has FSGS and is below 10% now. Just went to hemo from perotineal about 2 wks ago. He's 27. He's a picky eater which make it even harder, but the poor fella needs help! I'm talking ways to maybe make a desert he could have, any ways to make him feel he still has a life! He's very lonely and been very depressed",
	"My husband has been on dialysis since November. He has begun to have severe cramps in the muscles in his calves. Sometimes it happens during dialysis, other times when he is sleeping. Is there a way to lessen these? does anyone know why it happens? Thanks.",
	"Itook my mom to the clinc and was told that children dont stay with it and that i could come and learn but if she couldnt do it herself than she could not do it at home is this true??????",
	"I'm not happy with my center, it's in a dingy old building and I don't like being there. My doctor put me here but I wish I could go to a nice one. Has anyone done this before? I don't even know where there are nicer centers. How can I find a better center?",
	"We are confused about the differences with dialyzer re-use v.s. single use.\nCan anyone explain? Which one is best?",
	"Hi y'all,\nI am new to dialysiss, I've had 5 treatmens, had a transplant in 1995 that lasted about 11 years,\nTomorrow I am transfering from the hospital to a Dialysis Center, in about a week or so I am going to switch to Daily Nocturnal Dialysis and sleep at the center. My thought beeing that I will have my days free and can go bact to work instead of going on disability. I really do not want to go on disability, for my own feelings of self worth. Are any of y'all on daily or dialy Nocturnal? Are you working? How is it going?\nThanks\nERich",
	"My names Erika and im 16, ive been on dialysis since about june now. While i was on a trip down in tn. i went to the er because i wasnt feeling well. While down there ended up being admited and going to the icu because they said i was in renal failure and in a deadly position. Since then they never have been able to figure out what caused it because my idneys were so scared by the time i was in the hosital. This is so confusing to me because no one in my family history has any kind of kidney problems and ive always been a healthy person. playing sports and things ibve always been pretty active. Im use to dialysis and everything by now and im pretty good at takin my meds. and care of everything all on my own. The part that sucks is having to come up to the hospital 3 days a week for these 4 hr treatments. and i am receving chemo to keep my disease from progressing any farther. Im hopin to be gettin a kidney transplant but thats not much of a possiblity for about another 2 years. Being a teen and dealin with all this is hard, how does everyone get use to dialysis and still be happy when theres so much you cant do now?",
	"Wonder what this is really about? Could be anything from employee fraud, error, or theft -- to Medicare alleging fraud because DaVita is exceeding their guidelines and taking good care of their patients -- to just poor record keeping. Oh well, time will tell -- hasn't hurt the stock price.\n\nDow Jones newswire:\n\n\"DJ DaVita: Additional US Subpoena Seeks Patient Records.\n\nDaVita Inc. (DVA) said Monday that it has received an additional subpoena from the federal government seeking documents and patient records in connection with the administration and billing of erythropoietin, a protein that stimulates the production of red blood cells.\n\nThe El Segundo, Calif., provider of dialysis services said in its annual report filed with the SEC that it intends to continue cooperating with the government's investigation.\n\nAs previously disclosed, DaVita received a subpoena last March from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri seeking a wide range of documents about the company's operations starting in December 1996.\n\nDaVita said that the subpoenas have been issued in connection with a joint civil and criminal investigation.\n\n-By Nicholas Brulliard; Dow Jones Newswires",
	"Hello, everyone,\n\nI'm NEW here... and I am SOOO glad to be able to find you guys to share some thoughts and information!\n\nWell my mom and dad live in China and are retired; I work in the south of US and do not have medical coverage for them;\n\nMy mom's kidney problem has been many years (with high blood pressure) and last week the doctor just performed the surgery for peritoneal dialysis. I don't know much about how she is doing right now; but my dad said it was not bad. They will stay in the hospital for more days, and then will be home for CAPD.\n\nI really miss my mom and dad (haven't seen them for a couple of years) and I hope they can visit me in here soon... but I've no idea of the possibility of taking care of my mom with her CAPD for a couple of months, which includes health insurance/prescription.\n\nWhat I'm guessing is that, after my Mom's condition gets stablized, then if she comes with Dad, who would take very good care of her, for a month or two she may not need frequent office visits or monitoring; all that we need most would be the solution /dialysate and maybe some other supplements to treat dialysis related symptoms ...\nI don't know if that would work for doctors here.\n\nSo far I only know that the solution my Mom currently use says \"dialysis intraperitoneal Solution (Lactate)\" on the bag and is only less than $1000/months (before insurance; I think they imported them from the US because China doesn't make them)\n\nSo would you guys please advise me on where to get a reasonable health insurance for visitor purpose and how much it may cost for taking care of her CAPD ? A rough range would help too.\n\nI'd appreciate the concern and suggestions from you all!!",
	"Hello, everyone,\n\nI'm NEW here... and I am SOOO glad to be able to find you guys to share some thoughts and information!\n\nWell my mom and dad live in China and are retired; I work in the south of US and do not have medical coverage for them;\n\nMy mom's kidney problem has been many years (with high blood pressure) and last week the doctor just performed the surgery for peritoneal dialysis. I don't know much about how she is doing right now; but my dad said it was not bad. They will stay in the hospital for more days, and then will be home for CAPD.\n\nI really miss my mom and dad (haven't seen them for a couple of years) and I hope they can visit me in here soon... but I've no idea of the possibility of taking care of my mom with her CAPD for a couple of months, which includes health insurance/prescription.\n\nWhat I'm guessing is that, after my Mom's condition gets stablized, then if she comes with Dad, who would take very good care of her, for a month or two she may not need frequent office visits or monitoring; all that we need most would be the solution /dialysate and maybe some other supplements to treat dialysis related symptoms ...\nI don't know if that would work for doctors here.\n\nSo far I only know that the solution my Mom currently use says \"dialysis intraperitoneal Solution (Lactate)\" on the bag and is only less than $1000/months (before insurance; I think they imported them from the US because China doesn't make them)\n\nSo would you guys please advise me on where to get a reasonable health insurance for visitor purpose and how much it may cost for taking care of her CAPD ? A rough range would help too.\n\nI'd appreciate the concern and suggestions from you all!!",
	"Hello, everyone,\n\nI'm NEW here... and I am SO glad to be able to find you guys to share some thoughts and information!\n\nWell, my mom and dad live in China now and are retired; I work in the south of US and do not have medical coverage for them;\n\nMy mom's kidney problem has been many years (with high blood pressure) and last week the doctor just performed the surgery for peritoneal dialysis. I just know that now she's started eating meat; my dad said it was not bad. They will stay in the hospital for more days, and then will be home for CAPD.\n\nI really miss my mom and dad (haven't seen them for a couple of years) and I hope they can visit me in here soon... but I've no idea of the possibility of taking care of my mom with her CAPD for a couple of months, which includes health insurance/prescription.\n\nWhat I'm guessing is that, after my Mom's condition gets stablized, then if she comes with Dad, who would take very good care of her, for a month or two she may not need frequent office visits or monitoring; all that we need most would be the solution /dialysate and maybe some other supplements to treat dialysis related symptoms ...\nI don't know if that would work for doctors here.\n\nSo far I only know that the solution my Mom currently use says \"dialysis intraperitoneal Solution (Lactate)\" on the bag and is only less than $1000/months (before insurance; I think they imported them from the US because China doesn't make them)\n\nSo would you guys please advise me on where to get a reasonable health insurance for visitor purpose and how much it may cost for taking care of her CAPD ? A rough range would help too.\n\nI'd appreciate the concern and suggestions from you all!!",
	"Hi, I'm new here, and i need alot of help with menu ideas..\n my mother in law is a med controled diabetic, also taking dialisis(sp). My father in law is now her caretaker and having to cook all meals.. we have been thru the food info from the dr's, it all sounds pretty good, but we are talking about a man that really didnt cook alot.. so we want ideas on how to set up a menu for him to follow for a weeks time.. I have made out a grocery list, with seasonings to buy , meat to buy and also fruits and veggis. But actually putting together what to eat with each other is the problem.. he is at a lose... I am trying my best, but very scared that i will make her numbers worse.. please any help or advice is appreciated.. shes very weak and needs assistance walking , so having to cook alot of things that takes time is wearing him out..\nI am so glad i have found this site. I am going to go and look around now and read up on things.. thanks again..",
	"Hi,\nI was doing some food research and finally got around to emailing coca cola about nutritional info for their soft drinks.\n(I couldn't find it online...).\n\nWell, they sent me the direct link to a printout that had all the nutritiion info, phosphates, potassium ect.\n\n\n\nhere are the links, print these out and post them on your fridge for a reminder!\n\nSo, if your dietician tells you you can't have ANY soft drinks they are wrong and have not done their research (I have seen this many times, ppl jump to conclusions w out getting facts/info).\n\n!\n\nBarq's Root Beer has 0 phosphorus and is a \"dark\" colored drink!\n\nCoke on the other hand has 41 mg phosphorus per 240ml~\n\nSprite has 0\nFanta, Mello Yello and GingerAle has 0 also\n\nhere is the link so you can see/print for yourself!\n\nhttp://www2.coca-cola.com/mail/gooda..._nutrition.pdf\n\nalso link to all nutrition from the coca cola company:\nhttp://www2.coca-cola.com/mail/goodanswer/utility.html\n\nHopefully this is some good news from people on here",
	":Good Morning All:\n\nWell, I dood it. Last Wednesday (March 2) I went into hospital for a dual procedure. They were to put in a left arm Fistula and a PD Catheter. This was to be an Out-Patient procedure and I would be home that evening.\n\nFeeling a little nervous but confident my only real problem was the 6:00 a.m. appointment:: . About 8:00 a.m. everything was ready and we were GO. About Noon I came to in a state of total confusion, in considerable pain and it took another 20 mins or so before I began to feel human. \n\nWe went throught the discharge routine, I got dressed and was told I had to void before I could go, That just wouldn't happen then I had some sort of shaking fit that was quite unpleasant. That was when they found that my Potassium had soared to over Seven. So the decision was made to put me into hospital.\n\nIt was Four days before all of my labs were normalized and I went home.\n\nQuestion: Has this happened to anyone else?\n Boy, do I need reassurance that things get better from here on!\n Did I make a mistake in getting both procedures in one day?\n\nI don't want to cast a pall over anyone else who is scheduledd to get an access in the near future, just complaining about my bad luck.\nActually, despite all my other problems i never did have any real pain from either operation site. So, I would still encourage you to get either one or the other procedure.\n\nAs a footnote, all of this was done at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital and I would have to rate my treatment, the care and consideration of All the Staff as the Best. I couldn't have imagined any better TLC.\n\nSincerly:\nNewell",
	":Good Morning All:\n\nWell, I dood it. Last Wednesday (March 2) I went into hospital for a dual procedure. They were to put in a left arm Fistula and a PD Catheter. This was to be an Out-Patient procedure and I would be home that evening.\n\nFeeling a little nervous but confident my only real problem was the 6:00 a.m. appointment:: . About 8:00 a.m. everything was ready and we were GO. About Noon I came to in a state of total confusion, in considerable pain and it took another 20 mins or so before I began to feel human. \n\nWe went throught the discharge routine, I got dressed and was told I had to void before I could go, That just wouldn't happen then I had some sort of shaking fit that was quite unpleasant. That was when they found that my Potassium had soared to over Seven. So the decision was made to put me into hospital.\n\nIt was Four days before all of my labs were normalized and I went home.\n\nQuestion: Has this happened to anyone else?\n Boy, do I need reassurance that things get better from here on!\n Did I make a mistake in getting both procedures in one day?\n\nI don't want to cast a pall over anyone else who is scheduledd to get an access in the near future, just complaining about my bad luck.\nActually, despite all my other problems i never did have any real pain from either operation site. So, I would still encourage you to get either one or the other procedure.\n\nAs a footnote, all of this was done at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital and I would have to rate my treatment, the care and consideration of All the Staff as the Best. I couldn't have imagined any better TLC.\n\nSincerly:\nBob",
	"Hello all - without being too windy/wordy I would like to give some facts so those that know things that might help me will have some info to work with.\n\nI have no insurance (left with my ex wife) and no income - my saving is going down hill fast. Due to this - I won't be having 50 Drs telling me what to do. I found my way to a \"free\" clinic due to a different matter (neuropathy) and found by total accident my creat was 1.7 and my bunn was 34. The Dr said \"your kidneys are not working right\" and had another blood test done. That one was creat 1.7 bunn 26. The test were two weeks apart. I have no idea what I had ate the night before. I have had no more information from the clinic - I do have another appointment late this month.\n\nMy ex wife has worked at a dialysis unit for 20 years (office mgr) she gave their diet gal my numbers - she told my ex I should get on a low protein diet.\n\nI did that as soon asap. My last 30 day average is 47 grams of protein a day. I am 60 years old - 6'2\" and now at 174 lbs. I have lost 10 pounds in the last 7 weeks (on this diet) and am trying not to lose any weight but just keep on losing.\n\nI was so protein blinded - I was not tracking calories - after the first three weeks I started to count calories and found out I had been eating about 700 to 800 calories a day.\n\nWhat caused me to start counting calores was a horrible \"spell\" - which I now know was hypoglycemia - I live alone and was prob within 10 minutes of passing out - that would have ended in death with no one around to find me. I already died one time in 1998 - that was deemed a heart attack but I was never convinced of that - I now am pretty sure that death was caused by hypoglycemia.\n\nI do not have high blood pressure - I am not dibetic - I was not overweight and now I am underweight and have no energy at all and have been forced to stop my exercising.\n\nOk - here is my question. I have a big database of information to help me but still have a major problem.\n\nHow can I get my calories up and not exceed my protein intake goal?\n\nIs my 47 protein grams per day target too low for my size?\n\nAm I causing more damage to my kidneys/body by this low protein diet than I would be (to my kidneys) by not holding such a low target on protein?\n\nI want to get back to my exercise - but right now my calorie intake average for the last 12 days (since I started tracking calories) is only 1958 a day. That is not even enough to maintain my size - let alone gain back the weight I have lost - OR even think about calorie buring exercise.\n\nI heard the war stories about dialysis for 17 years (was married to my ex for 17 years) I am trying to slow down what ever is wrong with my kidneys. I realize that 1.7 creat 26 BUNN don't look back to some - it is all relative. My step daughter that is about a year away from her Bach in Nursing told me - ANY numbers out of range - you can figure about 50% of your kidney function is already gone.\n\nAt this point I have no idea if my kidneys are getting worse fast or not - if they are all this diet stuff may not make any difference at all - if they are not going really fast - maybe I can slow the progress.\n\nHow can I get enough calories (without eating sugar all day) and still hold the line on my protein?\n\n\nThanks for any ideas\n\n\nRon",
	"im having a problem feeling really full.... is this normal? i am not liking this feeling... does it get better? i look like im 7 month's along and it's a all day thing... when i drain man that is the best feeling, but then i have to reload.",
	"Two months ago - I found out (by total accident) my creat was 1.7 and my bunn was 26. I do not have any income or insurance - so I am almost on my own. I have gone to a \"free clinic\" a couple of times - there is where I got the blood test (for something else all together). The free clinic has given me no \"advice\" at all - none. If and when they ever do - it will be general information that I found out my first day of research - it will be so general it won't help me one bit. I am already WAY past (on learning) anything they would ever tell me.\n\nAccording to my age (60) race (male) and creat 1.7 - I am Stage 3 I guess.\n\nSo - I went on a low protein diet. Now my body is wasting down fast.\n\nI have studied this night and day - made a huge informative data base - have tons of information at my finger tips and ................. STILL can not get my calorie count up and keep my protein down to what I should.\n\nI am 6'2\" and down to 175 lbs (was 185 lbs and consider that about right) - I am losing weight - have zero energy and have had to totally stop my exercise - I can look at my body and see it fading fast.\n\nI was trying to target 47 grams of protein - and trying to keep the percent of HBV protein up and I was crashing badly - hypoglycemia was hitting me HARD. I finally started to track calories along with protein and found I was only eating about 700 calories a day.\n\nI have started to move the protein target up some but still can't manage to get the calories up much - my average for the last two weeks are ...\n\n50.2 protein grams a day - (52.1% HBV)\n1969 calories a day (10.2% protein calories)\n\nI need at least 3000 calories to save my body from distruction - but I need to keep the protein down to try to slow my kidney failure.\n\nI am bearly eating enough to stay away from hypoglycemia - I can function at 2000 calories but not very good and not for much longer.\n\nI am already almost drinking olive oil - I am aware of things like mayo and have info on at least 10,000 foods - everything is with formulas - everything is pretty accurate and ...........\n\nI just can not find a way to get my calores up and keep my protein down.\n\nWhere I am I missing the boat?\n\n\nThanks\n\nRon",
	"My Mom Is In Esrd. I Am Looking For Anything Someone Can Tell Me About The Final Days. My Family And I Haven't Delt With Anything Like This Before. She Is 77 Years Young And Has Other Physical Problems Also. The Dr. Has Stopped All Her Meds Except For Sleep And Pain. She Was Too Dry And Had Bad Results Trying Dialysis. The Dr. Said She Wasn't A Candidate For It. So She Was Sent Back To The Nursing Home I Guess To Die. She Has Had Bad Itching, Confusion And Feels Really Bad Lately. Her Back Hurts Really Bad Sometime Around The Kidney Area. Can Some Of You Good People Give Any Info To Help Us To Understand Where We Are In This Horrible Disease? Thanks To You All And My God Bless Each Of You.",
	"Does anyone have any experience with not handling anti-rejection meds well? My transplant (live related donor) was scheduled for May 3, and has just been cancelled because I am so sick (thus unavailable to achieve theraputic levels) of cyclosporine and tacrolimus in my blood. Vomitting, diarhea, cramping, blurred vision, etc...\n\nAny experience or insight would be helpful. I will be starting siromus in two weeks. (Hopefully that experience will be better).\n\nThank you in advance.",
	"My sister is willing to donate her kidney, however her insurance at work will not pay for her to be out since it's voluntary. I can't ask her to be out of work 4-6 weeks without pay so my only option would be fundraising. Has anyone gone thru this and have any suggestions? If so please email me at Christine.reed@wachovia.com",
	"Hi everyone. Just found this board and thought I would jump in with an intro. My 43 year old brother has recently started Dialysis after struggling\nwith very serious liver problems which caused his kidney problems. He spent 3wks in ICU without any improvement and when he started to really improve the docs gave him a 40% chance of surviving. He was in the hospital since the 26th of January and came home last night. I am so grateful he's alive!\n\nI live in the next county and just started homeschooling my 7yo son who has Asperger's. My mom who lives with my brother has very limited functioning and has completely exhausted her savings since my brother's illness. Luckily, I was able to cash in a small IRA I had and am able to pay\ntheir bills. On top of this, mom has decided she wants to sell her house\nso I'm now trying to get the house in order too. My brother will qualify for Mobility but until that's set up, I'll be his transportation to outpt Dialysis. My plan is to drop him off, do our lessons at their house, get some work done there, and then pick him up.\n\nAnyway, that's our story. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all and am grateful for a chance to connect to other folks facing similar challenges. Moon",
	"I have been diagnosed with high BP which is now leading to kidney disease. The last few days have been awful. My heart rate is 102 at rest and my BP is 170/104 with medication. Does anyone have any suggestions as far as diet is concerned?",
	"My Name is Rachel I was recently diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure last september or sometime after hallowen. I remember when it happended i went to the doctor for a swallon glad and the doctor wanted blood work to check my kidney's then i was ammited to Huron valley then Transferred to Childrens. Now i'm on peritoneadle dyalisis and i have to get a feeding tube because i have a failure to thrive i'm really short for my age. Right now my life is misrable and i'm just hoping i'll be strong enough for a kidney transplant\n\n Rachel",
	"Is there anyone out there who can give me some sort of information about finanacial assistance. My husband is post dialysis with 44% renal function in his single kidney. He has been a very hard worker since he was 16 (26 years). He has not worked since Sept. 2005 due to his condition. Cannot get his first Disability SS check until May. I have been to social services and was given medicaid cards for my three children. My husband has medical insurance which will last for another year but they pay only 80%. Since he is not working we dont have the finances to even pay the 20%. Much less his medications which are outrageous. (my 20% for one of them is $327.00, Procrit, if you can believe that). They told me he is not eligible for a medicaid card. I have people calling every day about past due medical bills and he is getting ready to have mitral valve replacement surgery on his heart. So there will be more. Like I said I have three boys and with the little bit of short-term disability he gets a week, we are struggling very hard. Ends arent even met anymore. Can anyone help? Any info you have is greatly appretiated. Just point me in the direction.",
	"Hi everyone - I am a caregiver to my Mom who is 83. She has lived with me for the past 16 years and the last two have been rough. She has atrial fibrilation, renal failure and end of last year had a GI bleed which required 6 times in hospital for transfusions in just a matter of 2 months. Her creatinine is now at 5.2 and she will not do dialysis. She is now staying in bed 90% of the time, loosing appetite and sometimes confused. From what I can gather she is at end stage renal failure. Oh, and the Drs feel she probably just had another TIA. I don't know what to expect. I just found this website and reading all the posts is very scary - sounds like she probably made the right decision about dialysis as she has so many other problems. I worry about her most the time and always checking to make sure she is still breathing!! Does anyone know what to expect from here?",
	"Hi, I'm a 21 year old girl. I've always been a tiny thing, except when I got slapped in the face last year after my transplant with steriods. I weighted around 110lbs before my kidney failure. I have gained a lot of weight since then. Yesterday was my 1 year anniversery with my new kidney.  I still haven't been able to loose this weight. I am currently on just 5mg of steriods. The moon face is what bothers me the most. Is there anyway I can get help with that? Certain foods I should stay away from? I exercise every other day, but nothing seems to be working. Will I be on steriods forever? Any advice would be appreciated.",
	"I had to go in the hosptial Monday, I wa getting fluid around my heart and my creatinine was 6.8 so they finally started dialysis, now it is Saturday and I had my forth dialysis,\nMy blood pressure didn't drop today like it did the last time, but it was on its way and the nurse was there. I had a different problem this time, I was clotting on the top of my dialysiser and on the bottom, I only had an hour left and the alarm was going off, they had to take the dialysiser off and put on a dry pack or something like that, I was asking all kinds of questions like why did my blood clot up and they said it happens and it is not a rare thing for that, they put some heperin in the dry pack and took for ever to get started again, she kept messing with the hose. The girl thqt took my dialysiser to the back came back and told them there was blood clotted on the bottom of it last time too that she noitced, one nurse told me they will use more heparin the next treatment with my dialysiser, they reuse so I will have the same one back and if it does it again I will have to have a new one put on. They told me I gained 3 kilos from day before yesterday and that was way too much, I didn't think I had drank that much,they took 2.something off me today and said I did good and got it all off. I am asking questions all the time and some act like they want to answer and then there are a couple that act like I should just site there and be a good girl and don't worry about anything.Theree is not one machine turned where a patient can see what is happening on the front of the machine and if they turned it where ai could see it they would not be able to get to the front, the machines and chairs are that close to each other.I just want to know what the hell they are doing, that is my blood clotting up, so is this a normal thing to happen, oh when my blood pressure was dropping I knew right away because my stomach started cramping alittle but not bad likethe other day and I didn't get dirhrrea today. I wish we had spell check on here cause ai know I mispelled words. I go in at 6;30 and there are only a handful of patients so those nurses have plenty of time to keep a closer watch on the machines, one came up and was messing with the settings and I asked her what she was doing and she said she was setting the blood pressure alarm that I was on an older machine, the newer ones you don't have to set, so I wonder how long mine was not set. I am going to give myself more time before I sound too pushy, I don't want them not to like me, but then I don't want them screwing with me either. So please guys help me out here, what was going on today???? She even asked me if I wanted to finish the last hour and I told her yes, I wanted all the time I could get, they had problems again getting one ofthe needles in, it was against the wall she said, a couple of them acted like they had never seen a graft like mine.Sue",
	"hi I'm new here and I'am not sure if I'm doing this right. But anyway I need to get some advice on exercise for my husband he is the kidney dialysis patient",
	"I need some insite here. When I was pregnant, I had a problem with spilling alot of protein in my urine. My doctor thought I was dealing with preaclampsia. But it ended up not being the case. I figured it was just from being pregnant. But not to long ago, in my Biology class, we did a lab that delt with testing the urine. Come to find out, I was still spilling more than just a trace of protien. It has now been over a year since I have given birth. I haven't breast fed since he was 3 months old if that makes any difference. I am clueless on this. Can anyone tell me what are the sign/symptoms. Also if this is of any importance, just before I had gotten pregnant I came down with a really bad urinary trace infecting, to the point that I was peeing alot of blood. Could this be the cause even though this accured so long ago?",
	"Hello\n\nI have been watching this site off and on for a while now, but now I need advice and information. I have no idea where to start or how much history to give here.\n\nI hope you can follow what I am saying here. I am not sure of terms and spelling used in the renal world.\n\nMy son Matt is 15, rather small for his age and of course thinks he is invincible.\n\nWe have to travel over 150 miles to get to a Neph so it is not easy to get time to ask him to explain what everything means. I am tired of once we do get there he is booked up and we do not have the time to really talk.\n\n Matt’s lab work has really changed over the past month. I am talking Creat going from 2.2 to 5.5 and BUN 45 to 93 now. I was told the jump in Creat was from an infection but the labs did not change after a round of antibiotics.\n\n There are other changes also that I do not understand Thyroid something was brought up as being elevated. I do not really understand the BUN and that is where my quest for information comes in. I need to find a site or book that will explain to me in terms such as “lab work for dummies” terminology. If someone has any information that can lead me in the right direction I would apperceive it.\n\n\nMatt hates the renal diet he is on. His Phosphorus is 5.6 even taking 2 Physlo- 3 times a day.\n\nAnother questions. Matt is suppose…. to self Cath 6 times a day, he is rebelling on that now after having to do this for so many years…… and it seems he ends up with more infections from the caths then when he goes though a time period of NOT cathing. During the span of years he did Cath faithfully he developed allergies to several medications used to treat infections and now we are down to a few oral and ineffective meds or IV meds when he does develop and infection.\n\n Anyone have any advice on how to cope with teenagers with CKF? I am open to any and all suggestions. I am use to going at this alone…. Thought I was doing ok until this past few weeks, now I am open to anything.",
	"Hello everyone.\n\nMy fight with ESRD ended on 2/14/2006 with a live donor transplant and all is going well. I did both CCPD & CAPD since 09/1998. I have alot of supplies left in my home, which the dialysis clinic I was going to are not wanting to take back. Knowing how expensive these supplies are, and the lack of health care that some people have, I would like to donate these supplies to someone who could use them. I live just north of Boston Masachusetts, and the only thing I ask is that you arrange your own mode of transport for these items. If interested, please e-mail me directly at p.sagon@comcast.net for the entire list of supplies I have on hand.",
	"Hi,I just found out my 90 year old papa has Stage 4 Kidney failure. He is a strong, independent man who is been pretty active up to this day. He does not want dialysis - what does this mean for him? I would like to know if my 2 young children are going to be able to get to know their awesome great grandpa. I have tried looking on the internet, but the answers seem to vary. Any information/advice would be greatly appreciated.",
	"My father started home peritoneal diaylsis las week and is retaining fluids, feet swelling, weight gain. It seems to me the more he put in and the longer it dwells the more fluid he retains. I am getting scared; how much fluid can he retain without damaging his heart? This does not seem to be working. We put in a 2500 cc 2.5 dextrose solutionlas nite and only got out 1800cc this morning. I called nurse and she said use a 4.5% one time today. I cannot sleep for worrying. I have charted and everyday it gets worse. When will they say enough? What does the DR think? Today with a 2.5 we only got out 2400 then 2300 next one. Just gets worse. Can someone offer a solution. He is not taking in a lot of fluids or much salt. I think he regrets this choice. He is physically worse off since we began this dialysis.",
	"I''m new to this forum, I've been on dialysis for 2+ years. I had just about given up hope when my cousin amazingly offered to donate a kidney for me. I am having trouble with the hospital not wanting to evaluate me because my BMI is not what they want. I have been trying to lose weight on my own, but am finding that it is even harder to lose while on dialysis. Any suggestions? I have tried Weight Watchers in the past (pre-dialysis) probably all that water I drank didn't help my kidneys much!! I don't want to lose this opportunity, but need help. My sister was able to get a transplant at another hospital in the same state I live in, they did not have any weight requirements, I just don't think it is fair. Help!!",
	"being new to this site im hoping someone can help me. my mother has been on dialysis for ten yrs now she has more than her share of health issues but the latest is another stent placement all went well but while in the hosp. dialysis was done for the first time in over 4 months (sense last hosp visit) the swelling in her ankle was gone she had an ankle but 2 days later returning to her center the swelling returned what is done so different in the hosp why can't it be done at her center? Help me with an answer.",
	"I am having so problems.I'm not feeling myself. I have been have periods of time were I loss my appetite and can't eat much of anything. Sometimes it last a week or two. Then I will have times were I feel fine. But it is a reacuring thing. This will happen about twice a month. I also have had protien and glucose in my urine. The only reason I know this is that I was in my biology class doing a lab on urine. I also get very light head as well. My energy level is a little low but not to the point to were I am really run down. My mouth also for the most part gets a matallic taste to it. I just don't feel quite right. My husband thinks it's nothing, but I know when I don't feel my self. This has been a major problem since I had been pregnant. They thought I had preeclampsia, but was not. After having my son, they keeped asking me if I was diabetetic, cause my son was born big. I need as much info and opinions I can get please",
	"My father has recently started dialysis and the center he was sent to was 'politely' pushing him to sign off on re-using dialyzers as opposed to using a new single use dialyzer for each session. They 'explained' that by authorizing the re-use of dialyzers that his 'proteins' would accumulate in the device and would then return them to his system.\n I was with him at the time and when I heard this explanation the red lights went off in my head. 'Accumulate proteins'...'return them to his system' how could this be possible? I suggested and he accepted my advice to decline the offer to 're-use' the dialyzers at least until we could get more information on this process.\n Below is just one of many links that we found while searching for information:\n\nhttp://www.dialysisethics.org/fyi/Di...bcommittee.htm\n\n Our research into this subject continues and any feedback and/or additional links is welcomed and encouraged.\n\n May God Bless All of You",
	"My father is on dialysis for almost a year now. His kidneys are completly shut down. He does not look well. Can anyone tell me what the life expectancy is for such a person if the kidneys are completely shut down? Does it make a difference?",
	"Hi my father had a minor attack last night - he is suffering with Kidney problem and undergoes dialysis twice every week, he has a history of a heart value replacement in 1999 since then he was fine untill last year when he had a kidney problem and he started undergoing dialysis which over a period had gone upto 2 times a week.\n\nLast night he had a heart attack for the first time since 1999, somehow we are unable to find the real cause of the attack, would like to know is anyone has a similar case and would like to share experience and we would like to get suggestions on how to improve upon his health.\n\nThanks\nRahul",
	"Hi,\nI've been a diabetic for 43 of my 45 years, and I have had some protien spilling all along. Now my regular doc wants me to see a nephrologist because some of my tests \"have reached a point\". It could be a while, but I just want to see some of the things that hemodialysis people deal with all the time--like the center, the CHAIR, the fistula and all the other terminology kidney patients use. Are there any available on the internet, or does it all just need to remain a mystery? Thanks,\nMitch ]",
	"My friend has been having dialysis for the last 9 years. Twice this year she experienced so much bleeding in her arm that she had to have surgery to drain it. It was like the blood going back in was not going into the vein but directly into her skin. Do you know if this is a common event?",
	"On march 1st, 2006 I went to the doctor because I thought I had the flu, or some small bug.\nOnly to find out I have good pastures syndrom. Kidney failure. Stage 5. They dont know how I got it or what brought it on.\nIt's only been a month and they already have tubes in my heart (cathador) and i've been on dialysys since the 7th.\n\nThe whole thing hit me like a bang and i've have a hard time dealing with it all.\nThey have me taking prednisone and cytoxine to knock out the bad antibodies.\n\nIm retaining water really bad. I'm always dehydrated. Does anyone know anyway to get rid of the water and somthing to drink that wont make me look like a blimp?\n\nThanks for anyone who can help.",
	"Hello all. My 4 yr old granddaughter was just diagnosed with this rare form of CKD. Her GFR is 42, Creat.1.3, BUN 35. Is there anyone else out there with this form of CKD? This is a very aggressive form of kidney disease wherein she will most likely need a transplant before the age of 10. I'm trying to help my daughter cope with this and could use some input. How do I help my daughter deal with this? Any help would be appreciated a great deal.",
	"Hi there...\n\nI'm planning to travel to Las Vegas for a family reunion. ANd I'm a bit nervous about travelling with my PD machine and everything. Anyone has some tips about making the trip less stressful. My dialysis nurse makes it sound REALLY easy. I hope it is. Any helpful tip about travelling as a PD patient would be GREAT!!\n\nThanks!\nMelly",
	"Hi all,\nI am on nocturnal dialysis, 3 nights a week. It is kicking my a##. Is this how it is always going to be? or is it going to get better. I swithched to nocturnal because it would free up my days to work. So far it is not working. I have dialysis at night sleep all night, then sleep all the next day. The nurse teels me it will get better in a couple of weeks. What is y'all's experience?\nthanks a lot.\nerich",
	"I am new to this forum. I have been having frequent Urination lately. I just have to pee and pee, and sometimes even with the urge to urinate, I just cant get it out at all.\n\nI havent been to doctor, since I am so busy. I believe I have diabetes since I consumed incredible amount of cokes daily. I am 23 years old male. I am just curious if a person diagnosed with diabetes, does that mean his/her kidneys are damaged as well?.\n\nAnd does excersise help curing diabetes? . Thank You very much.",
	"Hi everyone just wasnted to know if anyone here has polycystic kidney disease?? I do and Wanted to find someone that might be dealing with this disease as well",
	"if you have problems with metro lift I would to here about them",
	"Hi, I'm new at this and am not really sure if this is where I should post this. I am looking for information on low-phosphorus foods and a diet for my 81/2 yo daughter who along with VACTERL Syndrome has only one kidney that is only working at 70%. Drs want her on a low phosphorus diet since her levels are too high and her parathyroid count is high too.Is there a place where I can find phosphorus level in servings so I can get her on the right diet? I know what foods are too high (and unfortunately those are the foods she needs due to her other condition) and what the nephrologist gave me was not specific enough. I'm about to lose my mind any help would be appreciated...Thanks\n\nMainiacof4",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nMy boyfriend was just diagnosed with chronic renal failure about 1 month ago. We are both 28 years old and just got back from spending the holidays at his parents house in Colorado, when he started complaining that his lower back was hurting him. After going to the emergency room, it turns out that his right kidney is working at less than 5%. We went to one of the best urologists in the world and he suggested not to remove his right kidney (he was the third specialist we went to). However, we never got, from the doctor, a sense of lifestyle changes that my boyfriend needs to make. In fact, he was quite casual about the fact that his kidney was not functioning,\n\nThat, of course, was ok with my boyfriend, since he couldn't emotionally deal with this major blow to his life. Because we are not that educated about his condition, it has caused major issues in our relationship. I am trying to get him more information about his condition, the changes that he should be making, hell, even just trying to get him to see a specialist or a renal dietician. However, he is just putting it out of his mind. This scares me, because he is only operating on one kidney at 95%. What if that one starts to fail?\n\nSo, I need some advice. What should I do to educate him and myself about his kidney failure, how can I get him to understand that this is calling for a lifestyle change, what kind of doctors and dieticians should we go see, how can I get him to emotionally cope with this? I am at my wits end and I don't know what to do. This is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with....how can I make him understand that if he loves me, if he cares about this relationship, he needs to care about himself and his health too?\n\nPlease point me in the right direction. I am totally lost at this.\n\nThanks for your help\n\nTina",
	"Hi, I have a son who is dumping protein with his urine. His wife says he may face dialysis.Son won't talk. Could this be possible. What does protein in urine signify?",
	"Hi All ~ My name is Mare and my first expecience was just March 28th, when I entered the hospital to have an emergency line put in my neck (obviously, I need to still learn all the correct terms) to start dialysis. It all passed rather quickly. It was a blur and I didn't have a clue what to expect. Having the stunt put in hurt like hell, but the actual time on the machine was more uneventful. All I got was cold. Hmmm, that's not too bad. When it was done I was wheeled back into the ER hallway, as they didn't have a room for me. That bothered me more then anything, but I brought along my CD player, so the music helped me emmensely with passing the time and the fears in my head. I was finally put in an ER room around midnight and wimpered for some food, as I had not eatin' that day. I deviroed that food and learned the other side effects to dialysis . . . . not being able to keep food down. Shoot, this was no fun again. I passed on the second offer and was lucky by 3AM to get my own room. By than all I wanted was sleep.\nSo I spent 6 days in the hospital, had a permedant line put in and did my dialysis like a good girl. Still had problems with food, but then it could of been that wonderful hospital healthly food too.\n So now I go to out patient dialysis 3X's a week for 3 hours and I'm doing very well with it.\n Still have a bunch of questions and want to learn all I can now, as I figure if I have to live this way, best understand all I can. I know mine was caused by 30 years of high blood pressure, even though trying to be kept under control with meds., my kidney's are only functioning at 8.5%. Over the years I've had a stoke, a bleeder in my brain and heart attach. So this is just yet another new charpter to adjust to. . . . expecially that new diet, ugh! But I do what needs to be done to stay on this earth and care for my animals who I adore. It's a huge adjustment, but I see it as just another speed bump in the road of life.\nI joined this group for obviouse reasons . . . . support and understanding, as this is all soooo new to me and I need to deal with it the best I can. I hope to meet / talk with some of you and see your points and opinions. Till next time, do take care.\nHugs, Mare",
	"I have been diabetic since 2001 and haven`t had any thing come up on my bloodwork until here lately..My doctor said, \" your potassium level is too high so I want you to go on a low potassium diet.\" That was it..He \"mentioned\" my kidneys but that was the end of the discussion..He does bloodwork every month on me so I wasn`t concerned about my kidneys..The girls in the office couldn`t find a low potassium diet sheet for me so I am trying to find one myself..The druggist gave me a list of low potassium foods and I have one on the high potassium foods..Boy, no p-nut butter!! That is my favorite..No dairy products!! Thats why I need a regular diet I can follow if anyone knows of one..I have always been slender so sure don`t want to lose weight..Thanks for any info you can give me..Katie",
	"Hi,\nI have been feeling very short of breath all weeeknd,\nbut also find that I am very hot and have alot of muscle weakness.\n\nSo far I've eaten some light foods and have taken tylenol as I think I was a bit feeversish.\n\nIs it \"normal\" to feel so weak and hot?\nI've been like his for 3 days already.\n\nI'd go to the hospital but as I'm quite young (under 30) and \"healthy looking\" I already know I'll be sent right back home.\n\ndo i just have a really bad flu?",
	"Hello to all. Though I've been posting at forums for years, I never expected to join in on medical forums.\n\nI've had around 50% renal function for a number of years, secondary to untreated hypertension since my teens. An episode with colitis three weeks ago seems to have taken the last out of my kidneys.\n\nI now have an Ash split catheter and a new fistula. I don't have diabetes, nor do I seem to have a problem with increased levels of potassium at this point. The colitis resulted in some poor blood counts (low rbc, high wbc), but I seem to be overcoming that.\n\nIn addition to an introduction, I guess I'm most interested in information regarding what's left of my kidneys. I've been told there's a small chance for their recovery, though I think \"small\" is the operative word. Is there anything specific I can do to help increase my chances? I'm tolerating my new life pretty well (back to work, being useful around the house, my new friends at DaVita, etc.) but I'd like to focus on any chance to recover.\n\nThanks for your time.\n\nDave",
	"I've only been to dialysis 3 X's, but it didn't take long to know it's a boring wait just sitting for 3 hours. I take a book or magazine, along with my CD player and listen to music & read to pass the first to second hour. Tired of that I go to the TV and daydream for a spell. On upcoming appointments, I have decided to take my little DVD player and catch up on some overdue movie catch up. It works so far, but remember . . . this is still new to me. I should write again in 6 - 12 months, LOL. I'm sure new things will be needed to break the boredom of those. Who knows. I'm not complaining . . . I'm overjoyed that I can do this and enjoy each day I get. Take care all.\nMare",
	"Hi,\nI have been on Dialysis for many many years and have recently had a few family members and other people comment on the way my arm looks.\n\nThis makes me very self consious and I am not happy about the way my arm looks.\n\nI can not wear any tank tops or short sleeved things as one of my arms looks \"strange\" compared to the other.\n\nRight now my left arm looks like it has 2 very big \"lumps\" on it that are about 1\"1/2 round (it is all from scar tissue and thousands of needles).\n\nI also had a problmen where I was injured with a needle and the burse ended up needling or stabbing me in the arm muscle with the needele instead of my vein and my arm was so swolen that I ended up getting stretch marks all over the upper part of my left arm.\nThat was a few years ago, now that my arm recovered I have alot of extra skin and stretch marks also....\n\nI used to use body makeup but that will no longer cover all my scarring as there is too much.\n\nWhat could I do as I want to be able to wear shorter sleeve shirts sometime and also like to swim.\nI would like to swim witout wearing a tshirt or trying to hide my arm by bending it when I get out of the pool and walk around.\n\nI thought of trying to use a \"tensor\" bandage type thing but that is not tight...just something skin colored maybe.\n\nmaybe something made of nylon? or fabric?\n\nI know people on here are going to say to just be happy with how my arm is and I am trying.\nBut I think if something bothers me that much I should definitely try and do something about it.\n\nI'm also wondering has anyone on here gotten alot of comments on the apprearance of their arm or line?\n\nmaybe I am just weird/strange but I do get alot of comments on my looks/appreance in general.\n-esp from alot of strangers or people at the mall.",
	"My mother is new to dialysis.I will be cooking most of her meals.\nShe enjoys pasta very much,but now that tomatoes are pretty much taboo,I am at a loss as to what kind of sauces (not too spicey) I can put on her pasta.\nAny ideas (recipes)would be a great help. Thanks!!",
	"What causes the bruit that is heard over the renal artery ? Is it stenosis, the artery is closing down, getting narrow? Why is this happening? I can't wait to see the doctor.. Anybody???",
	"Hi,\nI'm looking for some (any) info on people who do dyalisis at home.\nWell home hemo that is.\n\nI just found out that you can do hemo at home, while you are sleeping?\nI'm not too sure where to start looking for info.\n\nI emailed someone on this board who had posted they were doing home hemo and lived in Canada and they (the woman) never got back to me or even acknowledged my message.\nSo, I'm kind of disapointed about this aspect of the website.\n\nBut back to my \"problem\".\nI am trying to find any info of how doing hemo at home while sleeping works.\nI am supposed to speak to someone at the hospital I go to but there is only 1 person in that dept and I am only seeing them in a few weeks.\n\nWhat websites are good to look at?\n\nAlso, I have been at the same centre for a few years and can not beleive I was not told there was more than 1 kind of hemo you can do!!!\n\nWe do not have access to a \"real\" doctor or clinic at the hospital where I am and only rely on the doctor who walks by.\nAs for other care there is a medical clinic you can walk in as the local family doctors are not taking any patients in my city!",
	"Just wanted to let you know there was some information at www.davitaathome.com concerning home hemodialysis.",
	"hello everyone. my dad is almost 60 and has been told by his doctors for almost 2 years he will need dialysis soon. he was born with one kidney and did not know until he was about 53 when he had bypass surgery. he has a fistula put in last year and it ended up clogging. he then had another one put in but this one never got a strong enough \"thrill\". so he needs to have a third surgery to get a working fitsula. he has been feeling pretty sick lately throwing up and stomach not so well, but he went to the er and they sent him home saying it was a stomach virus. but i am really concerned about the effects on dialysis. what are the side effects he should expect? i hear the first few weeks can be bad and not sure if this is true. i didnt know if anyone here can help me understand what may happen. the doctors tell him his heart is good and blood pressure is good. what can i expect from him being on dialysis. any help will be greatly appreciated. it seems like he will need temporary acces from the neck because the new fistula wouldnt be healed in time for him to start. i love my dad and am very concerned. thankyou",
	"I have been on Dialysis for one year and I need to talk about dehyderation and diet and fluid intake,and also my base weight, and how much the take off each time I go on the machine. I go to Dialysis mon, wensday and friday. I had a check up with my regular doctor and he told me that I am dehyderated and I need to drink more water, the dialysis center that I go to says that is wrong and I should not drink more water. If any one can help me please do. Richard F Galloup. Thank you:",
	"My daughter just recently started a low phosphorus diet and so far she is sticking like a trooper to it. But in my quest of calling companies for phosphorus levels (which is getting highly frustrated in itself) I'm still left wondering...what is the difference between phosphoric, phosphate and phosphorus...or are they all basically the same and no nos? And also is there any candy out there that a kiddo can have (shes 9) thats considered low in phosphorus or is that off the diet as well? Yesterday she came home crying because she had to refuse a treat the teacher was giving out to the class because we didnt know the levels in it. So my solution is to give the teachers a list of things she CAN have as substitutions as so she dont have to feel like shes being left out. HELP!\n\nMainiacof4",
	"I have stage 3 PKD and do not cook. My husband just says I am cooking challenged. I have gone to a couple dieticians and been given so many grams of this and so many grams of that. I have no idea how to translate that into real meals. What I really need is a website where I can find foods/menus with low protein, sodium and potassium. I really don't like meat so that is good, I guess. I would also like to lose some weight to help my blood pressure. Is there anyone out there who can tell me where to go to find easy menu planning for a renal diet? I did see the websites for the USDA and Diet Organizer. I downloaded them and will try to figure out something. However, being cooking challenged I really need some additional direction.\nAnything will be greatly appreciated!!!I",
	"Hello,\n\nI've been on dialysis about a year and have a catheter in the neck area. I recently started using my fistula and the catheter is to be removed in a week. I was wondering what the experience will be like. I've had a bladder catheter removed when I was very young and it was a horrible experience. My doctor says I can not be sedated for the catheter removal. I'm very anxious about the procedure. Can anyone tell me what it will be like and how long I'll be sore?\n\nThanks!",
	"Hi there. I just joined, hoping to find someone who can help answer a question for me.\n\nWith regard to the cycler, can anyone tell me what a \"good\" UF number is?\n\nMy UF number varies, and I can't seem to find a chart or other source of information to tell me what an adequate UF number would be after an evening of using the cycler.\n\nThanks for any help you can give!",
	"My 92 year old father recently started dialysis and while the recliner at the center looks comfortable, he finds it agonizingly uncomfortable. Someone suggested a gel mat or gel mattress. Anyone have a suggestion about this--where to get one, or perhaps another solution.\nThanks",
	"My dad had a fistula put in three weeks ago, we are on track to start using in five weeks. He currently has dialysis through his neck cath which seems to cause no trouble or pain. What can we expect when the dialysis is moved to the fistula?",
	"Hello everyone\n\nI am looking for some advice for my dad. He has high blood pressure and is a diabetic (type 2). A Couple of weeks ago my family and I noticed a big change in his mental status. I thought it was the vascular dementia getting worse, so he was admitted into the behavioral health center. At our surprise the doctors advised that it was not psychiatric but more medical. His BUN and Creatinine levels were very high (4.2) they started him on an IV drip and he was back to his old self. When he was discharged the old symptons returned in about 2 days. His new doctor had a blood test done and it showed that his levels were still high. We have an appointment on Tuesday with an urologist i was wondering if anyone can advise me what questions we should be asking.\n\nI look forward to any advise someone can give us.\n\nThank you",
	"OK! So my CKD has progressed to severe - GFR at 26. I meet with Dr. next Tues to discuss \"what's next\". My question is when do people begin dialysis? Is GFR at 15 about the common time. I know it varies. Do some start earlier? When can I get on the waiting list for a transplant? (I guess that's two questions!). Any info you can give will be appreciated!!!\n\nNewbie",
	"Hi, I'm new to this site but I've been careing for my mother for over 30yrs now of which the last about 5yrs have been with Dialysis treatments. When she first started she was put on hemo and placed in a clinic that was very close to where we lived. After the first few years of being on hemo treatments she was offered the choice of going on pd treatments at home. Mom desided to go for it and underwent surgery to have the catheter placed in her abdomen. She was doing very good until she developed a hernia in her navel that got so big it required going under the knife \"again\" which led to peritonitus which led to her having to go back to hemo, as her daughter I continue to care for her and will continue to care for her but, now I feel more drained and more tired than when my mom first started dialysis because now she has been placed in a clinic that takes approx.30mins to get to compaired to when she first started hemo we were just 3mins away from the clinic. Since then mom has had alot of complications and is heading in a downhill direction which I have been dealing with. The only thing that I have a problem with is that I have requested (more than once) to have mom transfered back to the facility that is right around the corner from where we live but it just seems like my request is either unimportant or forgotten about. I'm basiclly draining myself with having to get mom to her treatments because she requires having alot of cushins pillows etc. (which makes our arrival to the clinic late) just so she can be comfortable enough to finish her treatments, and because of arriving late I have been threatened to have APS (adult protective services) called on me. It just seems like the staff where we are now just doesn't seem to understand that due to what and how much stuff I have to lug back and forth to the clinic it's almost impossible to get her there on time. Oh yeah and did I forget to mention that along with careing for my mom I am a single parent of an 11yr old who is getting the rotten end of the stick (unfortunately). Yet my request for a transfer just seems to be ignored/unimportant. I'm feeling as if the staff just wants to have my mom under there control so that they could get paid for careing for her, and the last thing I'm going to do is put her in a home. So if anyone out there can give me some advise as to how to get this transfer I would appreciate it very much because I'm stressed out with having to deal with my siblings about mom's barrial services for when the time comes (Lord willing it won't be anytime soon) and getting her to her treatments not to mention being threatened with having APS called on me.\n Greatly Appreciative\n Iris",
	"Hi, I'm new to this site but I've been careing for my mother for over 30yrs now of which the last about 5yrs have been with Dialysis treatments. When she first started she was put on hemo and placed in a clinic that was very close to where we lived. After the first few years of being on hemo treatments she was offered the choice of going on pd treatments at home. Mom desided to go for it and underwent surgery to have the catheter placed in her abdomen. She was doing very good until she developed a hernia in her navel that got so big it required going under the knife \"again\" which led to peritonitus which led to her having to go back to hemo, as her daughter I continue to care for her and will continue to care for her but, now I feel more drained and more tired than when my mom first started dialysis because now she has been placed in a clinic that takes approx.30mins to get to compaired to when she first started hemo we were just 3mins away from the clinic. Since then mom has had alot of complications and is heading in a downhill direction which I have been dealing with. The only thing that I have a problem with is that I have requested (more than once) to have mom transfered back to the facility that is right around the corner from where we live but it just seems like my request is either unimportant or forgotten about. I'm basiclly draining myself with having to get mom to her treatments because she requires having alot of cushins pillows etc. (which makes our arrival to the clinic late) just so she can be comfortable enough to finish her treatments, and because of arriving late I have been threatened to have APS (adult protective services) called on me. It just seems like the staff where we are now just doesn't seem to understand that due to what and how much stuff I have to lug back and forth to the clinic it's almost impossible to get her there on time. Oh yeah and did I forget to mention that along with careing for my mom I am a single parent of an 11yr old who is getting the rotten end of the stick (unfortunately). Yet my request for a transfer just seems to be ignored/unimportant. I'm feeling as if the staff just wants to have my mom under there control so that they could get paid for careing for her, and the last thing I'm going to do is put her in a home. So if anyone out there can give me some advise as to how to get this transfer I would appreciate it very much because I'm stressed out with having to deal with my siblings about mom's barrial services for when the time comes (Lord willing it won't be anytime soon) and getting her to her treatments not to mention being threatened with having APS called on me.\n Greatly Appreciative\n Iris",
	"My wife has been on dialysis for a month now so I have a question. During a four hour treatment does all of her blood go through the machine and if so does it go through more than once?",
	"i am going to have my viens mapped on 5-8-06 scared to death will i be awake for them to put my what ever it is:",
	"HELLO EVERYONE IM NEW HERE TO THIS FORUM. I JUST FOUND OUT THIS AFTERNOON THAT MY HUSBAND IS GOING TO START DIALYSIS SOMETIME THIS WEEK. IT ALL STARTS 6 YEARS AGO WHEN I MET HIM, HE HAD THE FISULA ( SPELLING ) 2 YEARS OF HAVING IT IN HIS ARM... HE IS TOLD THAT ITS NOT USEABLE... HE HAD IT REDONE... THIS TIME IT WAS BIG! LOOKS LIKE A SNAKE YOU CAN HEAR THE BLOOD GOING THREW IT... ITS NORMAL! UNLIKE HIS OLD ONE THAT HE HAD IN HIS ARM FOR 2 YEARS. OK. HIS LEVELS HAVE ALL BEEN STABLE, URINE, AND BLOOD WORK ALL CHECKING OUT OK. THESE LAST FEW WEEKS HAVE BEEN A NIGHTMARE! RIGHT BEFORE EASTER HE GOES FOR HIS 3 MONTH CHECK... THE DOCTOR TELLS HIM HIS BLOOD AND URINE WERE SHOWING HIGH LEVELS OF PROTEIN. THAT HIS GOOD KIDNEY HAS BEEN AFFECTED? HE HAS TO START DIALYSIS... 2 DAYS AFTER THAT NEWS THE RECEPTIONIST CALLS , SAYS, NO, DR. WILL SEE YOU IN 1 MONTH. ?? NOW JUST HOURS AGO, HE HEARS DIALYSIS AS SOON AS THIS WEEK ?? IM SCARED, CONFUSSED, MAD AS HELL, AND I REALLY NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ON HERE.  HOPE TO HEAR SOMETHING BACK. THANK YOU",
	"Hi there guys;\n\nI am new to this forum and new to Kidney failure, just recently my mother had complete Kidney failure but now after her first few dialysis treatments she is feeling alot better. Since she will be continuing dialysis indefinately, I would like to know the implications to long term health and specifically life expectancy.\n\nDoes kidney failure treated with dialysis reduce life expectancy? Dramatically?\n\nI just want to know more and my mother wont tell me.",
	"Hi,\nI'm a brand new member with a 39-year-old son who lives in Virginia and was diagnosed last year with PKD. It looks like he'll go on dialysis in the next 6 months. He's very nervous about it, but is even more fearful becuase he has no insurance. I understand Medicare will help once he's on dialysis, but is there any help for the hospital/surgery bills when he has the shunt put in? Does he need to apply for Medicare before or after he starts?\nAny information would be greatly appreciated.",
	"Hi. My Name Is Marquita, I'm 27 Years Old And I Have The Full Responsibility Of Taking Care Of My Dad Whom Is In His End Stage Of Dialysis. He Is Currently On The \" Renal Diet \". I Am Somewhat Educated On This Diet But Like Everyone Else I Am Also Reading What He \"can't\" Have. My Dad Is Not A Very Picky Eater Nor Is He A Big Eater And With All The Limitations On His Food I Just Don't Know What To Give Him At Times. It's Especially Hard When We Go Out Like To The Movies Or Something,...what Can He Have?? I Like To Cook, I Like To Cook Alot And If I Could Just Get Some Helpful Hints On How To Assist My Dad And His Diet That Would Be Greatly Beneficial & Appreciated For The Both Of Us. I'm Currently In Law School It's My 4th Year & I Only Have One Dad So If I Can Get Some Advice On How To Continue Going To School For Law And Take Proper Care Of My Dad At The Same Time That Would Be Good For Me Because I Am Seriously Considering Quitting School And Going Into Nursing Just So I Can Be Accurate Which My Dad Is Not To Happy About But I Got To Do What I Got To Do To Help Keep Him Around. I Have No Kids And I'm Not Married & I Need Him To Stick Around Until I Graduate, Have Kids And Get Married. Pleeeeease Someone Please Help Me. Please Give Me Exact Simple Day To Day Recipes For Renal Diets For People On The Their Last Stage Of Dialysis. I Don't Have Much Time Between School And Taking My Dad To Dialysis And Doctors Appointments To Sit On The Computer Doing Research All Day, I Just Research As Much As Time Permits And That's Not Too Much Time For Me. I Know I Can Hire Nurses But The Way I Look At It Is ... My Daddy Took Care Of Me All Throughout My Growing Up Even Thru His Recent Stroke He Still Stood By Side And Now....it's My Turn & I'm Standing Strong Next To Him & I Will Remain To Do So.",
	"Grace and Peace\n\nI was reading the workingout articles and would like to add this (note this is my humble opinnion) When I first started feeling sick I gained alot of weight . I went from 250up to 325 in about 7 months I felt horrible I couldnt walk with out being in pain and I really was about to give up, but Im not a quitter this is an infliction and not a sentence of death. I had to push myself at first and go real slow. Its safe to say I do dialysis tue, thu and Sat. and hit the gym hard on Mon, Wed and Fri. Im up to 40 Minutes of Cardio and a good round of upper and lower body workout. Im not where I want to be yet im down to 289 but my goal for Sept on my birthday is another 50 pounds. Its not always easy but if you can see you can make it happen. Please talk to your medical team first for clearance and its a process take your time work it and dont let it work you. By the way anybody out there know what the weight limit is for lifting weights? I cant get a consistent answer.",
	"Hello,\n\nI am trying to find out if there are any people on dialysis who are competitive athletes of any kind.\nNot someone who has had a transplant and than competed in sports- as some people have done that.\n\nBut does anyone know if there are actual dialysis patients who compete in sports and what sports would those be?\n\nIf anyone has any info please let me know!\n\nthanks",
	"Hello,\n\nI am trying to find out if there are any people on dialysis who are competitive athletes of any kind.\nNot someone who has had a transplant and than competed in sports- as some people have done that.\n\nBut does anyone know if there are actual dialysis patients who compete in sports and what sports would those be?\n\nIf anyone has any info please let me know!\n\nthanks",
	"Hello, I'm very new to this site. My husband unfortunately listed as endstage renal, i've been searching for answers towards his sudden change in appearance,moods,sleep patterns lately. His pigmentation of his skin has changed dramatically also his mood declines with hardly no sleeping at all..Please help with answers..",
	"Hello everyone. I am new to this site I stumbled on to the website and it looks very interesting I also have kidney problems. Have not been able to get any answers from doctors. It started in 1996 I was in pain in my back and inside its hard to describe. I went to my doc. I had a kidney infection. It went on hurting I went back. She sent to to a specialist he told me I was fine and to go home. Went back to my doctor. This was over about 6mo. time frame. She then sent me to another specialist because I was in so much pain excrutiating pain I could not take it anymore. The specalist said my kidney was so backed up & inlarged it was ready to burst. So he put a tube into my back & drained it manually. About 3 mo. they tried stents 1st one they put in was to big. After 3-4 times puting stents in and out they did exploritory surgery,and end up removing my right kidney. They said it was so damaged & dried out didnt even look like a kidney. Now my left started doing the samething about 1999. All the doctors have told me pretty much be in pain till it quits the rest of the way. Then dialasis. I want to do everything I can to prevent it from failing. Right now I am,very tired,nausauted,not hungry,no energy. If anyone has any answers that would help it would be greatly appreciated.I feel so drained and tired its not like me. I usually am very active and always happy. but right now I have to relly push myself just to get going. and also go to work. I cant enjoy everything I like. And tired of being in pain all the time. Is this normal.",
	"Does anyone know if it is normal for the creatinine level in someone who is gradually regaining renal function to fluctuate. My husband's Creatinine level was down to 1.6 but has gone back up to 1.8. His nephrologist said at his last appointment that he had blood in the urine but she never ran any tests to find out where it is coming from. She only put him on antibiotics for 7 days until he saw a urologist. He in turn did nothing. Only checked the prostate which was fine. I just want some answers. I cannot reach his nephrologist because she is out of the country, yet again. He has come way too far to go back now because a doctor is slacking. Am I just over reacting or am I justified in feeling this way?",
	"I have a question and I'm hoping someone can help.\nMy husband has been on hemo dialysis for almost 3 years and recently went to 2 - 4 hour treatments a week and is doing great, but a few months ago he started getting sores on his scalp and at the base of his neck.\nI asked his nephrologist about the sores and he's not really sure what is causing them(he's a great doctor fresh out of medical school) but one of the nurses at the clinic said that it could be caused by high phosphorus levels which is something that my husband used to deal with but doesn't anymore so I would think these sores would go away but they haven't.\nI am my husbands full time caregiver and would like to be able to help him with this. Any advice or answers for why this is happening or what I can do to help him would be greatly appreciated.\nThanks,\nDixie",
	"Professionalism, Real Concern to Customer, Integrity, Dedication, Employer of Choice\n\n\nAs I waited for my physical I applied through the same company for life insurance to secure my family. The life insurance became effective immediately as soon as they received my payment. A week after taking my physical, the insurance company wrote me and told me I was approved for insurance. So I was so obvious, I waited another 2 weeks before seeing a doctor. Anyways, after seeing the doctor with some tests which include but not limited to MRI, EKG and numerous amount of blood tests the doctor concluded that there was nothing wrong with me. He stated that it seem like I was just under a lot of stress and prescribed me some medications to temporary treat my anxiety. Anyways what I am trying to get at is that for those of you who don’t have insurance, don’t wait until you start feeling something before you do. And, if you have children or dependents, I highly recommend getting life insurance. Depending on your age and the amount you want to insure yourself for will determine your premium, regardless of how much, I recommend just getting it. Anyways thought I share my story. By the way the site I visited was Insurancepaylite",
	"Need Help for Pediatric Board Review Certification Exams\n\n5th Volumes of the Book Pediatric Board Review Multiple Choice Questions & Answers now available at www.pediatricboardreview.com , with latest 1010 multiple choice questions and answers. Also, 6th Vol. of Pediatric Board Review series will be available by March 15th , this will be containing the most recent ideas of MCQ asked in Pediatric Board Review Exams.\n\nThe Books Pediatric Board Review and MCQ 1-5, by Dr. D. Kanjilal, has been developed for pediatricians preparing for either certification or re-certification exam of the American Board of Pediatrics.\n\nFor those individuals, who had difficulty in preparing for pediatric board review examination this book offers not only an extensive review of content but, also practice in visual diagnosis and experience in taking a practice examination under simulated conditions.\n\nEach of pediatric board review books contains thousands of questions and answers and hundreds of illustrations, charts and diagrams covering all phases of medicine included in the all-important board exam. Items more likely to appear on the exam are highlighted in boldface type.\n\nPediatric board review and MCQ book is an excellent guide & an essential tool for Pediatric board certification, which not only provide you knowledge about MCQ being asked in the Pediatric Board Certification and Pediatric Board Review exams but, practice of the listed MCQs will surely get you good marks in your Pediatric Board Exams.\n\nPediatric Board Review and MCQ books will accomplish you to:\n\n• Recognize the format and style of Board questions\n• Prepare more then 1000 multiple-choice questions from each Pediatric Board Recertification & Certification MCQ book.\n• Score high in the Pediatric Board examination (Pediatric Board Review Exam)\n\nBy :-\n\n• Demonstrate increased knowledge of general pediatrics\n• Compare current knowledge with information presented\n• Identify areas of weakness requiring further study\n• Integrate the extensive syllabus with current resources\n• Recognize the format and style of pediatric board questions\n• Apply the test-taking experience gained through daily practice in visual diagnosis and simulated examinations\n• Experience a greater degree of confidence in preparing for the Pediatric Board Review Examination\n\nAimed to help preparing for Pediatric Board Certification Exam (Pediatric Board Review Exam). If you are Seeking help to prepare for Pediatric Board Certification Exams? Contact US at\npbcr@pediatricboardreview.com Or Visit Us @ www.pediatricboardreview.com",
	"I am a facility designer and would like to know what the important features are for the best facilities. Anything from water systems, HVAS, lighting, etc. Any and all input is appreciated. I would like to develop a listing of all elements critical to the best facility systems.",
	"My hubby is on PD for 2 months, he has lost a lot weight, the doctor said he needs some protein powder, and recommended Pro-V60, it is very sweet, and he can hardly take it without 2 glass water, (which is too much liquid at once) so any one know a good brand have high protein, low phro. and no flavor?? I have searched internet and get more confused. thanks for sharing...",
	"after a year considerations, back/forth talks, changing three doctors ect, finally ready to start register for transplant....\n\n1, is evluation process painful?\n\n2, how to chose the right hospital, we live in Houston, TX and our insurance cover either Methodist or Hermen, any one here have recommendations on which one is better? I looked some sta. can't make any senses out of them.\n\n3, we still have insurance from work place, but I heard after 30 months you have to go to medicare, which won't cover a lot of costs.... is this true??\n\ntoo many questions, wish have someone to talk to all the time. (the doctor is great, however no time for chatting....) thanks",
	"I have been on dyalisis for 2 years in it realy has taken a toll in my life it has stopped my life when i started i didnt tink it was going 2 be this bad",
	"I realy need someone 2 tell how 2 deal with depression while on dyalisis\nplzzzzz i realy need some advice i cant take this anymore:",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"Please visit the following site for the most effective diets available.\n\nhttp://www.perfectdi8.com\n\nThe webpage lists the best and the most effective diet sources.",
	"My husband has ESRD and has been on hemodialysis for just over a\nyear now and like most he has good days and bad. He has major heart problems as well as his kidney problems, he is losing a lot of weight ( too fast says the Dr. ) but my husband says he has a METALLIC taste in his mouth and nothing tastes good so he just does not want to eat. DOES ANYONE OUT THERE HAVE THIS PROBLEM OR KNOW WHAT IT COULD BE.\nTHANK YOU",
	"My domestic partner was just released from the hospital with ESRD. She has a neck catheter, while we work on getting a permanant access.\n\nShe has her first center dialysis Tuesday, and was scheduled to go again today, (T / Th / Sat) when they called to say that there was a water main break, and that they'd be closed for the rest of the day and tomorrow as well. \n\nOK - so she's going to need a referral to another center, right? Wrong! Seems it's OK for her to go without a regular dialysis session, just picking up again on Saturday. Why? Because it's too much paperwork to do, to be able to get a referral done - apparently it can't be done before Saturday anyway.\n\nI am just so infurriated at the beaurocracy around this! I just can't wait until the home noturnal program training starts!\n\n-- just buring\n\nPS. we live in the heart of the NY metro area - there are about 40 dialysis centers we could choose from. But we can't temporarily use another center without reams of paperwork!!!!!",
	"I started dialysis about 6 weeks ago. About three weeks I started having severe knee pain. I was told by folks that this was probably due to all of the fluid settling into my lower legs. Even though the fluid was being reduced, the pain increased. My PCP thought it might be gout and asked me to request a uric acid test from the dialysis center. When I was asked, I was told that they needed to have the test ordered, and that they usually didn't do that test so couldn't do it anyway. I contacted the nephrologist and was told that I would have to have my PCP do the order and draw the blood and do the test.\n\nI really don't understand why this happens this way. A Google search of dialysis and gout produced enough hits to indicate that this is not a rare occurence, and it makes sense, at least with my understanding, that uric acid would build up since kidney's remove it. It seems common enough that the test would be routine, or at least easy to do. Even though blood is drawn and tests done routinely during dialysis I've got to schedule and go to my PCP and have the uric acid test done.\n\nVery frustrating.\n\nIn the meantime my PCP has prescribed colchichine, but at a fairly low dosage. I'm still in a great deal of pain. The net is full of gout remedies but I know that if something is too good to be true, that I should be wary. Do folks have any suggestions for alternatives to deal with the pain?",
	"I'm new here but i would really apreciate if you could provide some answers to some of my questions, for i don't know what could be wrong with my mother. She's been doing dyalisis for almost two years now and in the past few weeks she's been very sick. She's been having terrible headaches and nausea during the dyalisis, she's been vomiting and fainting and she didn't manage to stay connected for the whole four ours she must have stayed. The doctors couldn't find any reasons for her sympthomps, even though they've been running all sorts of tests in her. Have any of you experienced or heard of similar situations?\nThank you.",
	"Hey Everyone!\ni am putting together a book of stories from paietents that are on dialysis and that are caregivers. i would love everyons contribution. i have also put a sign up at dialysis that if anyone wants to contribute to the book they are welcome to. if anyone would like to contribute please email me your stories to slickpnkgal2@yahoo.com and in the subject line put *your name* kidney storie. please include your name and state so i can inckude it with your storie. also if you have any poems that you have written of inspiration while on kidney failure please include them too. thanks everyone!\nRobin",
	"Hey Everyone!\ni am putting together a book of stories from paietents that are on dialysis and that are caregivers. i would love everyons contribution. i have also put a sign up at dialysis that if anyone wants to contribute to the book they are welcome to. if anyone would like to contribute please email me your stories to slickpnkgal2@yahoo.com and in the subject line put *your name* kidney storie. please include your name and state so i can inckude it with your storie. also if you have any poems that you have written of inspiration while on kidney failure please include them too. thanks everyone!\nRobin",
	"[FONT=\"Arial Black\"][SIZE=\"4\"]\nI have just atarted PD (my first week) and I am using 2 litre bags. I feel so full and uncomfortable. I feel like my tummy is going to burst and sometines I have a hard time breathing. Does anyone else experience this??? Will my tummy eventually stretch??? Do you know if I can use smaller bags??? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions Thanks Carrie D.\n]",
	"Hi Just found this site and I hope I'am in the right place .\nIn 2002 I had my left kidney removed with cancer growth on it. As of now my creatinine is at 2.7 I just did the GFR Cal. and it says I'am at great risk of KIDNEY FAILURE I am a Stage 4 could this be with just one Kidney . Thanks Jerry",
	"Hii all\nI'm new here. I have been seeing my doctor for two years now, controling ( if one can do that) my kidney disfunction with medicine. I am basically pre dialysis but I imagine that will change in the next week. My creatine number was 5.5 but droped to 5. but the doctor said when it hits 6 I will going on dialysis. Not sure how this number fits with the numbers related her. Sadly I have two doctors argueing over the cause of my disfunction my internist says high blood preasure(158/70) and the other says it is diabites which has been undercontrol for four years( Ha1c at 4.5).\n\nProblem is while doing blood work for a routine exam, I was sent to the Emergency room because my potasium was dangerously high. I spent a day in the hospital while they purged the potassium from my body thru the use of insulin which caused me to crash to a blood sugar level of 37. Not good. Now they suggest that I eliminate potassium from my diet because of the kidney disfunction. They assume I am on a renal diet, of which I am clueless. I asked my nephrologist about it earlier this year and told me to watch my cheese intake ( not easy being from Wisconsin) but that was all.\n\nSo long story even longer I am looking for some advice on renal diets. What other than bananas, oranges and citrus fruiits should I eleminate to keep the postassium low. Does anyone know of a diet plan for renal patients? I am currently on a low carb diet for my diabites control and have been pretty successful with that but the though of giving up oranges is killing me. Any suggestion?\n\nJody",
	"Hi, recently my mom was diagnosed with kidney disease , she is on a diet but is having trouble learning it , as no one seems to be able to give her a simple diet plan to follow , and this would make her life alot simpler. She goes 3x a week to dialysis and doesnt have the best diet as she isnt sure what to eat , if anyone out there could possible give us a daily / weekly menu to choose from , a bit of variaty. please help... thanx",
	"My father-in-law is diabetic for more than 10 years. He is 72 year old and suffers from chronic diabetic nephropathy. We diagnosed this recently through renal biopsy. The biopsy result shows:\n\nSections show renal tissue containing a total of eight to nine glomeruli, of which 2 are ischemically sclerosed. The glomeruli are enlarged and show irregular increase in mesngial matrix with early mesangial nodule formation. Multiple foci of tubular atrophy are seen with wrinkled and thickened tubular basement memberanes. The arterioles show marked luminal narrowing with foci of hyaline change. The larger artery also shows hyaline change and subintimal fibrosis.\n\nImpression: Renal (needle) biopsy showing features consistent with chronic diabetic nephropathy.\n\n\nI will be greatful if you explain me how serious the disease is and how fast will it be progressing and any treatment possible.\n\nThank you.",
	"On PD and it's 9 yrs later and I think I'm dealing very well.\nyes, on occaision I get frustrated and depressed.\nyes, there are days when I get an alarm and yell at my cycler \"shut up! I hate you\".\nyes, there are days I look in the mirror and cry because my belly is fat looking and my skin is awful.\nyes there are times I'm bitter because I have to leave something to go home and do an exchange.\nBUT every day I have a GREAT husband who is very supportive. He is my strength and my backbone. He's never known me any other way and even though I will feel sorry for myself and tell him he should get someone better, someone not sick, someone pretty and perfect, he still sticks with me. He's the best. I am so blessed to have him.\n I have a dog (a big scary man-eating Pitbull, ya right) who is happy to spend time with me playing with his toys, going for walks or rides in the car, practicing obedience, sharing snacks, or snuggling up for a nap.\nI have 2 cats that seem to know when I'm not feeling great and come to cheer me up.\nI have a horse whom I can ride, exercise, groom and spoil. The action of grooming is incredibly theraputic by helping keep me sane, lowering my bloodpressure, giving me something to look forward to each day. PD is the main reason I got him - to help me cope.\nMy mom, dad, and brother give me tons of support at arms length. I know I can always rely on any of them.\nRecently I broke both bones in my lower leg as a result of my horse accidently stepping on me. S**t happens. It's the first holiday I've had in 6 yrs. and I enjoyed all 10 weeks of it!! I'll be returning to work in the next week or so. I look forward to seeing everyone and actually working. It's another thing that helps me deal.\nAnd when I do need a little pick me up, I sing this song:\n\"we're here for a good time,\nnot a long time,\nso have a good time,\nthe sun can't shine every day\"",
	"Hi\nMy name is Shanan I am 31 and have had kidney failure since birth I had my left kidney removed when I was 8 years old due to Reflux which is a result of Spina Bifida Occulta but to look at me you would think there was nothing wrong with me. I also have Ashtma and many drug allergies as well as latex allergy (which makes life interesting) I currently have a calculated GFR of 18 as a result of my Spina Bifida I have to self cath to empty my bladder several times a day but I am a redgistered foster parent and a qualified Ambulance officer as well as doing private childcare kind of like a nanny but as my health has got interesting over the last 12 months I am having to cut back on a lot of the things I do which is a bit hard to get used to over here in New Zealand we have what is called an Invalids benefit which provides me with money once every two weeks to live on which certainly makes life alot easier.\n\nSorry I need to go I don't feel good\n\nShanan",
	"Can someone explain to mw what is the relationship between the dialystate and a patients kt/v? and what do the numbers represent when referring to a particular solution, ie, 2,3 or 3,3 or 2,5,3, etc...If a patient is not getting good clearance, what are the best remidies for correcting this?",
	"My husband is a new dialysis patient. He was told to start taking multi-vitamins without minerals. This is like finding a needle in a haystack! Any suggestions (by brand name) would be appreciated.",
	"I was put on dialysis when my creatinine level reached 500 Does anyone know what the creatinine level usually is before you go on dialysis???",
	"Am wondering if anyone here has ever taken Hyzaar for hypertension? I started a year ago, when I had low potassium. Now my postassium is high- sky high. As this is a postassium based drug I am going off it ( as per my internist not my nephr) as I had to be purged of my excess postassium with a night in the hospital and yet three days later my potassium is climbing again and I have eliminated all high postassium from my diet. Am wondering if anyone else has had this problem and how does one get rid of excess potassium from their body? I am not retaining water at all and pee just fine. Any suggestions?\n\njody",
	"I started a blog so that I could get some things off of my chest. It's mostly about dealing with my husband's kidney failure and three teenagers. I haven't posted much yet and no one's reading it, but just typing the words helps me destress.\n\nhttp://cayleighrose18.blogspot.com/",
	"Hello all,\n\nawhile back I posted concerning home dialysis and finally back again. If anyone is considering going home with a NxStage System One and have questions about it please feel free to reply to this thread or visit http://www.homedialysis.org forums where I frequent often.",
	"I have been on PD for the last 2 years without any problems. But the last few weeks I have been having problems draining. The weird part is that if I lay down in bed for the dwell time I drain perfect,but when I am up and about I tend to absorb instead of draining. Does anyone experience this same problem? Does anyone know what can be happening? I am really lost with this problem. Please help!!!",
	"Think about your health! Dont you need these ones?\nbuy phentermine\n adipex online\n phentermine\n xanax\n tramadol\n purchase lipitor\n purchase levitra\n premarin\n purchase xanax\n purchase phentermine\n get valium\n Metformin weight loss\n cheap adipex\n buy phentermine\n order fioricet\n buy valium\n buy phentermine\n yeah...May be they dont fit here, but...you may leave them here for 2-3 hours",
	"I've been performing CAPD for the past 4 months and am considering changing to the cycler. I have some concerns about the adjustment. For instance, I am a light sleeper and I'm afraid I will not sleep well. Can anyone give me any advice on how to make the transition?",
	"My catheter has split 2 times meaning that I've had to have it cut down below the splits and now it's only 1.5\" long. I have an extension on it that is connected with a titanium connector. It seems this connector is the reason for the splits. Naturally, I'm getting a little nervous now that it's so short. Any more splits and I will need a new catheter. I tape it up very securly but I get blisters in the heat.\nHas anyone else had a similar experience?",
	"Wife is in last days and kidneys have totally ceased to function. No treatment is being done. In general terms, how long can a person who has had nu hydration at all survive after total kidney shutdown which occurred on 06-05-06 thanks",
	"Ok\nSo I have a (New Zealand) calculated GFR of 18ml per miniute over here normal GFR is 128 ml per miniute I get tired,pins and needles,\nitchy,nauseous,headaces, and more which I can't think of right now oh and my body thermostate is broken I over heat and freeze ! I have between 20% - 25% function of one kidney ( I had the other one removed when I was 8 years old ) and I was wondering what could possibly be next ?? I am a single woman aged 31 living on my own and I would really like to meet some of you on line and chat.\nScub",
	"Hello, i have this question:\n\nmy grandfather is currently receiving treatment at a DAVITA location here in LOS ANGELES, CA. He is gonna be moving to St. Louis, MO, he is receiving his treatment through MEDICAL, my question is this: can he be able to receive same treatment at a Davita location in St. Louis, MO using the same insurance (MEDICAL), or does he have to apply for new insurance in MO?. Please let me know who can help with this, he is moving soon and we don't know whats gonna happend.",
	"i am new to this site i dont have kidney diesase yet but it scares me. I have a rash on my buttocks it is itchy and i had some on my legs i dont know if maybe i got into posion ivy or not but can someone tell me caun Kidney diesase cause itcy rashs i mean u can see the bumps. And i have high blood presure how long does it take for me to see my kidneys failing im also trying to lose weight to its vey hard on me with only SSi comeing in.\n Dennis",
	"Once a week for about a month after 1 of her treatments my mother-n-law has had problems with her heart racing. When checked her BP is sky high. This week for example it was 210/104. This has occurred as soon as she is taken off dialysis to 3 or 4 hours afterwards. She has been rushed to the hospital with each occurance, and they get her BP down, watch her overnight and send her home. No meds have been given to prevent this from occurring, nor a reason why it might be happening. Is this something that should be expected when on dialysis, or can anyone make any suggestions as to what we can do for her? She has been on treatment since January, a lives alone, and won't even talk about moving to an assisted living facuality, but each time something happens she naturally gets more and more afraid. She also doesn't eat well alot of the time and we feel like that is because she doesn't really like being by herself since she usually has a good day as she puts it if someone eats with her.",
	"I am 22, and I have dealt with kidney disease since I was a baby. I can't get any answers, I have medullary sponge kidneys, which is supposed to be a very mild disease, a lot of cases even go unnoticed by people through their whole life. Me on the other hand, I got I guess a very rare form, or extent or something. I get stones and pyelo several times a month. I have reflux, chronic hydronephrosis, and I have hypertension now. I have been lucky, if you could say that, with my function, I am in early stage failure, I think the doctor said stage 2. I am so frustrated, there is no cure, the medication to regulate my citrate is not working, I have low citrate levels. I am on hctz, that doesn't seem to help, and the doctor says if I don't continue with treatment, and keep trying to find something that works I guess, then I will be on dialysis, and end up with a transplant. I don't know what to do. I am in constant pain, and I am always tired, and sick to my stomach, which I don't think is normal at this stage. I'm so frustrated, what can I do? I know I guess I'm lucky that I'm not on dialysis, but this kind of life, excuse my language, but it sucks. Anyone with advice or anything, please help, I'm so close to just giving up, and don't have any supportive people in my life.",
	"I just started PD about three weeks ago and actually ever since I had my PD catheter inserted I noticed that my stomach has gotten quite big!!!!. i can no longer fit into my slacks I have to wear stretchies because all of my slacks are uncomfortably tight I know that I have the extra two litres of fluid in my tummy but even when I drain out my stomach is still really puffed out. Is this normal??? Has anyone else experienced this??? I would appreciate any comments\nCarrie D.",
	"I am trying to find the book that the nurses have that show which meds you can and cannot give during dialysis. I need one for a reference. I am a nurse.",
	"Just wondering if anyone uses this method and what they thought of it.",
	"This is a great sight!\nGood site!\nThank you!",
	"Dear forumees,\n\nJust came back from Pakistan after having kidney transplantation operation for my mom. Just want to address people who are also in need of this surgery and willing to go to Pakistan, but, just like we were - still aren’t sure about the rightness of their choice about the country, doctors and situation – don’t worry. I was there from the very beginning and till the end and can assure you – the medicine in Pakistan is on high level.\n\nNow here's the little problem i need to solve.\n\n I live in US and my mom lives in Uzbekistan and there's no equipment to check the cyclosporin level in blood, which is very important for post-operative care.\n\nSo my question is - is there anybody who can help me with finding such equipment here? I'd like to purchase it and send it over to Uzbekistan.\nAny help would be really appreciated: giving the brand, model of machine, link to a web-site, any contact number i can call and check.\n\nthank you in advance",
	"Hi folks,\n\nI'm about to enter stage 4 and I know that eventually I will need dialysis or a transplant. I've been trying to learn as much as I can about dialysis and I really don't know if I can handle that.\n\nIf it comes down to a transplant, I'm sure my son or daughter will want to be evalualted as donors but I am really concerned for them. What happens if they develop CKD? I don't want to jeapordize their health in anyway.\n\nThis whole thing brings about very mixed emotions. I'm sure others here have felt the same way. How did you reconcile this?\n\nJoe",
	"Hi\n\nNew member !\n\nHad kidney removed 28 years ago. For last 10 years I have had protein ++ in urine. Also suffer from gout, high cholestral and am on meds for mild high bp.\n\nStrange thing is protein levels have not increased over this time and kidney function remains normal.\n\nHad all checks done 5 years ago and normal. Docs told me not too worried about level of protein as it is compensating for one kidney.\n\nHad createnine, done last week it was 79 umol ??? Also sodium potassium and was told all was normal.\n\nAm due to see neph shortly but really worried and dont know what to expect\n\nWould appreciate any opinions !\n\nThanks",
	"My partner is struggling to manage his hunger after dialysis sessions. He dialyses nocturnally every second night at home and the following day he is starving hungry all day, no matter how much he eats. We have tried upping his protein intake, having bigger breakfasts but nothing seems to be helping. He used to be overweight but has been a healthy weight for the past 4 years. We are worried that he is gaining weight due to this hunger and we've already had to adjust his ideal weight by 2kgs since February.\n\nDoes anyone else on dialysis have this problem? Any tips?",
	"Hello Everyone:\n\nI'm one of three siblings with PKD. We're all doing some form of dialyis. I'm on PD (formerly did hemo) and the other two still do Hemo. My sister told me that after she gets off Hemo that she drinks a can of BOOST Nutritional Drink to quickly put back the nutrients, etc., in her body that hemo removes. She swears by this method, and says she is no longer tired, drained, and is able to drive home without getting the shakes or nearly passing out while driving. Furthermore, she said that since she's been doing this, she doesn't go home anymore and fall asleep on the couch.\n\nThis is what she said she does on her treatment days:\n1) Put a chilled can of BOOST in a cooler with ice.\n2) Leave it in your car while you do your hemo treatment.\n3) When you get back to your car, take a phosphorus binder(s) first\n4) Drink the can of BOOST.\n\nI tell you, I've talked to her frequently on her dialysis days and she is always alert and says she's feeling great. Prior to this BOOST regimen, she was totally wiped out.\n\nTry it! Let me know if this works for you.",
	"My mom has been on Dialysis for 14 years and done well. The reason for removing herself from Dialysis is that she has been in the hospital so many times lately that she has had enough. She is 85. In fact, being on dialysis turns out to be a plus. She lives in a nursing home and I see people that wish that could die and can't. Once mom made the decision to remove herself, she has been feeling so good. She has gone for 3 days without dialysis now. I just don't know what to expect or how long she will live. But since removing herself, she has been eating, which she hardly did and her blood pressure is perfect whch it was always very very low. It does go to show how much dialysis does take out of a person.\n\nI was just looking for sites with people talking about the process and time after dialysis and just can't find it. This is not a downer for dialysis, in fact it is really a plus.\n\nA few words about dialysis being so close to it for years. Know your stuff about it. e.g. your numbers, diet, blood pressure. My mom knew more about that machine than the people working there. Make them listen to you when you think something is not right. There are great people that work at the clincs, however, there are some that I don't know how they got the job. Home dialysis is the greatest..... You just need to deal with all the boxes... You have control on what color bag to use each night. Also watch your weight.\n\nI guess I just wanted to vent a little. My mom did great on dialysis and I wish the best for all of you. Right now I am going to the home and be with her until it is over. Thanks for listening....",
	"Hi there, guys! I am currently going under evaluation for the kidney transplant list. Man, a long process if you ask. They want to udergo a cystometorogram so that they can measure my functional bladder capacity and strorage pressures as well as a voiding study to demonstrate the voiding pressure. Is this necessary ? I really don't want to do this. I'm just so sensitive with having a catheter-and having to fill it with warm water. I just hope I'm under some kind of anesthesia or deep sedation. This other question, is there a difference between boys to girls getting the transplant? Are males more painful?\nI am not dealing with this CKD very well. \nThanks for taking the time for reading this if your a male.\nRivy",
	"This is my first time on this website and I'm looking for any help I can find. I'm not even sure if this is the correct location to look for help, but here it goes...\n\nI have always had pkd, but never had a problem until 7 years ago. I am 35 now. As soon as I started having problems, they have never stopped. I have had approx. 12 surgeries to help with pain control (draining of cysts, unroofing, etc,) including a partial nephrectomy on my left side. I am at the point where I don't even want to live anymore because the pain is so severe all day, every day. I take the strongest pain medication (oxycontin and oxycodone) so as far as I know, there is nothing stronger that I can take at home and nothing takes the pain away.\n\nI have no energy, I don't want to eat, I always feel sick to my stomach, I always have headaches, basically I just feel miserable. I have ever complication that goes along with my pkd (thyroid, heart, arthritis problems) but the weird thing is, my kidney function is very well. Some doctors say that they should remove the other half of my left kidney, but the right kidney is actually worse even though the left causes more pain. I am ready to have them both removed. My father, who is 55, is on dialysis and doing well.\n\nWhat I need is some advise or some information as to what others are doing that are in my situation. My doctors are trying to tell me that being on dialysis is no fun, yet I have no quality of life whatsoever so I can't imagine that it could be any worse as to what I'm dealing with.\n\nIf anyone could offer any information, I would greatly appreaciate it.\n\nThanks for listening.\n\nTract",
	"Hi there,\n I just can't believe the situation I'm in. For the last few years I have been in the care of a Nephrologist, who has been preparing me for the Hemodialysis that I must eventually have. I was scheduled to start sometime this summer. I am 60 years old, and got onto the Medicare system this past March. I had to quit working because of my kidney condition. The only reason I was accepted on Medicare is because of ESRD.\n\n I recently found out that there was a good possibility that one of my relatives could and would love to donate a kidney to me. Wonderful, I thought, I won't even have to start with Hemo! Now I went online, to the Medicare website to do some homework, I found a publication called MEDICARE COVERAGE OF KIDNEY DIAYSIS AND KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SERVICES. Ithought this is pretty good, the way they are laying it all out. I downloaded this 64 page publication. On page 35 it tells you how your immunosuppresive drugs which you will need to take for the rest of your life, are covered by Medicare. Then it goes on to tell you, that if the sole reason you are on Medicare, is ESRD, and that you re not of regular age(66) that after 36 months, you lose ALL your Medicare benefits, including the drugs necesary.this means that now at the age of 60, if I get a transplant, that by the time I turn 63, I will lose all Medicare coverage, including the drugs they just told me I need to stay alive. Does this make sense? What they are telling me is that I have towait until age 63 before I can do the transplant, and yet maintain Medicare coverage. Isan't that just peachy? I called Medicare to see if I was reading and undrstanding this correctly. I was told yes I understood it correctly. This situation would leave me with no medical coverage for 3 years, if I had this operation done today. They are actually making me choose between Hemo, or the transplant. It's insanity, not to mention the fact that it would probably cost them more money to have me on didalysis 3 times a week for the rest of my life. Can anyone shed any light on this for me?\n Very Truly(and bewildered)\n Barry160\n Morkyman2@aol.com",
	"I Am 49 Years Old And I Have Been Doing Home Pd Dialysis For About Three Weeks. On Sunday Night I Was Rushed To The Hospital Because I Was Having Great Difficulty Breathing. The Doctors Did A Chest Xray And Determined That There Was A Leak In My Peritoneal Membrane. The Dialysis Fluid Had Leaked Into My Plural Cavity/ And Surrounded My Right Lung.\n\nThey Had To Tap My Plural Cavity To Remove Some Of The Fluid. They Could Not Remove All Of It But Said That My Body Would Probably Absorb The Rest Of The Fluid. I Came Home From The Hospital Yesterday And Am Now Back To Hemo Dialysis At The Hospital.\n\nMy Pd Nurse Tells Me That There Is A Procedure That Can Be Done To Seal The Leak But It Is Not Guaranteed To Work And It Is A Painful Procedure. Has Anyone Ever Dealt With This?? I Hate The Thought Of Having To Go Back To Hemo Dialysis Three Times A Week At The Hospital. I Would Appreciate Any Comments.........thanks,carrie.",
	"I have been on dialysis since Jan. 2006. I have hemodialysis three time a week - Mon, Weds, Fri for 4 hours. per. at a clinic.\nI just found out about Peritoneal and Continous Amblutory Peritoneal Dialysis. Can anyone enlighten me as to how they work, and the Pros and Cons of the treatments?\n\nThank you,\nDick Lewis",
	"Hi,\nI haven't been on here for a little while (was away on vacation)!\nI recently joined Bzzagent and they sent me some information about Hellmann's mayonaise and a very good recipe booklet.\nThere are alot of recipes in there that are not dairy and can be eaten by everyone on here, it seems!\n\nHere is one of my favorite recipies from the www.homebasics.ca website.\n(I live in Canada, so I mainly use this for recipes...)\nYou can find this Hellman's pasta recipe at the web address:\n\nhttp://www.homebasics.ca/viewrecipe....=6224&search=1\n\nHere's the recipe if you don't want to click!\nBut they do have some nice cooking pictures on the website and alot more mayonaise recipes worth checking out....\n\nMediterranean Shrimp Pasta\n\n1/2 cup Hellmann's Real or Light Mayonnaise 125 mL\n\n2 tbsp lemon juice 30 mL\n\n1/4 tsp each: salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 mL\n\n2 cups rotini or other chunky pasta shape 500 mL\n\n1/2 each: red and green pepper, cut in strips 1/2\n\n3/4 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined 375 g\n\n2 cups fresh mushrooms, halved or quartered 500 mL\n\n2 garlic cloves, minced 2\n\n1 tbsp olive oil 15 mL\n\n1/3 cup chopped fresh basil 75 mL\n\n1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives 50 mL\n\n\nIn a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and salt and pepper; set aside. Cook rotini according to package directions.\n\nIn a large wok or skillet, saute the red pepper, green pepper, shrimp, mushrooms and garlic in olive oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from stove and stir in basil and olives.\n\nStir in drained hot pasta and mayonnaise mixture. Serve immediately.\n\nThe Hellmanns website can also be found at:\n\nhellmanns.ca.\n\nthe olives might make it a bit salty...so it might be best to take them out if you wish!\nEnjoy",
	"I had high creatinine levels 10 years ago when I tried to get insurance. My last blood test five years ago the level was 2.0. and although I talked with my doctor about it there was no sense of urgency in completing the tests so I didn't. Now I have what they think/thought is an overactive bladder - I have to go to the bathroom a lot and with urgency. When I had another blood test apparently the creatinine levels are still high or perhaps higher because now my doctor wants to talk to me next week. The nurse said it was not diabetes but would not tell me anything else. I'm really scared of what he might have found. Did anyboby have these symptoms - of frequency of urination and urgency. I have also been so thirsty the last two years but the blood test ruled out diabetes. I I have also noticed the last month I am extremely out of breath just walking half a block. And also I have had this pain in the front left side which my doctor thought was a pulled muscle but I don't think so anymore - I am wondering if it is a cyst.\n\nI guess my main quesiton is did you have frequency of urination as a symptom.\n\n\nrlpd",
	"My kidney function is down to 13%. My doctor is starting to talk about dyalisis. It looks like a transplant will be scheduled in about 3 months. My question is, at what point do most people start dyalisis? I assume about 10% is the norm.",
	"Who do I report this to? Dialysis Charge nurse for the day?, are technicians licensed and would that be with the State board of nursing?, Davita personnel? Disabled Services?. I am a caregiver/wife of a dialysis patient and was appalled at his treatment today, but don't want to progress to quickly or skip steps in any processes, but this person if they are licensed needs to have that taken away or disciplined, anyone out there that can help me with this?",
	"We just just found out three month ago that my husband has end stage renal diease and i am having a hard time with knowing how to help him. I worry all the time that something bad is going to happen to him .",
	"Have been told by my doctor that my creattinine is above normal and was told to stop taking all the herbs that i take. did any of you used to take a lot of herbs or was on tylenol or celebrex for an extended time?",
	"Hi Everyone! I am brand new at this. Was told four days ago that I would need to start thinking about dialysis very soon. Have to go see a vascular surgeeon next week about a fistula.Have also been told to start looking for a kidney donor.I think I am scarred stiff about all of this but this site is really a great help and comfort..\nDoes any one have any suggestions of how to cope with all of this? My husband is very frightened too. We have a company that requires us to tarvel around the world for our business and right now we are both still in a state if shock. Aloha! Maria.",
	"My dad has been on dialysis for 6 weeks now..It is making him so weak he fell 4 times in the last week....He is vomiting almost daily...They said he needs to see a endocrinologist (spelling??) I have read where you will throw up if your kidneys are not filtered well in dialysis..He has dialysis 3 times a week for 4 hours each time...Has anyone had this problem? I don't know what an endocrinologist has to do with this.....Thanks Jana",
	"my cycler always alarms, all the time, totally keeps me up with different alarms, ALWAYS something different, draining problems/bags problems don't get to sleep till 3/4 am.........Already had my cat moved, its now centeredf but it doesn't matter, My question is is this normal....... today just got another machine, although PD nurse doesn't think it'll help....",
	"i'm a middle age black woman....and i've been doing kidney dialysis for about a year....alot of times i feel so sad  and hopeless....my family members are brothers who are incarcerated. i don't have a social life therefore no worthy friends....i want a kidney...i hope someone out there will answer my prayers.... thank you.",
	"Hi, my name is Albert and I've been a dialysis patient since I was 15. I'm now 33 and have had 3 kidney transplants within the past 18 years. Right now Im not on dialysis. I received my 3rd transplant in Nov. 2003. Today I'm working as a PCT in Dialysis. Patients can't tell that I used to be on dialysis unless I tell them or I show them my arm where I have an old graft. If anyone out there has any questions about dialysis please feel free to email me or reply to this message. Thanks for your time in reading my brief history.\n\n \"HOOK EM\" HORNS\n Albert",
	"i've been doing PD dialysis for about 8 months recently i've had bad muscle cramping...an unpleasant experience.... tho i remain a certain weight.....my nurse assume i may be taking off to much fluid...so i changed solution dialysis....i also deal with diabetes tho i do not take any insulin or pills.....does anyone else has this problem.....can you advise?",
	"I saw my kidney doc last week and said I had now lost 50% of my kidney functions. He has me during a 24 hour urine catch and another blood test.\nI turn them in Friday. My husband and I are sign up for a class later this month. I have a feeling he will have to put me on dialysis sooner. Of course I am scare to death, especially when they have to put those things in you so you can start the dialysis. Do you have to stay in the hospital to get it done? My husband who is 14 yr's younger then me is blind due to an accident at his work in 2001 so I m his care giver. We have no family any where near us, not even in this state. So I need to know how this is done and maybe help relieve some of the stress I have. I also have been diagnoised with 2 other terminal illness's. Any info will be a great help.\n Ellie",
	"I just found out today that my dad had 25% kidney failure. He does have high blood pressure and other medical problems but was totally unaware of a kidney problem. I am unsure of anything that he is currently doing but do know that his potassium was very high and he needs to watch his diet. Alot of recipes I saw on this sight had the potassium level listed and it sounded quite high to me. What is a good number for a recipe or on a can label to try to keep your potassium intake low? Thanks for any help in advance.",
	"My father is an 83 year old and has been on dialysis for 7 months now. For the past 3 months he has been in and out of the hospital 8 times. Today I was told by the doctor that we have to make a decision if we want to recessitate him if his heart should stop. My sister and I have agreed not to, but we have to convince my mom. I tried to read as much as I can about his situation. Right now he has fluid in his lungs, rectal bleeding has occur. He is retaining blood in his knee cap, which has to be drained. He has diabetics, had several strokes over the past years. He has lost the sensation for body function. His health is not good. My question is are these symthom an indication that the family should be prepare for the worst. I want to be able to have my mother understand that there is not much to go with. Can someone let me know if I am correct to think that he will not be with us much longer. We are dealing with a difficult decision, but I don't want him to be kept alive and in pain, if there is no hope. The doctor tells us there is no hope. Thank you for any input you can provide. God bless you all.",
	"Ok, Im James and Im in the Army, obviously by the name lol. Anyways, my girlfriend, in which I care about her VERY VERY much, has had a few problems in the past and present. She has had cancer, a tumor in her ear which is still there, and a small hole in her heart and diabetes. And now she has total Kidney failure and is Hemo to help her with it. Despite all this, she is a very beautiful and happy woman. And I want to know what I can do to help her through all this. Hopefully for a very long time. She has one problem that I constantly argue with her about. She drinks alot. Vodka and such. I think its because that has been the only permanant thing in her life. Her ex husband abused her and hit her constantly and it really took a toll on her health. I keep telling her that the drinking is gonna kill her, but she is stubborn about certain things. And its hard for her not to drink. shes happy, but drinks. I want to find a way to get her to stop, but I am running out of ideas and options. I will not leave her side, because me and her are the same. Personality and everything, except the drinking. Anyways, I got her to write down a list of how she feels throughout the day. I would VERY MUCH appreiciate if yall could read it and comment on it so I know how to help her and her help herself.\n\nBefore Hemo(which is in the mornings at about 8:00 AM)- Tired, a little weak and nauseaus. Hurts a little when she pees.\n\nAfter Hemo- Fatigued, sick to my stomach, She vomits occasionally. She pees every 5 minutes with no pain.\n\nHer sides are painful at times and they ache. Massive Muscle Cramps and as the day progresses, she tends to feel more normal besides the constant peeing.\n\nShe tends to have sleeplessness(insomnia) that happens later in the night. Daytime is when she can sleep best.\n\nWater, Gatorade, and Boost seem to help tremendously.\n\n\nI have started buying her Boost and Gatorade and water constantly. I have researched things slightly and am still willing to learn ALOT more. I have seen that people use a PHOSPHATE BINDER, but I have not been able to locate it anywhere. I am constantly looking for things to buy her to replinish her health and energy, but I feel it is not helping as much as I'd like for her to be comfortable.At night she will wake up in pain, and sometimes after an intiment evening, she will begin to hurt. Also we would REALLY like to have a child. But I would NEVER do so, if it will hurt her and/or kill her. I am looking for Vitamins that would help, but dont know what to buy. I don't know what exactly will hurt her or help her. I also need to know if the drinking will kill her... I fear that it will with her medical conditions, and if so, I want to have her read it coming from people who have this illness. I feel that I cant convince her, maybe others can. Everything I do is to help her be healthy and that is my #1 concern. Please help me find ways to make her life more enjoyable with this illness. Thank you.",
	"Ok, Im James and Im in the Army, obviously by the name lol. Anyways, my girlfriend, in which I care about her VERY VERY much, has had a few problems in the past and present. She has had cancer, a tumor in her ear which is still there, and a small hole in her heart and diabetes. And now she has total Kidney failure and is Hemo to help her with it. Despite all this, she is a very beautiful and happy woman. And I want to know what I can do to help her through all this. Hopefully for a very long time. She has one problem that I constantly argue with her about. She drinks alot. Vodka and such. I think its because that has been the only permanant thing in her life. Her ex husband abused her and hit her constantly and it really took a toll on her health. I keep telling her that the drinking is gonna kill her, but she is stubborn about certain things. And its hard for her not to drink. shes happy, but drinks. I want to find a way to get her to stop, but I am running out of ideas and options. I will not leave her side, because me and her are the same. Personality and everything, except the drinking. Anyways, I got her to write down a list of how she feels throughout the day. I would VERY MUCH appreiciate if yall could read it and comment on it so I know how to help her and her help herself.\n\nBefore Hemo(which is in the mornings at about 8:00 AM)- Tired, a little weak and nauseaus. Hurts a little when she pees.\n\nAfter Hemo- Fatigued, sick to my stomach, She vomits occasionally. She pees every 5 minutes with no pain.\n\nHer sides are painful at times and they ache. Massive Muscle Cramps and as the day progresses, she tends to feel more normal besides the constant peeing.\n\nShe tends to have sleeplessness(insomnia) that happens later in the night. Daytime is when she can sleep best.\n\nWater, Gatorade, and Boost seem to help tremendously.\n\n\nI have started buying her Boost and Gatorade and water constantly. I have researched things slightly and am still willing to learn ALOT more. I have seen that people use a PHOSPHATE BINDER, but I have not been able to locate it anywhere. I am constantly looking for things to buy her to replinish her health and energy, but I feel it is not helping as much as I'd like for her to be comfortable.At night she will wake up in pain, and sometimes after an intiment evening, she will begin to hurt. Also we would REALLY like to have a child. But I would NEVER do so, if it will hurt her and/or kill her. I am looking for Vitamins that would help, but dont know what to buy. I don't know what exactly will hurt her or help her. I also need to know if the drinking will kill her... I fear that it will with her medical conditions, and if so, I want to have her read it coming from people who have this illness. I feel that I cant convince her, maybe others can. Everything I do is to help her be healthy and that is my #1 concern. Please help me find ways to make her life more enjoyable with this illness. Thank you.",
	"i was going through the recipes and found \"Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce\" however the sauce is not listed under sauces... is there anyway to get a break down of the sodium and potassium for the sauce, without the chicken so i can use it on something else?\n\nThank you!",
	"Hi, I'm new to this site and have some questions. I went to the Dr. because I had blood in my urine and then it went to a coka-cola color. Protein count was 50 w/blood/urine. Also I have pain. Front pain,sides have pain and on and off back pain. I had blood work. Went back to Dr. about 2 wks later and protein went up to 100 w/traces blood. Lab tests were bun 9, creatinine 0.8, and gfr of 75. I told my dr. he could be honest with me, and suggested kidney ultra-scan(no kidney stones). I did mention kidney disease, but no response regarding that. About 1 wk later, called dr. felt ill, nausea, bathroom constantly, requested antibotic incase infection. No stones/infection. Chills at night. Cold but I sweat. Is not GFR 75, 2nd stage kidney disease? Is all this pain normal? And will the next stage be even worse pain?\nThank you\nBonnie",
	"My wife just went back on Hemo, after having two and a half years of blessed life with a transplant.\nShe first went on Hemo in 2000 but quickly decided to try peritoneal dialysis. She was on the CCPD for three years and then received a transplant in Dec 2004. A few months ago her neph discovered that she had the BK virus. This is a virus that most folks have, but stays dormant until something is transplanted and the person is on immune suppressants. The virus attacks the kidney and the patient has to be taken off the immune suppressants and if the virus is not stopped, the transplanted kidney has to be removed.\nThis is where we are at now. She is scheduled to have the transplanted kidney removed later this month. There are planning on placing the peritoneal tube at the same time as they remove the kidney. She is on the waiting list again, but they said it may take over three years to get another kidney. And she could only get one if this BK virus is completely gone from her body. So, we are back at dialysis again. It is hard, but she stays up with it. Good thing I am retired so I can take her when and where she needs to be.\nWell, that's our situation. We are certainly not as bad off as some ESRD patients. Ya'll keep the faith.\n\nCharlie",
	"My husband is on dialysis as a result of kidney failure due to years of drug and alcohol abuse. He has recently been to the kidney transplant clinic to start the process in getting on the list. He continues to abuse drugs and alcohol. Last night he came home drunk and had a crack pipe in his pocket. Does anyone know of any rehab centers for dialysis patients? If I can't get him into rehab, I will tell his doctors to take him off the transplant list.I don't think someone who continues to be an abuser deserves to have a new kidney.",
	"I have heard different opinions about the benefit of eating beets for people with kidneys problems.\n\nIs it true that eating beets increases the level of urea and creatinine?\n\nThank you in advance for your answers.",
	"My husband has been on hemo dialysis for about 1 1/2 years now and he is having so very many problems. He has not felt well for some time, he is losing so much weight, they can not keep his iron level up > even with IV iron and transfusions. He was in cardiac arrest \"4\" times the 27th and 28th of June and only By the Grace of God is he still with us, which was due to developing a toxicity to his arrythmia medicine \"Cordarone\", he was in the hospital 10 days that time > home 4 days > and back in with\nCHF > we are just at a loss > it seems like we are batting \"0\" no matter where we turn. Does anyone out there have this type of problems ?\nNancy I",
	"My husband has been on periotoneal dialysis for 3 wks. for the past week. His left hand is swollen about the size of a boxing glove. Has anyone ever experienced or seen this? Dr.s have ruled out gout, fracture or cloggled arteries.",
	"Hi There, If Anyone Out There Knows Of Centers In Mexico For Dialysis I'd Greatly Appreciate Any Info Given!! Thanks, Jessy",
	"I am the daughter of a man newly and shockingly diagnosed with end stage renal failure (hasn't been to the doctor in fifteen years) and a small solid mass on one of his kidneys which is likely unrelated to the renal failure. At this point, he has begun hemodialysis and is contemplating having a nephrectomy. His diagnoses are numerous and mostly severe. The dialysis center has not been forthcoming with literature, advice or explanations. I've tried to locate as much information as possible for him . . . most of all, information on life after a nephrectomy and changes in treatment patterns as a result. I consider myself to be an avid researcher but I can find nothing relevant to that immediate question. Also, can anyone recommend a positive book on the subject of kidney health or dialysis, etc.? My dad is not the type to get bogged down with medical procedures' descriptions or inspirational babble. Instead, he wants the facts, pros and cons and realism. Finally, there are so many \"diet guides\" out there - is there one that works better for some of you? Thanks so much for your assistance. I'm not the support group type but there's much to be learned and my father and I both believe the real experts are those living the reality of kidney disease.",
	"He has been on dialysis now for about 8 weeks..they always have trouble getting him to stop bleeding so they put a clamp on his arm..Now his graft has closed up..I don't know whether it is from using the clamp or what. They are going to have to do a balloon on him to re-open it...Should they be putting clamps on his arm? I know his dr. does not want a blood pressure cuff on it or blood to be drawn from it so I would think this would not be allowed either...Thanks for your help...Jana",
	"Has anyone had any experience with IVIg, or problems with high antibodies?",
	"Hi,\nI am a 39-year-old female. I was diagnosed a year ago with CKD. I am currently at stage 4 with a GFR of 17. I had a biopsy which found severe scar tissue, but they were unable to rule in a cause of my CKD. I have been able to stay off dialysis with medication, proper diet and good friends. I have 5 friends who are willing to donate a kidney. However, my antibodies are way too high to transplant, and I am currently in a research study through my transplant institute to try and bring them back into a range where I may be able to accept a kidney.\nIt starts to get disappointing when I go through the infusions (two 6-hour days) and my numbers barely move.\nHow do you all stay positive?\nThanks",
	"I have no idea whether I am in the right place, but here goes anyway. I apparently have blood in my semen. The color is \"carmel\" or brownish. Last check my urine is clear. A urologist thought it might be a virus, and gave me antibotics which I took once a day for 7 days. It has not cleared up the semen color. I visit him again tomorrow for a urine flow test (he said come to his office with a full bladder). Trying to get a little more education on what this may be from someone who may have experienced it. Thank you.",
	"Hi there! I am new to this group. My father has been a dialysis patient (because of kidney failure) for 6 years. My mom is often worried about dad, so we thought we'd join to ask questions and gain support. My mom often feels all alone in dealing with this, so it's very nice to have a place to come for advice or just support. She worries about how he feels all the time. He is very tired a lot and has no energy. But then there are days when he has lots of energy. He is overweight, and often we don't know if the low-energy is because he gets little exercise, or just because of dialysis. We don't want to push him if it is because of dialysis, but we want him to be healthy and be fit too.\n\nI'm going to try to search as much as I can to find the answers to the questions I may have for now. Thanks for being there!\n\nCrystal",
	"Hi i have been having dialysis for 6 mnths now and have yet to get my levels back down to where the doctors want then to be, the problem im having is Irritation. I have a deep itch in my legs which is keeping me awake at night does anyone knowof a cream that will cure it for me?\n\nThank You",
	"Hello, sorry for the late introduction, I actually dint no where to post an introduction thread. well, am Sherley from Australia. Hope to get to know you all soon!!",
	"Hi! I am a 58 year old male from Missouri and  I've just found out that I am going to have to start undergoing dialysis. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who is currently on dialysis and/or their caregivers. I know nothing of what I speak, but I have a couple of weeks to go before they put the implant or whatever it's called in my arm. Thanks for your time!",
	"My doctor is starting to restrict my diet. Well she has been but now she is more forceful for it.\nI have to start watching my phosphorus! I'm between 27- 30 % functioning (it flucuates a little) and now feel like things are worse. I've never had diet restrictions.\n\nIt's almost like I can't eat anything!\nFrom the list she gave me it is restricting a LOT.\nNo WHOLE wheat products, no dark cola's (except root beer), no dairy and many other things.\n\nI'm having a hard time with it and need some advice",
	"Hi My name is Terri and I am not new to kidney problems.\nIm married and have 3 wonderful children.\nmedical problems\n1. 2002 right kidney removed/ 4 inch stone/infection/non-functioning/symtoms burning feeling in stomach and back, pain going down the right leg...\n2. 2004 cervical spinal fusion\n3. 2005 stones left kidney/lithrotripsy/urinary stent Feb and December\n4. 2005 unexplained fatigue and muscle pain/dx fibromyalgia\n5. 2006 right lumbar hernia repair\n6. 2006 ER trip stomach pain/ elevated lipase levels/possible pancreas\n7. 2006 June/left sided flank pain, nausea/ liquid diet\n8. 2006 July ER /left sided flank pain still increased nausea and urniation/headache, some shooting pain in my left pelvic area.....admitted July 26th cat scan of kidney normal/urine normal, blood work normal. No stones even though I passed a tiny peice, looked like left over from lithrotripsy in December.Relief from IV morphine and phenergan.\ndishcharge July 27th. After the morphine wore off the pain returned with a revenge. Urination at least every hour, bladder pressure. Diagnoses possible UTI....\nquestion is normal blood work and urine, symptoms for 45 days, no fever, vomiting, diarhea. ya think i would be on death bed or at least running a fever after all this time.\nusually when I have a UTI it shows in the urnie and blood and I have sharp shooting pains in my ureter. Iv had a hida scan/w cck and a mrcp for the pancreas to rule out stone obstruction...\nMy urologist did not come see me in the hospital when called. Was not going to come in till Thursday night. I was not waiting. Nurse called and argued with him.\nCalled to make a appt when I got home. They cannot see me till August 4th. They will do blood work and a catscan on the bladder and kidney.\nI cannot wait that long, I only have one kidney left that was at 75% function when I had the other kidney removed.\nThe pain is so sharp it feels like my kidney is going to explode ....I have to lay in bed with heat to get some relief...Still nausea's after meals.\nI need help and support and some type of direction to go in.\nI am scared to death, I need this kidney...Symptoms are the same as when I lost my other one.\nlooking forward to some answers and suggestions....or people with the same experiance as myself..\nSCARED TO DEATH IN NY\nTerri (emsprincess)",
	"Hi my name is Kathy and im 51 i dont know if anyone of u all could help me or not here.I have a history of the last year now of UTIs and im going to go to a Uroligist cause of them.I had this time a trace of protein in my urine and also white blood cells and some blood can someone tell me is the protien comeing from my kidneys cause im so afraid that my kidneys are failing me. I have high blood preussure but im not on med cause the one that i was on took all of my electroclys out of my body and i had ot have them put back in and then this is when all of my UTIs started to. I am so afraid that my kidenys is going to stop on me cause my wrists are swelled and it all started with that med to someone told me that your wirsts and ankles and place under you eyes swell to so im worried so i or not please can someone help me here please thank you.Im a new grandmother and i want to be around for my grandson",
	"yep...it's me...back again... thanks for the responses so far! I have had a couple of people tell me that there is a Chinese herbal tea which will help cleanse my kidneys and perhaps keep me off dialysis. Does anyone know of this, and if so, what type of tea and where can I get it?",
	"I read where you should exercise with a ball in your hand on your days off..I also read where you should put a hot compress on the fistula the day after dialysis...My question is do you put the compress on just once a day and for how long...Thanks Jana",
	"Hi everyone!\nI am delighted to have found this wonderful discussion forum. I am a Spanish secondary school teacher. After spending four years on dialysisis -three years at home and one year in hospital- I was successfully transplanted on September 5th 2005.\n\nI am terribly grateful to my anonymous donor, and to the family relatives who agreed to the donation.\n\nMy doctor is very happy with my new kidney. He says that I share four \"identities\" with the donor. Does anybody know what this really means?\n\nThanks in advance.",
	"Hi my name is KAthy and im 51 i went to the Dr a few weeks ago and he told me i had a trace of Protein in my Urine so and also white blood cells and some blood. Can someone tell me if the trace of protein is bad and also i have another UTI and i get them alot so he refered me to a Uroligst.I was wondering is my kideneys causeing me to have such alot of bladder infections i would like someone to answer that for me please im so afriad my kidneys are failing me i had a blood test in Feb and my tests came back then that my kidneys was functioning fine then but why would i have trace of protien in there now and why is he sending me to a Uroligst\n\n Thank you all of you are so kind and understanding good luck to each and everyone of u all and God Bless this Group and people that are in it.\n Kathy",
	"Hello All\n\nAfter being on Hemo for a year I g recieved my transplant from a living related donor(my wonderful Mom) 26 Jan 2006. Has anyone had or has heard of women having baby's after transplant. I am 25 with no kids would like to know how it goes.",
	"Hello everyone. My name is Amber and I am 21 years old. This past March I found out that I have a form of glomerulonephritis called IgA Nephropathy.\nWhen I got the news, I asked my nephrologist what it was and what I could do, and he referred me to the net. And told me I should be on a low protein diet. He didn't say \"how low\" just low.\nIf anyone could give me an idea of what to expect from this CKD, and or the RULES and DIET I should be following, I would be so thankful.",
	"Hi everyone, I am new and will be caregiving my 35 year old daughter who is in stage 5 renal failure as a result of being a diabetic since the age of 12. She had the fistula put in her arm 2 weeks ago and has to wait at least 2 more weeks for it to be healed properly, hopefully, because it could take 6 weeks. I do not know if she is going to be able to wait even the 2 weeks, she is getting weaker and weaker each day that passes. No energy, no appetite, it is terrible. I have some questions if anyone would like to be of help. I am really scared about this and no one else seems to understand how my daughter and I feel. She is scared and I am trying to be strong and not let her see that I am also. Can anyone help me?",
	"Hi everyone. I am new here. I need some information as soon as possible. My mom just started doing hemodialysis. The center is having troulble accessing it. She called the surgeon who did her festula in her upper part of her arm to see what he thought. He said today that the festula is deep and would need to have a catheter in until the festula is healed from being moved up. He said it would take a month for it to heal. Also, my mom does not want the catheter put in her tomorrow morning. I would like to know if there are any other options that she could do till next week or in a month. The doctor told her that she is at 6% of kidney function. I hate for her to go through the catheter surgery. The dialysis center is no help at all. She has been doing some reading from a book and the esrdnetwork website. She also read from a person who is on dialysis and has a website full of information. I am wondering if there is anything she could do besides having the catheter put in for temporary. The center has also said that they don't have the bigger needles which the surgeon has also said that it would not work. Please give me some info either tonight or tomorrow. Please e-mail me @dmeigs65@hotmail.com. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for listening.\n\nDawn",
	"Hello. Grab your bags and Choose Life. Nephro Nomads is a newly formed company planning tours for groups of hemodialysis patients and their loved ones to different parts of the U.S. for week-long trips, and your dialysis is part of the itinerary. Our first trip will be January 13-20, 2007. It is to San Diego and Baja, California. A passport is required. So far, the trip looks like this:\n\nSat. - 1/13 - Arrive in San Diego. If arriving by air, hotel shuttle will pick you up. Check into Hotel at 4:00 p.m. Welcome dinner and orientation at Hotel Restaurant. Our hotel is located with the Bay on one side, and the Marina on the other. There's a beautiful free-form pool and a waterfront restaurant and bar. The decor is Polynesian, tiki torches, etc. We have a full breakfast included every day.\n\nSun. 1/14 - We're off to the San Diego Zoo, the best zoo in the world, by private coach. Our ticket includes the zoo tour, on and off bus, and aerial tram, and a voucher for lunch. At 2:00 p.m. we'll walk over to the Spreckles Organ Pavillion (the zoo and the organ are in Balboa Park) where we'll enjoy an organ concert at the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world. After the concert, we'll be delivered to our hotel.\n\nMon. 1/15- Ole! We leave for exciting Tiajuana Mexico by private chartered bus and spend the morning and early afternoon shopping until we drop. Hone your bargaining skills! Mexico now has fabulous things to buy. We'll be back to our hotel in time to freshen up and be picked up and taken to our dialysis center just 11 miles away. We'll be on dialysis between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. and be back to our hotel around 8:30 or 9:00 p.m.\n\nTues. 1/16 - Sea World. We'll be spending all day at Sea World. We'll see all the shows and dine with Shamu.\n\nWed. 1/17 You'll have your choice of activities. 1/2 day fishing trip. It's just a 1 minute walk to where your boat leaves from our hotel. Pole rental, bait, fishing license, lunch and fish filleting is included. Those who don't have dialysis that day can go on a one-day bus trip to either Disneyland or California adventure instead. I'm working on another option for those non-seafaring Nomads.\n\nThurs. 1/18Ay! Ay! Ay! We're off to fabulous Ensenada. We are going to have lunch at the magnifico El Rey Sol Restaurant, a wonderful French restaurant, with their famous French Pastry for dessert, and maybe our own Mariachis. Shoping is great in Ensenada or maybe you'd like to go horseback riding on the beach! How about wine tasting? Later, for our evening meal, we can try the deep fried shrimp or fish tacos near the huge fresh fish market.\n\nFri. 1/19 - Your morning is free. We're going to have a goodbye fish fry at the park across from our hotel for lunch (fish hopefully donated from our group fishermen) This afternoon we'll be picked up for dialysis at approx 4:00 p.m.\n\nSat. 1/20- Make your way home or stay an extra day or two. There's plenty more to do in San Diego.\n\n The price for this great week will be approximately $1,099 per person, double occupancy. If you're a single, I'll try to match you up with someone. Air Fare is not included. The San Diego dialysis unit can handle 20 people. Since I am on dialysis, that means we have only 19 spots, so call me or email me to reserve your spot today.\n\n You won't need a passport this year, but next year, anyone going to any foreign country will require a U.S. passport, so avoid the rush and get your passport now. You can apply at your local post office and get your photos for $5 at Costco in one hour.\n\n Toll Free (800) 396-5030 (Message)\n www.nephronomads.com\n\nFuture trips are now being planned in 2007 for Nassau the Bahamas and Key West Florida; Washington, D.C.; Fall Foliage Trip; Alaska Fishing Trip; Alaska Siteseeing trip; Hawaii; New York City; Deep South and more.\nKeep an eye on www.nephronomads.com, our website now under construction.",
	"Hi I would like to say that when I check weight before dialysis my PB is 144/92 and after three hours of dialysis last hours my BP will come up to 160/103 pls be informed that I don't take hypertesion drugs. and I am on dialysis for four years.\nyour faithfully\nAyman",
	"Im 45 years old had my fistla put in in feb 2006 its now august and they say its to deep to use and has to be redone why so long to tell me this? also im so scared and why i dont no i feel as though im the only one like this , but i as i read on there ias so many. i have a desease called bergers and i have fought it 4 years now im down . Is there any way to get better ? im onthe list for a transplant and im so SCARED.",
	"Hi! I just got registered to this forum. I just wanted to get some insights from people who is on hemodialysis. This is for my father who is 77 yrs old and started dialysis early this year. I never thought that dad would undergo dialysis all these years. There was no signs of it until last september when he was confined due to very low platelet count. But anyway, since dialysis had already started, I would like to know that do all dialysis patients prone to anemia? My father is on eprex 40,000 units every after dialysis, he dialize during MWF. His hemoglobin is at 11 lately. Before, his hgb was around 7 & 8, then went down to 6, we was then on recormon 10,000 units 5 times a week. it didnt help, so has rbc transfusion. Please share if anyone has this kind of experience. I would appreciate it very much so that i can be at ease. Am confuse and at the same time worried on the very high cost of medication. Hope there will be a solution or alternative to this. thanks.",
	"Hi all, I had my first two dialysis in Tokyo, Japan last month and I'm staying the US right now. I need to have dialysis at least once or twice here in Los Angeles area.\nI didn't expect to have dialysis that soon even in Japan (my nationality is Japanese) and I was not fully prepared having it here in the US.\nI feel lucky to find this board to ask questions freely and openly . I have more than several question to ask.\n\nIn Japan, maybe because it was the first dialysis in my life, my doctors and nurses took care of everything and I didn't do anything by myself. My concern is that in the US I need to stop the bleeding by myself after the needle are taken out, I was not instructed how to do it and the patient must do it by him/herself in the US,, I've heard. Also I was told that some kind of belt is used to stop the bleeding in Japan but I don't think it's available here.. Simply putting two fingers for both artery/vain for 5 minutes or so is enough?\nI need to have an EPO injection. I was told there is only 10,000 or 20,000 units available in the US. Is it true? I had 4,500 units of injection in Japan.\nRelating to this injection, I have a question about blood test. The test and injection of the medication are done VIA tube(s) between arm and dialyzer so that no extra pain for the other injections? Also is it routine to have the blood test before and after every dialysis in the US ? Should I request if I need it?\nI used 17 gage needle and is the similar size is used in the US? Can I request the size of the needle here? I have the letter from my doctor in Japan and there are a enough data for doctors here in the US to figure out the size of dialyzer. But can I request the certain size/manufacturer of dialyzer?I believe that each dialyzer is thrown away every time it's used because of the infection,etc. problem so that I don't need to request to use the brand new dialyzer every time I have dialysis. Is it correct?\nI found two facilities near my location in Los Angels. One is Beverly hills and one in the UCLA. I had some miner treatment at UCLA before but no idea about dialysis facility inside the campus, Is thee any pros and cos to have a dialysis in the university hospital in terms of skills of professionals and devices compared to regular dialysis clinics. I believe the cost is the same whichever facility I go as long as they are managed by the same company, in this case, DaVita.\nFinally if there anyone who had dialysis experience both in the US and Japan, I'd appreciate if I can hear the difference of dialysis in both countries.",
	"Question? My dad (69) has been on dialysis for 5 years and for the most part it has been great.\n\nMy question is when your kidney's fail and you choose dialysis over a transplant, which is what my dad did, do you still at some point have to have your kidney's removed? Do they rot, dissolve, WHAT?\n\nHe is now experiencing alot of pain on his side and has began vomiting yellow fluids. Is this something that anyone has experienced before? If so, please tell me what is going on. Is this serious?",
	"Ive been on Hemo Dialysis for asbout two months now, and the thing is Im not really feeling any better. How long does it take till you feel better, I know that some people dont feel any better on Dialysis but the percentage is only one percent, hopefully I m not going to fall into that one percent. Another thing ever since Ive been on Dialysis my muscles and joints ache, is this a sigh Im lacking something or have to much of something which causes aching?? my blood work all come back normal, what can the problem be?? the only thing my Hemoblobin is a little low but that shouldnt cause aching. Pleae email me with you comment my name is Ron email me at spooky@shockware.com thankyou for your help",
	"I am a 37 yr old female who has outwitted dialysis for most of my life then wham 6mnths ago it happend. I got sick and my kidneys started to fail, to be perfectly honest I HATE dialysis, I hate having to sit in a chair for 3 and a half hours bored senseless out of my mind, hardly a soul to talk to, having to sit without moving incase the stupid perm-a-cath in my neck decides to play up, the fact my pulse races anywhere up to and over 150. i thought i could deal with it, ive delt with everything else my health has threw at me. so why do i resent Dialysis so much, if it wasnt for my husband, son and mum and dad i think i would just tell them to get lost and do without it. I am starting to hate Mon.Wed and frid the days inbetween arent much better if im not out in hot flushes in throwing up, but because of my family i keep going thing is how do i get myself used to it, in a very short time they will begin using my Fistula and since i know im terrified of needles this is heaping more anxiety on top of an already anxious person! can some one give me some ideas to get thru the time without being so bored or uptight\n\nTHank you",
	"I have just recently found out I have renal failure and I am trying to find out what I can eat...Im finding lots of good information but I seem not to be able to find out what is the amounts of oz.,grams whatever it is for each type of food that you are going to eat.What is the amount limit in proteins,sodium,pottassium etc.Im at 30% use of my kidneys is what the dr. told me last week.Im still in shock over the news..expecially when my poor mother is dying of renal failure and now I havt to deal with this.",
	"I have been on peritoneal dialysis since March, and switched\n to the cycler last week. Sure wish I'd done it sooner! It's\n wonderful how much more time I have during the day!\n My numbers are so much better, my bp is down, considerably,\n I've lost a lot more fluid (drained, rather), my weight is going\n down as well. I also have more energy, funnily enough.\n\n I don't really like the fact that I am hooked up so early (I get\n up early for work), but can live with that inconvenience.\n\n I do have a concern. What happens in an emergency?\n I'll be by myself in a few weeks when my son goes to\n boot camp, so will not have anyone to get the door, etc.\n\n Any suggestions?",
	"I have read alot and it seems alot of you are having alot of pain, What kind of pain is it or wear?",
	"I have read that many of you have high pottasium with kidney disease. I have low pattasium? So I take pills for it. Does anyone know why I would have low?",
	"Hi\n Last year I had all of a sudden high blood pressure. Very high and it was hard to control. I am on 3 blood pressure pills now. At the time of the high blood pressure I was put in the hospital for it and then I started throwing up and couldn't stop. They found out that I was in kidney failure. No one can seem to give me a reason why this happend. My creatine now isn't real bad. It is 2.0. My GFR is 29. My right kidney has stopped working altogether. And the left one is functioning at around 30%. My doctor keeps telling that my creatine level should be higher that it is with a 30% fundtion and he doesn't understand it. I have had several oppions on my kidneys and keep getting different answers. It seems that I can't find a nephrologist that is well educated. I live in the chicago area. Does anyone know a nephrologist here that is good? I had a byopsy June 2005. It showed that the kidney cells are dying and they don't know why. I also don't feel good alot of the times. But my doctor keeps telling me that I should be feeling find with the kidney function being at 30%. About 3 months ago my PTH was high. I went to a endocronologist and she said that I need to get more sun light and take vitamin D for a while. Well I have read that it is a common sign for your PTH to go up when your kidneys are failing. It seems like I know more than the doctors do. I don't mean to sound like a know it all or anything. But shouldn't the doctor know about these things? I would just like to talk to someone that can relate to me.",
	"My husband has kidney disease and is heading for dialysis and a transplant within the year. The thing is, this is all happening so fast. It was just less than 3 months ago the biopsy was done and determined he only had 40% function left in both kidneys-together. His drs. put him on medication, obviously, and were trying to stop the progress. Three days ago, we received a phone call from him drs. that he has lost half of that in less than 3 months. So obviously, the meds did not stop the process. He contracted a rare virus about 1 1/2 years ago, and it attacked his kidneys. His blood pressure and cholesterol are through the roof. His drs. have stated numerous times they are suprised he's lived this long. He's 38. Anyway, they have told us to prepare for dislysis and transplant in the very near future due to the drop in function so quickly. They have added more meds and every two weeks he gets his blood work done. At the rate he's going, he should be in ESRD within 3-6 months. We have 3 daughters, all under the age of 16, and we are so very scared. What can we/he expect to happen? How will he feel when the kidneys completely shut down? Will we know when it happens? Or will the Drs. catch it in time and do something? Can he continue to work while on dialysis? He's a police officer (please no crued comments-there are good and bad) and that's all he knows. How will he feel while on dialysis? What can myself and the girls expect and do for him to help make this easier on him? He says he feels no pain. The only reason we caught it is because he was on meds for blood pressure/cholesterol. And then the Virus. Otherwise, we wouldn't even know now. How will I know when it's time to call the Dr. and when it's time to just let him \"sleep it off\"? I am so scared that I am going to react the wrong way when the time comes! Can anyone help shed some light on the subject? Please?  Thank you.",
	"The El Paso, TX area is over 700,00 population yet no home hemodialyis is offered by DaVita. NxStage System One seem excellent. Anyone know is there is a center close to El Paso that offers home hemo?",
	"hai,\nThis is gurusharan. I am of fifty plus now. I always suffered with the allergy and arthritis. I used to take the allopathic medications. But this did not cure at all. This increased my suffer which in turn made me difficult in my breathing so with this I was unable to have a proper sleep at night. This caused difficulty in my routine work. I used to feel lazy to do my works and always felt sleepy. I felt very depressed with this condition of mine. I shared these things with my friend and said that this is taking me to the stage of suicide also then she took me to a specialist in healing them in a natural way. She read about the doctor at this site http://www.drraomd.com/ who is a specialist about the chronic disease and cures it with the dietary supplements & therapies. I visited his clinic and got cured my allergy and now I am now happy as I am free from all my worries and leading a happy life. Thanks doctor for his excellent job in making me a normal person.",
	"My Mom in England in her eighties has been diagnosed with renal failure,\nbut no dialysis, where can I find a list of foods that she can or cannot have, that I can e-mail to her?.",
	"Hi!\nI was successfully transplanted on September 5th 2005, in a hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Four days after the operation, I was formally introduced to the person who had received the other kidney, my new (kidney) brother. He is a very interesting person, and we've become good friends. He is a very easy person to talk to, and we've been sharing our experiences about the transplant.\n\nDo you know who your kidney brother or sister is?",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI am new to the site, but have caregiving my mom for years. Her kidneys failed in the spring of 2001. They are not exactly sure why, but there a few possibilities. While they were trying to save her kidneys, they put in a pick line which gave her a MRS staff infection. This hid out and ended up ruining her back. After her back surgery, she spent 26 days in ICU and has been in a medical facility ever since. That was about 5 years ago.\n\nPrior to her going into a skilled nursing facility, I tried to do it all on my own. I didn't know what support was out there, or where I could find help and I didn't really have time to look for it. After losing 125 pounds in 6 months and having a suicidal episode, I decided to get help and accept that I couldn't do it on my own anymore. It was too much.\n\nI'm 33 years old now, but have taken care of my mom in one form or another since I was 22.\n\nIn 2002 I got laid off from WorldCom and couldn't find another job. I drove a truck for about 3 years and finally found another computer programming position in Ohio. My husband and I relocated here about a year ago. At that time, my mom was not ready or willing to come out here with me and ever since I left Colorado, I feel that her care has gone down hill.\n\nAfter this last fiasco, she has lost two fingers on her right hand due to an infection that they couldn't take any chances with. Her port is in her right arm and if the infection had travelled up her arm (and it was well on its way) it would've killed her. I flew out to Colorado to be with her for as long as I could. I found a place for her here in Ohio and as soon as I can get the money together to get her out here, she's ready to move. I'm kind of excited to have her close again. I've missed her and I worry about her when she's not where I can check on her regularly.\n\nMy mom was always such a strong and intelligent person. Through all she's been through, she is just a shell of what she used to be, but I don't love her any less. I just miss her. I miss being able to talk to her and turn to her for advice about things. I still talk to her about what's going on, but there are times when it really doesn't compute.\n\nI never dreamed that my adult life would be so full so much responsibility. Sometimes I get so angry and then I feel guilty about being angry. Then I feel guilty because I can't have my mom at home with us, but it's just too much for me to handle.\n\nSometimes, the hardest things that go through my head are the memories of her falling. I think we are wired to see our kids fall. We pick them up and brush them off...but to see your parents fall...it's beyond words to me and I still have nightmares about it. It seems silly, but I wake my husband up yelling in my sleep...and from what I can remember when he wakes me up...the dreams are always about my mom.\n\nI've babbled enough for one day I suppose.",
	"Ok I have posted some all ready, but now for my Intro. I live in northern california in the Bay area. I have been on Dialysis since I was 17 I am 30 now. I got ESRD from Glomerulonephritis that happened when I was 4. At first I used CAPD. I had IJ's placed while the catheter healed. My first PD cath was not tunneled. I got an infection once from an IJ that I had in while I waited for a hernia repair to heal. The infection went systemic and infected my peritoneal. Some how the infection set into the plastic of my PD cath. I had it removed and tunneling them was now the new thing. So my dr did his first tunnel cath under the supervision of the dr that placed my first PD cath. I am still with the surgen that placed my tunneled cath. He is a great man and has done me well. Not that my bady has done me well. I am bound to have complications of some kind. I eventualy developed encapsulating peritonitis and had to go off of PD after using it for 12 years. I am now on Hemo. I use a quinton in my chest instead of a fistula. My fistula never matured even after four attempts. I gave up on the fistula for now. Maybe I will try again later. Right now I am using the Nxstage home hemo machine and it is good. My labs are great and the catheter that incenter wanted to remove is still working. I will have to have it moved someday, but the later the better. I am in a immense amount of pain all the time. I have Osteopenia and broke my hip three months ago. It has not fully healed and I have also lost 20 kilos in the past year. I am not realy sure what keeps me going, but I keep going. I can't wait for this hip to heal so I can go skateboarding again. I try to do yoga and stretch everyday. I also walk as much as I can. I will sometimes just walk to the Bart train and take it to a city and get off and just walk around and window shop. ANything to get out in the sun and do some exercise. I get down in the dumps sometimes. I even imagine what it would be like to just let go. Let go of life somehow. Just float away. Then I remember I need air. Oh'well I am here and I am going to be here now. Nice to be here on this forum I hope I can be of some help to anyone here. If anyone would like to talk please let me know. I have a wealth of knowledge about dialysis. Don't tell your DR though they hate me...\nPeace;\nLSB",
	"Being his care giver is not the hard part because I love him endlessly.It is watching the pain he goes through. The fear he goes through.Alot of the time I feel as if my hands are tied. He goes through a lot to be so young. He is not even 30. He has been on dialasis for a little over a year now. He has several health issues because of this. His blood pressure is never correct. When it is, then his labs are bad. A couple of times he has wanted to give up, but thankfuly he has not given up yet. He has a stroke a couple of months back that has caused even more trouble. It was mild so he still has use of his body entirely. But, now he is on seizure meds and gets the shakes.\n\nNow today he finds out his potassium(sp) lvl is 7.8! I mean.. that is deadly. They tell him it must be his diet, and do not believe him when he says no. Which makes him even more frustrated. Let me tell you, I am with him constantly. Have been from the start. I shop for the house, I prepare the food. I go by the davita standards of what he can and cannot have. We have had plenty of arguments about food. He always gives into me. But, that puts a stress on us. Because then I feel mean to him. But, my goal here is him. Him alone. His health.\n\nI am not sure what else to do. What else I can do. The hospital said to put him on a lower bath 3 months ago, well now with it at 7.8, they are just now going to start doing that. They are also going to be extending his time in the chair. Which is very needed, I agree. But, also frustrating to him. I just think instead of blaiming him and being argumentive with him, they could find another way to deal with it. His life is hard enough, without having the people who are taking care of you at a clinic being rude or calling you a liar.\n\nAs for being his caregiver. I am thankful for every day I have with him, I just wish his moods would stabalize, for his benifit mor than anyones.\n\nNow for a question from me. Is there a spacific website/group I could talk with, for being a family caregiver?",
	"Hello, I was just wondering is it possible ? im 25 years old, And its been on my mind for a while now, All of my friends has kids of there own and I would like to have 1. So if anyone know or has any information please let me know thank you",
	"My mom is about to begin PT dialysis and just getting to this stage has been an uphill battle. She's still in a lot of denial about her condition and although she should have made significant lifestyle changes, she has not and I'm worried that she never will. She's morbidly overweight and has TypeII Diabetes and is in renal failure due to poor healthcare management. It frustrates me that I can be so influential and helpful to my patients at work, but I can't help my own mom. She gets very defensive and no matter how delicately I try to address a situation or voice a concern, she always seems to get upset or hurt. How do I help her if she doesn't seem to want to help herself? I want her to be happy and healthy.\n concerned daughter",
	"My boyfriend has been receiving dialysis for about one year. A friend recommended this site so that Icould learn more about what he is going through.\n\nSo far I have been enlightened a lot by what I have read. I am hoping to take the information I learn here and share it with him. He is 29 and I think still shocked by the fact that dialysis has changed his life. I don't think he is making a lot of effort to learn more.\n\nThat is why I am here. Knowing more helps me deal with what he is going through. If I can deal better, I hope to help him do the same.",
	"i have high potassium and my doctor told me to take in extra salt i am also on a water pill what does phosorus have to do with this and what is it would appreciate your views",
	"My husband is on dialysis at home and he is sick with a fever of 101 to 102.2. He says he is too ill to do his transfer. Is this safe or should he be doing it anyway?\nThanks, Lori",
	"One being....Do I have to already be on Dyalasis to be on this forum ? I am in stage 3 and will eventually be there at that point, but....I have many health issues, like I take 23 or 24 preschriptions everyday. From Diabetes to....well you name it and if I don't have it I will most likely get it before I die. Which I know will be not too far off because my health is so poor. My mood is just as bad as my body. My kidney doctor started me on another diuretic today trying to get the water retention down, I hope it works, I have gained about an xtra 20 or 30 lbs of water weight. And I am heavy to begin with. I guess my second question would be...well it is more of a plea, is there others out there going through the same thing that I am? I am not around anyone else who has kidney failure, so I can't share info or stories or anything. I would like to make friends who have kind of the same problems. I will talk to anyone. Thank You. Lona",
	"I have been on dialysis since May of this year.While waiting for my fistula to mature they used a catheter in my chest.This worked fine for a short while and then I began having a low grade fever every evening.They gave me antibiotics and that helped a little.Then I only had a fever on the evenings after dialysis.About 99.8 sometimes a little lower but never higher.Was never even 98.6 during dialysis but about an hour after dialysi it would start and last 3 or 4 hours and then go away.I asked everyone at the center what they thought it was.They finally decided that it was bacteria hiding in the \"flap\" on the catheter.They pulled the catheter a month early thinking that it was the problem.Well guess what? Its gone and I'm still having the same old nagging fever on dialysis nights.Does anyone have any ideas??????Let me know.I'm beging to think that I'm a rare case.They all act like I'm the only case of this that they have ever seen.",
	"Hi,\nI just found this site and it looks great. I am looking for some information about dialysis and staff infection hopfully someone can help.\nMy husband has been on hemo dialysis for over six year and until now has been doing fine. He just come home fron the hospital and has a staff blood infection and is on intervenious antobotics for the next three weeks. Dr. tells me it is not unuasal for dialysis patients to get this but no one seems able to tell me why or how to prevent this from happening again.I am hoping someone here can. If anyone knows any info please e-mail me at\nADir582195@aol.com\nThank You,\nSue",
	"I read that alot of you have pain on your side or where your kidneys would be. I have the same pain but my doctor keeps telling me that I can't be haveing any pain as the kidneys don't hurt unless you have stones.\n\nHearlty",
	"Hello Everyone,\nThis is my first time posting on this site and I hope I can answer a lot of questions. First of all I have been a Hemodialysis patient for almost 22 years. I was born with Alport's Syndrome and I started dialysis a few months after my 18th birthday. I have had 3 transplants but all have rejected so,I feel with my \"experiences\" I can offer HELP to anyone that needs it or a friend or shoulder to lean on. I know that going to dialysis and sitting for those long and dreadful hours seems like torture and that life will never be \"normal\" but you have to keep a positive outlook on the situation. I know this may sound harsh but the bottomline is.....EVERYDAY I GO TO DIALYSIS,IS ANOTHER DAY I LIVE! You have to accept your treatment as part of your routine and look into other options such as transplant. Your life does not have to stop because you are on dialysis 3 times a week. I live a normal life,I work,I travel whenever I want to(make sure to give your dialysis center at least 1 months notice of your travel dates).To me,the three most important steps you can take to live a long time on dialysis(The average life span used to be 5 years.I dont know if that has changed) 1.NEVER miss your dialysis treatments,2.Pay close attention to your diet and keep your fluid intake to a minimum. and 3. learn to speak up and voice your concerns and dont be afraid to ask questions....remember it is YOUR LIFE!!!",
	"I originally received my new kidney from my sister on 2/20/06. Now, just a little over six months later, the kidney is infected with my original kidney disease, MPGN. Unfortunately, the doctors told me that I did have a 40% chance of this occurring with my type of kidney disease.\n\nI went back to Mayo Clinic (Rochester) on Friday and got another biopsy (that is two since the transplant) because my Creatinine went from 1.1 to 1.9 in a matter of two weeks. We got the preliminary results back Friday and they want me to go back to Rochester on Monday to start a few days of some sort of treatment. The exact treatment type depends on the final results that we will get back on Monday.\n\nIt is so dissapointing to have this wonderful gift be destroyed in such a short amount of time. I hate telling my sister any of my results because I feel like I failed her. For anyone else who has had to go through the loss of a transplant, can you let me know how you felt and what you experienced?",
	"ok, just recently had my pd catherter inserted, getting ready to start the training for the home dialysis. My question is, hope somebody can give me some idea. . . after starting the home dialyis, maybe give it a few months to see how it affects me. and hopefully after getting some energy and feeling better, is there a chance of my kidneys starting to get better or maybe working better to where i wont need to be on dialysis anymore i dont really know at this point if just one or both of my kidneys are in failure,just was told to get he pd catherter put in and to get started on dialysis. I feel like such a dummy. ... . .I really need more education and information about all of this",
	"I am 49 yrs. old and recently was diagnosed with CKD. I guess I am at Stage 3 (GFR 42.0). My mother who is 69 yrs. old also has CKD (GFR 33). My aunt (mother's sister) was recently diagnosed w/CKD too. The doctor performed a Fabrey's test on me to see if we had a genetic thing going on, but my test result was negative, but the doctor says I still have CKD. We have stumped the doctors because my Mom and I don't have diabetes or HBP to cause our CKD. My aunt does have Type 2 diabetes.",
	"i am interested in losing weight but im often tired after doing dialysis or weak. i do nxstage dialysis 6 days a week for about 3 hours. my kidneys were taken out and i have low blood pressure ever since. i am weak and sometimes dizzy. sometimes the dizzyness is very bad especially when i stand up or bend over. what is a good exercise for me. something low impact but will help me get the exercise i need for weight loss? also, does anyone have a sample diet plan that will help me lose weight taking into consideration the protein requirements of a kidney patient?\nthanks",
	"hi all my name is sharon and my husband was just told he was in renal failure a couple days ago.he has spent the last few days in icu at the hospital and had to start dialysis.this is a whole new lifestyle to try to live with now and any advice anyone can give i would be happy to hear from.my husbands name is karlandhe is 47 years old,he only had one kidney due to loseing one in a car accident many years ago(1985)he has many other health problems on topof this and now will probably not be able to return to work.i have not got a clue on really what he can eat,and i know he has to limit his intake of fliuds.i do work in healthcare so kind of have an idea on how dailysis works but never thought it would be on a first hand bases so soon......looking forward to replys........+",
	"Hiya, I'm new here and would like to thank everyone who posts. So much information has been gleaned from people posting their experiences and it has helped my introduction into the world of renal failure to be less scary. So to all kudo's.\n\nAs for me, I have had an autoimmune disorder \"Rheumatoid Arthritis\" for 4-5 years. So many of the initial symptoms of acute renal failure, I just chalked up to be either symptons of RA or new symptons brought on by that diseases progression.\n\nUntil one day, about a month ago, I woke up nauseated and a bit dizzy, had hiccups \"which i never have\" and started noticing my skin was dry and peeling.\nOver the course of the week, being the Einstein that I am, I ignored all these warnings until i woke up so dizzy and sick, my brain felt like it was in slow motion, started zoning out, limbs felt like they were 200lbs each and couldnt even stand without losing my balance.\n\nAt this point I went to the hospital and had a interesting night of getting a catheter for a dialysis put into my groin, a penile catheter, Anal probe \"suspected I was bleeding contrary to my insistence I wasnt\" 2 bags of transfused blood in one arm, with another iv pumping 4 bags of saline fluid and about 8 vials blood, naturally, all at different times lol.\n\nThis is not to scare anyone from going to the ER, rather its meant as a cautionary tale that most of my treatment was because I waited. If I went at initial symptom onset much of what I went through could have been avoided.\n\nAnyhow 2 weeks later \"Yeah i kinda was in bad shape\" had a fistula put into my arm, had the groin catheter removed and got a replacement in my chest/neck. I was discharged and walked out with a big bag of pills, and a dialysis clinic i was being referred too.\n\nIts been a week now since Ive been going to the dialysis clinic. Overall my staff have been fairly kind, with a few people being exceptional in how they relate to me as a patient.\n\nSo, I'm a 31 yo single guy and am just entering this wide and often scary world of renal failure. With you veterans continually sharing your experiences and offering advice, i may just get through it in decent enough shape",
	"Thank God I found this site!!!!\n\nMy husband just started class for capd last week.\nI was able to make it to 2 of his classes.\nI've been reading the information he brings home.\nI did get to watch him do a exchange. I'm trying to learn about this and pass the class with him.\n\nHe has a very positive attitude about dialysis.\n\nOnly one thing. I worry all the time about his health.\nAnd all the what if's....\n\nHe almost died 4 years ago due to Chronic renal failure. Due to backup of urine to his kidneys. He has been in and out of the hospital since. And we had no insurance.\nWe lived the good life own our business nice house,cars. But dumb us no health insurance.\n\nSo we lost it all had to file for Bankruptcy. Yep they took all assets. God bye old life. Hello new life.\n\nNow we rent a house. Drive a old van.\nOne thing I have learn is. If you don't take care of your health it will take from your wealth.\n\nThe best thing is I still have my husband. Thats all that matters anyways.\n\nHe is sleeping I'm up worring like always. And we have class in a few hours.\n\nSorry about this long post. I just thought I would do a intro for you members. I'll be here for a long time.\n\nI'm sure I will have a lot of question for yall.\n\nAny tips you have. Please let me know.\n\nThank You,\nKat",
	"I will be brief. My cr. is now 2.5 has been in the 2's for 15 months..but i am seeing the transplant team in october. I had a 2nd opinion today and she said if i have a living donnor at a cr. of 3 i could get a transplant. i am 28 and only 64 iches..so some my size a cr. of 3 is like 5 in someone esle. I am asmymptomtic..and no amenia but have secondary hyperparathyroid. however I wouldnt need dialysis until a cr of like 6. she said its best to transplant because i am a young healthy woman..and I want more babies..its best fo rmy fertility. hopefully my husband or brother are a match. she said a live doner graft can last 30 years. I have only been aware of my disease for a year. however my stupid GP mad a mistake when my cr. was 1.1 I was in stage 2 based on my size and age..and she said it was normal. my left kidney is small and has 0 function my right kidney is 9.5cm but never compansaited. well thats it for now..my 7 month old is crying",
	"Hello. I am new on this so please bear with me. My name is mcjonval and have had diabetes since 1981. Its been a L O N G travel. Good days and bad days. I had found out I had kidney desease a few years ago. I am in third stage and have been for a couple years now. I have also blood pressure trouble because of it, and Anemia also. I took procrit for about 2 years plus Iron tablets to help that work. Recently I was taken off of Procrit, but they are watching to see if I will need put back on it. I have also troble with Cholesteral, and my Potassium is elevated and they want me to get it down. Also trouble with memory etc... I have had 2 lazer surgery in both eyes and it was very successful. Thank God Almighty! I suffer w/neropothey in my legs, and restless legs too sometimes. ( I also suffer with D.D.N.O.S. Dissacociative Disorder not otherwise specified.) All in all I am a healthy person who loves to do many things. I like art and building things as well as many other things. I love to go to church and to go to parks and citys to see lit up buildings as well as the corn grow in the country. I like to walk in the woods too! The thing that never seems to leave the back of my mind is the kidney desease as well as the 4th and 5th stages and what all that means?  Since I can't tell much other then the blood tests etc... I still wonder what will I face someday in the future, and HOW to prepare mentally for all that. iIam a prayer worrior so I know that is my best thing to do. What are things though that I should try to understand by those who suffer with it or are going through what i am. I do not normally talk about all this with any one(except my hubby and what I can share) or all the different symptoms I suffer with. Does any one want to tell me there ideas or storys or even fears that cause you problems? If so, I would love to hear from you. Thanks so much for listening to me. mcjonval",
	"My Dialysis nurse told me to use Zinc to keep my hair from falling out, I have noticed in the last two weeks my hair is getting thinner and the brush is getting full, strands of hair are getting on my pillow, is there something else I can do to stop this, I am so depressed about it, I have been doing Hemo in center since March. Sue",
	"Hi Everyone. My name is Kellie. I am new to this site. My mother recently started dialysis (about 3 months ago) - 2 months was done while she was in the hospital while in critical condition, this last month she is home and has dialysis 3 times a week. The first 2 or 3 times, she did fine. Since then, every single time they \"over dry\" her. She says their weight machine (measured in liters) is wrong. She stated that they can weight her 3 times and all three times the numbers are different. They set the machine to dialyze her according to her highest weight (this is the way she explains it to me). Each time, she is over dried...it happened twice yesterday during her dialysis. Once she gets finished, she is physically worn out and physically sick with a headache, no energy, hot, cold, sweats, just all around not feeling well, therefore she spends 3 days a week (after dialysis) in bed (which isn't good for her). Before she went on dialysis she was in the hospital for 5 months, and sick for a total of 8 months. She crashed twice while in the hospital.\n\nWhat can be done about her being \"over dry\" and what can be done at home to make her feel better afterwards if she's been \"over dry\". Now she gets scared every time she goes for dialysis and has mentioned that if it is going to continue to make her feel so bad, she will stop. I know if she stops, she will die in a matter of days or weeks (everytime she gets dialysis they drain almost 3 liters off of her). 3 liters of fluid build up 48 hours is a lot of fluid. She would for sure go into congestive heart failure again.\n\nNeed help or suggestions on what can be done. My mother says their weight machine is wrong and they need to purchase a new one and she stated yesterday that she was going to tell them to go by her lowest number rather than her highest number so she won't get over dry. She said if they do not do that, she will not have the dialysis done. Should we look for another clinic?\n\nDesperate and need help and advise.\n\nThank you,\nKellie Warren",
	"I have kidney failure and am down to my last 1/4 of a single kidney as I only have the one looking after it is a good idea well I crashed off my mountain bike at high speed and landed on my right side where I have the kidney and ever since I have not been well I had bloods done which weren't fantastic so the hospital asked for a repeat 2 days later which I did and the results had improved slightly but I still feel crappy and still have constant moderate kidney pain and was wondering if it was possible to damage the kidney and have fairly stable blood results I don't have an infection haven't got any worse but haven't got any better either and thoughts would be much appriciated.\n\nScrub - New Zealand",
	"My 81 year old father-in-law, on dialysis more than 2 years, is suffering from leg and arm cramps, helped by quinine, now is experiencing moderate to severe pain in both legs from knee to toe. Rubbing down with AsperCreme is offering little to no relief. Can anyone help?",
	"HELLO EVERYONE. I TAKE CARE OF MY MOTHER-IN-LAW WHO IS IN THE FINAL STAGES OF KIDNEY FAILURE. HER KIDNEYS ARE WORKING AT 5% NOW. SHE STARTED DOING DIALISIS BUT WAS SO SICK FROM IT THAT SHE QUIT. SHE WAS COMPLETELY BED RIDDEN FROM IT. SHE LOST 50 lbs WHILE ON DIALISIS. SHE WOULD CONSTANTLY THROW UP AND NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP ANYTHING DOWN. HER DOCTORS GIVE HER ABOUT 3 MONTHS TO LIVE. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT ALTHOUGH ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE ON DIALISIS, I DONT THINK IT IS FOR EVERYONE. I HAVE WATCHED HER GO FROM A LADY THAT LOVED TO TAKE HER GRANDCHILDREN FISHING, TO SOMEONE WHO CAN BARELY GET OUT OF BED EVERY DAY. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL WITH YOUR TREATMENTS AND GOD BLESS.",
	"Hi my name is Ester.I Live in australia, I have been on HD for 10 years but before that,I was on PD for 5 years. I was born in the Philippines . I have been merried for 35 years and live in Melbourne I have 2 chilren a son 34 and a Daughter 29 years who is getting married next month .I have 2 beautiful grand Children , Thomas 1 year old and Sacha 3years old .\n\nI look forward to getting to know you all .good health best wishes\n\nlove ester",
	"I poster in wrong place yesterday, but I finally figured out where to post. I appreciate anyone advice, I'm so scared and depressed right now, I'm posting my message again. I apologize.\n\nI am new to this sight, I don't know where to post a new thread, but I also was diagnosed with uric acid and have been complaining to my doctors of joint pains for quite sometime and I also found out last week that I have a defienciency in vitamin d 25 hydroxy, my neuphroligist that I have had for 2 years skipped on me, so now I have a new one. My createnine went up from 1.8 to 2.1 in three months and my new doctor tells me that I'm am now in stage four and I should look to be on dyalisis within the next year, he said it has to do with your age and weight and sex. Now I have a dilemma, I had brain anyurism last year it was repaired with coils and it is now time to get a angiogram with contrast to see if the coils are still intact, I'm scared to death, I don't know what to do. My father was on dialysis, he went through hell for three years, I don't think that is what I want to do, I want to prolong my life as is as long as I can. I have had four surgeries in the last 12 months and now I'm facing this crainal angio, I don't know what to do about this contrast. I'm sorry for interrupting this thread, I don't know where to post. Sorry for my spelling and grammar, my first language is Italian",
	"My wife has been on hemo dialysis since Jan of 2006 She had cronic renal failure for two and one half years prior to jan 06 but no dialysis....She became very ill in dec 05;stopped breathing on two occasions developed pheumonia.The doctors put her on hemo and it saved her life...During the initial stages of hemo (first month)she was running very high BPs and with the blood thinner heperin she took a stroke. There was some bleeding on the brain...We've had a very trying year thus far but i do see slow but sure improvment....I have a question ,dialysis session related complication...Will ask if i receive a reply....Just want to know if I am doing this correctly first......",
	"Hello Everyone!\nI just wanted to introduce myself! My name is Andrea and I just started my class tech. class a few weeks ago. I am hoping that I can be help to everyone if it just a shoulder to lean on or a ear to listen. I have a chronic illness myself which the doctors can not figure out. Also, my daughter is autistic, and she will rely on her parents forever and I have quite a bit of background in the medical field myself. I hope that I can be assistance to you guys to the best of my ability. I want to be a Social Worker and specialize in Dialysis eventually later on in my future. Well, I guess that is all. I look forward to talking with everyone.\nLove,\nAndrea",
	"Hi,During dialysis And this is every dialysis marlie's \"my wife\"Bp drops....Usually a nurse will shut of the UF for a period of time...In the end they don't usually get to their goal...I've found that if i give her a small drink or a portion of sandwich even when the Bp is low that it immediately causes the BP to rise......I've been told all along by nurses and doctors that the Bp drops...So they don't advise doing so..Has anyone else experianced this situition and if so i would appreciate whatever imput you might have.......John Mac Isaac PS the wife's name is Marilyn Frances 48 Thank you",
	"Hi everyone,\n I recently found this forum and decided to join! I am a member of other kidney boards, but you can't ever have enough support (or friends!)\n I was diagnosed with Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease in 1972 at age 12, have been on dialysis and had 2 kidney transplants- the first one in 1973 from my older sister...one of the first transplants performed at the center where I live. It rejected badly and I almost died, but just 4 yrs later, I got a kidney from a young man killed in a motorcycle accident. With this kidney, I've never had any rejection episodes at all. The transplant will be 30 yrs old in 2007-and doing pretty well after all these years...the doctors say that it is slowly wearing out, but right now, I feel pretty good-probably better than I have in years. My creatinine remains stable at about 2.3 to 2.6.\n I've had other \"extras\" that sometimes come with a transplant...the long-term use of steroids caused me to have to have both knees replaced by age 44 and cataracts removed a couple of years ago. No big deal, though. Having a functioning kidney is worth a few setbacks.\n I've lived most of my life with a transplant and have been able to do a lot of things I wouldn't have had I not had this kidney. My younger sister also has had a transplant (she had MCKD too-it is genetic) and she went on to have a baby-who just turned 17! My niece is deaf, but is in every other way a normal teen...she drives my sister crazy! LOL\nI don't have kids, but I have 4 beautiful and talented nieces whom I lavish all my love and affection...(of course, being their aunt, I might be a bit prejudiced! ) They are truly the lights in my life and if I had not had my transplant, I might not have been around to enjoy them, so I am very thankful.\n I guess I have talked enough about myself -I am very excited to get to know you guys...I hope I can help in some way and also learn from all of you. Treatment for kidney disease has changed a lot over the years and much of this stuff is completely new to me so I am hoping to get an education along with making new friends!\n Pam",
	"My husband's kidneys shut down and apparently they had been shut down totally for about a month. He has had kidney failure for 16 years, but has always stayed right above needing dialysis. However, he became dehydrated and they totally quit. They have started working again, but the doc says hubby may have to start dialysis as he doesn't think they will get back to where they were before dehydration. He just got out of the hospital tonight after a 9 day stay. He's the kind of guy that doesn't worry about anything, but this has him depressed. Any help? Advise? I'm scared too.\n\nThanks for listening.\nKelly",
	"short video I made of me doing catheter work at home before connecting to my Hemo machine.\n\n http://media.putfile.com/lsb1a",
	"I have recently travelled across the country by auto. I stopped at 20 different dialysis centers. I found each center to be caring and more than capable. Ofcourse, I liked some better than others, but that was mainly due to personalities rather than care. I would not hesitate to do the trip again. In fact my husband has the map out already.\n\nThe only problem was getting a time (12:00)! Often I had to wait until the day before my visit. We began researchiing areas that offered dialysis to travelers. We then mapped out a route from California to Virginia and return, to include stops where dialysis was available. Once we got our days we worked our schedule from that. If they couldn't give me a time, I scheduled a two night stay in that city. We only made hotel reservations when we thought it might be diffult to find lodging near a center.\n\nDon't hesitate, it can be fun. We visited many different sites. Okla. Memorial, Grand Canyon, Graceland, Little Rock, Yellowstone, museums in DC, etc.",
	"Hello guys Im Cassandra Moore, from Minnesota, I just turned 20 last April and my health insurance has been cancelled, I got a physical to check things out before then and my alt and ast liver enzyms were up so I got a ultrasound of my liver, nothing found.. got another blood test a couple days later and they were normal, then I turned 20 and my insurance cancelled..\nBut recently, I have been having this pain in my upper middle back down through my right side, it hurts when I stretch out and it hurts when I take deep breaths, the pain on a scale of 1-10 is about an 8 when I take deep breaths and about a 7 when I stretch the wrong way. I have some trouble swallowing too.. I am concern because if something happens to me my life is not insured.\nI have been surfing the net for good health insurance, i came into http://www.insurancepaylite.com has anyone tried online insurance? how effective is the online quote system? can i depend my money on these?\n\nthanks in advance.\nCassandra",
	"I was diagnosed with MPGN Type 1 in 2002 when I was 23 weeks pregnant with my second child. My baby was born healthy at 3 1/2 weeks early and I started \"treatment\" of the disease 1 day after my daughter was born. My kidneys lasted until she was almost 4 years old and I got a transplant from my sister on 2/20/06.\n\nAt my three month check-up w/ biopsy it was confirmed that MPGN had already started in my new kidney and I was experiencing mild rejection. I was treated for that rejection with IV Solumedrol.\n\nMy creatinine started rising again 3 month later so I had another biopsy this month. This biopsy confirmed progression of the MPGN in the new kidney and rejection AGAIN! I was put in the hospital for 3 days to treat the rejection and this round of treatment was followed-up with yet another biopsy. Still more MPGN progression.\n\nToday I had a 7 hour IV of Rituxan and will have another one in two weeks. This is in hopes to try to get rid of some of the antibodies that are attacking the new kidney.\n\nI feel so bad that my body is already destroying this wonderful gift that my sister has given me just a short time ago. Mayo clinic is even asking for more blood work from my sister to do another cross-match test! They did several of these before the transplant and everything looked great at that time but now it looks like changes in my body due to meds, etc. may have made us incompatible....WOW. I have never heard of that happening before.\n\nDoes anyone else have experience with MPGN Type I and a transplant?\n\nThank you for your time.",
	"I've been educating myself about nutrition for chronic kidney disease...just finished Kidney School and read Dr. Mackenzie Walser's book Coping with Kidney Disease.\n\nI just ordered three other books through my library.\n\nI was wondering how many of you pre-dialysis tried a low protein diet. It sounds like a difficult diet to follow but if it delays the need for dialysis as claimed I would be willing to try it.\n\nHow many of you find that preparing meals ie. finding the ingredients that are low in protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorous is doable?\n\nI find even following just a low sodium diet can be challenging. Adding all of these other restrictions sound insurmountable.\n\nThe only good thing is I only need to worry about cooking for myself...though I hate to cook...always am looking for short cuts. Any suggestions would be appreciated.\n\nThanks in advance and God bless all of you and keep you.",
	"I've noticed that so many of you have loving close family members who help you with your depression, dialysis and other difficulties.\n\nHow do people handle these varying problems who have no close relatives with whom to confide and ask for help?\n\nI know that friends can be \"family\" too. But, I don't know that I could ask them to help shoulder this challenge.\n\nAlso, those of you who have had transplants, how many of you have had family or friends donate and how many have had cadaver transplants?\n\nWhich blood type usually has the most difficult time to find a transplant donor?\n\nThanks in advance",
	"Hi Guys,\n\nI wanted to know I am a full time worker.........have my own insurance but I was told that after so many years like 3 on dialysis medicaid has to become your primary insurance and then your private becomes your secondary.........\n\nI am so confuse..........why do we have to go thru this because I am experiancing that in this process I would pay more out of pocket.......can someone help explain or atleast give advice because anyone who knows of a kidney patient knows it's quite expensive......\n\nplease help",
	"I am having a hard time breathing while i'm on dialysis. It is like i've just run a mile, and can't catch my breath. I have COPD and am thinking that might be my problem, do any of you have any answers for me as to why i am having a hard time breathing?",
	"i have been on dialysis for 6 years now, the last 2 on pd. i had my mammogram on monday and the said both breast looked suspicious so they want to schedule a bilateral needle biopsy. i asked if they thought it was cancer and they said they didn`t know. said it could have something to do with my esrd. has anyone ever heard of this? i also had a double bypass in april where they removed an artery from each breast.could this have anything to do with it? just scared i guess and wanted to talk. thanks for listening. if this is a repeat i`m sorry. didn`t know how to start a new thread.",
	"Is anyone using nutrition therapy as a means to delay the progression of CKD? I've noticed that most on this site are either already on dialysis and/or are dealing with transplants.\n\nI've just been diagnosed...late stage 2 or early stage 3I've been doing a lot of reading and a few authors discuss nutrition therapy, but it seems that the government is more into spending money on dialysis or transplants instead of prevention or delaying the need for dialysis and/or transplants.\n\nI'd like to hear from anyone who has tried nutrition therapy and what his/her response to it has been or was.\n\nThank you.\nQuilter",
	"Hi1 I just saw this forum for dialysis patients\nmy name is anurag ,i'm from india and i've been on peritoneal dialysis since 1995\nwhen i was 12 to 14 yrs old i kept on suffering from urinary troubles and was very underweighted but doctors couldn't diagnose anything reulting in the subsequential failure of my kidneys.\nin the early stages i was very much like a normal person so everybody thought that the kidneys were rcovering but god had something else in his mind.\nslowly my kidneys kept on detoriating and a stage came when i was in my 11th class in college that my kidneys totally failed and in emergency i was admitted to hospital\ndoctors found that water had entered my lungs and slowly toward heart\ni just died my pulse was 5-10 heart rate\nnow comes gods grace and i started recovring and was admitted to icu of sgpgi,the main hospital and trauma centre\na pericardial window was made and water removed\nslowly my pulse started improving and i was put on haemodialysis\nill fated this dialysis didnt suited me and so i was shifted to pd ward and catheter put in peritoneum and capd was started\nsince those periods of intense pain and pressure i've been on capd\nmy blood levels are very high though\nurea 110\ncreatnine 14.5\nsince my intro is so long iwouldn't waste any of ur time but would surely wait for any of ur response for further communication and what u feel for dialysis patients\ni would be writing more when i get any response",
	"Hi\n\nI realize this is probably the wrong place to go. But I am desperate to find someone to give me a couple of answers regarding my kidney disease. I am a diabetic of 25 plus years...........63 years old, GFR around 50-60, protein is at 1.25 gr/24hr ten months ago.........fixing to test again soon. My question is can one maintain a slow rate of progression with protein levels as high as 2 grams or so.............I cant find anyone to give me an answer. I am sure my levels are up.........as the urine is much more foamy than it has been..............just trying to figure out how much longer before I am going to be tied down to the machine.\n\nIf anyone can tell me from their experience it would be appreciated.\n\nExpander",
	"hello every one",
	"My Mother is on dialysis she also has diabetes and a number of other problems. She recently had her left leg taken off due to the diabetes. My problem is she will now have to be in a nursing home. are there any nursing homes in the columbia area that also do dialysis? She lives in New Jersey and i would like to move her here so i can be with her. Or do nursing homes transport them back and forth to dialysis. If any has any information i would appreciate it. Can anyone point me in the right direction to get information? I just want her near me in her last days but don't know how to go about it.",
	"My father is going to begin hemodialysis in a couple of days. He lives alone, and preparing dialysis-friendly meals is not something he's up to at this time. So I'm wondering if there's anything in grocery stores these days that might fit the bill, something like the TV dinners of yesteryear. Any suggestions?\n\nWe (his children) have made some meals for him using some of the recipes on this website. What a great thing that is! It's been a big help.\n\nThanks.",
	"Why doesn't anyone talk about money here? I am freaking out about how to pay my bills now. To get food stamps I'll have to cash in my life insurance policies. (Not that they are very much) My husband has been unable to work for the past month and started dialysis about 10 days ago. How do people live? I just got my house insurance bill which is due in 2 months ($1300.00) I make barely enough to pay the essentials (electric, car insurance, phone, gas & groceries) and that's with the defferment of my house payment and student loan. Social Security Disability said that would take about six months, with no back pay. What am I suppose to do for six month? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. I am so worried. I'm sorry about the whining, but I have no one else to talk to or share these concerns with.\n\nThanks, Kelly",
	"My husband has been on peritonal dialysis since July 04 and on the cycler at night since Dec. 04. We have been through the testing for a transplant at Clarion/IU Hospital in Indianapolis IN. He lost the required weight and has done everything the transplant team asked him to do. We have now been informed that we are basically \"too poor\" for him to recieve a transplant. We have insurance thru the state of Indiana which is where I am employeed. We also have my husband on Medicare part A & B. We have had a few fund raisers for him, as they asked us to do, to help cover the costs of the anti-rejection medicines. We were told by Clarion/IU that we could appeal to the company that makes the anti-rejection medicines to recieve a grant of sorts to cover any fees that insurance doesn't cover. But apparently that does not apply at this time. My husband is becoming very discouraged and this is not good for him. He is still employeed full time and a father to our two sons ages 10 and 16. Has anyone else had this problem?",
	"We are two senior product design students from Western Michigan University doing research on dialysis enviornments for our thesis project and need your feedback/input. We have also posted other question throughout the forum, feel free to respond to those also.\n\n\n\nAre you capable of exercizing or any type of movements while dialysizing (sp?) More specificaly could anyone elborate on the range of motion you would have while dialysizing? Such as: can you get out of your seat, walk around, run in place, go to the bathroom, etc?\n\nThank you for your time!!!!!!  \n\nTony & Alan",
	"We are two senior product design students from Western Michigan University doing research on dialysis enviornments for our thesis project and need your feedback/input. We have also posted other question throughout the forum, feel free to respond to those also.\n\n\nWe would like to know whether you prefer privacy or social interaction while dialyzing (sp?) or a mixture of both? Please feel free to eloborate or tell a story or two.\n\n\nThank you for your time!!!!!!  \n\nTony & Alan",
	"We are two senior product design students from Western Michigan University doing research on dialysis enviornments for our thesis project and need your feedback/input. We have also posted other question throughout the forum, feel free to respond to those also.\n\n\nWhile dialyzing can you eat or drink any liquids? (while blood is cycling) If so, are there any restictions or limitations? Feel free to elborate, such as what you prefer to eat or drink at this time?\n\n\nThank you for your time!!!!!!\n\nTony & Alan",
	"My MIL does not stick to her diet and has had her dialysis time increased by a half hour each visit. She is nauseated and vomits sometimes. I am having the worse time with her. She is 85 and wants to eat junk and sweets. Other members of the family let her have what she wants and tell me to let her live the way she wants, but I am so tired of hospital visits and all of the complications of not staying on a proper diet. Should I just back off?",
	"I would like to Thank everyone for their time. Some of you have requested that we introduce our self, situation, and why we are doing this research. WE are senior industrial design students at western michigan university. What is industrial design exactly?  well to put it simply, we design products... any and all products you can imagine, from an ipod to a car to hospital beds, and not just how they look, we focus on human factors, ergonomics, materials, packaging, manufacturing, some engineering and alot of conceptualization.\n\nfor this particular project, our senior thesis, which started in sept and will go all the way till may, we have been sponsored by stryker medical to focus on the enviroment for kidney dialysis patients. We are focusing on making the environment and experience better for patients. Like something to do while dialyzing. Making it more comforting for you and everyone involved. We do understand the different types of dialysis, but not so much how the experience is. We have tried and tried to actually go to clinics to do our research but, due to many privacy laws and expenses to gain entry this is almost impossible  . So we can't get the feel for what it is like, what restrictions you have, what you do while there, what you dislike, what you like, really what we are looking for is problems. Who knows one day you might go to your dialysis clinic and bam there is a whole new set-up. You have all these great things to interact with and keep you busy, and as crazy as this might sound you actually look forward to going. \n\nWe would love to hear your feedback, situations, problems, or anything to help us out. We really do appreciate your time and involvement with our research. We will be posting other questions in the forum. we have dont some internet research but what we are lacking is the personal insight and specific details, rather than just reading all the posts on the forums we wanted to be able to build relationships and make the reasearch more personal, this will make it alot more helpful to us and hopefully more enjoyable for you all as well. \n\nIf we have left out any information that anyone wants to know then just ask. We look forward to hearing from you all.\n\nTony & Alan",
	"My father in law is 61 and has CKD for last 6 yrs with 20% kidney function. Obesity and love for food makes his treatment complicated. The doctors have indicatied dialysis in 3-6 months and he is disheartened to know that. His doppler test showed calcium deposits in veins in his feet which results in his foot swelling 3 times the actual size.\nThe problem is related to CKD but the doctors are not able to suggest a treatment for the swollen foot. Has anyone in a similar conditoin being able to alleviate the swelling ?? not necessarily through medication..",
	"i'm 43 years old taken care of my 79 year old dad that has just started to do kidney dialysis.\nmy dad is having a hard time with this.\nhe wasnt in great health before do dialysis, he has many other health problems and his kidney are shot.\nbefore starting dialysis my dad was hospitalize for other health reason.he was not taken his mediaction properly and his kidney's started to poison his body.he wasnt eating.\nnow that he is home he eats like a little bird.he has had 2 dialysis treatment.and tells me he's hungry but doesnt know what he wants to eat.we have plenty for him to eat, but he refuses to eat until i cook it for him.but what i have he dont want it.he wants me to make 4-5 trips to the store to get his meals for him.i have asked him for a list and i would get it for him but that is not good enough for him.\ni have a husband and 3 children still in school.\nmy dad right now is going through the poor me right now, he is feeling to sorry for himself right now.\nhis doctor says he has to eat and he has to watch what he eats and for some reason my dad is rebellon about this.\nhe keeps tell me that i have taken on to much.\nyes maybe i have taken on to much.im willing to help but he is not giving me a chance.he is driving me crazy with this behavior.\nhe doesnt care if i have other things to do for my family..its almost like he wants me to just sit with him 24-7.\ni cant do that.when needed i can.but my dad can get up and move around and do things on his own.but he is not wanting to do this....\ni know we just started dialysis and he is going to feel different.but he isnt even given it a chance.and he is maken it so hard on me...\nmy temper is getting short, because i just dont get what he is doing to himself.\n he was told he didnt have to do the dialysis but he agreed to do it.....\ni dont know if this is all normal.i have talked to his doctors and they said he should start to feel better.\ni hope this is the case.",
	"My daughter has had Lupus for 11 1/2 years and has been on hemo for just over 2 yrs. She has lost almost all of her hemo access and had a PD catheter placed 10 days ago. She had and continues to have terrible abdominal pain. She had her first transfer this past friday and is on powerful pain meds. There is NO sign of any infection, the fluid is clear and has been tested several times. The catheter sign is infection free. She also had an ultrasound to check for other problems. There is no sign of an problems. Has anyone out there experienced pain that finally subsided?",
	"http://www.lowsaltfoods.com/\nhttp://www.healthyheartmarket.com/\nhttp://www.megaheart.com/\n\nI have used healthy heart market and they are great. The Megaheart site is the work of the guy from the no salt lowest sodium cookbook. This cookbook is great for learning to bring sodium down. These are more geared towards heart patients, but they are a good source of information on a low salt diet.\nLSB",
	"im new here so hi to all..i'm wondering if medicare helps with payment ...like they do at the dialysis centers..my wife is a retired nurse..and learning this would be like threading a sewing mechine for her..i feel so bad after taking dialysis (3) times a week and just know if i could do this at home my life and i know hers would be so much better..does anyone out there answer my ? because that is all the insurance i have....thanks sunshine1938",
	"Hello everyone my name is Arturo! and i was born with Hypoplastic kidneys!. And right now i am currently on hemO!! wich it's really not fun, but! i thought it was the best way to go so that i can still live a ok life. Wich would include work and all that stuff. But i just wanted to talk to ppl that can relaite to me!. I Anyone out there! have this same DISIESE? i feel like im the only one Born diffrent!! like i have always felt like i was the DIFFRENT!! person the sick bOY!! i sometimes feel this waY!. But i know im better then thaT! and some how i mange to keep it together!. I'll stop boring you guys out there! If u guys wanna hollar go ahead peace out!!\n\n\n\nART",
	"haha just messiN!! but i wish i had a transplant now!!",
	"I'm trying to help my 80 year old mother plan meals for Dad (non-dialysis so far). He is 84 and in stage 4 CKD. He needs low everything including protein. All the meal plans I can find have too many eggs. She was told 1 egg every 14 days. Does anyone know of meal plans I can find that would offer her some assistance? thanks",
	"OK, I have been all over the net and can not find an answer. I am needing to know how much protein seeps from the chicken/meat that I use to make stock with. My husband is only allowed 5oz or 55gm per day. I have stopped using ANY premix/premade/prepackaged anything. He is under orders from me not to eat anything but a salad outside our house.",
	"My 81 yr old father-in-law was prescribed prednisone for a bad rash and for 10 days felt \"normal\", better than he had in three years! His feet and legs did not hurt, his back did not hurt, his quality of life zoomed. I know it helped with the rheumatoid arthritis and that 's a big part of why he felt better. He would love to keep taking a low dose prednisone. Have any of you heard of this? Is there a way to convince his doctor to try this? I know there are side effects to be aware of, but he liked feeling normal and wants to feel normal again!",
	"My mother is not new to dialysis. She has been on a 3-time per week regimen for the past year and has been doing very well. She suffered the loss of her single kidney last year. As sole caregiver to my father, who at the time was alive and had late stage demetia, this was a devastating blow. My mother lost a lot of her energy and mobility after a 2 month hospital stay and ended up on dialysis, and coudl no longer take care of Dad.\n\nMy mother lives a pretty good distance from my sister and me, and we're doing what we can to try to get her placed in an assisted living environment closer to us. She is quite lonely now as my father passed in July of this year. She has bonded with some of her mates in dialysis, but otherwise we're her main social outlet.\n\nThe trouble we're having is getting her placed with a local dialysis unit in Chester County, PA. Davita maintains 2 in the area near where we want to move our Mother, but unfortunately there are no available seats in either center and apparently a wait list exists at both locations. We need to find her a center near where we want to move her to facilitate paratransit to a nearby (eg, in the county) dialysis center. So we cannot move Mom in what is an unfortunate Catch-22. She is older and frail and we're worried about leaving her alone much longer. I for one worry that a hip fracture is right around the corner. The woman has suffered enough and we want to try to help.\n\nJust wondering if anyone else has experienced this type of situation, and what the steps are that we might be able to take to try to get over the wall. We've exhausted several routes, from social workers to center personnel to managers and nurses, but nothing seems to help. We can't even get a read on how long the wait lists are at the center we're looking at.",
	"My name is Trish. I have just been diagnosed with Fibrillary glomerulonephritis. My neph said the only \"treatment\" is chemo drugs and steroids. And then, only a 1/5 chance that will work. My kindneys are functioning at 25% right now. But, rapidly failing.\n\nI am afriad, and feel very alone. I know there are worse things, but I feel I have been giving a death sentance. Ok, maybe that is extreme. But, this is all new to me.\n\nI really would like to find out if anyone else has this kidney issue, or has done this treatment. Or just get some support!\n\nThanks!\n\nTrish",
	"Having watched my father go through dialysis for only three weeks, his main complaint is boredom. And truthfully, seeing a smile on his face, and on the face of the other patients in there, would be a good thing, I think.\n\nSo I was wondering what people think about pet therapy for dialysis patients. It's done in nursing homes. I think a dog is truly man's best friend and might be a nice pick-me-up for people on dialysis, sitting in the chair for three hours or more.\n\nAny thoughts? There's probably tons of legal questions involved, but good grief! What's wrong with lightening things up a little for people going through this kind of thing. I'd love to get some feedback on this.\n\nPat Porter",
	"Hello- Not knowing where to turn, I just found this wonderful site on the net. My Mother just started Dialysis about three months ago. The problem is - she is in Roseburg Oregon, and I am in New Zealand. Its very difficult for me being so far away, and mostly not knowing much about what she is going thru. I call her every week, but she always tells me she is \"o.k.\" - Even though she seems to be in and out of the hospital. Last trip to the hospital she had to have a pace maker which was a big suprise, her heart was racing, then slowing- she goes to treatments three times a week, each for three hours. This is to be for the rest of her life. My concern is three things: 1) I am afraid she will loose desire to live - with the restrictions, and I feel having a healthy spirit helps one to survive, once the mental attitude is depressed, I think that is when it would be near the end.\n2) I am wondering what the life expentancy is for someone in their late 60's - not in the best of health.\n3) I am feeling very guilty not being there for her, as I am married and have lived in New Zealand for the last 6 years. I have made a life here, but want to be with my Mother. I guess what I am saying, is there a time when I really need to consider being with her on a daily basis?\nAny one out there want any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.",
	"my husbands platletts keep dropping so they said it is because of heparin so took him off. they flush his line with saline so now not enough fluids are coming off and he is clotting up lines. does anyone know of a sub for heparin?",
	"Hello,\n\nI live in New Zealand, and my Mother lives in Winston Oregon. She has started Dialysis about three months ago.\n\nIs there any organization in the Winston/Roseburg Oregon area that provides help with visiting my Mother to see how shes doing?\n\nAt times she is too weak to do the dishes or make beds, small chores, is there a organization that can help her with this?\n\nYour help will be greatly appriecated.\n\nKathy B",
	"I suddenly feel discomfort or a burning sensation in my throat and chest usually after eating spicy and oily food why is it happening so does anyone have any idea?\n\nAny sugestions would be greatly appreciated....",
	"Hello,\n\nMy name is Quin Brace I am a nursing student via online schooling. I was given an assignment to give a report on the affects and reprecutions and mental effects on a person with dialysis. I was hoping that there was someone out there that could give me a \"true\" account of what really goes on when you are under dialysis. I did not want to just post a \"story\" based on research. I wanted to be able to tell a story that was from a patient. I do not know alot about dialysis, and that is my reasoning for the request. I wanted to give the most respect and admoration tghat is due to a dialysis patient. I thought taht if I was able to talk to anyone that I would be able to give a honest account of how this really effects you. I wanted my report to have a very human feel and not just another....What I read feeling!! I think that in order for people to really understand this process and its affects on not only the patient but their families I would have to go straight to the source. Anyone that is willing to participate would be greatly appreciated. I would be honored to be able to tell my class and your storie/s. I would not use your storeis in any foul or disrespectable manner I would use them at an autobiography type form. Once again thank you and God Bless you all in your fight!!! My prayers and heart go out to each and everyone of you.\n\nQuin",
	"Hi everyone. About a month ago my doctor admitted me to the hospital after finding severe anemia and high creatinine levels in my blood tests. I was there for a week and diagnosed with CKD. The origin unknowned.\n\nMy life was totally turned upside down. I had to leave my job. I had to change the way I ate. (I miss pizza and pastrami!) I had to get used to the constant blood tests and the bombardment of medications. While everyone tells me that they're there for me, I've never felt so alone. I'm 28, a newlywed. I have to face the fact I might not be able to ever carry a child, that I might not achieve the career goals I had set for myself. I'm trying to stay positive, but this disease is so scary.\n\nI'm not on dialysis yet, and I've started the preliminary process of trying to get approved for a transplant. I just feel like my body is failing me and that I'm defective in some way.\n\nAny words of wisdom will help. Any tips for staying strong and positive are welcomed. I just feel like I need to connect with people! Knowing this network is out there helps me feel like I'm not alone.\n\nThanks for listening.",
	"End Stage Renal Disease -- OMG it sounds as if I'm gonna die here. This label has got to go! Why couldn't it be something just as descriptive but less final? For example Continuous Treatment Renal Disease or Cleansing Stage Renal Disease or Feeling Better Renal Disease, you get the idea. End Stage is Yucky! I'm not \"end stage.\" I'm Continuing Recovery!",
	"I've been doing PD at home now for a month and 1/2 and so I know I still have a lot to learn. My question is when I'm done I feel so drained and tired and feel like I've just been through the ringer is this normal? I get headaches from time to time and feel nausious is this normal too?\n\nThanks",
	"So, here's a question....\n\nAfter getting a tranplant, do you still have to follow the renal diet?",
	"Where do you go to find out what the stats are for the hospital and/or Doctor that will perform the transplant? I have been all over the net and all I can find is the hospital web page and they do not give their stats as to fail rates or anything.",
	"Hi I am jack and my friend's son is 3 and in pre-school. He receives 30 mins. speech 1 time a week at school and 30 min O.T. 1 time a week but different days.My friend takes him 1 day a week to recieve speech and O.T. but they co-treat him so he only gets a total of 1/2 hour total. If they didn't co-treat him he would recieve 1/2hr speech then 1/2hr O.T. My friend has been asking for seperate sessions but they say it is better this way...\n\nWhat do you people say.....\n\nsugesstions will be appreciated....",
	"I've heard that drinking a lot of sodas means you have to work harder than you normally would. Even that it makes you workout even more difficult than it normally would. You tire faster. A teacher said their coach wouldn't let them drink soda because it would make their workout more difficult.",
	"Where do you go to find out what the stats are for the hospital and/or Doctor that will perform the transplant? I have been all over the net and all I can find is the hospital web page and they do not give their stats as to fail rates or anything.",
	"Hi I'm Susan from South Australia.\nI would like to encourage everyone and let you know it is possible to achieve a happy lifestyle on dialysis. I started in 1969 when I was just 16. I have seen how technology has progressed. From doing 14 hours twice a week to now 3 & 3/4 hours three times a week.\n\nI even got married 15yrs ago. How about that?\n\nThe biggest problem of course is keeping the thirst away. This thrist really is unquenchable, even if you drank a bucket it still wont take away this thirst.\n\nI have tried everything from sucking ice, sucking lemons and eating bread and butter to moisten the mouth.\n\nTwo yrs ago after 35 yrs on dialysis, I found a secret worth sharing with you. In the morning instead of tea or coffee I pour myself a cup of hot water. I have found that hot water is so soothing that even when it cools down I go back to that cup during the day it satisfies my need to drink. In the past I would drink my whole cup of tea or coffee and find that I would pour some more into the cup. Now I never put on more than l -1.5 kilo between dialysis.\nI do of course break out and enjoy what I call my black gold drink (coke) but then I feel thristy again and wish that I hadn't.\n\nGood luck to you all and just keep a positive outlook and remember that the Lord is giving us an opportunity to live life to our fullest.",
	"Hi\n\nI just had my pd tube put in on Wednesday this past week. On friday the dialysis nurse - removed the dressing and put a smaller dressing square on. She told me to buy \"antibacterial scent free liquid soap\" to wash around the site.\n\nIts been 2 days since she changed the dressing and it has really leaked. I need to change it - but I can't find \"antibacterial scent free liquid soap\". I can find \"scent free\" or \"antibacterial\" - but not together ! What do I do ? She menitoned Dove (scent free) to me but that is not antibacterial.\n\nFrustrated in Canada.\n\nL",
	"I have so many questions about donating a kidney to my sister who has been on dialysis since April. I know that being alive, the same blood type and siblings are all bonuses, but I also know there are something like nine points to a match - can anyone tell me what they are? I also have fibromyalgia and want to know how that would affect my eligibility / my sister's transplant. Thanks.",
	"Does anyone know if drying veggies diminishes the potassium, phosphorus and/or protein in the vegetable?",
	"Is anyone out there into cycling...???? I got my bike out of the shed and dusted it down. I also bought a new gel filled seat for it and I am raring to go.",
	"My creatinin is currently at 4.9 and GFR is at 13. I have Alports and I'm 51 years old. Everything I read indicates that the GFR is the gold standard and below 15 is stage 5 and you should be on dialysis.\n\nMy doctor doesn't seem to be concerned, but I'm not sure he even looks at the blood test results. The signatures on them are all different.\n\nWhen should I be pushing for dialysis and should I be worried or not at this point?\n\nThanks!\n\n\nRon:",
	"I would like to know what type of food should be provided to a person on hemodialysis machine?",
	"My son, Evan is 13 yrs old and has just moved to stage 4, he's at 28% kidney function. The doctor is projecting a transplant for him next fall...my husband and I just tissue tested and are awaiting the results. This is an overwhelming situation even though we knew it was coming some day, you are never really prepared. The information we are receiving about all of the meds and appointments seem complicated. Anyone out there that has already been the care giver through a transplant? I would love to hear the real life side of it, not just the doctor's version. What do you wish you would have been told before the fact? I would love some \"hind sight\" advice if anyone has any.\nThanks,\nLynne",
	"I have a 13 year old son who is now in stage 4 w/ creatinine of 3.3.....the doc projects his transplant for next fall. My husband and I were just tissue tested and waiting to see if we are a match. Is there any good advice you can give me that you wish you had known before the transplant? Especially things the doctors dont' mention. I am trying to find out all I can for my son. I am not exactly sure how long we will be waiting or how long to expect his new kidney to last. It's a complicated and overwhelming process and so much information. But am I getting all of the details? For example, I am concerned about the side effects of meds. I know about the steroid side effect called \"moon face\". My son is starting high school next fall and he is already self conscience about his weight. Ever since he hit stage 3 he started gaining weight like crazy. His doctor said it was unrelated, but he was always skinny until his function started dropping. Anybody out there experienced this? I am concerned that the steriod will make things worse, are there any other alternatives to taking it? Any advice will be so appreciated. We have just started wading through the information and are still dealing with our emotions, it's a tough road, isn't it.\nthanks,\nLynne",
	"Hi, my names Kyle... I'm 21 years old and about 2 months ago I was diagnosed with kidney failure and had to go on dialysis... It's very scary for me, and I'm finding it very hard to cope with all the sickness and pain that I'm going through. It's so nice to have found a forum where I can find people to relate to and ask questions.",
	"This is kind of hard for me to ask, I'm scared to even discuss it with my doctor... But the problem started when I went on dialysis, so I figured it had something to do with my condition... The problem is actually with my sperm  ... I'm not sure what's wrong, it's really, really thick and has this grayish-blue tint that just dosn't look right... Sorry if you think this is vulgar or rude, I was just trying to get to the bottom of it and see if other males on dialysis had the same problem, and if not maybe I should speak with my doctor... Thanks",
	"I went to dialysis friday and they refused to dialyze me because I have chicken pox. Is this the normal reaction to chicken pox? I had to go to the hospital to dialyze, and am not sure what's going to happen monday. They want to find me an isolation room. If I go to an isolation room at another dialysis center won't that expose me to hepatitis B? Any comments would be appreciated.",
	"My mom who is 76 is losing weight.It has gotten to the point that she has been told to eat whatever she wants and as much as she wants.\nHas anyone else had this problem ? Tonight she told me that she ate a big bowl of sourcream with bananas.\nAre they letting her eat like this because of her age?She also has a number of other health issues,heart,necrotic toes etc.",
	"I have been on pd for a little over a year, and i have an insulin pump. I have to count carbs in order to program my pump anyway does anyone know how many carbs are in my pd bags, i have talked to my dietician but she has no clue even how to figure it out. help please.",
	"I want to know why most of the European medical school degrees for 6 years, whereas in the UK its for 5 years only.I m puzzled to know because I'm a British citizen and am starting medicine in Romania, which is 6 years.\n\nBSc Genetics- University of Sheffield\n\n\nNow I am doing my MBBS Medicine at Berdea University.",
	"I am waiting to go on a transplant list for a kidney.\nMy co-ordinator/ nurse said that I need a cardiac catherization before getting on this list. This test is with dye, which can cause renal failure, sooner than I need dialysis. Are there any medications to counter act the dye? My cardiologist says there isnn't anything wrong with my heart, yet I have diabetes and they want to make sure.....I do not want to go on dialysis sooner than I need to.\nHas anyone gone through this? Please help me.\n\nThanks",
	"Does anyone know about Leeks? I can not find it on any CKD food list. I have some but I do not know if I should use them. \nConnie",
	"A medical study released on 12/16/2006 suggests that high doses of Procrit (Epogen) may increase the risk of heart problems and deaths. Researchers divided anemic patients with kidney disease into two groups. One group received epoetin (Procrit) with a goal of almost fully correcting their anemia, a lack of red blood cells associated with fatigue and shortness of breath.\n\nThe others were allowed to remain more anemic and generally received less Procrit. Patients in the first group were 34 percent more likely to die or suffer heart problems than those in the second.\n\nI have request a comment from my doctor regarding this issue and hope that all doctors treating kidney patients become aware of this study. I believe that it calls for re-thinking the use of Procrit to fully correct anemia. Perhaps the use of the drug should be reduced.\n\nThis study is to be published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the lead author is Dr. Ajay Singh, associate professor at Harvard Medical School.\n\nThis is additional important evidence to support the growing body of literature that American kidney patients receive too much Procrit. I encourage people to discuss this issue with their doctors and make sure they are educated about this study.\n\nA synopsis of the study can be found in the November 16, 2006 issue of the New York Times at the beginning of the business section.",
	"I am 38 yr old and have been coping with all this kidney stuff this past yr. I am at 40% and my Doc. says that is good. I also have qout and having to change my whole diet, but I can handle this I have to. What I want to know is: has anyone ever been told the smell like ammonia (sp) sometimes? I was told this yesterday. and it hurt my feelings realy bad. It makes me not to even hug anyone because now I wonder do i smell. If any of you have ever had thishappen tell me what do you do in this case. I hope I am not the only one who has ever been told this.",
	"Hello everyone!\n\n Just wanted to share that we're having our second support group meeting on Dec. 6th\n\n For anyone reading this in the san francisco bay area here the info:\n\nDate: Wednesday Dec 6th\n\nTime: 6:45PM\n\nLocation: Mills-peninsula health center, Garden room\n\n 100 So. san Mateo Dr. San mateo\n\nfor more info: Pd4Me2004@aol.com",
	"Hello everyone!\n\n Just wanted to share that we're having our second support group meeting on Dec. 6th\n\n For anyone reading this in the san francisco bay area here the info:\n\nDate: Wednesday Dec 6th\n\nTime: 6:45PM\n\nLocation: Mills-peninsula health center, Garden room\n\n 100 So. san Mateo Dr. San mateo\n\nfor more info: Pd4Me2004@aol.com",
	"Worth a try - I think - goto L I N K and enter info to get it.",
	"im currently 35 weeks pregnant. since the end of september i have had a stint in due to kidney stones that cloged and caused my kidney to blow out. i now have one kidney stone on the other kidney but it isnt causing me any discomfort as of yet.\n\nat that time i didnt have protein in my urine. it was red from the kidney stones yes but no protein. i still have blood in my urine from the stint that at one time was kililing me but now is just a bother since im on bedrest the rest of my pregnancy (have been for the last month)\n\nanyway, about 3 weeks after that procedure i started having protein show up in my urine. from the beginning it was +4 on the dipsticks. but for a more exact number its between 1400 and the upper 1700s on my weekly 24 hr urine collections.\n\nmy dr is treating this like pregnancy induced hypertention. the thing is i dont have high blood pressure. in fact, it runs lower than most people (low 50s). i am starting to get higher bloodpressure than that (in the mid 70s) and im getting a tiny bit of swelling in my hands. he says that even though he has never seen a PIH patient like me he has to assume that this is what it is. that gives me absolutely no comfort.\n\nthe thing is i dont think its PIH, i think its kidney related. wouldnt it have to be?\n\nive had blood tests run every week since all this started and my kidneys are filtering out the toxins. so they say they are functioning properly. but if they were functioning properly would they still be leaking so much protein?\n\nim scared and confused and dont know where else to go... can anyone help me?",
	"im currently 35 weeks pregnant. since the end of september i have had a stint in due to kidney stones that cloged and caused my kidney to blow out. i now have one kidney stone on the other kidney but it isnt causing me any discomfort as of yet.\n\nat that time i didnt have protein in my urine. it was red from the kidney stones yes but no protein. i still have blood in my urine from the stint that at one time was kililing me but now is just a bother since im on bedrest the rest of my pregnancy (have been for the last month)\n\nanyway, about 3 weeks after that procedure i started having protein show up in my urine. from the beginning it was +4 on the dipsticks. but for a more exact number its between 1400 and the upper 1700s on my weekly 24 hr urine collections.\n\nmy dr is treating this like pregnancy induced hypertention. the thing is i dont have high blood pressure. in fact, it runs lower than most people (low 50s). i am starting to get higher bloodpressure than that (in the mid 70s) and im getting a tiny bit of swelling in my hands. he says that even though he has never seen a PIH patient like me he has to assume that this is what it is. that gives me absolutely no comfort.\n\nthe thing is i dont think its PIH, i think its kidney related. wouldnt it have to be?\n\nive had blood tests run every week since all this started and my kidneys are filtering out the toxins. so they say they are functioning properly. but if they were functioning properly would they still be leaking so much protein?\n\nim scared and confused and dont know where else to go... can anyone help me?",
	"Hey everyone --\n\nMy doctor is recommending PD and I'm frankly scared to death about dialysis. Does the surgery to insert the tubes hurt? Is it scary or hard to do? The nurse at the center said that I couldn't have dogs in the room at the time? Is that true? Is it hard to travel with the machine? Is it hard to walk around with the tubes all the time?\n\nI'm worried out of my mind. Any insight as to what I should expect is appreciated.\n\nThanks!",
	"Hello, My cousin in the Philippines has started his dialysis 1 week ago. I am not sure how he is going to provide continuing care for his dialysis but Philippine Heath Care is not that great if you dont have money you will die. There is no health insurance.\n\nI am just wondering if you guys know any organization who helps indigent people who cannot afford Dialysis. He is right now at the Kidney Center of the Philippines.He has a heart condition that is why he cannot have transplant. He is from a very poor family, I am sending him$70 a month to cover 3 dialysis in a month but that is not enough. Any Information will be greatly appreciated\n\nI really wanted to help him to prolong his life.",
	"How, if at all, have recent US airline restrictions limiting the amount of fluids carried onboard or checked by passengers affected the ability of dialysis patients using portable dialyzers to travel by air? Are airlines providing equal access for the disabled by granting exceptions when appropriate medical documents are presented? Or, has this public accommodation become a casualty of the war on terror?",
	"I just found this site. I have wanted to contact people on PD. I have been on it for a year now. According tot the doctor I am doing much betterthan most. I have had no problems so far. JUst unhandy if you know what I mean.  \nThe doctor told me that most patients have stopped urinating by the end of a year on PD. I am still peeing like a race horse. Just as much as before I go sick a year ago. Wondering if anyone out there can fill me in on what is coming up in the future with this PD. I have been on PD for 13 months now. Hemo is for the birds. I can't sit in a chair that long. It is like being tied down to a horse with a rope and not being able to move.\nThanks for listening to this old cowboy.\n\nsteve@nutri-chem.com",
	"I am a late stage-3 CKD patient and am toying with the idea of volunteering at a local dialysis center. What sort of help might a volunteer be in such a setting? Are volunteers needed, tolerated, or prohibited? Are there days or times of days in which volunteers might be most useful? Whom should I approach at the dialysis center? What questions should I ask and how should I present myself? What important questions was I too ignorant to ask in this post? \n\nThanks for your thoughts!",
	"Has anyone ever experienced a funny taste in their mouth? My father's has persisted since the surgery when his catheter was implanted. His last adequacys were normal. He is not nauseated/vomiting. His eating habits have changed somewhat. He is now eating small amounts of food multiple times per day but he says he has no taste for anything. His serum albumin is 2.6 which the dietician says is really low. He has been getting better at trying to eat LOTS of protein but is still have difficulty. He doesnt really like the boost drinks or the protein bars. He is taking the powder in a drink. Any suggestions on either issue?",
	"I believe my father's dry weight should be raised because he's eating much better and his belt size has increased. His doctor says he can't gain body weight so fast. He has been in dialysis for 2-1/2 years, has lived with me for 20 years and I think I know a little about him, to say the least. His doctor has increased his dry weight 1 pound to 145 in 3 months and he now is having 8.5 pounds taken off. The Davita site says \"Staff may assume all weight gain is fluid and the patient should take responsibility for monitoring his own dry weight.\" Am I worrying unnecessarily or do I have a legitimate concern? I had a confrontational conference with the center's administrator and the doctor but didn't get anywhere. I'm not a negative person but feel my input is totally ignored and I live with my dad and watch what he eats and drinks. Any suggestions?",
	"My name is Lynn....I have 7 siblings and my mom lost her husband 2 yrs ago and now lives in a nursing facility.\n\nI am finding it impossible to live knowing she is there and sad. I live in VA and she is in RI, doctors say it would be harmful to her if i moved her to be with me.....the kicker...she is only 65!!!!!!!!!\n\nIm dying inside when i talk to her i know she is lonely and sad most of the time being surrounded by very old folk and very ill.\n\nHer neropathy is miserable. I dont know how to help her.\n\nShe fell out of the bed 2x last week, falls asleep while sitting up.\n\nShe fell off of her walker (has a seat) and went to the hospital for 3 days, left the hospital with a black eye bruised elbow and ribs....\n\nIm sick about this....\n\nMy siblings are as follows:\nbrother -has 2 diabetic small children my mom could not tolerate\nbrother- has a wife with colitis\nsister-lives on the 3rd floor\nsister-lives in a 1 bed basebament apt\nbrother-bouncer at night, smokes heavily\nsister-too young\nbrother-lives in alabama\nme- lives in va\n\nHELP!\n\n How can we make her more happy? comfortable and accepting of her\ncurrent surroundings until one of the above items change.\n\nShe feels abandoned and betrayed by us...its breakin my heart...",
	"Hi there. I'm new to the field of Renal Dietetics. What exactly is a \"Collapsed Arterial Line\"? And what causes it?\n\n eAgEr to learn,\nmL",
	"I've been on dialysis for 2 months. I go on Tues and Thurs for 4 hours. I have noticed that after Thurs treatment I experience lower back pain that ends up in the middle of my back. I also have sweats and chills. I don't get this after my Tues treatments. Any ideas? on what causes this?",
	"Ok I have kidney failure ! I have about 25% function of one kidney I don't have the other one they removed it when I was 8 years old\nI have got stacks of symptoms and have just started getting bad cramps what is next on the hit list ?? any help would be good.\n\nScrub",
	"Anybody have any opinion about Paul Prudhomme's blackened steak magic seasoning blend? I love the stuff, but I'm not on dialysis; my father is.\n\nIngredients (according to the label) include \"salt, spices, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated chili and dehydrated onion. All natural. No MSG, no additives or preservatives.\" 80 mg sodium (I'm assuming that's the salt) no fat, no carbs, no protein.\n\nIf this seasoning pasts muster, I think it would be great. But I'm wondering about what they don't show on the label that's included and might be worriesome.\n\nAny thoughts?? My father is so sick and tired of bland food, I think he might put this stuff on his cereal if it's \"okay.\" \n\nPat Porter",
	"Hello,\n\n My best friend has had a difficult 6 months. She had the flesh eating bacteria and now her one and only kidney has failed. She started dialysis on a 24hr period on Tuesday. She is supposed to have surgery tomorrow to put something more permanet in her collarbone. They think they are going to have to post pone the surgery cause her platelets are too low. Im very scared for her. Please help",
	"This month I will get the PD cathether. I'm scared. Will I be able to sleep on my stomach? I know it seems silly, but I don't know what to expect. Any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mary",
	"first off I would like to mention that this forum seems really terrific You all seem to know alot.\n\nMy husband has been put on a low potassium diet. I have no idea what that means. I tried calling kidney doctor to get some ideas but they won't help because my husband is not a patient yet?? go figure.\n\nhis primary care doctor said to put him on a low potassium diet. and in 30 days they are going to rerun the tests.\n\nI am flying blind on this and learning more every day. He likes coffee but instant coffee doesn't have as much potassium as brewed\n\nhe also likes international delight coffee creamer the amoretta flavored one I can't find anyone or anywhere to find the potassium level in this product\n\ncan anyone help??\n\nJLSDI\n\nAnnie",
	"I am 29 yo and I have 1 cyst that was found in my kidney and 1 cyst found in my liver. I also have polycystic ovarian syndrome. I have back pain, recurrent UTI's, and blood & WBC's in urine everytime it's checked. I know through research that cysts are a normal part of the aging process: kidney cysts-50 yrs; liver cysts-30 yrs. I'm not within the age range for this to be normal. What I'm wanting to know is does one cyst usually lead to more cysts? I have an appt. with a kidney specialist. Should I follow up on this, or am I just overreacting? Thanks, Amanda",
	"Hi\n\nUsually I notice when I have my \"flushes\" that they are clear. At the beginning they had a hint of pink to them.\n\nYesterday - I had to do a \"treadmill ECG\" test - and today I notice there is blood in my tube. It is finely settled into one side of the tube. Is this normal to have a bit of blood in my \"output\" fluid that sits in my tube between flushings ?\n\nJust for additional information - my tube went in November 1 - and I am having my PD training starting January 8th.",
	"Just started dialysis a couple of weeks ago and feel like a new person. I`m 60 and just learning,\nI had to change my eating habits, boy that was a shock. Being from Georgia I was use to eating fried foods.\nIt`s hard but comeing here where I can read what everyone else wrote has helped me so much.\nThanks everyone for the advise and I hope I want be a pest when I start asking questions.",
	"Since I had one of my kidneys removed I've been on dialysis for eighteen months. I go three times a week for 3.5 hours each session. I'm usually 2 to 3.5 at the highest over my dry weight. I always feel ill after dialysis, but the more fluid they remove, the longer the ill feeling lasts. Its not quite nausea, but seems to come from the same place. Its a feeling of fatigue and unease that radiates from my abdomen. When I'm like this, I have no appetite and I have to force myself to eat. Sometimes I don't start feeling halfway decent until its time for me to go in to be dialyzed again. My doctors don't know. I wish I could be pointed in the direction of someone who might be able to help me.\n\nThanks you\n\nGene P.",
	"Creatinine level dazed and confused\n\nCould someone please read over this scenario and give your opinion?\n\nPatient takes the prescription drug Nexium as prescribed by Dr. A and has a reaction to it per Dr. A the symptoms are severe abdominal pain and vomiting blood glucose levels could not be maintained with oral meds because of the vomiting.\n\nDr. A orders routine blood work\n\nRoutine blood work shows the A1 number at 7.4 usual for patient is 6 Dr. A says all the other numbers could be off because the A1 is out of wack\n\nDr. A prescribes insulin injections and refers to a diabetic specialist (Dr. B)\n\nDr. B can’t see patient for 8 weeks no openings patient struggles to get glucose down when patient finally gets into see Dr. B., Dr. B. is more concerned with a Creatinine level of 7.5 and wants to stop the injectables and go back to the pills\n\nPatient goes back to Dr. A, who reorders all the tests and then some. Dr A says find another diabetic specialist and refers to Dr. C. Dr. A also tells the patient that his A1 level is down to 6.5 but feels it will get better in time because the sugar level is being controlled. Dr. A puts patient on a low potassium diet because the potassium is high and prescribes thyroid pills for the thyroid and iron because the patient is anemic.\n\nDr. C. agrees with the dosage of insulin and A1 will get better over time but is still concerned with the Creatinine level which is now 4.5. He refers to a kidney specialist.\n\ndoes anyone have a good link to show what creatinine levels should be?",
	"Hope I am on the right page to introduce myself, had trouble figuring it out, so if there is another thread I need to post to, please advise. \n\nI was diagnosed in May of 2005 with CKD, and within a few months of that they changed it to ESRD. Right now I have about 15 percent kidney function.\n\nI have been an insulin dependent diabetic for 26 years, with fairly good control. The nephrology Doctors said that due to\nthe length of time being a diabetic is the reason I ended up with ESRD. They are just puzzled as to why my kidneys were losing function so quickly.\n\nIn any event, for the past year and a half or so, I have been kept busy running from one appointment to another\n\nI had my 2nd fistula put in my right arm the 21st of November.\nThe first one got messed up and had been tied off. This new one is \"buzzing\", which is a good sign.\n\nI see my neph this coming Thursday and am very nervous. Usually I look forward to it. The past few weeks I have been\nextremely tired, and have been nodding off at the computer and or watching television, and this is always after a good nights sleep the night before. Yesterday, my husband saw a mark on my arm that was broken blood vessels under the skin. I must have scratched during my sleep. Last time this happened my Creatnine, phos. & Potassium was very high, and I ended up in the hopsital very confused and out of it.\nI guess I just don't want my blood levels to be elevated and am afraid they will be. I am hoping to put off dialysis as long as I can.\nI do take my Renagel faithfully with my meals and all my other meds for blood pressure etc..\nMy appetite has been terrible, as in I don't have one. This is not a very good thing as my youngest is 16 and my two girls are in their early 20's and of course my husband is always hungry. They all depend upon me to cook, but as I have not much of an appetite for anything, I don't want to cook. I don't like meat anymore, and most other foods taste too salty to me or just have a funny taste. I have no imagination when it comes to food anymore. I use to be such a good cook.\n\nI'm not depressed, just tired, always cold, & just not my usual self.\n\nSo, this is me in a nutshell, just venting away and I thank all who took the time to read this.\n\nBarbs",
	"I am trying to figure out a christmas dinner my DH is pre dialysis when I go to this web site http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/\n\nto look up turkey breast I get Turkey, all classes, breast, meat and skin, cooked, roasted\n\n(he doesn't like the skin so I hope that is good)\n\nanyhow\n\nI get this to choose from\n\n100 grams 100\n\n1 unit (yield from 1 lb ready-to-cook turkey) 112\n\n.5 breast, bone removed 864\n\nI think the grams would be best to use in this case but I am not sure I am figureing this right\n\nThere are 454 grams in a pound, so\n\n227 grams in a half pound\n\n114 grams in a quarter pound\n\n57 grams in an 8th pound\n\n1 pound is 16 ounces\n\nhalf pound is 8 ounces\n\nquarter pound 4 ounces\n\n1/8 pound is 2 ounces on the scale",
	"Has anybody gone skiing while receiving treatment and if so, were there any complications.\nThank you",
	"Are there any care givers out thee who are doing home hemo?\n\nMy husband and I started doing home hemo in July.\nHe feels so much better, it is amazing.\nIt does take up a lot of time and I am already beginning\nto have burnout which makes me feel selfish.\n\nI would like to hear how others are dealing with this.",
	"Hello,\n\nI am a patient who was recently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. My 24 hour creatinine clearance is low and my GFR is low-ish. I want/need to meet with a nephrologist to find out some answers to questions I have, particularly, how long I have until I need to consider dialysis.\n\nSince I know that I want to do home hemo, it seems logical that I would choose a center near my home that offers it, then talk to a nephrologist that works with them and, hopefully, is part of a larger team of nephrologists. This way, I can establish a relationship with a nephrologist team that will continue through the dialysis treatment.\n\nHowever, I called the local DaVita facility that offers home hemo and found out that, not only are they a “closed” facility, but their dialysis docs do not see patients outside of the unit. This seems counter productive to me, particularly since I had a partner who was on in center hemo and there were many times when he could have used an in-office consult outside of the facility.\n\nIs this the norm, or is this just the DaVita way of doing things? Am I correct in my thinking that I want a nephrologist team to follow me from CKD through ESRD and dialysis? What is the best way to go about finding a nephrologist?\n\nThanks for any help or advice you can offer.\n\nBest regards,\n\nAntonio",
	"my mum my nan and my uncle have all had kidney disease. my mum and my nan passed away. my uncle had a transplant when he was in his 20s and is now back on dyalisis. because of the family history i had urine tests every year to check for protein but stupidly missed 2yrs. about a year ago my doctor found protein in my urine but told me not to worry just keep an eye on it but about 3 months ago i started getting pain near my ribs and it was so bad i got taken to hospital where they found protein again. my doctor found blood in my urine aswell but (touchwood) the blood asnt been there since just the protein. im now seeing a kidney specialist and waiting for a scan on my kidneys. He says he thinks it could be pkd. ive been told nothing can be done except slow it down and eventually i will end up on dyalasis but i have also been told that i could live a \"normal\" life without dyalasis. can anybody please tell me which is correct and what i can expect. any help would be appreciated.",
	"How long is it normal to have red tinged effluent during your mestrual period?",
	"Hello All. My name is mike57, and this is the first time I have used this or any other Dialysis site. I didn't know they existed. I'm from Vt, and have been on dialysis for over 5 years this time. I say this time, because my kidneys quit in 1999. The first I knew about it was when my urine turned real dark in color (like cola). They did some tests and told me that my creatinine level was at 11.5! This was on a Friday that the test was done. By the time I saw a Nephrologist on Monday morning, It was at 13.5, and I was anemic. I didn't know what anemic meant, but immediately was informed that my red cell blood count was at 20% (normal is 40). They put me on Dialysis, and that was for 8 weeks or so. Then they decided to use another approach, and try to reverse the kidney damage. The new approach was Chemotherapy once a month for 3 months. On top of everything else, the thought of chemo really scared me, but it worked! Those 3 treatments got me off Dialysis for about 18 months. I finally had to go back on Dialysis in 2001. Dialysis isn't too bad for me. I'm feeling the best I have in about 2 years now. I have an ashplit catheter in my chest for access, as 5 different fistulas all failed within 2 weeks after they were put in me. I hate needles anyway, so the catheter is fine with me. My main problem with the whole dialysis process is the fluid restriction. I just can't force myself to do it. If I'm thirsty, I drink. I know it's not the attitude to have, but until I figure out a different one, I'm stuck with it. Any ideas? If so, please let me know. Well, time for me to cut this short for now. See you soon. thx mike57",
	"It's finally occurred before the holidays. I was hoping to prelong it til next year. I could no longer deny that my kidneys are to weak to funtion on their own. I would have to go on dialysis sooner than expected.\n\nYes I was scared. Yes, I cried. And Yes, I'm still confussed about the whole thing. I do ask questions all the time because there are things that just don't click although I'v been reading up on all the information I can.\n\n I went with Fresenius Medical Care which is one of the best facilities in Albuquerque, NM. I switch from UNMH which I wasn't comfortable with thier facilities. I am now switching my transplant process with Pres. since I'm with their dialysis center. I am still on no transplant list althought I've done the review since I first found out I would have to go on dialysis in March. I now see my Nephrology at the center.\n\nI'm still nervous everytime the day comes to go into the dialysis center. I don't do so well mentally and emotionaly. It's been two weeks already and I'm still going through emotional denals. Although, while I'm there I'm doing ok. After the taking out the needles, it hits once again on the emotional questions, denals, and the cries .\nI'm doing ok; health wise and some days I feel like a new man; while others days, I'm like an old man without any energy to move or do my chores.\n\nI haven't found a support group here and wish I could. I do say hi to the others at the center, but I go in the evening and there are only 6 to 2 paitents remaining with me and I really haven't talked to others. I do have a comunication with the Techs. which are very caring and supportive. They do a great job. I have only two specific Techs that cater to my needs since I'm developing button holes with my fitula. So only this one Tech is the only one that puts the needles in. It still hurts me and I seem to turn away and tear up. I don't know why but I just don't like the sight of it and the pain is just for a few mintues and it's fine. I guess it's just the aspect of me being hopless.\n\nI just wanted to tell eveyone that I've started and it was hard just to begin and push myself to start. Now that I did, I'm ok with it. I don't know until or how long I will be ok with it. I hear it will be a long time so I have to figure how to cope with it. This is one way, just to air out things on this website. and read others that relate to my same experiences.\n\nI hope everyone will have a Happy New Year and Know that it's not so bad staying alive and doing something to keep you healthy is all the better.\n\n Rivy aka Johnny",
	"It's finally occurred before the holidays. I was hoping to prelong it til next year. I could no longer deny that my kidneys are to weak to funtion on their own. I would have to go on dialysis sooner than expected.\n\nYes I was scared. Yes, I cried. And Yes, I'm still confussed about the whole thing. I do ask questions all the time because there are things that just don't click although I'v been reading up on all the information I can.\n\n I went with Fresenius Medical Care which is one of the best facilities in Albuquerque, NM. I switch from UNMH which I wasn't comfortable with thier facilities. I am now switching my transplant process with Pres. since I'm with their dialysis center. I am still on no transplant list althought I've done the review since I first found out I would have to go on dialysis in March. I now see my Nephrology at the center.\n\nI'm still nervous everytime the day comes to go into the dialysis center. I don't do so well mentally and emotionaly. It's been two weeks already and I'm still going through emotional denals. Although, while I'm there I'm doing ok. After the taking out the needles, it hits once again on the emotional questions, denals, and the cries .\nI'm doing ok; health wise and some days I feel like a new man; while others days, I'm like an old man without any energy to move or do my chores.\n\nI haven't found a support group here and wish I could. I do say hi to the others at the center, but I go in the evening and there are only 6 to 2 paitents remaining with me and I really haven't talked to others. I do have a comunication with the Techs. which are very caring and supportive. They do a great job. I have only two specific Techs that cater to my needs since I'm developing button holes with my fitula. So only this one Tech is the only one that puts the needles in. It still hurts me and I seem to turn away and tear up. I don't know why but I just don't like the sight of it and the pain is just for a few mintues and it's fine. I guess it's just the aspect of me being hopless.\n\nI just wanted to tell eveyone that I've started and it was hard just to begin and push myself to start. Now that I did, I'm ok with it. I don't know until or how long I will be ok with it. I hear it will be a long time so I have to figure how to cope with it. This is one way, just to air out things on this website. and read others that relate to my same experiences.\n\nI hope everyone will have a Happy New Year and Know that it's not so bad staying alive and doing something to keep you healthy is all the better.\n\n Rivy aka Johnny",
	"Hi,\n\nI'm new to this site. And I'm new to blogging in general. I found out that I have Glomulenar Sclurosis about a year ago when I went to get a phisical. I never had to go to the doc for anything before. The last phisical I had prior was in middle school for the track team. During the phisical they discovered high amounts of protine in my urine and my blood pressure was through the roof. They did a cat scan and told me that it looked like one kidney was shrunken and the other was not right. I went to a specialist immedietly to find out that one of my kineys was dead and the other was only working at 35%. After this the doctor said the damage cannot be reversed and I will be on dialysis within two years.\n\nTwo months into steroid treatment I was hit with a huge blood clot ( about 9 mo. ago ). The blood clot went to my lung and gave me a pulminary embelism. If my mom and brother had not found me an hour later on the floor I would not be here today. The doc said the blood clot was caused by a combination of the steroids and me not producing certain protines to thin my blood natually. I was in the hospitol for two weeks and in bed for another two weeks. A month later I had another smaller clot form and had to spend another week in the hospital.\n\nI'm doing o.k. now and have changed every aspect of my life. The worst thing I guess is not being able to fully relate to anyone. And dealing with doctors that wont give you a solid answer on anything. I hate telling people about it because I think they treat you different. I also stated a new job and I'm afraid to slip and say something and getting dropped before I secure insurance. And over all I have a hard time sleeping because sometimes I feel like I might not wake up.\n\nAccording to the research I have done. My disease will attack a donor kidney immedietly. And a kidney from a family member will be even more vulnerable to the disease. If anyone knows something I don't, I would like to know.\n\nThanks for reading. I know everyone here has their own problems. I just thought this would be a good place to vent.\n\nGOD bless all of you...",
	"I am 19 years old and on dialysis. I have been evaluated twice for a kidney transplant. I am kind of hanging on the results of the second evaluation. They explained to me that my situation is different than everyone else's because of this bloodclotting disorder I have and the huge bloodclot in my leg. They said that the new kidney is supposed to hook up to the vein in my leg that is clotted, so they would have to come up with an alternative place to hook up the new kidney. They said that they would try to hook it to a vein or something that goes to my intestines, but that there's a high chance of it clotting while they have it clamped off to hook the kidney up, which would kill me. They want to know if I still want to go through with it, knowing the risks involved.\nWhat I need help with, is that I want to have a baby before I attempt to get a transplant so that if I do not make it through then I will be leaving a part of me behind for my fiance and mom. That, and I will have gone through the joy of pregnancy and being a mother, even if only for a short amount of time. That would make me VERY happy before I die. I just want to know if it is possible to have a baby on PD?\n\nShannon~~",
	"I have been on hemodialysis for a year and a half now. When I first started I could still urinate normally and therefore my fluid intake was supposed to be 40 oz. per day. I really struggled with that as I used to drink about a gallon a day because I was very active outdoors. After a couple of months of dialysis I did not urinate anymore. Why is that and is there (this is where the dumb part comes in) anything that can be done or taken to make me urinate again? They have cut my fluid limits to 32 oz. and I just can't do it. I don't care anything about food (in fact I have lost about 100 pounds since starting) but I think about water all the time. I have tried ice chips, gum, hard candy but I just want to drink. It's literally all I think about. Any suggestions? Thanks so much.\nHollyval",
	"So here I am writing this because I've been wanting to get it out for some time. I just found out a lot of information on kidney disease and dialysis because of my boyfriend of four months. He has chronic kidney disease, got a transplant from his mother, lost it 2 years later, and is now on dialysis until he can get a live donor or can get on the list for a new kidney. It is a lot to deal with, especially because I was not familiar with any of it at all, and was basically thrown into it overnight when he was in the hospital for over a month for not taking care of himself. I had no idea how serious it was and he never told me because he was afraid I'd leave or get freaked out. I tried to learn as much as I could, I go to as many of his doctor's appointments as I can, and try to stay as involved as possible. He's been so much better with his diet and pill taking now that i'm in his life, and he is looking better and better everyday, even though sometimes dialysis takes a lot out of him. He's only 22, so youth is on his side. I try to stay strong, I take care of him as much as possible but sometimes it takes a huge toll on me. I hate seeing him sick, and suffering. He sometimes gets angry because he can't drink or eat his favorite foods...(he's italian and misses sauce..and also french fries haha) I try to stay as positive as possible for him. some people have been negative about me involving myself with him because he is sick and they don't want me getting hurt in the long run...it's their way of looking out for me I suppose. The first time i met him, we connected on a level i never thought existed. I didn't know anything about his disease or that he was sick. When I found out just how sick he really was, it was very hard for me to handle and understand but it just made me all the more close to him. A lot of emotions fill me. there's times when I wonder why I have to meet the most amazing guy and he has to be sick. There are times when I have horrible thoughts of him not being in my life 5 years down the road bc of his disease. And there are times when I see myself walking down the aisle with him, and he is as healthy as he can be with a new kidney. I guess I'm just a huge mess haha. I worry, and stress, I think about the future too much...What I should be doing is thanking God for giving me him and for him being alive and being the best thing thats ever happened to me. Even though it's only been four months, and we're both young...we both know we entered each other's lives at such a pivital time, and we need each other. He's my soulmate and I've known it since the first time I walked into the hospital room to see him look at me in the way he did. Life isn't easy, and esp. with having to deal with his disease...but i'd never give it up or the last four months. I'm going to be by his side for the rest of my days and I will take care of him whenever he needs it.\n\nThanks for letting me tell my story and vent a little. I hope that everyone with kidney disease and/or on dialysis has a healthy and safe new year. I pray for you everyday...and everyday it'll get a little better. Keep a positive attitude, and have good people close to you \n\n-brandnewb4u",
	"Hi,\ni am a CAPD dialysis patient and i have cataract in both my eyes.\ni have been suggested by opthalmologist to perform phakoemulsification surgery to get rid of cataract.\nnow my creatinine level is 10.1mg/dl,urea is 123 mg/dl,hemoglobin is 9.4 gm/dl and albumin is 2.8 gm/dl.\nis there any risk in post operative vision recovery?\nany one of u had cataract operation while on dialysis?\nany suggestion is welcomed.",
	"I have not been here in awhile. I have a BIG question. My mother had her kidneys and bladder removed due to cancer ( an very aggresive cancer) 1 1/2 years ago. she is on home peri dialysis. every night she hooks up at 6:00pm, unhooks in the morning at 6:00am. She still works 40 hours a week. We have tried to get her to retire. We have watched her go down hill so fast in the past year. She has no appetite, no energy, and when she is home, she just sleeps alot. She only goes to church, work, and the occasional grocery store visit. PLEASE DO NOT TELL ME SHE IS DEPRESSED!!!!! number 1 she doesn't act as though she is depressed, just sooooooo tired!!!! all of the time!!!!! number 2 if she is, well i could understand, her quality of life has been deminished.\nMy big question, and I want a truthful answer. I am so tired of getting the runaround from these worthless doctors. What is the life expectancy for a person on dialyses? Someone who has NO kidneys to help a little bit. I did not relize how bad she looked, I am with her almost daily. Other friends say she looks real bad. her memory is not very sharp anymore as well. Is this normal for a dialyses patient? she is only 58 years old. I have heard that her life expectancy is 5 years, and from others 20 years. Some one give me an honest answer please. I am worried about my mom!!! Other than my husband and children, she is the only realitive I have.\n\nThank You, your brutal honesty will be appreciated.",
	"Hi,\nI am new to this forum. My boyfriend has kidney failure due to hypertension. It was a real shock to us because he was diagnosed when he was 29 years old. Now that he is on dialysis and has these problems with his kidneys, I find myself scared all the time. Well, at least a lot of the time. I can never forget that he has this dialysis. But all the things I see and hear about life expectancy and chances for a transplant all sound so grim. There is so much information. It is hard to weed through it all. I find myself wanting to be in his presence all the time to make sure he is doing everything just right. I know that my being a mother hen gets on his nerves, but I want to do all I can to make sure he is doing all he can to be as healthy as he can be. I want to make sure he has the correct fluid intake. I want to make sure he is eating the right foods. I want to make sure he is taking his meds. He has not given me any reason to think he is not. He is energetic most of the time, but if I am not right there, I can't be sure. Whenever he notices a change in how he is feeling, I get worried. I wonder if something is wrong or if it is something that goes along with being on dialysis. Where can I can information about nutrition, diet and exercise for a person taking hemodialysis? I come to this forum because I don't think he will. This is difficult for me. I can only imagine how it is for him. The only way I know to deal with this is to arm myself with knowledge. I guess that way I will feel like I have some control over this situation. I would love to get some feedback from anyone to help sort through this.",
	"Now maybe that's an oxymoron but I am new to this diet. After using a heart/diabetic diet for several years, to learn all over again is going to be a new experience. I am always looking for those. LOL . My question: does anyone have any names of great (or nearly great) renal cookbooks...now that didn't quite look so good for the cook book but I'm sure someone knows what I mean. I see many recipes at DaVita, but I would like to know more about the exchages (?). Where do I get info about this? I am finding so much information at this site from all of you already. Good luck to all and to all a very Happy New Year! Thanks.",
	"Hi folks,\nI'm new to this. My husband in the next few weeks will have the surgery to have access in his arm for dialysis. We've known for some time this would happen: the kidney and pancreas he got in a transplant six years ago have failed and he just got put on a list for another transpllant. He really wants home dialysis and, though I haven't talked it out with him, I'm both scared of what it takes to be his caregiver and concerned about the commitment to be there all the time. He's retired and I still work. My job occasionally requires travel. Also, I often take short trips without him . This of course would end that. On the other hand, because he absolutely hates the idea of sitting in a center for all that time, I want to do what I can for him. I'm not sure how to start discussing this with him without sounding selfish and without disappointing him. We actually don't know much about home dialysis. His heart isn't in great shape so I don't know if that would be a deterrent. I have so many questions about all of this. For example, if I can't be there, is it safe for him to do the center treatment? (We don't have anyone who couldbe a back-up at home.) What about both of us traveling? Does insurance cover the portable units I've read about? For the caregivers out there, how hard is it to learn how to help them with the treatments? I'm scared I'll do something wrong and hurt him. Help, please.",
	"I am 64 years old and have been treated for chronic real failure since 1998. I am now in Stage 5 and about to start home hemodialysis. I would like to know an estimate of my lifespan at this point so that I may do some planning. I have read everything at NIH, and some other sources and find no guide. My physician has given no estimate and trys to be upbeat. That is not helpful to me at this point.\nAnswers or suggestions from forum members will be appreciated.",
	"We recently found out that my husband will have to go on dialysis soon. A little about us. We are 44 and 43. We will be married a year in Feb. when we got married I had insurance so I made him go to the dr. He hasn't been in over 20 years. He would check his blood pressure in Wal Mart and it would always be high (204/114) so he finally went to the dr. He was sent to a nephologist because his creatine was 6.5. And he has only one kidney to begin with, he lost his other one when he was 5. He goes next week to have the fustula(sp) done in his arm. I don't know how he is going to handle dialysis he loves to do things all the time. He can't do the home one because he has had to many surgeries when he was younger. We went to a different dr. last week and they want to put him on a donor list as soon as possible. He wont talk about it much just that his whole life is going to change. Sorry so long. Just glad I found this web site, I have already found all kinds of useful info.",
	"hello,my name is alphonso huff,i'm 41 yrs old,my first time on dialysis i thought life was over and that i was all alone,but after learning more about dialysis,it wasnt as bad as i thought,but it was hard becuz i was use to working and all,and after i had to give up my jod, that only left my wife to handle things,and boy was it rough.but with the help of god,my very loving wife and friends,i made it.well now that i gotten a transplant,its time to give back now,and what i mean by that,i'm starting a surport group and for more info on the group,u can email me at ,masterp31532@yahoo.com.think you,and look forward to hearing from you,have a bless day and stay srong",
	"Aloha, I am a person new to hemodialysis after starting inpatient in the hospital, now having had 5 treatments. Has anyone experienced a residual humming or buzzing all over the body a few hours afterwards? It's like the vibrations you feel after riding a mototcycle and lasts up to an hour or so. At first, I thought I was having a panic attack. Is this common? Will it go away after time? Please advise anyone...",
	"Hi all,\n\nJust wanted to introduce myself and say HIII!!!! My Mom started dialysis last week, so this is all new to us. I am her care giver during the day and Dad takes care of her evenings and weekends. Mom also has Parkinson's, diabetes, heart issues, and various other medical issues that we deal with daily. Fortunately she is a strong minded person.\n\nI do have one question to help me read through the threads. Can someone direct me to the definitions of the various abbreviations used.\n\nthank you,\n\nAnnie",
	"My husband of 27 years, has CKD, as our Dr. informed us on the last ER visit.\nMy husband 73, has several other medical problems including, heart diease, copd, liver failure, chronic kidney diease, he lost his function in the right kidney several years ago and has 2 stents in the left one, conjested heart failure, chronic fatigue, hardning of the artires. This is just to name a few. He is not diabetic, but when the kidney gets in trouble the sugar goes up. Right now his sugar is 104, his creatinine is 2.4, his bun is 135.0. The work up was done on our last visit to the ER for dehydration.\nSend home instructions were continue on renal diet. We do not have one , nor have we ever been given one. Can somebody help us please ? I understand about low protein, his was 5.9 which is low, and low salt. We have been salt free for years.\nMy husband is constantly nausious. He can barely eat anything, I keep puching the fluids down him, water, gatorade, cranberry juice, orange juice. Just the smell of food cooking sends his stomach into orbit.\nHe takes medication for nausea, but nothing seems to help.\nAll responses would be greatly appreciated.",
	"My husband of 27 years, has CKD, as our Dr. informed us on the last ER visit.\nMy husband 73, has several other medical problems including, heart diease, copd, liver failure, chronic kidney diease, he lost his function in the right kidney several years ago and has 2 stents in the left one, conjested heart failure, chronic fatigue, hardning of the artires. This is just to name a few. He is not diabetic, but when the kidney gets in trouble the sugar goes up. Right now his sugar is 104, his creatinine is 2.4, his bun is 135.0. The work up was done on our last visit to the ER for dehydration.\nSend home instructions were continue on renal diet. We do not have one , nor have we ever been given one. Can somebody help us please ? I understand about low protein, his was 5.9 which is low, and low salt. We have been salt free for years.\nMy husband is constantly nausious. He can barely eat anything, I keep pushing the fluids down him, water, gatorade, cranberry juice, orange juice. Just the smell of food cooking sends his stomach into orbit.\nHe takes medication for nausea, but nothing seems to help.\nAll responses would be greatly appreciated.",
	"I am looking for some answers about \"dry weight\". My honey has been on dialysis all summer long. Getting him to his dry weight seems impossible. He is not what I call over weight, just healthy. The doctors seem convinced he need to get down about 20lbs lower than what his body is comfortable at. He has been able to loose all but this last 20lbs. When they do manage to get him to his dry weight, he is miserable for 2 days after the treatment. He is so dehydrated that his muscles spasm for the next 24 hours. And then he is sore the next day. By the time he feels well enough to do anything it is right back to the chair and the whole cycle starts all over again. What I am wondering is if this muscle cramping is \"normal\". What helps short of drinking mass fluids to rehydrate? How can I help him?",
	"The best advice I ever received about dialysis was the one I created myself just on experience alone the quote is \"There is no negotiating with dialysis so except it and move on with life\" Nothing can be more true than that statement. I have been dealing with dialysis for over 16 years and I have also experienced a transplant. The first thing I had to come to grips with is that there is no quick fix for this disease so I must educate myself on my condition and somehow make it work for me and not against me. Over the years I viewed dialysis like a second job something i had to report to a certian time and at the end of the week I would get the big pay off which was life. Instead of complaining about it I thanked God that there was something called a dialysis machine for with out it none of us dialysis patients would be alive so I look at dialysis as a good thing dont get me wrong, It is an inconvenience ect, however things could be so much worse. So instead of crying over it I took my condition educated myself, started a support group even went as far as trying to start a company called Hemo for Life which I hope it will be established sometime in 2007, this company will be for the betterment of all patients I will be creating products just for us. Things dialysis patients need that the medical community never considered us for. I am tired of being ignored and just thrown away by the medical community or looked like some kind of freakish experiment. Im not I have feelings, a family that loves me ect. If you look on tv there is no success stories about dialysis patients only depressing sad story well im here to say I am that success story dialysis has changed my life for the best it has humbled me and taught me that each day I live is a blessing and that each day I should be productive and that is just what Im doing according to the medical community I should be in a wheel chair after 16 years of dialysis, well on the contrar i wear high heels every day for more than 8 hours at work, and I have a fiance Im 36 been on dialysis since Im 20, I dance, work and attend college! Yes after 16 years of dialysis why cant someone print that! That is good news and also inspirations to new and veteran dialysis patients. I am also fertile to start a family I still get my menustration on a regular basis. The first thing they told me is that that would stop, and they told me all kinds of horrable things, it would make anyone give up! Im tired of the Sob strories we as the dialysis community need to fight their perception of us and then maybe washington can create more programs for us instead of thinking we are a waste of time Im calling on all dialysis patients to join me in this fight. I want to see myself on Oprah along with other patients saying we are here and we are living. I just wish i would have met someone like myself when i started someone to inspire me so I would not have been so scared and depressed. Dialysis is not the end of the world its the begging of a whole new world just with new way of living so all who want to be inspired email me at kbright1070@yahoo.com. I would also like to thank Davita, they are the first company who showed they sincerely cared about dialysis patients by trying to improve and give us quality care. Hats off to you! We needed a company like them to come along.14 years I had dialyzed in the private sector when I started a davita unit i notice the difference right away they were constantly training the employees on new and improved things and that is what you want to always be in a unit where they are constantly upgrading. So email me if you want some positive feedback. I call myself a Healthy Dialysis Patient, because that is what I am, and you should think like that to, there is no time to feel sorry for yourself its time to live life and enjoy Mind over Matter!Dont live to dialyze, Dialyze to live, Dont give up! Need a friend someone who understands feel free to contact me at kbright1070@aol.com.\n\nPray and Stay Strong, Your Dialysis Friend\nKelly",
	"The best advice I ever received about dialysis was the one I created myself just on experience alone the quote is \"There is no negotiating with dialysis so except it and move on with life\" Nothing can be more true than that statement. I have been dealing with dialysis for over 16 years and I have also experienced a transplant. The first thing I had to come to grips with is that there is no quick fix for this disease so I must educate myself on my condition and somehow make it work for me and not against me. Over the years I viewed dialysis like a second job something i had to report to a certian time and at the end of the week I would get the big pay off which was life. Instead of complaining about it I thanked God that there was something called a dialysis machine for with out it none of us dialysis patients would be alive so I look at dialysis as a good thing dont get me wrong, It is an inconvenience ect, however things could be so much worse. So instead of crying over it I took my condition educated myself, started a support group even went as far as trying to start a company called Hemo for Life which I hope it will be established sometime in 2007, this company will be for the betterment of all patients I will be creating products just for us. Things dialysis patients need that the medical community never considered us for. I am tired of being ignored and just thrown away by the medical community or looked like some kind of freakish experiment. Im not I have feelings, a family that loves me ect. If you look on tv there is no success stories about dialysis patients only depressing sad story well im here to say I am that success story dialysis has changed my life for the best it has humbled me and taught me that each day I live is a blessing and that each day I should be productive and that is just what Im doing according to the medical community I should be in a wheel chair after 16 years of dialysis, well on the contrar i wear high heels every day for more than 8 hours at work, and I have a fiance Im 36 been on dialysis since Im 20, I dance, work and attend college! Yes after 16 years of dialysis why cant someone print that! That is good news and also inspirations to new and veteran dialysis patients. I am also fertile to start a family I still get my menustration on a regular basis. The first thing they told me is that that would stop, and they told me all kinds of horrable things, it would make anyone give up! Im tired of the Sob strories we as the dialysis community need to fight their perception of us and then maybe washington can create more programs for us instead of thinking we are a waste of time Im calling on all dialysis patients to join me in this fight. I want to see myself on Oprah along with other patients saying we are here and we are living. I just wish i would have met someone like myself when i started someone to inspire me so I would not have been so scared and depressed. Dialysis is not the end of the world its the begging of a whole new world just with new way of living so all who want to be inspired email me at kbright1070@yahoo.com. I would also like to thank Davita, they are the first company who showed they sincerely cared about dialysis patients by trying to improve and give us quality care. Hats off to you! We needed a company like them to come along.14 years I had dialyzed in the private sector when I started a davita unit i notice the difference right away they were constantly training the employees on new and improved things and that is what you want to always be in a unit where they are constantly upgrading. So email me if you want some positive feedback. I call myself a Healthy Dialysis Patient, because that is what I am, and you should think like that to, there is no time to feel sorry for yourself its time to live life and enjoy Mind over Matter!Dont live to dialyze, Dialyze to live, Dont give up! Need a friend someone who understands feel free to contact me at kbright1070@aol.com.\n\nPray and Stay Strong, Your Dialysis Friend\nKelly",
	"Hello out there,\nIm going to be starting Home Hemo and I would like some advice from anyone who is using the nx-stage.\n\nThank you",
	"Husband went to the doctor yesterday and his creatinine went from 6.3 to 7.3 and his BUN went from 88 to 106 in a month. The dr. says he needs to get on dialysis soon. I think he finally got through to him. We go Thurs. to get the fistla done. He said his hemoglobin was low and put him on procrit.\nWe are suppose to go to Fl for our first year anniversity. I was wondering if we should still go, he says he is going because once he starts dialysis it will be harder to travel and more expensive. Thanks for listing he still doesn't like talking about it.",
	"I will be starting home hemo next month does anyone have any advice that would help to make this a smooth transaction?\n\nKbright-New Home Nxstage\n16 years in center hemo\n1 failed transplant",
	"My husband is now at 6% kidney function. He has had the AV fistual put in last year....but now he is in denial. He keeps wanting to \"wait\" for dialysis. I am scared to death. The Dr. is telling him that the time is now but he won't listen. I don't know how to convince him that dialysis is a mere inconvience, not a death sentence. Any advice how to reach him?",
	"I just found this site a few days ago and have been reading posts during breaks at work.\n\nMy name is Deanne and I live in Oregon. I'm 43 and have had FSGS for 35 years. I still have about 30% of my kidney function left. I feel VERY fortunate! I work full time and am a single \"mom\" to five cats and two dogs. I walk for exercise and plan to walk my fourth marathon next fall.\n\nAfter being very stable with almost no change in function for the first 20+ years of my illness, my kidney function has been slowly declining for about 10 - 15 years. I spill about 3 grams/protein in 24 hours and last March, my creatinine was at 2.0 (or was it 2.1?).\n\nMy latest concerns are:\n\n\n\n\nI have a Dr appointment in a couple of weeks. Dr appointments always make me anxious. I know the day will come when my nephrologist tells me things are starting to go bad. I can't, can't, can't go back on prednisone. It nearly killed me (Iiterally) when I was on it a few years ago.\n\n\nCan symptoms be subtle or do you definitely know when you're feeling the symptoms of failing kidneys? Sometimes I blame every little thing on my kidneys: I get muscle cramps -- is it because of my kidneys? I need regular naps -- kidneys or just lazy?\n\n\nI'm single / live alone. If / when my kidneys fail, I'm not sure how I'll handle life in general. My experiences on prednisone showed me how hard it can be to take care of yourself when you aren't well, not to mention trying to take care of a house and 7 animals, too.\n\n\n\nI'm glad to meet ya'll!\n\nDeanne",
	"great site with lots of great info!Im actually asking for my mom whos been on dialisis for about 2 months now and doing well with it.She came to me today with what she called her report card her levels for everything.We are a bit confused though heres why,gluclose 292(goal 70-180)it says to many concentrated sweets but then next line down HGB A1C (not shure what it is)goal is 6.0-7.0 hers was 6.2 and says blood sugars well controlled well isnt these two things the same?sorry so long just a bit confused still learning about all of it",
	"Hi all\nJust wondering what the room temperature is set at in your clinic?\nAlso do they leave it alone, or turn it up and down?\nThanks\n\nED",
	"Hi all\nJust wondering what the room temperature is set at in your clinic?\nAlso do they leave it alone, or turn it up and down?\nThanks",
	"I've just found out that one of my kidneys is larger than the other. I have lots of blood and potassium passing through my urine. I've also gained 20 lbs. of water weight in my legs. Does anyone else have this problem? I haven't been able to find anything on the internet about different sized kidneys. Please respond.",
	"Are there any cookbooks out there that are not \"gourmet\" just home cooking that are good for someone who is newly on dialysis and also is diabetic and has had recent heart bypass surgery so needs to take care of that too? I would appreciate any suggestions from any of you who do the cooking for someone with these problems. The online Davita recipies are great, but I would like something to keep right in the kitchen with me.",
	"Hi im new here but been on dial for 3 years in June im 27 years old now. But my question is that im only aloude 1Leter of liquid a day and ive been meaning to ask the pd nurses this for ages but keep forgetting hehe. Is drinking water the same as drinking tea. I dont mean for the amount of liquid taken i mean for the actualy needs for your stomoch (spelling tummy). Or should you drink more water then tea?. If you no what i mean.\n\nThanks.",
	"hi there my father just started on the cycler and it has a bad additude.. it likes to beep all night for no reason. dad all ready wants to get rid of it and it hasn't been a week..\n\nanyone else have this problem does it get better. We know what to look for but it never seems to be that..now his sleep is so screwed up",
	"Hi,\ni would like to inform that google has started kidney disease specific search engine.\nlog on to www.kidneyoogle.com",
	"I do go for walks but putting my socks and cutting my toenails is exercise enougth for me. Ive got to actualy hold my breath because the Liquid inside when i bend down to put socks on or do my nails etc seems to push onto my ribs and that hurts and holding my breath seems to make the pain go. Ive been on PD dialysis for 3 years now and counting. Who else have problems with this type of thing?.\n\nThanks.",
	"My 83 year old mother just began dialysis yesterday. Everything that has happened has happened in less than a week. The docotr said she will be released on Tuesday. She has been living with us for about a month this time, she spent six months last year. She is diabetic and I have been preparing her meals. She is a very picky eater. Any ideas, suggestions.\nWhere do we go from here>\n\nconcerned daughter",
	"My dietition said i should only Treat my self once a month but i treat my self more then i should. I do eat very healthy like have veg and meat etc like chicken beef dinners. The most i have is Pasta and something to go with pasta. But i also eat Bacon and eggs every 2 weeks. Chinease take out once every 6 weeks (my fave). fish and chips every once a week. A bag of crisps everyday. And alot of fish (healthy fish). But the one thing i have cut down and dont eat at all is chocolate, I havent had any for 3 years now if i do have some its only a very tiny bit because i feele sick afterwords. I drink more water (as ment to) but every so often i need a can of fizzy pop for the suger. Some times i shake but and get headaches (spelling) but when drinking fizzy pop it goes. Im not deitbetic so dont no why it does it.\n\nSo what you treat your self to when you fancy something ***BAD TO EAT** hehe",
	"I am one of the lucky ones. I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2005 and had one kidney removed in 2006. I was in stage one and have had two CT scans since and there is no more cancer.\nI have heard from a homeopathic nurse that tomatoes, potatoes, beans, and processed foods are not good for someone with kidney problems or one kidney. I have given up white: sugar, flour, and rice along with processed foods and am drinking lots of water with a squeeze of lemon in it. I buy meat that is natural from special stores.\n1) Am I missing anything else that I should be doing to protect my one kidney?\n2) I have had two bladder infections in the last month and am taking a urinary tract cleanser supplement along with lots of water with lemon in it. This seems to keep me clear. Is there anything else you can suggest?",
	"Hi all, I have been reading posts for several months now...only posted a few times myself and just wanted to say how much I appreciate the uplifting messages and information everyone has shared. I was scheduled for surgery on friday Jan. 12th for a fistula but had to postpone because of a UTI. I took Levaquin for 3 days and have felt sick to my stomach and lightheaded, weak. This is the worst I have ever felt with CKD for the past 25 years. I was all ready for my surgery and now not sure how long before it will be rescheduled. Soon I hope. I just sent in my paperwork to be on a wait list for a transplant. Just looking for support I guess. Anyone live in Florida on the list?\n\nGlenda",
	"I have a dear friend that will be operated on tomorrow to allow her to receive her treatments in her upper right thigh. I have been searching online for hours trying to find some pants for her that have an opening above her knee. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have googled every word combination I have been able to think of. Thanks.",
	"Ive been meaning to ask my pd nurses this but not got round to it. Be for i was told i had kidney problems i was ill for 3 years with siezures (fits) and tiredness and other signs but the docs didnt no why. But what im woundering if and when i get a translpant that the fits and tiredness would start if the kidney regects my boddy if they dont see it in time?. And also if my dialysis fail to do its job propperly would the first signs be the same has when i first had them?\n\nThanks.\n\nSorry think this is in the wrong topic forum",
	"Hello my name is Jamie and I was just diagnosed with Minimal Change Disease in April of last year. I've been on Prednisone since then and I am now starting to taper off of it. When I was first diagnosed I had a protein count of 3000mg. I am now down below 150. I'm 29 years old, and I am being treated by a doctor at Vanderbilt Hospital. I just found out that I might have been misdiagnosed and I may really have FSGS. I'm also on meds for blood pressure and cholesteral. I have previously had reflux in both kidneys and had surgery to correct that in 2000. The reflux left my kidneys pretty scarred. I have no one to talk to about this, and I am so glad I found this site. I am hoping this will give me some insight to this disease and calm my nerves a bit. It's been an ongoing emotional battle and I know that the prednisone has probably just made me more emotional. I'm happy to be here and I look forward to chatting with all of you.",
	"My sister in law has come to live with us. I don't know anything about being on dialysis or how to eat. I am a new cancer survivor and trying to maintain a healthy eating active way of life. It seems to me like her diet choices keep changing, First she needs high potasium foods, now no potassium, no phosphorus, no whole grains yet she can eat a stick of butter and tast w/ peanut butter. I think I am doing her a favor by coming home from work and feeding her after work yet then three days a week she gets yelled at because of my cooking, She is blind so for her to cook for herself is not a great idea. How can three adults live and eat together without all of the worry. Why is there not a meal plan out there that I can easily obtain. How can this work? I have so many questions, yet I am dealing with my own health issues, how can fruits and vegtables be so bad? How can eating popcorn or crackers be better for you?\nI get the feeling that everyone at her center treats her badly.She feels they are always nagging about her weight, they take too much liquid, she is afraid of bleeding out, I don't feel like this is my responsibility to go there and be her advocate but most days I don't want to come home to miss doom and gloom, why go? How can you stay in bed for a 36 hour period and not even get up to pee? How can one day just slip away? How does this happen to a 58 year old woman? How do we all make this work? How am I suppose to grocery shop? How am I to cook? She can't live alone she feels because she falls and faints too often, She can't be in a nursing home because she is way too young and has no money and does not belong there? Walking up the stairs somedays more than twice a day is too much for her, I feel like she should be using her legs, she claims they say no, who understands this desease enough to help? Any insites would be helpful.",
	"Hi\n\nI am fairly new here and wanted to say hello. I have started on PD just 2 days ago.\n\nI was wondering if anyone on the forum had common interests ? Like horses ? Or riding ?\n\nThanks\nL",
	"I was scared enough to go in for my first day of dialysis. Everyone was very nice, but I was sore because I just got my PD catheter put in and my temporary Hemo stint was placed in annoying position. About two hours into my treatment, the site of my PD catheter started pouring blood. I bled out for about an hour before I was taken by ambulance to the ER. I bled there for a couple hours before I was admitted and had to spend the night.\n\nIsn't a day after surgery a little too soon to start dialysis? And is it normal to include Heprin in the dialysis procedure if there is a recent surgery?\n\nAnywho... have to go back on Saturday. Wish me luck. I'm dreading it.",
	"You think slim fast foods be any good for healthy eating for dialasys people?. I mean im not over wieght i way 57kg, but around my cheeks im quite cubby because of the dialasys. I was woundering whats the best way to loose that in eating. I do go for walks as well but want to no what foods are good. And its my cheeks where i want to loose wieght the most.\n\nThanks.",
	"Hello all - My name is Jo and I have Stage 4 chronic kidney disease. I have been fighting this disease for over 15 years. Yes - mine started with a creatinine of 1.4, then rose to a 2.2 and then recently went to a 3.2. My doc wants me to start dialysis NOW. Why I don't know because I ride my bicycle 10-12 miles every other day, jog 1.5 miles on weekends and work full time. I simply feel fine other than I don't sleep some nights, but who wouldn't when you have a cat who gets you up every two hours.\n\nMy question out there to all of you is this: When does one make the decision to start dialysis? Do you wait until you start to feel crappy or does your creatinine levels have to be a certain number? I don't want to start because I have such a sports minded life style and don't want it all to be ruined by dialysis. Oh, by the way, I want to start Home Dialysis with one of those NX Stage portable jobbies. Anybody useing one of those?\n\nI appreciate your time and support in writing back should you do so. I'm was depressed about this stuff, but if I can find some hope and faith in the system, I may start dialysis earlier. Give me some hope here guys!",
	"I thought I'd share something that I have run across online that offers the promise of a Cure For Kidney Disease but I'll bet you either have not heard about it or have only found limited information, like myself. There is a protein called BMP-7 that is created as a drug which is used to repair fractured bones, but it has also been shown to reverse the damage to tissues in the kidneys from scarring; these results were published in a medical journal back in 2003 with a study involving laboratory mice and rats but nothing has been heard since then. I wonder why? It might have something to do with the fact that the developer of the drug sold the patent rights to a subsidiary of the company that produces, you guessed it, Procrit and Epogen!! In other words, there may be a potential cure for kidney disease out there and yet it has been buried, forcing us to suffer the indignity of having to sit in that chair for twelve hours of our week and be exposed to potential disease as well as the complications of dialysis itself, all so the companies that provide both dialysis and the supplies necessary for it can profit off of us!! I feel like despite the sugar coated topping, the reality is that dialysis companies probably view us much as tobacco companies view their \"customers\" at the corporate level. You're not concerned with the death of one of your \"consumers\", since you know someone else is just going to replace them. Maybe if enough people in the dialysis patient community hear about this and demand their right to a life free from dialysis, and the grip of the pharmaceutical industry through immunosuppressants needed due to transplantation, something just might change for the better for us. It seems Kevin Trudeau was right, if that was his name remembered correctly! All that matters in this accursed world anymore is money, and people don't care who they hurt, step on, kill, or otherwise affect in the pursuit of something that is truly the root of all evil.....",
	"I live in California. My uncle is coming from Vietnam for a 2-week visit and he doesn't have U.S. medical insurance. What is the cost of having hemodialysis treatment for 2 weeks if he needs to go 3 times a week?",
	"Hi, it's been a while since i've posted. Hubby not on dialysis yet and ready to work harder on slowing down the need to. Im looking for some kind of chart that tells a target ammt of potassum, sodium etc.. that is better for a kidney patient. I also am wondering if there is a great list of no no's. I have one that isn't large enough. I want to know more of what 'can' be eaten so i can do recepies from there.. Lot to ask for but i know there's others out there who have gon through the same. Thanks so much,,, wellness to all, boswife",
	"I Am Writing In Regards To My Husband. He Has Been Diagnosed With Remal Failure. He Is At 3. Now And The Dr. Has Him On Cyclophosphamide. His Heart Dr. Put Him On Chantix To Quit Smoking. Now He Is Getting Sick And Vomiting. I Just Fround Out From The Pharmacist That He Should Not Be On Chantix (especially The Dose He Is On). We Asked The Nephrologist About The Chantix And He Said It Was Ok. I'm Really Upset. Any Suggestions",
	"My mother is being told that she needs dialysis in the near future. They say that she has a choice-the peritoneal at home or the hemo in a center. If she chooses the peritoneal the \"plan\"is for her to move in with my sister and family and have my sister and 13 year old niece do her dialysis. My mother has a lot of health issues including she is totally blind in one eye and has macular degeneration in the other (which is pretty progressed). So there is no way that my mother could do the dialysis herself. I don't know much about dialysis but I have a real concern for a 13 year old to have a responsibility like this. I would appreciate some advise.",
	"Does anyone have trouble with their drains clogging up. We have the solutions empty in the shower and we get alot of build up in the drain. Does anyone have this problem and is there a solution to keep the drains clear.",
	"Hi, my sister has been on dialysis since Christmas. Her filters are clogged. She had the biopsy done and thats what they told her was wrong and they were pretty sure that her kidneys would never work again.\nI have a few questions that she would like to get information on or atleast feedback from other dialysis patients.\n1. They have been taking 14 lbs off her the past couple weeks (10 which they take and 4 which her body gives up) -- is that normal? She is sticking to her diet and drinking the amt she should drink, she goes for dialysis every other day.\n\n2. How long has anyone been on a donor receive list?\n\n3. Can all dialysis patients receive dialysis at home, i was reading online this morning that CAPD can be done at home? I am not even sure what type they do on my sister. This is just a question I had.\n\n4. She is having pain in one kidney a lot is that normal and she goes to the bathroom a lot, she said when she has to go its urgent..\n\n5. she has lost a lot of weigh, her legs are really small she use to be a pretty hefty lady, but after dialysis her legs hurt so bad she can verily walk? Is this normal?\n\nAny other information would be very helpful that you might think we should know.\n\nThank You",
	"Am tony from the uk, found your site today and what a good site it is,    i know am from the UK and this site is in the USA, but i look on all persons in the USA as i would my fellow englishman, and hope you dont mind me posting this thread.\nyou poor poeple i was told by my doc today after many tests that my kidneys are giving up the ghost because my GFR rate is at 36 and some other things are high, but after coming on your site and looking at what all you poor poeple are having to put up, with i dont think i have to worry with my GFR rate being at 36 and my doc will review it in six to nine months.\nall i can say is, i wish all of you the very best of british luck and my best wishies go with you all\n\ntony UK",
	"My husband is 52 years old and the only one kidney that he has is not functioning how it should, it was cause by him having high blood pressure... He started his dialaysis 4 weeks ago, and he has lost alot of weight... He goes 3 times a week... Everytime he comes from getting treatment, he is very weak, he can't barely get out of bed, is that normal???? It hurts so much to see him like that... I'm so use to seeing him as the strong one in the family.. And he also is having a hard time going to the bathroom..",
	"Has anyone experience flank pain with lipitor? My right side started hurting yesterday afternoon and is a bit worse today. Coincidentally(?) my nephrologist increased my lipitor dose from 10 mg to 20 mg the day before. It isn't awful, just annoying, so I'll wait a day or two before I call my Dr to see if it gets worse or goes away. Could just be a muscle strain.\n\nThanks!\nDeanne\nFSGS, borderline stage 3 / stage 4",
	"Hi anyone. My name is Paula and I just found out that I have PKD. I have a doctor's appointment with a neph on Feb 9th. I am a little nervous because I am a little unsure of what to expect. I search the internet but that can just give you horror stories. My grandmother went on dialysis and died of the same disease at age 49. My father has the disease but never took care of it. I got a CAT Scan done for another reason and PKD popped up. If anyone can tell me anything I would really appreciate it. Any info would be great. I have checked out the PKD web site and it really didn't help too much. I hope someone reads this soon. Take care.",
	"Hey Everyone --\n\nI'm in the process of trying to find a donor for a transplant. One of the people who is getting tested on my behalf got a letter from the hospital saying that they are cleared to donate and that they are 0 out of 6 antigens. Is this the same as saying they are a 0/6 match? If so, can a successful transplant occur with these results?\n\nThanks. This whole process is very confusing.",
	"Hello...I found this site by accident and registered before I did much reading here. Now I feel like I probably don't belong here, since I don't have the problems and issues that most of you do. My current kidney function is about 23%. My kidneys were damaged as a result of chemotherapy and an aversion to drinking water back then. Just couldn't do it, and the result was kidney failure twice. That was close to 6 years ago and my condition has pretty much been the same since then. Not much decline in kidney function.\nI have other issues from the cancer treatments back in those days, but the kidney issue really hasn't caused too much trouble over the years. I take other medications (several) for various problems but all in all live a relatively normal life (though on permanent disability). Approaching 63 years of age, I feel fortunate to be alive. I do expect my day will come when I'll have to decide regarding dialysis, and I'm not looking forward to it. My nephrologist says I can stay off of it until my kidneys fall to 10% function and then will have to decide.\nSo, maybe I don't belong in a group of people who have suffered such devastating illnesses and face such serious daily problems. My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you and I wish you all the best.",
	"I am new to finding out information on CKD. I am glad to have found this site. I currently eat fresh fruit, raw vegetables, and about 6-8 ounces of meat a day. I was told to drink alot of water and stay away from salt and processed foods. Has anyone out there been told to eat similarly?",
	"My husband asked me to post this for him:\n\nMy mother is a diabetic who is now suffering from kidney failure and she started dialysis on Dec 24, 2006. Since that time she has been completely miserable and seemingly getting worse with each passing day.\n\nShe has almost daily episodes of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. She has had no appetite and on most days, she is only able to eat chicken broth. Her weight has dropped from 152 lbs (before starting dialysis) to a current weight of 114 lbs in a little more than 30 days. I know that patients typically will lose a lot of weight, but this seems to be happening at an extremely fast pace. Is this something to be worried about?\n\nHer nausea has gotten so bad that she was admitted to the hospital yesterday is currently undergoing tests. I am hoping that someone can answer a few questions about her blood test results.\n\nBefore starting dialysis in December, her BUN was >110 and Creatinine was 3.6. The blood test that was performed yesterday (less than 24 hours after completing a dialysis session) showed a BUN of 36 and Creatinine of 3.6. Is it normal for the Creatinine count to still be 3.6 with someone in her condition, or should this be dropping due to dialysis?\n\nAlso, is severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea a common long term side effect of dialysis? I am hearing conflicting stories depending on which of her doctors that I speak with.\n\nMy sisters and I terrified that her condition is not being handled properly. Advice from anyone about this will be greatly appreciated.",
	"Hello. My father is in stage 4 kidney disease and is being told that he needs to start dialysis. The problem is, he has been given very little information about his condition and has been given no information on how he might be able to delay dialysis. What do you think about this? Does anyone have any advice for me that I can pass onto him? He is 76 years old and also has Parkinson's. He has no pain in his kidneys nor any of the commons signs of swelling, etc. Are there things you have been able to do, short of dialysis, that have helped slow the progression of the disease. Any advice would be appreciated as I don't know where else to turn. Thank you.",
	"Help!\n\nI know we're not supposed to eat chocolate because it's high in phosphorous. But I'm a woman with cravings! How do you handle it? Is all chocolate out of the question?",
	"I'm new to this site, I stumbled onto it trying to find low phosphrus diets so I thought I would sign up to see if anyone else is currently on that type of diet. I have been living with lupus for the past 10 years and also have kidney involvement for 8 years and counting.\n\nI currently have 50% kidney function and trying really hard to keep the other 50. I'll do whatever it takes even if it means to give up all my \"bad habit\" foods. My kidney doctor is wanting to get me started on Zemplar. I don't know much about it so I was wondering if anyone on here has taken it or currently on it.\n\nLooking forward to meeting new people",
	"Hi,\nI'm new to this forum and I'm not sure if I should be real concerned about the test results of the GFR which was 59. I checked the kidney.org site and from what it tells me I'm in stage 3 CKD. My blood work was also low in HCT, HGB and Abs Lymph Automated. When I go to give blood lately I have been having problems with my iron level beening to low.\n\nThanks for any help",
	"Hi,\n\nIn March 2006 I was diagnosed with acute kidney disease which was caused by multiple myeloma. I heard that people over 60 still have the possibility to have a new kidney but the cancer would destroy the new kidneys in no time when it becomes active. (Presently my myeloma is not progressing and I am \"stable\"). I am going three times a week to dialysis and am still hoping that \"something\" will come up that alleviates my situation a bit. Originally, I was supposed to stay on dialysis only for two months.\n\nIs there anybody in my situation?\n\nAnnaLina in Canada",
	"whats up with not being able to eat meat?. Not on dialysis yet, but will probably have to soon. seems if I take a bite of alnmost any meat I want to barf it up. I dont, but it sure feels like it. any suggestions",
	"For the last 2 weeks or so ive been loosing Weight be for i was 57.2kg and in 2 weeks (ish) i am now 56.4kg. My weight should be 56.6kg so i am on target and feele alot better just loosing that 1kg.\n\nWhat ive been doing is when it comes to tea times and we have meat such as a chicken dinner etc, I tell my mum to put more veg then meat out on my plate. And she as and its done good for my health. I can notice a diffence in my eyes there are not as red as be for because my eyes where red not the whit pupules but where your eye lashers are round there. They looked swollen and redish but since eating alot more veg ive been fine.\n\nDo you think this might be me eating more veg or just a coiunsidence?. But eating more veg in the last 2 weeks is the only thing ive change and no other medicene has been change.\n\nPS:: I my self decided to eat more veg i was determind but i still going to have a thew treats though",
	"Hi everyone, does anyone know anything about the controversy surrounding the national kidney foundation's target hemoglobin level? I heard they are meeting this weekend to review whether it is currently safe or not, something related to the heart and epo usage. Do we have anything to worry about regarding safety? Also, is anyone concerned that there may be a chance they require patients to receive lower dosage for safety risks...but which could potentially reduce quality of life?\n\nThank you all for the feedback!!",
	"i am a CAPD dialysis patient and i want to know whether use of diuretics {Frusemide} promotes hyponatremia{low sodium level}.\nMy serum sodium level is 128 mmol/L resulting in too low blood pressure and convulsions{shaking of body}\nmy salt intake is 4gm per day plus indirect intake.\nnight dwell promotes soduim loss?",
	"I have had two people in the last week tell me how bad\nmy husband looks.\nHow am I supposed to react to that?\nThey know he has end stage renal failure and is on dialysis.\nI just say, yes I know. Now that we are doing home hemo 6 days a week\nhe is actually feeling much better,\nIt really upsets me. Has anyone else had to deal\nwith remarks such as these?",
	"Tomorrow is my 6monthly P.E.T Test and my pd nurses phoned me today to say from my last blood test that my Sugar level was very high and that i might be now dietbetic. Ive also got to have a test for this tomorrow now to see if i am or not. I have had a diebetic test be for it was just above the normal but nothing to worry about and that was about last year. So I got to be at the hospital all day tomorrow now as well with the PET Test.",
	"Has anyone heard of studies with saunas to sweat out excessive \"bad stuff\" either pre-ESRD or post-ESRD? I'm cranky because my Dr put me on a low potassium diet and it made me start thinking about alternatives. I've thought about the use of saunas in the past and it made me start thinking about them again. Sweat removes potassium, sodium, fluid. It seems like it could be studied as a co-therapy. Any insight?\n\nDeanne",
	"I had surgery for an AV fistula Jan. 25th My surgeon showed me how to feel for the \"thrill\" to make sure it is working but to me it just felt like a pulse beating. Every day I check for it but have a hard time finding it. does the place where you feel it move around? I lift a 5 pound weight and use a grip ball everyday and feel fine but worry about if it is working or not? what are the signs that it may not be working?\n\nGlenda",
	"Hi my name is Vanessa and I just got my cather put in on yesterday. They said I will not start dialysis for another 2 weeks. What will my body go threw now? Any pointers as to what I should be doing.\n\nHow soon were you able to go back to work. Did you choose to do the daily exchanges or the one done at night? Did you go back to wokr full time or part time How much does yourbody change in appearance if you are a female? Any help or knowledge will be helpful and grateful.",
	"HI all\nGlad I found this site\nMy husband had the surgery to be the dialysis port (I think that is what it's called) In his arm on Friday (he is in the hospital, his BMU and other numbers are high, and his potassium dropped so low he lost all use of his legs) so the doctors said it would take 2 months until he could start dialysis\n\nYesterday, his kidney function got so bad, that today they are putting the temp port in his neck, and starting dialysis as soon as tomorrow.\n\nThe doctors tell him that dialysis will improve his life 100% (last year, he had a congestive heart failure every 4 weeks, and then the drugs they gave him to stop the CHF led to the kidney disease)\n\nMy question is\nDoes dialysis really keep the fluid that builds up in the body (which leads to the congestive heart failure) from backing up all the time?\nwill he be able to stop taking so many water pills?\nI'm going to read the forum more, later on tonight, right now, time to get ready to go to hospital.\n\nthank you!",
	"I'm haveing a hard time understanding \"non dairy creamers\" mentioned in recipes. I know about non dairy creamers in powder form, but havent seen any in liquid for, plz someone tell me a brand name that i can buy!!!!",
	"I've been on PD for 9 months and just in the past few weeks, my eyes have been twitching a lot. You know that nerve twitch or whatever it is? Well, mine do it all the time now and I don't know why. I asked someone at the dialysis center thinking that it was a nutritional imbalance kind of thing, but they said that they don't know what would cause my eyes to twitch. Just wondering if anyone else has twitchy eyes or if anyone knows what it's from?\n\nAnother thing that's been happening since about the same time that my eyes started twitching, my feet act like they're going to get a Charlie-Horse, my toes curl up, but it doesn't hurt like a Charlie-Horse, and as sooon as I straighten my toes back out I'm fine...It goes away. What could be causing that, and does anyone else get that?",
	"Oh my God. I just posted a very long message and it didn't go through. Mae",
	"Hi - I recently (yesterday) switched to the other solution called physioneal (not sure if that is spelled right).\n\nI noticed that my energy dropped.\n\n I was doing well on the other solution - except that I cramped during my 'drain'.\n\nHas this happened to anyone else ?",
	"Can anyone offer advice.\n\nOperation is scheduled for next month for peritoneal dialysis tube. Somehow neph prefers Tchenkoff tubing. He says statistics show less infections with this tubing.\nNeph also said it would be better to have a general anasthesia to a local one. I heard that the operation was to last only 20 minutes approx. Why would a general anasthesia be better.. anyone know???\nFrom the doctor's point of view he said local anasthesia requires also an epidural which is not without risk.\n\nCan anyone offer input?\nTHanks",
	"We are going to another nutrition class mostly to find out what my hubbys limits on sodium, phosphorus, potassum should be. I know we found out at one time, but is there a fixed # for when your in the different stages, or is it completly personal? If it's not a personal thing, can someone tell me the limits for stage 4 on those minerals? Im sure i'll find out from class, but just incase there's a fixed # i though i'd ask.. Thanks!! Hubby do ing so good on his much better diet. Loosing weight, perfect blood sugars (hardly needs insulin) and perfect blood pressure!! why oh why did it take this long for him to STOP eating so bad .. im glad at least that he is doing it now...",
	"Hi everyone i am a person with a very thin personality. So i want you guys to provide me with some useful tips on how to increase by body shape and form. I also want to guys to provide me a Diet routine and also some excercises too....\n\n\nSuggestions will be greatly appreciated......",
	"how are these to drink? The can says no sodium, no calories. several different flavors. sounds ok to me. what do you all think?",
	"my father is an 87 year old dialysis patient. He takes renegel and fosrenol ( something like that) anyway, he suffers from severe itching. This has been going on about 2 years. We have tried every cream I can think of. Including prescription creams from doctors. I read on this site that vitamin D could help?? I don't know if they give him vitamin D in dialysis? This itching is horrible. It makes him feel miserable. Any advice? Does anyone else have this side effect? Also sometimes he gets sick to his stomach?",
	"I have had a lot of blood work done recently! The GFR came back with a 55, putting me in stage 3?? But my dr. totally ignoring this information on the reports. Other labs were high, like alkaline phosphate, creatine, MCH, Hemoglobin, and Erythocyte sed rate. I have no idea what all this may mean. But I think it is worth looking at by my ignoring Dr. I am conserned, and do not know where to turn to. I have had strange episodes in past that make me wonder. Does anyone understand any of this to help????? Grandniem",
	"Hi, I am new to this and hope I get it done right. I have been on PD for about 10 months. I am doing very well on it, but I have no one to talk to, My husband says it it you problem, you deal with it. Our lives have gone in different dirrections. Me of course being the life of dealing with daily dialysis, I have also been diabetic for 42 years, my husband has gotten into motor cycles and that is all he talks, eats, sleeps bike and accesories. I feel like I am alone with my problems. I have lost any desire or will to do anything. Is depression something that can go with this? Thanks for listening. kitkit",
	"Has Anyone Heard Of Or Taken A Herb Called Kidney Well.i Ordered It Off Of The Internet And Only Took It For 1 1/2 Months But Had To Stop And Go Back To Another Immune Drug Because I Wanted To Stop Taking Cyclosporine That I Was On Since I Was Having Really Bad Side Effects.i Know I Did Not Take Enough Mg Of The Kidney Well To Help And I Did Not Take It Long Enough, But I Was Scared And Did Not Know What To Do And Just Wanted Off All The Drugs I Was On And To Feel Sort Of Normal Again.my Doctor Got Really Mad That I Was Taking The Herbs And Said I Was Making A Big Mistake. Any Info Would Be Wonderful.",
	"[COLOR=\"DarkGreen\"][/COLOR]\nI'm delighted to be here, and have joined this forum to learn all that I can about dialysis, and transplants.\n\nWhile I am a 62 year old diabetic (since 1983) that does not have kidney disease - yet - (I've just completed a thorough nephrology exam and evaluation, and have learned that while I am free of kidney disease, I have just begun to have high blood pressure problems, now on medication, and do have protein in my urine. It is just beginning, I believe, so I've implemented my own diet changes for kidney health, and hope to control the blood pressure problem soon.)\n\nHowever, my primary reason for joining the forum is my 56 year old brother, who began hemodialysis three weeks ago, and has seen very little progress.\n\nPrior to begining dialysis he was continually nauseated so much so he could barely stand. He was told that dialysis would correct that and he would feel much better on dialysis. Unfortunately, his nausea continued until this week, when it seemed to have stopped completely. However, it did begin again today. He is also experiencing some dizziness the past two weeks which also keeps him down. He been unable to return to work, and must keep his group health insurance, so he's very worried about not feeling better on dialysis.\n\nI believe him to have become depressed due to diabetic associated \"opothies\" and health problems for the past 8-9 years, then learning he has only 10% kidney function left. He is on the National List for a kidney transplant. He lives alone and just stays in bed each day, feeling terrible. He resists my efforts to help by preparing meals, visiting, helping him with any chores, etc. We speak every other day, but I worry constantly about him.\n\nIn 11/2004 we lost our 87 year old father to ESRD and it was horrible watching the last 6 weeks of his life, none of us even knowing he had kidney disease until 23 hours before he died. Unfortunately, his \"family\" doctor was worse than incompetent.\n\nCould anyone please share their experiences with the first weeks of their dialysis? Is it usual to have so much nausea? or, dizziness? I know everyone is different and will react differently, but no one is advising him as to what he can expect, or preparing him. Are there any suggestions as to how he might better handle things?\n\nI love my brother, dearly - we are all that's left of our family and have only each other at this time in our lives. I'm deeply worried and afraid for him.\n\nI look forward to any information any of you may wish to share. Please feel free to email me, or message me, or post a reply.\n\nThank you so much!\nMargo",
	"I started a kid-friendly dialysis site! Over 200 games in the arcade!! Chat room with MP3 player!! Virtual casino, livestream radio, blogs, and MUCH more!!! Go check it out!!",
	"Helping others gain their freedom\n\nRon Trozzi knows that you can't put a price on freedom; it is a treasure he savors every day.\n\n\"If you call the shots and are in charge of your life, it is a beautiful thing. If I can help someone else get on the path to independence, that is what it is all about,\" said Trozzi, a tetraplegic (he prefers the term to quadriplegic) who has tried to share the wealth through volunteerism as a board member for DIRECT Center for Independence for the past eight years.\n\nLink: http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/144590",
	"My doc wants me to start making plans to be on dialysis. getting a fistula put in and so on. Kinda feel like he's rushing it. my creatinine level jumped from 3 to 4 in about 3 months, but I think part of that was due to the medication they were given me( capoten) That stuff really messed me up, and on something different now that seems to be working better. what about some of you? when did you have yours put in? I would kinda hope that I stabelize somewhat and can stay off diaysis for as long as possible.\nI was first diagnosed In NOV of 06",
	"My wife had her catheter inserted last week and we have an appointment this Friday to began CAPD training. Not sure why we do this as she will be on peritoneal dialysis. This is a triple whammy for us. She is a brain injury stroke victim who is paralyzed on her right side and speaks but a few words. Mostly in sentences that cannot be understood. I have been her primary caregiver 7/24 for 2 1/2 years. Each day is a nightmare for us and now dialysis. Not being able to communicate is a horror you cannot comprehend unless you've lived it. We never get a break of any kind, Never! Somehow we will improvise, adapt and overcome this obstacle. I'm still learning how to cook and now learning a new diet will be overwhelming to me. She refuses most of the things I offer for her to eat. I have the deepest respect for housewives but never wanted to join their ranks. If I ever had a job that was this hard I would have quit years ago. She loves oranges and does not understand why she can't have them anymore. Is it OK to occasionally buy her a hamburger at Sonic (without cheese)? I assume I'll be given the answers to a lot of my questions on Friday but right now I'm totally lost and depending on the Internet for finding what type of foods she can eat. She does like eggs and toast with jam. Usually strawberry, plum or raspberry. Can she have that? I use white bread. Is there any assistance available for preparing these meals?\nI have one selfish question. Does the machine make a lot of noise? I feel guilty asking that but am unable to sleep unless it's totally quiet in the room. We live in the country and silence is golden out here. If it is noisy I will adapt to yet another obstacle as i will never quit or surrender no matter what obstacles are placed in front of us. We have been married 42 years and she is only 59. I realize that a lot of you are much younger but to me 59 is young. I'm not a man to admit fear but all this is a little scary to me. It's a huge responsibility making all the decisions regarding someone else's health. We live in the midwest (Missouri) but have traveled to the Gulf Coast and I have promised to take her to the beach at Destin, Florida in the summer of 2008. I never ever break my promises. I'm hoping that dialysis will give her more energy as she has been lethargic most of the 2 1/2 years since her brain surgery and stroke. We are not able to travel more than 20 miles from home and can only stay out for a couple of hours before she complains that she is tired and wants to go home.\nI have many other questions but will wait until Friday in hopes that most of them can be answered by her nurse and dietitian.\nHT",
	"What type of diet to be followed to gain weight. Also provide me a eating time schedule.",
	"Hello,\n\nI just can't believe it. Last week everything was scheduled for a peritoneal dialysis operation. A visit to the neph to get onto a transplant list required all the tests urine, blood lab..etc.\nLast night I received a call from the neph....I guess it is a dream. Dialysis will not be necessary any longer.\n\nAfter 10 months on dialysis it is a near miracle.\nIf this info can encourage any one of you to keep on your diets, watch your weight and keep praying.",
	"My Baby was born with CKD he has done well for many months but now that we need to start feeding him some foods his Creatin and Potassium are all over the bord. We have not had to start dialysis yet and I am wanting to do all I can to prolong it.....but this new food issue is not making it any easier.\nI was hoping that some one out there who has had to deal with this can give me some ideas, pointers, recipes just about any help that I can find would be perefect.\nThank you for your help,\nBaig Mom",
	"Hi, everyone, I just discovered this website, so I thought I'd introduce myself. I'm 25 and I was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure a month ago. I'm doing hemo three times a week, and to be honest, it hasn't been going very well. I also have high blood pressure, and my bp is constantly bouncing all over the place during treatment. The biggest things that are getting me through this right now are my faith in God, my desire to learn and study my condition and the treatment process, and the support of family and friends. Right now I'm just trying to trust my techs when they tell me that eventually my treatment will go better. Take care everyone.\n\nAdam",
	"Got this dry cough from my hbp medicine. anyone know of a safe cough medicine I could try?",
	"My arm fistula clogged off. Arm graft gave me nerve damage in hand and it was then removed. My chest cathether has been in too long and they want it out. My surgeon says he needs to put a graft in my stroke groin/leg (not a great leg to start with).\n\nWill I be able to walk after this surgery?\nIs the leg location more painful getting stuck that the arm?\nWill I be embarrassed getting stuck everyday?\n\nAnyone with this I would appreciate some information.",
	"I was just wondering what it would be like (and if it would even be possible) for a dialysis patient to go through the classes to be a dialysis technician. I could see advantages to it such as being able to directly relate to what the patients are going through, and already being very familiar with how the treatment works (particularly if they (the tech) did in-home or self-care already). I wonder if any clinic would actually consider hiring one of \"us\". Just a thought. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"I had kind of a bad day at treatment today, but it wasn't because my bp went nuts like it usually does. I had a bad day because of the very poor procedures that were carried out by my nurses. Like I've said in previous posts, my techs are all very nice and skilled people. Most of the nurses on the other hand are also nice, but they seem really unskilled in how they handle procedure. One thing that happened was they tried to take me BELOW my listed dry weight! I asked why my UF was being set that low, and I said that I wasn't going to be able to lose that much (half a kilo below my DW). but the nurse told me \"Well, let us know if you feel funny\". The techs couldn't do anything because they had to follow the orders they were given. When I reached the amount of fluid removed where I knew I was approaching my actual DW, I was actually ready to reach over and turn the UF off myself, authorization or no authorization. I was only saved from bottoming out by the second mistake that was made. On Thursday, about 10 min. to go in my run, my blood clotted in my veinous chamber and dialyser. I was told it was because I didn't get enough heparin, and that my heparin level would be increased the next treatment (today). Well, lo and behold, my heparin wasn't increased, and my whole system clotted up, and I lost 45 min. of my treatment. I think I'm going to talk about this problem to the one nurse that I do trust, and see what she says I should do. Well sorry for the rant, I just needed to get it out. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"i found out today that my kidneys has two tubes on both of them. and my urin is going back up to my kidneys. and i have 12cc of urin that stays in my bladder. is this something to worry about? please let me know. my email address is k_kitten_69@yahoo.com. i will be waiting thx. kathy",
	"Is it unusual to have unexplained feelings of depression on dialysis? I know that when the kidneys fail, there can sometimes be changes in hormones, but today during treatment I started getting very depressed for a very stupid reason that I could not explain. I started getting very upset and concerned that the staff didn't want me to know anything about my treatment! It doesn't make any sense to me now, because the staff at my centre are very nice to me, and they are glad (although a little surprised) to see that I'm interested in knowing how everything works. However, at the time, I was so upset that I was on the verge of tears. Does anyone else ever have strange feelings like this? Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"Hello - my mother (73) is required to receive dialysis treatment. We have been told she has 11% kidney function. She is also suffering from Diabetes and obesity. Due her condition she in a nusery home, for most part bed ridden. She is scheduled to have her port implanted this Friday. I have concerns for her safety and quality of life. Due to her size we have been told the port cannot be placed in her abdomen. Are there treatment programs available that would allow her to receive dialysis at her nursing home? I am afraid that the trauma of transporting her to and from on top of the treatment will stress her system to much. What can I do to help her? We lost my father in December and I am afraid this will all be to much for her to handle.",
	"Well, I just had my first treatment where nothing unusual, stressful, or painful happened. I've had treatments before where I've felt good, but something unusual still happened (blood clotting, etc.). This time, I felt physically good the whole time, and my emotions were under control. My machine's alarm only tripped a few times, usually because my blood pressure was slightly above the alarm limits. No clotting, no \"crashing and burning,\" nothing unusual. I'm REALLY hoping to have more like this. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"Bill \"Epoman\" Halcomb, creator/owner of http://www.ihatedialysis.com, passed away.\n\nsource: http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index...c=2938.new#new\n\n\n\n\n\nDear friends of IHD, I am sorry to have to tell you all that today, March 2, 2007, our beloved Bill \"Epoman\" Halcomb passed away. He fell ill last Saturday with what they said was a viral infection. When i last talked to Trina, they werent quite sure what the reason of his death was but she will let me know sometime soon. Please say a prayer for our friend \"Epoman\" (my Sucka Fish) May God Bless Trina and Nick at this moment of need.\n\nGoofynina/Susie",
	"my mom ( 81) is about to start PD, we received the first shipment the other day and although we expected the amount of boxes it indeed was overwhelming. my mom lives alone and I am at least 30 minutes away from her. we have been attending the educational classes together but when this begins, with the exception of at the beginning where i will spend the evenings with her, she will do this on her own. in my gut i feel she can do this because she has been very independent for the last 10 years but it will always be in the back of my mind every evening. any tips or valuable information will be helpful. the lady at her davita center has been so informative and i know that helps. thank you in advance for writing to me.",
	"my mom ( 81) is about to start PD, we received the first shipment the other day and although we expected the amount of boxes it indeed was overwhelming. my mom lives alone and I am at least 30 minutes away from her. we have been attending the educational classes together but when this begins, with the exception of at the beginning where i will spend the evenings with her, she will do this on her own. in my gut i feel she can do this because she has been very independent for the last 10 years but it will always be in the back of my mind every evening. any tips or valuable information will be helpful. the lady at her davita center has been so informative and i know that helps. thank you in advance for writing to me.",
	"OK, during my last two treatments, my UF goal has been set properly, with the addition of .4 kilos to compensate for prime and rinse-back (my centre doesn't dump the prime before connecting the venous line), to bring me down to my listed dry-weight. Well, both times I've been run dry (crash and burn) with about half a kilo left on my goal. Then when I've weighed out, my weight has been about .2 to .3 kilos BELOW my listed dry weight. Am I missing something here, or is something messed up, either with me, my techs, or my machine? I didn't get a chance to ask anyone today, but I will ask about it on Thursday. I'm just wondering if anyone here might also know anything about it. I know quite a bit about how all this works, but there is still a lot for me to learn. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"what are the causes of Low blood pressure apart from dehydration and hyponatremia in a CAPD dialysis patient?",
	"Happy World Kidney Day!\n\nMarch 8, 2007 is World Kidney Day\nand March is National Kidney Month.\n\nSince my husband needs a kidney it has become\nmy personal mission to try and spread the word about\norgan donation awareness.\nI have e-mailed everyone I know and put up posters and\npassed out bookmarks.\n\nI pray that all of you who are currently waitng for a kindey\nwill receive one soon.",
	"anyone here have PKD and on PD? I was wondering if its possible to do PD when you have polycystic kidneys.",
	"I am hoping you can help me with your own information on fistulas. My daughter has had 3 surgerys for fistulas and Monday she had a graft, artificial vein, put in her arm. I am wondering if the Surgeon is doing the right thing??? Are her veins too small??? She has clotted and had the fistula cleaned only to have that not work. If the graft fails, what would her options be????? Please give me some input, I am very afraid I am going to lose her.",
	"Hi. I have been using the davita site for the past 8mos. or so for info. when I run into questions, but this is my first time with the discussion forum and any sort of online posting. Honestly I feel a little silly writing to no one in particular and actually hoping for a response. I just need someone to talk to who understands what I am going through. My boyfriend of almost four years now, Jake, was diagnosed with stage 4 CKD last May. Infact it was the night of his 27th birthday when he woke me up in the middle of the night to take him to the er. Since then our entire lives have been flipped upside down. I have done my best to do whatever he has needed since then. I love him and would do anything for him. I hate complaining about being his \"caregiver\" because there is nothing more important that I could ever do, but I need someone to vent to. I have always felt lucky to have a very close family and some truly great friends, but all that has changed. Even my mom who at one time I could share anything with, changes the subject when I start talking about my fears relating to Jake and his health. I'm so scared to loose him. He tries very hard to take care of himself now- with my ever present help, but he is very adament that he will not do dialysis. He says that he \"doesn't want to live like that\". Would rather die. Apparently these are things you can't talk about with your friends and family. They change the subject, tell me I'm over reacting when I can't stop crying. I am just hoping that I can find someone who knows what I'm going through. Would love to talk with anyone.",
	"So NBC was reporting tonight that the FDA is warning about the over-usage of Epogen and Procrit. They are saying that it could do more harm than good in some instances, causing blood clots, heart attacks and death.\n\nHere's the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17538008/\n\nWhat do you guys think? Should we be concerned? Is there really anything we can do?",
	"I am a 58 year old male with alot of health problems. This includes diabetes,congestive heart failure,end stage renal disease among other problems. I am in stage 4 according to the DaVita scale. I have two kidneys that once worked now down to one that is questionable. My question is this: I have been in alot of pain with cramps on my left side( kidney). The doctor gave me propoxy that helps for a little while. I would like to know if this is a normal pain that goes along with ERD and if so what what do others do for pain? Thanks for the advice and may God bless.",
	"Boy, I wish this emotional roller coaster would end! I had another \"down in the dirt\" day today. I was basically sick of being the way I am, and I actually wished for awhile that God would just go ahead and take me right now. I just felt like my whole life was revolving around dialysis. It didn't help matters much when I found out that it will probably take six months for me to even start training for the home hemo program. After I got in a big argument with my mother about the situation, I decided that enough is enough, and I was going to give my condition a big kick in the bum. I got my bike out for the first time since I was diagnosed, and took a ride. Cycling has always been one of my favourite activities, and I was tired of letting my condition stop me from doing it. It wore me out, but it was more than worth it. Sometimes when I feel bad, I just need to let it out, but other times I need to just brush the bad feelings aside and do my best to live. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"Hi, my name is tbujss and I am a 62 (waiting to get my first SSN check) retired Marine. I was told I had polysistic kidney about 8 years ago. It has now at the point that I have about 25% kidney function, along with congestive heart failure. My doctor says that we will start this summer on getting ready for dialysis. I have so many questions concerning this, I don t know where to start. I suppose that I should start with my diet. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.",
	"Well, I just officially got on the waiting list to start the training for the NxStage. I had my initial meeting with one of the training nurses at the in-home centre, and she explained a lot about the treatment process, the machine, and how the training will work. I also got to see the machine itself. It looks like this system and form of treatment is going to fit me perfectly. Unfortunately, the waiting list for the training program is at least four months, maybe longer. Right now that seems like such a looooooong time. I guess I'm just kind of an impatient patient. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"Whew!! I must be dense!! It took me two days to figure out how to post a new thread on this site. I will site my age -50 and the fact that I am not super computer savvy. Never \"blogged\" before. Oh well. I have been in failure for 2 years in April due to a medication error. That puts me in the toxic catagory. My kidneys were damaged and my Serum Cr was 5.7 when I finally saw a nephologist and had a biopsy. I am not yet on dialysis but my doctor says it is on the horizon. I am on the low sodium, low protien , low phosphorous diet you all are probably on and I take Procrit every week along with my ACE inhibitor , Iron , binder , my new med to help with the uptake of CA into my bones etc. I think what amazes me the most is how tired I am at times.\nI have questions re: dialysis... can you swim with a fistula or a PD catheter? What excercises are best for kidney patients? How does one find a nutritionalist who knows about renal failure? The one my doctor sent me to knew less than I did!! I want to lose weight but stay on my diet - any ideas? Is Weight Watchers ok?\nSorry I am so blabby but I am so excited to find a site where there are others who understand and can relay what it is like in real life.\nThanks.",
	"I am new to this so bear with me. My husband was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 CRF and the neph says that dialysis will start soon. We had no idea. He's been diabetic for 10 years on an insulin pump for the past two. He went to his PCP in Nov and his labs were high. He went back in Feb and his labs were sky high.\n\nAs a nurse I understand the physiological aspect of what is happening however emotionally I have so many concerns/questions/thoughts. I feel pretty overwhelmed. He's only 31 and we have a brand new baby along with a 5 and 9 year old. I have found this website extremely comforting. Not only am I not alone, dealing with this is extremely doable.\n\nMy husband is pretty depressed right now. I offer words of encouragement and try to educate however it just makes him angry. I realize that I need to give him time to grieve however time is not a luxury and we need to start making changes (ie diet) now. I wish everyone well and hope that through this forum we can all find hope and comfort within each other. It's almost a relief just to type this and know that we are not alone. God Bless all that are living with kidney disease and the families that are by thier sides.",
	"I was diagnosed with renal failure in Oct. 2006 my boyfriend was there that day at my appt. and has been there for every sick day, night along with every treatment he sits in the waitin room for the 4 hours. Now I have recently started PD he was there for the classes. He has proven there is life after dialysis I can't imagine doing this on your own he is my rock",
	"My husband is told that he will need to start dialysis soon. He has become extremeley depressed due to the fact that he believes he will lose the ability to work at a job he totally loves. He's a financial planner which means that about 95% of his job is sitting at a desk running numbers. Not to strenous physically.  What about others that are out there. Do you work? Is it tough? We are hoping to do dialysis at home since I am a nurse and am familiar with it. I hear that doing dialysis during the night frees up your days at least. What's everyones else take on it? Thanks for your input I appreciate you all!\n\nK",
	"I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question but hope someone can help.\n\nMy brother is on PD and in the last few weeks has developed a strong body odor. He's been doing PD for a little over 2 years now and this just started. He's staying with me so I know it isn't because he isn't bathing. Any help/suggestions sure would be appreciated.\n\nThank you!",
	"Does anyone know what neph is talking about? Procytox 50mg and Prednisone is prescribed as treatment to reduce the anti-bodies.\nShould anyone have experienced this know of a more agressive treatment?\n\nThanks",
	"I defiantly want to have more treatments like today and Thursday. If all of my dialysis treatments can be like those two, I just might get through this without going insane. The treatments themselves went almost perfectly with just a few alarms (my permacath is starting to clot a little and occasionally caused my arterial pressure to drop below the alarm limit). What really made both treatments good was the fact that my staff have finally been OFFICIALLY informed by the unit manager of my desire to be a part of my treatment. No more weird looks and strange comments when I turn around to look at my machine's data screen. In fact, both times I came in, my tech had already turned my machine toward my chair before I even got there! Today, I was actually able to do more of my machine's operation during the run than my tech did. My techs are actually discovering how my ability to help with my treatment can benefit them. They no longer have to come running every time my machine alarms or needs a minor adjustment, and they can spend more time helping the patients who can't help themselves. There are still things I can't do because of company policy, but I no longer feel so helpless, and I no longer feel like I'm just a breathing piece of meat or a lab rat that they have to take care of. These changes in the staff's attitude toward me will help me deal with the long waiting list for the NxStage program a lot easier. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"I found out by accident (decided to Google GFR since my doctors all ignored it on my yearly blood work and last year it was 58 this year 47)that I have Stage 3 CKD. I have seen a nemphologist (sp) and he is doing tests etc. But I see now I am not going to do anything but maybe slow down Stage 4 with blood pressure meds. I have refused to take them for a few years as I can't tolerate meds. I am so shocked and scared that the BP meds are now being taken.\n\nDoes anyone who had Stage 3 have any information they can give me on the progression of this disease?",
	"Can someone please educate me futher on Acesulfame Potassium? I see it in almost everything that my husband puts in his mouth however I can't tell if it's a significant contributor to his daily amount of potassium that he can consume. All I know is that it is a sweetener. If anyone else has further info on this stuff please let me know!\n\nThanks!",
	"Hello, I am new here. I am a 51 year old lady with a gfr score of 46 with chronic hypertension for 15\nyears now. Just found out I have ckd. I have other chronic conditions also.\n\nMy question is this...if I choose to not take diaylsis when needed or do the kidney transplant, what can I look forward to as far as \"final end stage\" symptoms once I reach stage 5? Please be brutually honest as I prefer the truth so I can later make an informed decision as to my treatment.\n\nThanks to all in advance for any help with my question.",
	"I have recently been diagnosed at stage four with a potassium level of 5.4. The diet is new to me. I notice that many things are flavored with citric acid. Does this contain potassium? I am particularlly interested in Diet Lipton Green Tea with Citrus. I am also diabetic and have to watch my sugar intake. Also, I would like to have an idea of the amount of potassium that I can have in a day. I have not yet met with a renal nurse. Thanks for any information you can give me.",
	"My son, Evan, is in stage 4 CKF with about 28% function. He is experiencing nausea or stomach cramping/diarhea after almost every meal. Is this part of the kidney disease? I am trying to decide if I need to take him to his nephrologist or our family doctor. Anybody dealt with this and can offer some advice? Just to give a background, my son is struggling with being depressed, so I don't know if that can effect him this way....he is being seen by a counselor, but I don't have the answer to this and I am concerned. My son thinks he's developing an eating disorder...isn't that when you \"make\" yourself throw up.....don't think this qualifies, but I am open to advice.\nhoping for answers,\nLynne",
	"Ok, I've been having, for the most part, a very positive experience with the staff at my centre, but today my tech made me feel really bad because I tried to correct her over a mistake she made with my machine, and she basically said she was right and I was wrong and I should deal with it. Basically, she confused the UF time with the RTD (Remaining Time for Dialysis on the 2008H), and she wanted to take me off when the UF time ended, which was a few minutes ahead of the RTD. I tried to politely correct her, but she would hear nothing of it, and kept saying the UF time was the actual treatment time, so I just shut my mouth and let her take me off a couple minutes early. It doesn't help that today I had already been frustrated with not being able help more with my treatment because of centre policy. I'm able to do a few things now, and usually I'm content with that, but today I was just so frustrated with having to sit there and watch the techs do procedure after procedure that I know perfectly how to do, but I can't because I'm the patient. OK, rant over. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"I read the diet and recipe page. But we are restricting high potasuim and high phophrous foods. He is at stage 4 accordig to your page. His creatinine was 4.7 up 1 point from last visit two months ago.\n\nShort history\n\nDiagonsed in 95 with iga N.\nWe are sure the signs show that the disease started in 86.\nLooking at dylasis in 6 months dr said yesterday. I have had him on diet for some itme. I am wondering if reducing protien will help. Have called dr. But most of your recipes have higher potasium intake then what we are doing.....\n\nI have to get him to lose weight. Any ideas.\n\nTerrie",
	"I got the news today that my kidney function has gone from 23% 6 months ago to 10% now. My nephrologist said I am officially ready for dialysis.\nAt the moment, I don't feel any symptoms or any different than I did 6 months ago. Realizing the merry go round that starting dialysis is, I'm reluctant to do it until I have no choice. I'm looking for advice from people who have \"been there, done that\" - what would you do in my case? The nephrologist said if I don't want to, I don't have to, and scheduled me for more tests again in 90 days. My tendency at this point is to wait and see. Advice?",
	"Please go to this site and check it out. I was sent to it from a forum about crohn's disease. The Spoon Theory post is wonderfull and very cool to share with friends and family to help them understand things better. This site is about invisible illness's. Also just about being sick and being alive. www.butyoudontlooksick.com\nI have nothing to benefit from posting this. I am in no way connected to the site. I am just posting this out of sharing. This is not SPAM in other words.\nLSB",
	"I have a 13 year old son who was diagnosed with ESRD/ Stage 5 about 15 months ago and boy has it been very emotional trying to deal with his mood swings and mine as well. He just can't understand why he doesn't get to eat or drink the foods his \"friends\" do. It is so hard trying to find something he can eat that doesn't cause him any problems. We're awaiting a date for his kidney transplant and I think the wait has been the worse thing of all. We're all a little \"emotional\" right now. We went from him being your typical teenager to having his whole world as he sees it, redirected. It's been a little hard on everyone especially him. I'm trying to be strong and do what I'm suppose to do to make sure he does do the things that he's suppose to. I am a tissue match and will be his donor. I myself am ready for the next step. If anyone is feeling the same way or having to deal with a \"sick\" teenager who still tries to be your \"typical\" teenager please give me some coping techniques.\nThanks,\nLucresia",
	"HI, I'm not sure if this is where I'm suppose to ask these questions or not.\n\n I've been having a lot of pain in my kidneys. I haven't been diagnosed with a kidney disease. I have had what my doctors says is an enormous amount of Protein in my urine. So she ordered a sonogram, and multiple urine tests. Sonogram showed no stones, or masses, and urine test showed no infection,.\nThe pressing from the sonogram, caused me a lot of pain, it's been over a week and I'm still aching, and not sure what is causing it. I'm very worried about this. It doesn't seem to want to go away.\n I have to wait until next week to find out what is next, if anything, I don't want to play around with this. Can anyone tell me how long inflamation on the kidneys is too long, and what can cause that.\n Have any of you had, Protein, and the no protein, and then again have protein in your urine?\n I've been having pain in my kidneys now for about 6 weeks. maybe longer\nthank you for any help you can provide",
	"Hello---I am hoping that someone out there can help me out.....\nMy father-in law is 78 years old and has always been a healthly man until a few months ago...His Dr. was treating him for prostate problems long story short he was suffering from Kidney failure...He began Hemo Dialysis 3 weeks ago ang is having a horrible time tolerating it...They are planning to discharge him in the next week and want him to begin Peritoneal????? He is very weak from being in the hospital for so long and we don't know what to do.....We are willing to bring him in our home to get him back on his feet...The main ??? is for you that do this is do you need help? Do you get sick during or after I am a stay at home mom and have 3 children under 7 and just am not sure this is something I can do since we don't know much about it We want the best for him and we just have no idea what is on the road ahead.....Thank you for your time\nLeslie",
	"Hello everyone:-)\n I would like to know if youcan help me. I have went to dr over 20 yrs with lower back pain (righthand side)randomly a few times i got meds for infections. But most time i heard pain in back and temperature was just a virus and there was nothing they could do it had to work it self out.\n Last month My Legs ACHED cold inside outside was warm to touch. They ached so bad went to dr. , i had lower back pain and temp.\n Got meds for infection went back --- infection is gone pain and temp still there... dr sent me to urinologist who told me there was nothing he could do. I have swelling on the OUTSIDE of both my ankles only ... not fluid retention in legs etc... and back pain. He said swelling was bursitis and back pain was a cold in my back???? over a 20 year cold? My ankles dont hurt any. sometimes now i feel like vomiting and dont know why. sometime i get onset of sudden diarehhia. Is this all signs of certain stages of CKD??? if so what stage would you guess i am in?\n I have been searching for answers and local dr tell me i am a medical mystery.\n Thanky you all so very much in advance for any help you can give me.\nI am getting so discourage. Has any of you had dr tell you that nothing is wrong??\n -Sindy",
	"I'm doing CAPD for my wife. We just finished our first week. We are not early risers as she has other physical problems and usually wakes up around 10:00AM. If I began her first treatmemet at 10:30 and dwell for four hours we do not begin her last dialysis until midnight of later. I'm exhausted. How long of a dwell time are others on CAPD using? Our what schedule are you using? I need more sleep. We will began using the night cycler in a month but in the interm I can barely keep up. I'm not a spring chicken and need more rest. I also have to cook, clean, laundry and all the other domestic duties. I barely have time to sit down and relax or watch the news. I wouldn't dare dream of the luxury of actually leaving the house....I only assume the world is still out there as I live in the country and only see the hills and trees around our house. I haven't heard any loud explosions so I guess we haven't been nuked..Beam me up Scotty, I need a better plan.",
	"My 90-year-old grandmother has been diagnosed with renal failure. Her children have decided that she shouldn't have any life support, so I guess they are choosing to let her die. My question is--what can I expect during this process? What will she be going through?",
	"This is my first day here and hopefully someone can give me some advice. I'm torn between which type of dialysis to use. I'm told by my neph that it's about a year away. I'm 57 and diabetic for 44 yrs.",
	"Hi everyone --\n\nI'm trying to figure out this whole catheter situation. The tape gives me rashes, and I can't seem to find anything that both stablizes and allows the skin to breathe. I've seen a bunch of PD belts on the internet... but I need your recommendations. What's the best one? I need something comfy!\n\nAlso, what do you guys do when you shower? How do you stabilize it?",
	"Hi! I am new here. I am a 34 year old female. Born with one kidney that never functioned very well.... but now I am at the point where dialysis will be needed soon. I go in for surgery tomorrow for a fistula. I am pretty nervous about all of this! Any advice or hints would be appreciated. I look forward to talking to everyone and getting to know everyone!!!",
	"I just had the second screwup in as many weeks that cost me treatment time. On both occasions, my tech took me off the machine when my UF time was at zero, but I still had a significant amount of time left for my dialysis itself. We had a bicarb supply problem that put several machines, including mine, into bypass (dialysate bypasses the dialyzer, but the UF pump keeps going, and therefore counting down on the UF clock). My tech started to take me off when the UF time ended, but my RTD still had 30min because of the time on bypass. Just like last time, I tried to point out the difference between the UF and RTD, and this time I was told that it was centre policy to only go by the UF time, NO MATTER WHAT THE RTD INDICATES! I tried to tell them that I didn't want to lose that much of my treatment because it makes my feel more sick when I have in the past. I was just told that it won't kill me. I KNOW IT WON'T KILL ME! But there are some people at my centre who are in very poor health, and they need every minute of dialysis they can get, or they WILL die. It doesn't help that my permacath got twisted upside down by a bloodline getting pulled on, and EVERYBODY just blew off my concerns, EVEN THE NURSE THAT I USUALLY RESPECT MORE THAN MOST PEOPLE I KNOW! They even basically ignored the excruciating pain I was in (my tech commented she could physically SEE me cringing). I just seem to be having more and more negative experiences at this centre, and If I don't get on home dialysis sooner, I may not be around much longer, or they will be giving me dialysis in the psych hospital (and that's NOT an exaggeration) Take care\n\nAdam",
	"Hi,\nI hope someone can help me. About a month ago a man I am in love with had his kidneys removed and is presently on dialysis. He is still in the hospital and each day he gets worse. Since the operation he is unable to eat. He has terrible nausea and can’t keep anything down. His dialysis went from 4 hours a day to 6, which I think is adding to the nausea. Tomorrow he is going to have a feeding tube inserted. I keep praying but I think he is giving up. I can’t get to the hospital as much as I want to. I live out of state and his family does not approve of me. I don’t know what to do!!!!!!",
	"My mother has been on dialysis for about two years now. Within the last year Davita has taken over. With this take over I have notice may problems. Maybe its just me but after talking to the nurses and other patients in the center I'm not the only one who has seen changes. Everyone at this center is getting sicker and ending up in the hospital more often. The nurses have also been vocal about the changes in the health of the patients. One today even said how since Davita has taken over it has went down hill. I was just wondering if anyone has had any problems like this a your centers. I'm not trying to point fingers or anything of that nature its just a sick feeling I along with others at this center have too.",
	"My father seems to be so dehydrated. His mouth is so dry that even his Nitro pills will not desolve under his tongue. Any suggestions. Can't give him more water, he is restricted on his liquids",
	"My father cannot chew anything with any substance. Does anyone have any good recipes for blended foods?",
	"WATER\n1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.\n2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.\n3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.\n4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.\n5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatiguw.\n6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.\n7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.\n8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.\n\nCOKE\n1. In many states (in the USA) the highway patrol carries 2 gallons of Coke in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.\n2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in 2 days.\n3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the \"real thing\" sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous China.\n4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.\n5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.\n6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Apply a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.\n7. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allow the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.\n8. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains.\n9. It will also clean road haze from you windshield.\n\nFOR YOUR INFO\n1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.\n2. To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the Hazardous material place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials.\n3. The distributers of Coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!\n\nNOW THE QUESTION IS, WOULD YOU LIKE A COKE OR GLASS OF WATER?",
	"well i m a CAPD dialysis patient and i m not getiing why i m not able to eat properly.\ni was low on albumin and was given IV albumin and now my albumin is 2.8 gm/dl and i will need three more transfusion of IV albumin.\nMy creatinine level is 7.6 mg/dl{i m 5 feet three inch and my weight is 50 kg}.\ni dont feel like eating and my neph is telling me its not because of inadequate dialysis but i need to switchover to hemodialysis.\nany suggestions?\nwhat can be the possible reasons for loss of appetite.",
	"hi my name is tony and im 27 yrs. im on dialysis. in the coming months im gonna have to have a double nephrectomy. if nobody knows wut that is its when both of ur kidneys are taken out. mine are being taken out due to chronic kidney infections and because they need to be taken out so i can be put on the kidney transplant list. i been researching and its been hard for me to find any1 that had that done. if u know of some1 that had it done please write back. i just wanna ask some things about it and see how things went and how it was after surgery.",
	"Hi\n\nMy sister (31 years old) was diagnosed with kidney failure few weeks ago. Before that she seemed to be fine but with a little anemic symptoms for few months. She had about 10 units of blood transfusions after doctor recommending her few units of blood transfusion. She started to react differently after the last transfusion. She complained of short breath and fatique. Then doctors diagnosed her of kidney failure. She had been on dialysis a couple of times. As I am in developing country not mentioning exactly where I am from, I am suspicious about surgeons of frauding us for money. Although they can find us kidney donor, I am still in dilemma whether to have transplant or not, because I think her kidneys can't fail all of a sudden or it might be acute failure where it is not necessary to have transplant where it can be treatable without kidney transplant.\n\nI am just wondering if thats reaction to the blood transfusion. Even if her kidney has failed to some extent it can be treatable. My question is if I should go ahead for transplant. Can it be the blood transfusions themselves which can be contaminated or the kidney has given up after the last transfusions? Because I think the bloods had been stored for long in blood bank. The first nine units of blood were directly transfused from donors to recepient (transfusions took place over time within a month period). I assume It might be some kind of blood transfusion reaction where it can be treatable or the kidney might be contaminated of poor blood which can be treatable.\n\nSorry for my poor english. I appreciate for your answers\n\nThanks\n\nA desperate brother of ill patient",
	"I'm new to the fourm and had a few question that maybe you guys could help me with\n\nOn monday I got a virus from my son(he was sick for about 24hrs) I started vomiting by monday night and through tuesday I got to where I could not breath at all when I tried to suck in air it felt like someone stabbing me in my chest so I went to the hospital after staying there for about 4hrs the doctor said my left lung was 3/4 the way ful of pneumonia he said it is the worse he has ever seen in one lung\n\nso my wife and I got home last night about 12:30am about 30mins later the emergency room doctor called and said that my blood work came back on my kidneys bad but would not tell me how bad he just gave me some # to give to my regular doctor not knowing anything about this I'm lost and now scared he said My Renle bun level was at 51.5 and my Creatine level was at 2.4 if any of you could please explain to me what this is or what it means I would be very thankful as of right now I'm very worried I have never had kidney problems in the past nor does it run in my family..I do know since monday I have drank maybe 4 glasses of water and not eating anything so maybe that why the # are low or high\nI do take xanx and zoloft for anxity problems that I have again any help would be much appreciated.....Thanks Russ",
	"Hi, I have just logged on to this site and am new to any type of discussion forum. I was just diagnoised with CKD about a month. I went for a \"regular\" check up and my bun creatine levels came back high. I was referred to a specialist who told me I'm in the early stage of CKD after a 24 hr clearance test. After using the GFR calculator here I realize that I am actually at stage 3. My doctor only told me to go on a low sodium diet and take additional meds to reduce my BP. I'm very confused on what to eat and not to eat. Also, I have pain in my stomach, side and back area on my right side (does CKD cause pain)? I'm not supposed to visit the doctor again until May but I want to do everything I possibly can to slow the process of CKD. I'm not sure how many grams of protien are allowed and don't know about salt intake either. Can someone please help understand.",
	"There are very generous people looking to donate kidneys and other organs to people they meet online. There is a small list of these people located at www.onlinekidneyswap.com. Just click the Misc. Donor Post button on the menu bar for their contact information. Also, in honor of national Donate Life month Kidney Swap is helping people find kidney donors free of charge. All services are currently provided for free. It is definitely worth a look for someone in need of an organ donor.",
	"my husband is in stage 4. He hates going to the doctor. What are the symptoms I need to look out for if his kidneys starts failing? His creatine is 4.6; bun is 51.",
	"I am curious to see how those of you who are patients feel about losing some of your independence.\nMy husband had a procedure done last week and is more dependent than usual for a short time. Since I assist him with his home hemo he feels that he has become a burden.\nAlthough it is at times inconvenient,(for both of us) I do not ever consider him to be a burden.\nThis is just a part of our lives and as his wife it is just what I do.\nHow do I convince him that he is not a burden?\nHe is very active with his dialysis and does most of the stuff himself.",
	"Easter Sunday I took my 12 yr old son to the local hospitals ER for stomach pain. The asked for a urine and sample which turned out to be the color of blood. The did a CT scan and we were then sent to Seattle Childrens Hospital. We were admitted and the test began. I was told my childs kidney was 2 1/2 times the size of a normal kidney. They did another CT scan, ultrasounds, bloodwork and Xrays. I wastold he had a large tumor in his kidney and it was most likely cancer. 30 specialists came in to look at these tests and only 3 out of 30 said it was NOT cancer. On the 11th my son underwent surgery and the kidney was removed along with the lymphnodes. On the 12th after the biopsy completion we got the news this was NOT cancer! He has been diagnosed with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. I will be going in for an ultrasound and so will his father to see if either of us have this also. If so, I will need to have my other 2 sons tested as they will have a 50/50 chance of having this. I was told by Nephrology not to look this up online until our 1st appt. with them which is May 3rd. I am scared, but counting my blessings he does not have cancer. I am unsure what to tell him about this or as to how much he understands. I really want to put him in a bubble and shelter him from everything. The doctors were amazed at the kidney they removed from him. It so far has only attacked (for lack of a better word) the kidney they removed which is rare. They say they have never seen a kidney more damaged in a child. It is horrific......I do have pictures if anyone is interested.\nAnyway thank you for listening, just typing this all out makes me feel a little better. Does anyone have children on here suffering from this? What do they know about this disease? Are you keeping things from them or laying it all out?\n\nThanks a lot,\n\nTracy",
	"I go next Wednesday to schedule my surgury to install the catheter so I can start PD. Tons of questions are floating around in my head but I start with the biggest. Will I be able to work a full time job? I've heard alot of \"you should be able to\"s. Whats the real world experience with PD and 40 hour weeks? I repair respiratoy equipment (and yes, I do find it a little ironic I repair equipment that people hook up to at night to help them) My job is'nt extremely physically strenuous but I do need to lift approx. 50lbs. occassionally. Im sure I'll have some more questions but for right now my financial future is whats on my mind.",
	"I am 37 years old and currently on the transplant list. In Jan. 07 I had both kidneys removed due to having polysistic kidneys. They told me one was 8lbs. and the other was10 lbs. I have had several different side effects since my surgery. My doctors due not seem to know how to treat me and my transplant center refuses to treat me since I have not been transplanted yet. Some of my side effects include high blood pressure, pain in chest and shoulders, tingling in feet and hands. If anyone has any information or has had both kidneys removed and have similar side effects and would like to share I would love to here from you.",
	"Hi - my mom has not been to a dietician yet, but was wondering if it is ok to eat oatmeal for breakfast. Thanks in advance for any assistance with this question.",
	"Two of my daughters had a routine blood test on Feb 20. My 12 year old had creatinine of 2.6 and it has since increased to 3.3. My 16 year old had 3.2 and it has increased to 3.3. They do not have blood or protein in their urine, which has baffled the 2 nephrologists that they saw. They have been to the Nephrologist 3 times and urologist to discuss biopsy once. Their potassium is low/normal, their urine output is normal/high, and the ultrasound and CT without contract show that their kidneys look perfect. Everyone is very confused. Has anyone every experienced such high creatinine without protein or blood in urine?? The 2 Nephrologist have more than 50 years of experience. Any info would be greatly appreciated.",
	"I am hoping someone can help me. A friend of mine had both kidneys removed and has been on dialysis for about a month. He is getting worse. Every day he gets weaker and weaker. According to the doctors his body is rejecting the dialysis. I have never heard of this happening. Can anyone give me some information?",
	"Well I am finally back home after almost a three week hospital stay. I had to be put on TPN, IV nutrition. I am also NPO, no food or drink. I can get away with some fluids, but I couldn't imagine eating. I am running weird fevers all the time and my belly is in some insane pain. Thanks for Fentanyl patches the pain isn't all that bad. I came home yesterday evening to meet a nurse that showed me how to hook up to my TPN myself. It goes into my new PIK line in my neck. It is pumped into me through a battery powered pump. The bag is air tight so I don't have to worry about air bubbles. I put the two liter bag of TPN and the pump in a back pack and I am supossed to be mobile with it. I am not very mobile with being that I am so weak. I can at least get to the potty and stuff. I am on it for 12 hours a day seven days a week. Right now I am on my last three hours on my home Hemo machine. Once I am off it I will be hooking back up to the TPN. We are trying to get the times right to work with our schedule. This is all caused by Schelrosing Encapsulating Peritonitis that I got from being on CAPD for too long. It looks like I reached the need for surgery stage with it. I need to build some of my strength up before I go under the blade. I just wanted to post an update on my health. I could write so much more, but I am pretty tired at this point.\nPeace;\nLSB",
	"Hello,\nI am 38 yrs.old. I've been on dialysis since I was eight yrs. old. I had a baby while on dialysis. I have been belessed. Anyway does antbody know anything abou calcium calsification? How to treat it besides surgery, I feel like I am losing my limbs here, Please help, any one out there, I will listen.",
	"This last week has been about the worst I've had since I got this awful disease. I've been having severe emotional breakdowns every time I go into the dialysis centre, mainly because my unit manager changed her decision to let the techs allow me to help with my treatment (I can't even take care of my alarms anymore). I know to some of you, that may not seem like such a big deal, and you may think that I should be able to just relax in the chair, and not have to worry about anything. The way I am, however, this decision of the manager has left me feeling betrayed, rejected, and more helpless than I think I've ever felt. The latest breakdown, which happened on Saturday, cost me more than one quarter of my treatment (1 1/2 hours) because the staff accused me of \"misbehaving\". The charge nurse spoke to me as if I was five, and said, \"Now If you can come in here and control your behaviour, I might let you make up your treatment time.\" No one seems to understand (or care) that when I have these breakdowns, I can't help it, and I can't just magically stop and be happy. Now most of the staff and other patients see me as being \"mentally unstable,\" and some of them are actually afraid of me. I feel like I've lost the respect of most of the people there. I used to get along with everyone there, but now my emotions have labeled me as a \"problem patient.\" I'm trying to get into another centre where I might not feel so depressed while I wait for home dialysis training (which may or may not come now because of what's going on with my emotions). I'm just afraid that the stress level is going to kill me before I even have a chance to get out of the situation. I'm crying out desperately for help, and no one seems to take me seriously. I'm sorry I'm being so negative, I just NEED someone who cares enough to take me seriously, because I'm not going to make it much longer the way things are. All I want is to be understood.   \n\nAdam",
	"I've been told that taking flaxseed oil is good for high blood pressure.\nI am not one to try home remedies or even vitamins, but I looked at the webmd website and it didnt have anything bad to say about it. I guess it contains omega 3's, which are beneficial. Am taking medication for hbp, but its been running a little high and rather than increase the dosage I would rather try this, but I wanted to post it here to get other opinions if there are any. I hesitate to mention it to the docs at least right now, cause I think they kinda frown on natural remedies somewhat. I dont plan on doing anything stupid(at least not anymore than I usually do  )without getting more info.",
	"target dry weigh may be adjusted upwards if patient experiences what? does anyone know? It has to either be hypertension,hypotension,cramping or dizziness.",
	"My honey tends to put too much fluid on in between his dialysis. I/We realize this is a problem. One of which he is trying to get control over. However, because of all the weight they have to take off he suffers from horrible cramping. The Docs have prescibed meds for this that do not work. Does anyone have a suggestion besides for him to stop drinking so much fluids? As I said I know this is the problem. If I can find a way for him to get relief from the cramping I can keep him from trying to consume so much fluid. (He thinks he can make it go away with fluids)\n\n\nThanks,\nMindy",
	"I just found out that the only Davita centre in my city (Indianapolis, Indiana) has just started a home hemo program, and my social worker thinks I might be able to get into it in six weeks or less. She also said according to what she heard, they are offering the NxStage. The other two home hemo clinics here both have waiting lists of at least four months, so this new Davita home clinic may be my ticket to getting out of my centre sooner and taking control of my health the way I want and need. My social worker and my doctor are already working out the details to get me in. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"after dialysis does anyone know why or have thier blood pressure rise after treatments. Even if I take my medication after treatments my blood pressure goes sky high, and my medication does not seem to work no matter how much I take. The next morning it goes back down to normal I dont uinderstand.",
	"A dear friend of mine is on dialysis and was just released from Wilmington Hospital this weekend because he was being difficult during his treatments and refused to participate in rehab. Instead of going home, his family sent him to Foxwood Manor, a nursing home. He is very angry and depressed. He won't talk to anyone about his depression. I tried talking to him but he is so negative. He thinks his life is over. This not a good sign.\n\nIs there anyone in Delaware that is familiar with this place Foxwood Manor? There was not a lot of information about this place on the internet. I am reaching out to anyone who could help me convince this man that he still has a lot to live for.",
	"Does anyone know where I might find a list of hospitals that use the steroid free protocol for transplant and/or have a less restrictive weight requiremen?.\n\nThanks!",
	"My father Mr shivashankerprasad died on 19/4/07.\nhe was 66 years old and was on dialysis since last two years.\nhe was suffering from low blood pressure .\nat that night he complianed of severe back pain and anxiety and was taken to hospital where he was declared dead.",
	"Hello, my name is Paul and I have just joined this forum to help my father. He is 83 and not computer savvy so I am wanting to gather info from this forum and others for his benefit.\n\nHe just came out of the hospital after a 3 week stay. He went in for an angioplasty procedure and complications that occurred caused his kidney function to be impacted. Before going in he was seeing a doctor for some minor kidney function issues which were exacerbated by the hospital issue. Due to this, they had to put him on dialysis although he does still have some kidney function.\n\nHe is now home and having to continue dialysis. First week has been completed and it seems to be taking a toll on his energy. Also, I am unclear on how they monitor his kidney function if the dialysis is really doing the major work. I would appreciate any insight from others who may know.\n\nAt his age, it is likely he will have to continue dialysis for the rest of his life but ideally, if he regained enough kidney function, maybe not. This is really what I want to find out. I will be consulting with his doctor in the coming days but wanted to reach out here as well.\n\nThanks and regards,\nPaul",
	"I've tried everything I can think of to try and make my mom's trips to dialysis better for her and she still cuts them short.\n\nShe's in the hospital again and it seems to be mostly her fault this time. She was over laoded with fluid and they pulled off 8 kilos on Tuesday.\n\nShe had a TIA stroke about 2 weeks ago...I'm not sure what it will take to get through to her that this is hurting her.\n\nI've given up on fighting with her about all of this because it just takes away from the time we have, but when she goes to the hospital, it effects my life in a huge way! I'm so frustrated....what can I do?",
	"My wife was diagnosed with cronic renal failure that stemmed from her having Lupus at the age of 34 and began Hemo Dialysis. After 18 months she had complications that caused her Lupus to come out of remmission and caused her sunt to clog, and she had no alternative but to switch to the PD method.\n\nFor the next 9 1/2 years she did PD and constantly complained about having to do exchanges. She then was no longer able to continue doing PD and was forced to return to Hemo having to have a Tessio device implanted for Hemo access. She was on Hemo for the next 2 1/2 years.\n\nAfter having to return to Hemo she would have given her right arm to be doing PD. She hated having dietary and fluid restrictions and felt as if she had no life. The day before her Hemo treatments it was early bed time for her appointments where at 7:00am and because the hemo treatments where so draining she was right to bed on her return home. She would say the only day of the week that was normal was Saturday for she had no treatment that day or the next day.\n\nAfter 2 1/2 years back on Hemo, God blessed her with a transplant and her new kidney has been functioning well for almost 2 years now.\n\nWhile on PD she was not only uncomfortable from using tape to stabilize her catheter she was having alergic reactions to the tape, so I desigend a support to replace her having to use the tape. Her doctor after seeing the results of using my support encouraged me to make the supports available to all PD patients saying I could help other PD patients and make some good out of what my wife had gone through.\n\nIn 1999 I was awarded a patent on the support from the US patent and trademark office. I quicky discovered that the cost of the support was a problem for many of the patients. In 2003 Medicare decided to provide catheter supports as part of the PD treatment. In 2006 I became a National provider for Medicare and can now offer the support and accept insurance to cover the cost.\n\nIf you are considering the PD method my product will eliminate the side effects of using tape to stabilize your catheter. If you are interested in an alternative to using tape give us a call at 800-973-0355 or visit our web site at abdominalcathetersupport.com.\n\nBrian Sutherland\nACCESS,LLC\n11 West End Road\nTotowa, NJ 07512\n800-973-0355 Fax 973-256-5408",
	"Been on and off dialysis for some 36 yrs. and I've had 3 transplants. My frist transplant was in 1972 and in 1979 I gave birth to a lovely baby girl. I was one of the frist women to have a baby with a transplanted kidney and live. My daughter is now 28-yrs.-old and has blessed me with a grand-daughter. Her name is Trinity Faith, because God is faithful in all things.\n I am on dialysis now, but I am not discouraged. Why should I be? I'm feel great and my time on dialysis has been cut by half an hour and I have the rest of my life to do whatever I want to do.\n That's why I feel like............\n Iamblessed",
	"I'm new to this forum, this is my first post. I'm looking for some information. I'm not near dialysis yet, but I do have CKD and am trying to watch what I eat. It sure is confusing! I've got 4 pages tacked up in my kitchen of things to be careful with. What I'm looking for is a list of things I CAN eat, with no restrictions. Sometimes it gets old, figuring how many grams of protein, how many mgs of salt, etc. Aren't there some foods I can just eat and not have to worry about it?\n\nthanks,\nLibbyann",
	"The only fortunate thing about my ESRD is I still urinate so im always at my dry weight. So they only take the minimum allowed which is 1.4 kilo's off. They use to try to take 3.0 or 4.0 kilo fluid off and i protested about how im allready at my dry weight and that makes me dehydrated and ridiculously sick when i leave. I got the lecture about how people on dialysis gain fluids and i need it. About 2 weeks of them taking off fluid which I knew they didnt need to do, eventually I put my foot down and told them explicitly to only take the minimum fluid off. 5 months later I'm far better off now then then.\n\nThe problem with ESRD treatment is they really dont tailor the care to you as an individual instead, they revert back to a kidney dialysis playbook that suppose to be one treatment fits everyone.\nAnother incidence is my pump flow is around 400, and has been since the beginning. Noone seemed to think this was a problem, the nurses who have been working with me for months, my nephrologist, his RN. Noone, so it remained unchanged. Then one day I found out one of the nurses went on vacation and the facility manager who never works on patients anymore now needed to take up the slack due to the missing nurse. They proceed to hook me up to the machine and then I hear. \"Hey does anyone know if \"me\" has a heart condition, why is his pump so low\" when noone answered she then cranked it up to like 700.\n\nNow im thinking I feel fine, noone else who has been working with me since the beginning has noticed a problem with my blood pump speed and they see me all the time. I might not have been diagnosed with a heart condition but that doesnt mean one doesnt exist and if everything is perfectly fine now why do you need to be messing with it.\nI mean here is a person who has never worked with me, suddenly on day one referring to her one treatment fits all handbook. And when I mentioned it to her, she gave me a lecture and I told her, if its not broken dont fix it. She then told me she's not changing anything but raising my blood pump up. I'm like huh, that is changing things! So I had to make it plain and clear to leave the blood pump alone.\n\nNow im not saying that im against having my blood pump raised. But I want it to be recommended by people that know me and have worked with me. I trust the usual nurses, what i dont trust is someone who has never touched me to suddenly change my treatment when the people who have been working with me have not had the same conclusion.\n\nMy case is different in that I still expell fluids, i dont gain fluids, I dont take my binders and for 7 months my monthly reports have been near perfect with an average attendance of about 2 times a week.\n\nI took a urine test for about 2 months because they were concerned I wasnt getting enough dialysis because my ktv results were so low, they were thinking 2 things, either i was not getting enough dialysis or i was expelling toxins in my urine and thats why my ktv results were so low. When my urine results came in, they confirmed the good news in that I still had some residual kidney functions left.\n\nMy nurse even mentioned some people like me. very rarely, but some gain enough kidney function to not need dialysis anymore. I refuse to believe it in my case, because its easier to accept it instead of hoping for something with will likely not come. I'm just glad that for the most part im just below the level of needing dialysis and am not in full blown ESRD. Just wish my treatment took that into account instead of being given the treatment everyone else gets.",
	"I look at many of the post and find that most of us patients are being mistreated..... NO MORE!!! IT's TIME TO STOP! It's time for us to stand up and say we aren't going to take this garbage anymore. YOU are the boss when it comes to your health!! and it's time that we showed them that we are! Here are some rules for all you dialysis paitients: They CAN NOT terminate or expand your treatment time without your permission, PERIOD! It is in a contract that you and DaVita both signed. If they terminate your treatment time and try to get you to sign a waiver, DONT DO IT!! If you read the waiver, it says as plain as day the YOU REQUESTED IT, when the fact is that you didn't; They CAN NOT give you ANY MEDICINE or perscribe and medicine without YOUR permission. That is also aginst the law. If you refuse a medicine, than THEY ARE NOT TO GIVE IT TO YOU; They CAN NOT take more fluid than you request, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY THINK. Again, that is aginst the law and can be looked at as \"knowingly and willingly causing you harm.\" These are just afew examples of what DaVita tries to get away with ALL THE TIME! They cannot do it anymore. They are in violation of the law. Even if they break all these rules, they still bill your insurance the same. THEY CAN NOT!! Talk with your insurance provider about this. This is a serious situation. They are cheating the government out of hundreads of thousands, if not millions, every year. It's time that we said that \"WE ARE THE BOSS\"\n\nHere is some more disturbing information: I recently looked online to see what the latest research is in finding alternative soultions to dialysis. I found that there is a protein called BMP-7 that reversed kidney failure in rats. Now, if it woks on a rat, it can work on a human. All mamals are the same creature, just rearranged. But the fact is they are not even trying to find uses for this protein, because the same company that own the COPYRIGHT, that's rigt!! a COPYRIGHT on a protein also makes Epogen. It's time to boycott. I am boycotting epogen and am doing fine. I didn't need it before I was on dialysis, and I don't need it now. There are several hundread, SEVERAL HUNDREAD alternatives to treating anemia. DO NOT let them tell you that there isn't. And now that you know about BMP-7, do not let them say something like \"Oh, those rats eventually died\" or \"They re-developed kidney failure later.\" SO WHAH IF THEY DID!! They should still be testing it in the very least. Join me in the boycott. I don't intend to ever take epogen again. Not only should you boycott epogen, but Johnson and Johnson ( the company that owns the copyright) all together. Even if you get tired, it's better that they come up with the real cure for kidney failure and eleminate the need for epogen all together.\n\nDO NOT BE AFRAID my fellow patients. They cannot harm you more than they have. That's right. When they do not follow the rules, they DO harm you. Do not let them get away with it anymore.",
	"I look at many of the post and find that most of us patients are being mistreated..... NO MORE!!! IT's TIME TO STOP! It's time for us to stand up and say we aren't going to take this garbage anymore. YOU are the boss when it comes to your health!! And it's time that we showed them that we are! Here are some rules for all you dialysis patients: They CAN NOT terminate or expand your treatment time without your permission, PERIOD! It is in a contract that you and DaVita both signed. If they terminate your treatment time and try to get you to sign a waiver, DONT DO IT!! If you read the waiver, it says as plain as day the YOU REQUESTED IT, when the fact is that you didn't; They CAN NOT give you ANY MEDICINE or prescribe and medicine without YOUR permission. That is also against the law. If you refuse a medicine, than THEY ARE NOT TO GIVE IT TO YOU; They CAN NOT remove more fluid than you request, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY THINK. Again, that is against the law and can be looked at as \"knowingly and willingly causing you harm.\" These are just a few examples of what DaVita tries to get away with ALL THE TIME! They cannot do it anymore. They are in violation of the law. Even if they break all these rules, they still bill your insurance the same. THEY CAN NOT!! Talk with your insurance provider about this. This is a serious situation. They are cheating the government out of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, every year. It's time that we said that \"WE ARE THE BOSS\"\n\nHere is some more disturbing information: I recently looked online to see what the latest research is in finding alternative solutions to dialysis. I found that there is a protein called BMP-7 that reversed kidney failure in rats. Now, if it woks on a rat, it can work on a human. All mammals are the same creature, just rearranged. But the fact is they are not even trying to find uses for this protein, because the same company that own the COPYRIGHT, that's right!! a COPYRIGHT on a protein also makes Epogen. It's time to boycott. I am boycotting epogen and am doing fine. I didn't need it before I was on dialysis, and I don't need it now. There are several hundred, SEVERAL HUNDREAD alternatives to treating anemia. DO NOT let them tell you that there isn't. And now that you know about BMP-7, do not let them say something like \"Oh, those rats eventually died\" or \"They re-developed kidney failure later.\" SO WHAH IF THEY DID!! They should still be testing it in the very least. Join me in the boycott. I don't intend to ever take epogen again. Not only should you boycott epogen, but Johnson and Johnson (the company that owns the copyright) all together. Even if you get tired, it's better those they come up with the real cure for kidney failure and eliminate the need for epogen all together.\n\nDO NOT BE AFRAID my fellow patients. They cannot harm you more than they have. That's right. When they do not follow the rules, they DO harm you. Do not let them get away with it anymore.",
	"My mother has been on dialysis - 3 hours/day 3 days/week - for about 2 months. The last 2 weeks she has had episodes after (and during) dialysis where she feels dizzy, and has actually fallen. The techs at the kidney center says it is from them going below her \"dry weight\" and her blood pressure plummeting. They adjusted her treatments so they didn't take out so much fluid, but then her blood pressure went up and they has to up the amount of fluid taken. So today, she got all the way home (15 miles - my Dad was driving her) and passed out on the sidewalk when they stopped at the bank. Has anyone else experienced this? My Mother is pretty strict about her fluid and sodium intake, and is not retaining any water. My question - would it be a good idea to have her drink a \"sports\" type drink or pedialyte, and/or eat a lightly salted snack right after her treatment to stabilize her blood pressure? Her treatment is from 9:30-12:30 which means she doesn't eat from 7:30 until 1:15-1:30. She is not diabetic.",
	"About 1 hour after hemodialysis my voice gets very weak as if i am about to lose it, i also get hot and feel very faint if i try to do anything, which makes me have to sit for about 3 to 4 hours by which time everything seems to return to normal.Does anyone know what might be causeing these effects i know that dialysis is an aggrssive treatment and people suffer washout afterwards but these symptons are different to what i have been experincing normaly.",
	"Hello,\nOK, I'm 36, and have PKD, so my kidneys are huge and are only functioning at about 10%. Until recently, I worked as a receptionist but am too tired to do even that since April 1!! Truly, I'm too tired and worn out to do anything anymore, and I'm not looking forward to being a slave to a PD schedule or anything.\nI just started PD and am supposed to try doing the treatments at home pretty soon...except this house isn't any place to be doing dialysis treatments at this point.\nI'd almost as soon skip PD, and if I die, oh well....\nYesterday I found out my blood type, and I wonder if this is the right place to look for a living donor now that I know my blood type is A+, and by the way, I'm in San Diego, CA.\nIs this the right place to be looking for a living kidney donor? I hope so!\nOtherwise, like I was saying, oh well....",
	"I have had CKD desease for some time now I am diabetic on an insulin pump my AIC has been 5.4 so now my doctor says I have to go on dialysis. I want to do the in home peritaneal I had the catheter put in a week ago. my question is they tell me I don't need my pump once I start on dialysis I can't process that",
	"Hi Folks,\n\nHubby will be starting dialysis on Monday. He is signed up at Franklin Dialysis Center in Center City Philadelphia. Of course, there is no parking which is very inconvenient because he can't walk more than 1/2 block due to spinal fusion surgery and charcot foot.\n\nSo my question is, does anyone on this board have any experience with either Franklin Dialysis or the one on Front and Dickinson in So Philly?\n\nAlso, his fistula wasn't able to be completed because his artery is calcified. Now that are talking about putting the fistula in the underarm area. Has anyone ever heard of this?\n\nThese have been very trying times for him and I just wish we had one day when we didn't have something to worry about! But we are keeping the faith.....\n\nThanks....",
	"I just found out the official start date for my home dialysis training. I start with the NxStage on May 21st. My trouble won't be completely over, but I will not have that helpless feeling that I get in the centre anymore. Thanks for all your support, and I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"I was surprised when finding out that I had to sign a consent form to be tested for HIV. My regular tech had scrap herself retriving blood from the veil. I had no idea that she had contacted blood which connecting me to the dialysis for my treatment. My tech did not say anything to me she just left without saying a word. Another tech came to me to tell me that she stuck herself and she is at a clinic getting tested? I had to get tested so they would know.\n\nDo you think it was my feult? I am worried about her. She is to complete my fisula button holes which is taking forever to complete. I don't think she will be coming back now. I heard that she is resigning from the center in two weeks.\n\nMy nurse said that maybe the center will consider non-needles since that is common at the hospitals. It just seems that before anything happens at this center something has to happen first.\n\nWhen I see her again, what will I say? I'm feeling that I can't relie on this tech anymore.\n\nBe well,\nRivy",
	"I'm kind of confused by all this dietary stuff (I'm sure you can sympathize!) and it's hard to work it all out on my own. My doctor can't refer me to the hospital nutrition classes because the classes are way overbooked as it is, there are far too many people with kidney problems, and I'm \"not sick enough\" yet. But I don't want to wait till the last minute. I want to at least start paying more attention to what I eat. I watched my grandmother deal with kidney problems and dialysis, and I don't want to go through that if I don't have to.\n\nWhat about nutritionists/dieticians? I suppose you could find one who might help, but aren't they expensive? I doubt I could afford that. Is there anything else I can do, short of getting a degree in nutrition and working it out myself?",
	"I have polycystic kidney disease and I am now on dialysis. It runs in my family. Of my six siblings, four have gotten this disease. It is on my father's side of the family and he along with a few of his sisters had this disease. The only cure is a kidney transplant. However, there are several clinical trials testing drugs that might be able to combat this disease. So any addition information about this disease please post.",
	"I have polycystic kidney disease and I am now on dialysis. It runs in my family. Of my six siblings, four have gotten this disease. It is on my father's side of the family and he along with a few of his sisters had this disease. The only cure is a kidney transplant. However, there are several clinical trials testing drugs that might be able to combat this disease. So any addition information about this disease please post.",
	"Does anyone know when they do kidney biopsies? They did one on me when I started to show signs of kidney problems but they have not done one on my sister. They just put her on dialysis. Could it be because her lab work was so much worse than mine?\n\nAlso, does anyone know how they define the classes of kidney damage? I was told I had class III, or class IV, damage, I can't recall which. Or was it both?",
	"Hello. I am new here. I am carer to my 23 yr old fiance Stephen who is a home hemo patient.\nI think I spelt that right.\nAnyway, I came across this site while browsing the net in urgent need of help and advice. I'll give you the background info as it happened just so theres no confusion. It will be a very long and in-depth post. I will mention things that dont sound dialysis related but thats just in case it is connected in any way, plus it will effect his dialysis if it carries on cos I wont be putting him on.\n\nStephen had a transplant when he was 10 I think and had his dads kidney. It lasted 10 years or so and then he went on diaysis at hospital which he got used to pretty quick. It still wasnt ideal though cos we moved in together during that time cos his mum split from his dad and demanded the house be sold so he had to get out. We were looking for a place anyway so it wasnt too bad. But our neighbours started keeping us up with loud music and banging and shouting etc, so we lost sleep and Steve kept missing sessions when he slept through his transport at 6am three times a week. I went with him for a year, then stopped, as it got too much for me. I was too tired. I know he was too but he got to sleep when he was on there and I couldnt really. We've been together 5 years or so now btw.\n\nSo anyway it must be nearly a year now hes been on home dialysis. Ive been trained at hospital with him and at home to do the needles etc. And I now put them in, put him on and take him off. I got no problem at all doing it and he's been doing much better at going on latley. His results are looking much better. But... the last four months or so he's been feeling ill. And I am pretty sure its his kindey completley failing. He feels sick alot, although latley hes been feeling more hungry than anything but his stomach always hurts and his back, he's always coughing and got a tight chest even though hes cut right down on his smoking to three a day at the most and most of the time none, which is a huge improvement.\nHe sleeps all day, and is awake all night cos he cant get comfortable. He's got no problem really lying down or sitting down in the day so I dunno why its so hard at night.\n\nAnyway this has been going on for appsalutley ages and I was telling him to go to the docs and do a urine test with those test strips for blood leaks you get for the machine as the nurse suggested. He wouldnt listen so I had to put up with this for all that time and he wouldnt help me with anything. Alot of it is depression, I know. I am suffering with this now as a result of how life is at the moment. He's got a psychology appointment next month, but they never last long, as he feels like he cant go anymore and its not helping. I know how he feels on that part, as I went once. I couldnt take it. We both have agraphobia, you see.\n\nFinally he did the test which proved there was blood in his spit and pee, and he went to the docs who gave him antibiotics. He's just finished them today and apart from feeling great a couple of days last week he's feeling even worse now cos for a while he's had fluid on his chest and now on his legs, ankles and feet too. Theyve swollen right up. He's been restricted to only 3pints of liquid a day (including any hidden fluids in foods etc). He;s been having tip-tops to try and help with his thrist but they dont work really and he always goes way over his limit every day. He is moody enough latley and this is making it worse.\nHe takes off 4 litres roughly every time he goes on (3 times a week - 4 hours) cos the nurse said you can only take a litre off every hour.\nHe's wandering in and out the room as I write this now, saying he wishes he could rid of this fluid and hes so hungry and thirsty and cant do anything about it.\nAll this time, Ive been doing everything around the flat apart from the cooking which he's started doing again latley cos he's so hungry all the time. I know it sounds as if im moaning cos he'll ill. please dont get me wrong, but we've been drifting apart lately cos i cant cope doing everything on my own. I cant clean the rats out on my own (we got 3 cages) and im not going to get rid of them as I dont have much happiness in my life since we moved here and theyre all I got really. I love them to peices.\nThey need cleaning out big time and he cant help. The thing is though when he is well he wont help. So im at my wits end. This isnt all dialysis related obviously and on other forums Ive posted on about this same problem in the past all say he's depressed or he needs to mature more.\nI am constantly worried about him and them all day every day without a break. He is considering going on the transplant list now, he is scared and said no before, but that could still take years and may not work, and even if it does he may still be like he is now cos he was always making excuses before dialysis even to not do anything.\n\nHe wont sleep in the bed with me and hasnt for weeks on end just like before. He says he cant get comfortable, theres not enough room, its too hard. He's slept on the floor or settee most of his life for some reason and just doesnt like the bed, and i cant sleep on my own properly so I end up being up all night and crying my eyes out about the state the bedroom is in with the unmade bed, stinky rat cages making them more ill and just basicly stuff everywhere all round the flat and he leave bowls unsoaked after he's cooked and papers or whatever hanging round after him leaving me to pick up after him and i got enough to cope with as it is , plus a bad stomahc so I cant bend down anyway properly. Is there any other way of getting this fluid off, prevent it coming straight back the next day? his target weight is about 64 and hes around 70 lately before going on dialysis and last time 74!! Its getting worse. And has anyone had to put up with someone like this?\n\nSeriously, I cant cope anymore and I wont end up being able to put him on, we constantly argue and spend hardly any quality time together, and we're not intimate at all anymore. I know loss of interest in sex is one of those things to do with this, but we are supposed to have been married and I was supposed to have been pregnant by now. He just isnt interested anymore in anything except games, music and sleep, sleep, sleep. Those little things like soaking the bowl so its easier for me to wash and not leaving trails of papers just dropped on the floor for me to pick up- surely this is just being ignorant?! PLEASE HELP!!!! I cant take this anymore!!\nAlso he keeps saying 'in a bit' and 'in a minute' if i remind him to take his tablets (he does need reminding) and he either misses them or ends up taking them really late. He promised me and the nurses countless times he would take them as soon as i remind him which he then does for a week or so if im lucky and then thats it. back to the old. I feel this is a huge kick in the teeth, and im being made a fool out of after i put him on dialysis and look after him, while being stressed out and ill myself every day. Then he just lazes round and plays games. his tabs are right next to him and he doesnt bother. I even used to set them up and he'd leave them hanging round. I cant win!!",
	"I just had my first day of training with the Davita NxStage program. Except for some unrelated problems with my graft (which isn't being used yet), the session went perfectly. The two training nurses are very nice and knowledgeable, and the machine is SOOOO easy to use. I didn't actually do anything yet, but I will do everything I can myself starting tomorrow. It's been a long, hard road to get to this point, but it's finally here. I'll keep everyone posted as my training continues. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"OK- so I have more questions than anything when it comes to this whole kidney failure thing! Anybody with any answers please respond! \n For starters, I'm curious which dialysis treatment is better. I should be starting dialysis in the next few months, and I'm interrested in peritoneal dialysis. Please let me know your experiences with PD- good and bad, And if you felt better after starting it. I am suffering from arthritic gout from uric acid build up, so if anyone has a similar situation let me know. Does it take the pain and tiredness away?\n Secondly, if you've had a transplant, is it better than dialysis? Do immune suppressants make you sick? One of my doctors told me I'd be better off staying on dialysis for life. Which is better?\n Has anybody out there gotten wierd \"pains\"? Like I said, I have gout which causes arthitic pain all over my body; some days I feel \"heavy\", like walking under water; and others I'm totally exhausted. Let me know!!",
	"http://www.vcuhealth.org/transplant/...renal_diet.pdf\nThis looks like a good booklet to me. Has anyone else seen it?",
	"I'm brand new to this forum and hope it's okay for me to participate even though I'm not on dialysis and hope that I can avoid it.\n\nI only just found out I have CKD less than two weeks ago. Actually, I had figured it out for myself from recent lab results I was able to access that showed my GFR was 44. When I asked my doctor about it, he said my GFR hadn't really changed that much since my previous test, when I was already at Stage 2! Would have been nice if he'd told me!\n\nAt any rate, I also found out (in February) that I have diabetes (following a gallstone-induced bout of acute pancreatitis). When I was discharged, the doctor ttold me I had Type 2 diabetes, but I think it's Type 1.5. I don't fit the Type-2 profile. I'm not overweight, and the metformin they prescribed doesn't seem to help much. Exercise seems to be the only thing that gets my sugar down.\n\nI was just getting the hang of eating right for diabetes (while trying not to lose more weight) when I got this new diagnosis. I had been trying to eat more protein, including meat, cheese and nuts. But now I find that too much protein is bad for the kidneys.\n\nOne of the things that concerns me is that it seems impossible to balance the demands of both kidney and diabetes diets without cooking virtually all of your meals from scratch. In addition to diabetes and CKD, I also have multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. Going shopping is a major undertaking, and recently, I've found that standing and trying to prepare healthy meals for my family tends to make me lightheaded (as I'm going to pass out) and sometimes out of breath. (I don't know whether that's related to my MS, diabetes, blood pressure or something else entirely. I just know it makes it hard for me to cook from scratch.)\n\nAre there any quick and easy meals that work for both a diabetes and a kidney diet? Are there any frozen or prepackaged meals that would be safe for me to use? I have seen my diabetic nutritionist and have requested an appointment with a renal nutritionist.\n\nI was hoping that some of the people on this forum who have gone through Stage 3 might be able to help educate me. My doctor has ordered a follow-up creatinine test. What are the chances that my GFR might improve?\n\nAlso, I would appreciate any suggestions anybody might have for meeting the challenges of a diabetic/kidney diet when eating out or traveling or being on a vacation.\n\nThanks.",
	"who helps me cope with my illness? why none other than the star of SVU herself, Mariska Hargitay and my favorite person, actress and role model. Her selflessness and kindness toward total strangers has helped me through some hard times. And recently, through make-a-wish, i was able to meet mariska, and she is 100% true and kind. She's even written me a few encouraging emails since. Sometimes i don't think I could get through with out her guidance, even though most of the time its just the fact that she does SO much for everyone, so many of them who have never known her, it just gets you so inspired and you realize life is so great and there;s so much worse things that could happen that people couldn't ever understand. Yes she is a celebrity, but she is one like no other. She cares so much for her fans and admirers. She is totally devoted to them, her fellow SVU actors, and of course her husband and little baby August. He is ADORABLE!!!  \nI recomend to anyone and everyone to look into Mariska Hargitay if you are ever feeling in need of inspiration. you can google search her or go to her website: mariska.com. I guarantee you that you will have found a new role model and inspiration.\n~skatergaleh",
	"My husband is only 53 years old and his kidneys started failing back in October but his GP didn't tell us his creatinine levels until March and he had an ultrasound which was good and they don't see any mass which means no cancer.....they don't see lupus....now his crets are at 3.1 and they keep rising every week now and his urea nitrogen is now at 58% which also scares me and I plan to donate.\n\nNow in the event they cannot take my kidney or his body rejects, that means dialysis.....my question is how long do dialysis patients usually live.....I am reading some very frightening stats on the Internet....then this urea nitrogen thing scares me since I wonder if it leads to uremic poisoning which even the rich and famous can die from and here they can afford the best care.....\n\nThank you for all your help and sorry for the rant....I am just very frightened for my husband.......",
	"Please tell me I am being paranoid......I read a couple of threads here where some of patients were not treated very politely and one where the nurse cut off the treatment time...now isn't that illegal since that is messing with a life and death issue........I have to think about this and worry since God forbid my husband's body rejects my kidney and since he can be a stubborn person and yes he gets depressed so he won't be the \"best behaved\" but he is a very nice man otherwise....however can these techs and nurses get away with being rude and cutting off treatment time?",
	"I had a Peritanealcatheter put in May 9th and it is still very painful I was in the hospital for two days trying to control the pain has any body had this expierence with pain",
	"I am almost 90 years old,and have been on dialysis for\nnearly 18 months.I have been treated by DaVita from the beginning and have always been very pleased with the care that I have payed for from them.Last week a corporate\" beancounter\" arrived and now I find my world has been turned upside down.Without asking our needs or even speaking with a single patient,our dialysis times have been drasticitly altered,with major new hardships being placed on almost all of our Tue-Thur-Sat,group,most of which are elderly like myself.Is this a common thing with Davita,as they have grown ? Am I going to be forced to leave the staff and fellow patients that I have grown to care so much about to receive care in a time frame that is workable for me? Have any of you been caught up in this in your dialysis care? Need help,and advise....Thanks for listening.",
	"Hi all. Just wanted to introduce my self to the forum. I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was 15 years old. At 20, I started to do Hemodialysis. Fortunately for me, I only did it for 10 months. My mom donated her kidney to me. Up until just two weeks ago, everything was great. But unfortunately I had a rejection. The kidney lasted 6 years. I am now starting PD. I just want to say that I am glad that there is a place like this where I can go and get advice, tips or even words of encouragement. I hope to learn a lot while I'm here.",
	"How long can a person do PD....I am reading rumors on the internet that it only lasts just two years......are there any other home dialysis available other than hemo......what does a person do if the PD life is gone and their \"access button\" cannot fit the tubing for hemo?",
	"I read the labels but everything has salt...I can't give him too many veggies since that is protein and his fish and meat have to be very limited since that is protein......\n\nI have to relearn cooking all over again which I have no problem with since my goal is not only to make him grow old with me but to keep him off dialysis.....but these stores only cater to \"salty people and protein and potassium eaters\".\n\nHis crets went down in the hospital since they had their restricted diet on him but now because of how these grocers don't care about kidney patients, I am so scared about his crets going up again......",
	"My husband is 79 years of age. He has COPD, Diabetes, Dementia, and PKD. Also, high blood pressure and cholesterol but that is being controlled with medication. His GFR is 19 and the kidney doctor tells us when it reaches 15, we should make the decision about dialysis. Our son and daughter have been with us to the dr. so they understand about the genetics. He takes Avandia for the diabetes - just started about a month ago. Now that medication is in the news as possibly causing heart attacks. I am new to the site and have read many of the postings all the way back to 2004. It seems that dialysis is very tiring and there are other complications that can arise especially if you have health issues like my husband. Our decision will be whether or not to initiate the dialysis. We are weighing the quality of life issue. Anyone who is in a similiar situation or would have comments, please let me hear from you.",
	"I've been having an odd problem with swelling recently. I am on the cycler and use mostly 1.5% bags of fluid. I use a 2.5% about once a week +/-. That usually works for me, but since I shortened my dwell time, I seem to not be able to get all the fluid off, and when I do get it off, I just absorb it back the next night. Here are my stats for the past week:\n\nSun: weight=136.0 lbs (61.69kg); BP=118/66; UF=399mL with 2.5%\n\nMon: wt=137.4 lbs (62.32kg); BP=119/68; UF=213mL w/1.5%\n\nTues: wt=136.2 lbs (61.78kg); BP=131/79; UF=108mL w/1.5%\n\nWed: wt=138.4 lbs (62.78kg); *4got2doBP*; UF=140mL w/1.5%\n\nThu: wt=138.0 lbs (62.60kg); BP=122/68; UF=-101mL w/1.5%\n\nFri: wt=138.2 lbs (62.69kg); BP=122/70; UF=-341mL w/1.5%\n\nToday: wt=137.6 lbs (62.41kg); BP=123/81; UF=484mL w/2.5%\n\nLooking back on these, I'm starting to think that maybe I'm just drinking too much? I haven't really been keeping track of how much I've been drinking. I do still urinate, and I have been doing that a lot more too. Any suggestions/ideas as to why I keep swelling?\n\nAlso, it all stays in my legs, mostly my left leg, where the blood clot used to be. If I sleep with my feet up, I seem to get a little more off, but it's not very comfortable. lol",
	"Our waitress told us last night about this and that there is a book on available from Borders....does anyone know of this and if it does work for the kidneys?",
	"I have been battling CKD since 1991 and doing very well. I have 1 kidney and am at 19% function. Does stress play a factor in the decline of the kidney?",
	"can anybody tell me what the level would be to be dangerous? my brothers last blood test showed the phosphate level was 3.1 - back in December his level was 1.7 - any information would be great - thank you!",
	"Hi, there everyone! Im 25 and been on dialysis since i was 17! It was a shock at first, but now it's just a part of my life! It all started with headaches-I went to doc and he said i had migraines and prescribed tablets. The headaches got worse, i was being sick and started to lose my vision! My mum took me to the optition who advised my mum to take me to A+E cause i was hemragging behind my eyes! Went to A+E and they took my BP. It was HIGH! Up at two hundred n odd over a hundred! Everyone was worried! Except me! I didn't realise how ill i was! I was sitting up laughing and cracking jokes! It took a few tests, but i learned i had renal failure and had to go on dialysis! At the time i thought nothing of it! And it took me about a year to realise just how much of an impact this would have on my life! At first i started off on PD dialysis and i attended collage to study childcare. I got my NC and done 6 months of my HNC, before i got a transplant! I was 19 at that time! Unfortunately i was young, immature and stupid at the time and i didnt take my pills! I was scared cause all i'd been used to was dialysis! People new me as Gill the lassie on dialysis! I didn't know how to cope after the transplant! I was at home all day myself! Alone! I got depressed! Plus i had alot of other personnal stuff going on! I tried to talk to staff at renal unit but it didn't take that feeling of despair away! So i stopped taking my pills and avoided getting bloods taken-why? Cause at that point i was lost and scared of what the future would hold for me! I was so used to dialysis and the routine and structure it brought to my life and to have that taken away from me i had nothing and i had no one!\nAnyway one time i was at clinic the nurse made me get bloods done! She came in with me n took the bloods herself! And that night i was back in hospital again with the nurse telling me my kidney ha failed and i'd have to go back on dialysis!\nNow i know alot of you out there will be angry at me for waisting that kidney, but believe me i regret that every single day of my life! I Hate myself for waisting that opportunity! Theres noone in this world who could hate me as much as i do!\nAnyways after that i went on to hemo dialysis and have been on that for 5 years now! I still suffer depression! I have good days and bad days, probably like many of you out there! But now i'm older and wiser and i'm not scared of the future anymore-with or without dialysis!\nI know that i was put on this earth to be a mum! Thats what i want more than anything! And i know that whats for me, won't go by me!\nI just wanted to share my experience with all of you, incase theres anyone out there going through anything similar! If there is feel free to e-mail me, and we can chat!",
	"Hello everyone... My Dad started dyalisys 4 weeks ago.. He/s not taking too well to the dyalisys. Right after he's done, he is so week. When I was visiting last week and went to pick him up with my sister...it took both of us to litterly carry him in...\n\nOnce he's home, he sleeps .\n\nIs this normal? Has anyone experienced this.\n\nIf you could, can you please let me know.\n\nThanks and God Bless!!!\n\nlld",
	"Hi I just started dialysis in january got my PD cather put in in March it was tangled so i had to get untangled. my qustion is since i started Pd i have been so full that i can not eat or drink sometimes. i have to wait on my lab work to see if i can lessen the fluid that is left in me during the day. does anyone know how i can make myself fill better during the day?",
	"Hi,\nIn August I will turn 80! I will start backwards come this September. Have stage 4 severe CKD. Feel great in spite of all my issues. 7 yrs ago I had Stage 3 colon cancer. Had surgery and 13mo of chemo. Don't know for sure but think the chemo damaged my only kidney (was born with one kidney and a double uterus). My only child is a wonderful54 yr old man. Also have an aneurysm that has to be checked every 6mo. Am not diebetic but have perifial neuropathy in my feet. I could go on and on but why. I am enjoying my life and getting ready to move into a new home. My wonderful husband of 59 yrs is a great help to me. If I have to go on dialysis I will do it and be happy to have it available to me. I am an artist and love to paint in oil, watercolor pastel and pencil. I strugglesd for a while about going on dialysis but changed my attitude and will be fine wen the time comes. My heart goes out to all the young people that have serious problems. We also lost our home inCharley and lived in our motor home for 13 mo. Moved into our new home and 2mo later a developer dropped by and informed us they would be buying us out and we should look for a new place to live. They did and we are getting ready to move. Life goes on and problems always turn out OK.",
	"Im a hemodialysis patient and i have to do 5 hours! After the first couple of hours i get really bad bone pain! I feel like the machine is trying to suck my bones through it! I've said to nurses and they checked my calcium and it seemed fine! Has anyone else experienced this? Or does anyone know what it is?",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI am a freelance translator/linguistic specialist living and working in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.\n\nI'm currently working on a project for a company in the U.K. that specialises in the translation and linguistic validation of patient-reported outcome measures for administration in clinical trials.\n\nWhat this means is that they pilot-test patient questionnaires to make sure the questions are worded correctly and easily understood before they are finalized and sent out to be used in clinical trials.\n\nThere is NO personal information involved whatsoever in these linguistic pilot tests. Here's a sample from a linguistic validation questionnaire dealing with Osteoarthritis:\n\nWording:\n\"For each of the following activities, please indicate the degree of difficulty you have experienced in the last week due to your knee problem.\"\n\nQuestions (to you, the respondent):\n1. Do you understand what this means?\n2. Do you think the response options are appropriate? (if response options are given, for example \"a little, somewhat, quite a bit, extreme\")\n3. What does this mean to you, in your own words?\n4. Suggested changes, if any:\n\nAll that I am collecting are responses regarding the wording of each question in a survey currently being prepared for patients on dialysis, not your personal answers to those questions. The only information I send back with each questionnaire is your first name (only) and your age.\n\nRequirements:\n\nYou must currently be on dialysis or have been on dialysis in the past\nYou must be Canadian, and your mother tongue must be English\nYou must have a working email address\nYou need Microsoft Word to fill out the questionnaire\n\nI will provide phone support to anyone who has questions while completing the questionnaire. Your email address will not be given to anyone, under any circumstances. (I hate spam too!)\n\nThe U.K. company I am freelancing for will be paying each participant 60 UK Pounds Sterling, or roughly $125.00 Canadian, which can be sent by Paypal or cheque. (I am not yet sure if they will be paying participants directly or if I will be).\n\nI need 5 (five) participants, as soon as possible. Please e-mail me at karen.translator@gmail.com if you are interested!\n\nBest wishes,\nKaren\n\nP.S.: To the board administrators: Please don't consider this post as spam. I'm honestly a self-employed woman seeking respondents for a questionnaire that will assist in dialysis research and benefit the dialysis community as a whole.  If you would like to talk to me by phone, I would welcome the opportunity.\n\n-Thank you!",
	"I am having 3 root canals done and am concerned about the effect of\nNovocaine on my stage 3 kidneys.\nMy oral surgeon does not feel this is a problem.\nAnyone have an opinion on this?\n\nThank you. John",
	"Yesterday I was able to bring my NxStage machine home, and my first home treatment will be on Tuesday. I received most of my supplies on Friday, and I'll receive my Pureflow, my warmer for when I use bags, my dialysate, my cartridges, and some other stuff on Monday afternoon. It's amazing how much less space the NxStage supplies take up compared to a full sized machine and RO unit. I won't have any trouble storing all of my supplies in my bedroom where I'll do my treatments. My room does however now look like a one unit dialysis centre with a bed in it. I'm going to be getting a dialysis chair because I prefer to sit up during my treatment so I don't fall asleep and miss my data entry on my flow sheets. I'll post updates (and pictures) once I start at home.\n\nAdam",
	"Hi, I have kidney failure and want to shed alot not just a few pounds but about 60 pounds...........\n\nI was wondering if you guys know of any energy boosters or diet pills that is ok for kidney patients to take and it should be over the counter......... anyone have any reccomendations or suggestions????\n\nI have already talked to my dietician but she's not sure and think I should ask my Dr. I did that too but he has to refer to someone else...........so to make it short I dont have that much time..........\n\nalso would it do my body any harm if I drink a red bull before working out every night????",
	"I now have all my equipment, and almost all of my supplies. I haven't received my full month's supply of cartridges and Pureflow SAKs, but I got a six day supply from the centre. My first home treatment is today. Here are a few pics.\n\n\n\n Attached Images \n\n dialysis 012 (Small).jpg\n(46.2 KB, 491 views)\n\n dialysis 010 (Small).jpg\n(24.3 KB, 486 views)\n\n dialysis 009 (Small).jpg\n(38.9 KB, 511 views)",
	"Hi Everyone,\n\nI have been on dialysis for about a year and have just recently started using my fistula for return. It is in my upper arm and I have been told those take longer to mature \"pop\". The lower part is okay, but the upper part is still a little deep inteh arm. Do any of you have any advice on exercises or tricks to accelerate the process so that I can use it for both return and take off?\n\nThanks so much for any and all suggestions!",
	"I've now done two treatments at home, and I couldn't be happier. The first treatment unfortunately ended with the loss of all the blood in the machine (Air got into the arterial line and I couldn't get it out before the dialyzer clotted). Other then that, the first home treatment went pretty well, and the machine and Pureflow both worked perfectly. My treatment today went perfectly with no alarms. I feel SOOOOOO good now that I've started this, and I feel I can start \"dialyzing to live\" instead of \"living to dialyze\". Thanks for tolerating all of my rants in the past. I know I was really negative for a while, but I don't imagine that will happen again. I know that I will still have some \"bad days\", but I don't think things will get near as bad as they were about a month ago. I'm just not normally like that. Take care.\n\nAdam",
	"My name is John and my nephew little Michael is 31, he has been on Dialsys for a few years now, he is a diabetic, also has had a triple by-pass when he was 29. Hear is the reason i am writing this.. He complained of abdominal pain was admitted to a hospital, they transfered him to another hospital where they did lab work and found out his posassium was 9, they admitted him to ICU and then at 04:20 am he went into cardiac arrest. He was un responsive for a week and was intubated. A week later they took him down for surgery and he now has a trach and a peg tub for feeding, he began to breath on his own, dialsys was still continued, a week later he began to open his eyes, it is a slow process but things are changing. Well here is it 4 weeks later he is out of ICU and in a private room on the ward. Let me also mention that due tot he fact that it apparently took so long for the ICU team to respond he has severe brain damage. Okay now for the reason I am writing.. We need help... the doctor his nephrologist has decided that he wants to stop the dialsys and let my nephew die... He told my brother (my nephew's father) that he will no long do dialsys on him, and that he wants my brother to go in front of an Ethic's board. We see changes in my nephew they might not be very big ones but we see them. Okay I keep getting off track.... Well the one dialsys center has refused to do Dialsys on my nephew and his nephrologist is also goin gto refuse once he is discharged formt he hospital... what i am asking everyone.. anyone that read's this if they have any information or advice or just anything that will help to please send it to me.. once the doctor discharges my nephew from his care we will only have 30 days to find another nephrologist.. I feel that his doctor now has black balled my nephew from the other centers in the area... does anyone know anything about home dialsys?? They found a nursing home that will take him in but the problem is no one now will do the dialsys on him... PLEASE HELP.... best to e-mail me at ra8edx@aol.com\nThanks so very much .....\n\nJohn, Michael and Little Michael....",
	"Hi,\n\nI wonder if anyone has experienced hoarseness while on dialysis? Thanks...",
	"In an effort to get my bp lower, the doc prescribed Toprol xl for me. Anyone else here using it? How effective has it been for you? Been takin it for one week, no side effects and it seems to be bringing it down a little.\nanyone know how long i usually takes to get results? I figure this is the best place to ask for some \"real time \" answers.\nThanks",
	"I am the caregiver of my grandmother who is 68 years old. She was diagnosed with CKD in July of 2006. The doctor’s said she would need dialysis soon and they told us a month ago that she would need to start in two weeks, but when we changed doctor’s (we had to change to be closer to home) he said she might not need to start for a while longer. He changed her fluid pill and they seem to be working. She had to have a 24-hour urine test she filled to bottle up to 2500ml and the bottle went to 3000ml is that good? Also, she stays short of breath about all the time is that normal for CKD patient’s to be short of breath? There is no one else but me taking care of my grandmother, my mom has bipolar and she gets angry very easily so I can’t ask her for help, and my sister has a little boy and is going to school she is no help either. I feel like I am going to have a nervous breakdown. My grandmother used to stay by herself four nights a week, I stayed three nights a week, but now she is calling me to come back on the nights I am not here. I am out for the summer from college and stay with her all day and the night’s I go home it is only to sleep. I know she is ill and does not feel well but it seems like as soon as I am back she is fine. Any advice on how to deal? I am a college student and my grades are slipping because I am so tired all the time, there is no time to study, no time for me, I don’t even have time for my dog’s. I feel like running away and never looking back. I am mentally and emotionally worn out. I have lost my life and am only twenty-one. I know it is selfish for me to feel this way because my grandmother is the one who is sick. Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated. This is my first posting but I have been reading postings for weeks now.",
	"Hi all,\n\nI have been on dialysis for a year and a half now. When I first started, the hemodialysis would completly drain me. They would always try to take off as much fluid as possible. Lucky for me, I was only on hemo. for a month. I started on peritoneal dialysis(if any of you are thinking about peritoneal, do it; it's so much better), and everything was going great. One day, I decided to transport some of my dialysis boxes from one location to another. Aparently, I lifted too much; because I sprung a leak. The fluid from my peritoneal sack had seeped through between the peritoneal sack and my skin. It was all on one side, and I looked like I had a bowling ball in my side. I was no longer allowed to use my peritoneal port, so the doctors put a hemo. port back in, and took out the old port and put a new one in one the other side. That was almost two weeks ago. Next week, I should be back on PD. I am so excited.\n\nSteve_kidney1",
	"Hi,\nI have a question that my HD clinic and I are wondering about. I was on PD and had to switch to HD(to find out more on that, see my page). Every time that I arrive for dialysis at the hemo clinic, I weigh less than I did when I left. I have continued my normal diet for pd; which for me was to eat whatever I can find. My pd nurse said that there are nutrients in the pd fluid, and my body was probably used to them and now is not getting as many nutrients. Is this all that it is? Can anyone explain more?\n\nsteve_kidney1",
	"I'm looking to have my transplant sometime by the end of the year, and my concern is for the cost of the anti-rejection meds. I know medicare pays for them for a certain amount of time, but after I hear it's like $13,000 a year for meds. Is that true?",
	"Hello Everyone....Hope you can help.\n\nMy Dad recently started dyalisis ( 5 weeks) and he is not taking too well to it..I spoke with him earlier today and he tells me he is so so cold during dyalisis. He says it fells like ice is being injected in him. he wears tons of clothes, but it does not help..\n\nHas anyone experienced this? Does it go away after some time?\n\nAny information is appreciated .\n\nThank You and God Bless!!!\n\nlld",
	"Hello Everyone...\n\nMy Dad recently started dyalisis (5 weeks) He is not taking too well to it. I spoke to him earlier today and he tells the worst for him is the feeling like ice is being injected into his veins.\n\nHave any of you ever experienced this? if so, does it go away in time? He wears so many layers of clothes when he goes for dyalisis, but it doesn't seem to help.\n\nAny info you can provide is appreciated,.\n\nThanks and God Bless!!!",
	"My grandmother just started dialysis and we are getting used to the diet changes. What does everyone recommend for breakfast foods? She likes bacon and things like that for breakfast, but I don't think she can have that because of sodium and phophrus (spelled wrong I know). Also, she likes her oranges juice in the mornings anyone have a recommendation for a substitution? Thanks for everyone's help.",
	"It's been over 3 months since my nephrologist told me I was at 5.0 and needed to go on dialysis. My answer to him was, \"why? I don't feel any different than I ever have. I'm not having any problems that I know of\". His answer was to give it 90 days and see what happens.\n\nSo, I have. Nothing has happened. For the second time in my life I have been told I must go on dialysis, and for the second time I decided not to. The first time was when I had kidney failure twice back in 1999 and 2000 from chemo and radiation for cancer. Back then, I was told by a nephrologist that I would go on dialysis when I got out of the hospital and be on it for the rest of my life. Well, hey old buddy, wherever you are...it's 2007 and I'm still cruisin' along doing just fine, thank you.\n\nThe 90 days has come and gone. If I had \"obeyed\" my doctors, I would have spent the last 7 years on dialysis, or at least the last 3 months. I know I will end up having to deal with it one day, but until then, I will treasure each moment that I am free of the machines and routine, however long it may last.\n\nI'm not bragging, I'm thankful. And I learned years and years ago that no doctor has more concern for me than I do. I am and have been my own advocate. Sometimes I am not popular with doctors...can you see why?\n\nWhen I have to go on dialysis, maybe I will. I'll cross that bridge when and if I get to it.",
	"Hi all!\n\nMy grandmother and I are new to dialysis, and before she got sick we used to travel a lot. Once she gets to feeling better we want to travel again. The places we ususally visit do have center's close to where we usually stay. Any advice on \"new hemo first time travelers\"?",
	"I'm 53 years young and on Hemo. Currently have a chest catheter, since my arms are no longer any good for shunts or grafts. Going to have a leg shunt put in for Hemo soon. I've been a widow for 9 yr's now and just started wanting to date again. Whenever I tell anyone I'm on Diaylsis, you can see them slowly shrink away. Also worried about the sexual part of dating, since I don't have much arousal anymore. Seems like I will just die a lonely widow. Moving to a new state next week, where I don't know anyone. Any suggestions?",
	"Hi all,\n\nHas anyone ever heard of the above product line? My hubby was given a sample container (2oz) of the cheddar cheese. It is a soft spread like orange cheese. It is low in phosp (25mg), sodium (160mg), potssm (10mg) per 2 tbsps. The company is called Delicious Milk Co. out of NY.\n\nThe thing is on their website there is no ingredients listed.\n\nI have found some items with either very low sodium or no sodium. Some are:\n\nBumble Bee tuna just came out with very low sodium tuna.\nHeinz Ketchup no sodium (this product is rather useless in CKD)\nChicken buillion no sodium\nNo salt pretzels\n\nI too am having a hard time with the menu! We come from the hippie/veggie lifestyle and many of the foods we eat would generally be considered \"good\" for you.\n\nI have found couscous to be a good alternative to brown rice. It cooks real fast too!",
	"Hi Everyone,\n\nWe just launched the new redesign of DaVita.com tonight. The site has grown a lot since within the last two years and it was time to sit down and organize all of our articles and tools so that they would be easier for you to use.\n\nYou can find out about the changes we made on our DaVita redesign overview page.\n\nFor anyone that wants to send feedback outside of the forum, you can use a feedback form we set up for the redesign.",
	"We restyled our discussion forums to match the new lighter look of DaVita.com. We didn't change much else. I hope this doesn't negatively affect any of you out there. Your feedback--positive or negative--is welcome. This is your forum so please feel free to speak up. My goal is to make your experience using the DaVita discussion forums the best it can be.",
	"I am 38 and have had CKD for 16 years. Last year my function dropped to 23 and I maintained that until May when it hit 19. I see my doctor every 2 months for bloodwork and monitoring and he said when I go back in July if I am still below 20 then I am on the transplant list. Here are a few side notes. My mother has lung cancer that spread to the brain and only has a short time to live. My aunt that I talk to in place of my mother just had triple bypass surgery June 25. I feel like I live my life 2 months at a time and I am feeling really overwhelmed with everything right now. I need to know how you handle the waiting and feeling alone, since nobody I know has ever had a transplant they cannot understand. Any response would be greatly appreciated.",
	"Assisting people who may want to go home using Nxstage System One.........",
	"what a train wreck of a day yesterday was. My wife was having knee surgery, and I took her to the medical facility. Turned my cell phone off while I was inside. an hour later when outside turned it on to check my messages. I was stunned to have received a call from the transplant center about a kidney that became available. called back immediately( about an hour had passed since I got the call) and got a recording @!!$#@$$!\nleft a message. went outside, started talking to myself and pacing back and forth. could'nt believe that happened. got called back and was informed they had to give it to someone else!@!!#@!. Yep, thats my luck.missed it by that much.\nwent back inside feeling rather depressed. took my wife home, told her what happened. she could'nt believe it either. 5 minutes later, phone rings. its the transplant center, and somehow, I'm back in the running. wow. he asked some questions and said we will call you back. ok, great. couple of hours goes by and they call back. its off again. seems that when they removed the breathing tube from the donor, he did'nt expire. so thats how my day went. a real roller coaster. Is that how it is when you are on the list?didnt sleep at all last night. keep waiting for the phone to ring. what do you do if your on vacation somewhere? sorry about the rant. Guess I picked the wrong week to quit drinking.",
	"There's a gentleman who attends the center I go to and we're always paired up next to each other (sharing the TV). I don't have a problem with what he watches or anything like that. It's a more sensitive natural. He passes gas (farts) throughout our treatment time . The smell is sometimes unbearable to where I have to put my mask on. I wanted to ask the techs if it's possible to me to sit someplace else but I'm sure they'll want to know why. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings because he is a nice guy but I don't know how much more I can take. \n\nAny advise will be greatly appreciated.\n\nThanks",
	"I've been a DaVita CCPD patient for over a year. I use the website for information and help when I have a small problem. I also try to help as many people as I can who are beginners to dialysis. I'm 20 years old, so I try to show people that it's not so bad. You can still have a life on dialysis.",
	"Hi everyone--\nI am 24 yrs old. I had a liver transplant when I was 13 yrs old and the anti-rejection medication (cyclosporin) is extremely nephrotoxic. So, I was just told 2 days ago that my GFR is 18 and my creatinine has been holding steady at 3.2....he said I am going to be needing dialysis or a transplant soon. My husband and I were also about to start IVF to get pregnant (I have severe endometriosis) and I was also told I cannot carry a baby and that I should get a hysterectomy now.\nWhen did you all have to start dialysis? He told me it depends on how I feel. I always have UTIs and am a little tired....but apart from that....I dont think I notice my failing kidneys. Is it when your GFR drops to 15?\nAmber",
	"I received a Kidney / Pancreas transplant in 1999 . About 2 yrs ago\nI was treated for a small spot of skin cancer on my right temple . The\nbiopsy on it came back as Squaemish cell so it was treatable. The biobsy also\nshoed the Doctor got it all.\nA few months ago I formed a new spot and went to a dermatoligist who took\na sample and said it was pre cancer. She took a good chunk of skin again and\nit came back as the same type of cancer. It has healed and I will be using a\nChemo therapy ointment on it.\nThe Doctor reported to me that Transplant patients are more likely to get\nthis type of Skin Cancer and it takes about 5 years (first showing was at 5 yrs)\n\nNeed to remember to stay out of the sun , use sun screen and limit time\noutside. I am now doing check ups with the doctor,\n\nJust wanted to post this and see if anyone else has the same issues.",
	"Hi, I'm another new person to this forum, but I'm really glad to have the chance to talk to real people that may be going through what I am going through now. I'm 26, and had mpgn (inflammation) when I was 15. About a year I found out that I had scarring on about 80&#37; of my kidneys, leaving me with about 20% function. Last year I had a creatinine of 2.1but since then it has jumped to 3.1. I was emphatically discouraged by my neph. and my ob gyn to not take the chance of having a pregnancy. But its something that I really want to do, I feel like by the time my kidneys actually fail, and i go through the whole dialysis and transplant thing, I may not be able to conceive in the end. If I get pregnant now, I'm taking a big risk of ending up with kidney failure and being on dialysis while my (likely) premy is in nicu! Has anyone taken a similar risk? Is being on dialysis worth it to have a new baby? I figured that eventually I'll have a transplant but also my own baby to show for it. Thoughts?",
	"i need a tester. i'm a diabetic of three weeks. anyone know of a free one anywhere?",
	"My grandmother is new to dialysis and we are wanting to travel for a week in August and I am a little nervous about traveling for the first time. She is on hemo so we will be using a center in the area. What should we expect for our first trip? We were thinking of leaving on a Sunday and coming back the following Sunday, so she would need three treatments while we are gone. Is that to long to be gone for a first trip? All comments is greatly appriciated.",
	"I am stage four and trying to figure the best treatment for me (and my wife). Has anyone started on APD and then swithced to NxStage ? If so what do you see as the pros and cons of each.\nSome concerns I have about APD are 1) will I be able to sleep with the dialysate going in and out (also I have a tendancy to toss and turn a lot), 2) I understand there is a 30 lb. lifting limitation on PD patients. I can see this as a problem for me.\nSome concerns I have about NxStage are 1) will I be able to do the cannulating ( is it VERY painful in the beginning (my center uses buttonholing), 2) is the setup and actual treatment a LOT more complicated than APD ?\nI keep jumping back and forth between the two. Need your help.\nThanks\nBill",
	"I am newly diagnosed stage 2 and am diabetic. I live an active life (a grandmother) but this really hit me hard. I feel better about it now that a little time has passed. I am wondering how long I can expect to go without dialysis? Maybe years? I'm on a low salt diet and will get some help on that next week. Ugh! Thank you for this forum. Knowledge is power, friends are support and prayer is everything to me.",
	"My grandmother has been dealing with CKD for the last five years or so (that makes it extra hard for my family and friends who are also dealing with me being on dialysis). Her GFR has been hovering around 15 to 16 for several years, but today she found out her creatinine was at 4.0 and her GFR has dropped to 12. Her doctor has told her that she should go on dialysis in six months. However, she is always tired, she can't walk very well, she has no apatite, and her blood pressure is bouncing all over the place. My GFR was at 12 and my creatinine was at 6.0 when I started dialysis. Her neph has told her that he doesn't want her to start dialysis until she basically \"crashes.\" I didn't start until I \"crashed,\" and I barely survived it (I'm 25, and she's 64). I personally think she should start dialysis very soon, because I'm afraid it may be too late in six months. Has anyone else been in a situation like this?",
	"and my kidneys are not filtrating right i was put on lisinopril 5 mg and it gives me diahrea real bad and i have ulcerated colitis, diabetes, and other problems did anyone else have this problem ???? is there another drug i can take??? please advise and ty",
	"It may seem strange, but I was diagnosed with CKD in July of 2001 but my drs. never described it to me that way. I was always told just that my kidney function was abnormal, drink more water and that I shouldn't take aspirin or Ibuprophen. I had been seeing my primary care dr. for physicals (about once every 2 years) and my gastroenterologist 2 to 3 times a year for Crohn's Disease. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2002 and was put on Fosamax. I also was taking Pensasa for the Crohn's disease. This past May I was hospitalized in total renal failure. Drs think is was because of an allergic reaction to the Pentasa and have since stopped the Pentasa and Fosamax. I now find out that since 2001, my creatinine levels bounce between 1.6 and 2.6 until the hospitalization in May where it went to 7.2. It seems to have leveled out between 3.0 and 3.6 over the last month. I am very angry with both of my drs. at this point, because I was naive enough to think that they would have told me if there was anything I should be concerned about. My dr. didn't even mention it to me during physicals and apparently wasn't looking at the blood work the GE was doing, because there were more serious problems as early as 2004. My dr. said there really wasn't anything that could be done until I got to this level. My GFR now bounces between 17 and 14, or stage 3 and 4. I feel that I could have been doing something with my diet perhaps, or been put on and ACE inhibitor to help protect the kidneys and slow the progression. I am 53 years old and my husband and I had to cancel our 2nd honeymoon to Tahiti because of the hospitalization and now don't know if we'll ever get to go. My diet over the last 6 years has been high protein, low carb (for weight loss), high fiber, whole grain, nuts etc, (for lowering cholesterol) and high dairy (for osteoporosis), all very bad for failing kidneys. Am I being too hard on my doctors?",
	"I recently had an episode with a charge nurse at Davita that has gotten ME (the victim) in allot of hot water. I made a verbal complaint to a charge nurse who took offense by my reaction to her decision making process and its possible fatal outcome to me as a patient. Her excuse was that she simply forgot to do something that could have had consequences to my health, well being and my life itself. It upset me and I felt I should vocalize my dissention of the conduct that I was being given by a paid professional. By me doing so as a protection to my well-being, the charge nurse has made complaint about me. The social worker (which is in actuality a paid davita employee) seemed more concerned over the nurses feeling over my concern about a bad decision she had made that could have been negative to my health concern. My question to others are:\n\n(1) Have you experienced unprofessional care/attitude from Davita (or any other dialysis center) employees?\n(2) In the attempt to distract from the real cause(s), were you treated less like the victim and more like 'just someone trying to make things difficult'?\n(3) With no real spokesperson to speak in your behalf (since a Davita employee will be apt to cover for another employee), what type of effective measures can patients take besides voiceing their own dissent of mistreatment or malpractice?\n\nLet me add further, that the 'social worker' (again, a paid employee of davita) said that since this procedure I have to experience is both necessary to maintaining my life AND very expensive, that I was the boss of what happened to me there. If that is the case, then why was I even approached and questioned about my trying to handle it? Would it benefit anyone other than Davita had I just ignored it, died, and nobody been the wiser about it or would the nurse not benefit that I point out the flaw in her decision making process so it wouldnt put others in 'harms way'?\n\n|_arry",
	"Hello Guys\n I am starting this thread for all those patients who had Kidney Transplant and wants to discuss about how to care the new kidney properly.",
	"Hello everyone, My name is Alicia and my Husband has kidney failure, he is 45. Right now his creatine is 3.8, so the Doctors are watching carefully, In December 06, he was at 2.0, this happend all of the sudden, he was having surgery done and they did he pre-op and discovered the kidney funk. His level gets worse so quickly!!!\nAnyway, I am just doing our homework, and learing different things. We are not sure what to expect, right now he is tired all the time. He also is bordrline diabetic and has high blood pressure. Thanks to the Davita website I am able to do the reserch.\nI am scared and I know he is, but he does not say too much. We take it one week at a time, cause that the average of going back and fourth w/the Doctors.\n\nThanks to Shay, I figured out how to write this, and will check back.\n\nThanks",
	"Hello I'm new and my brother has pancreatic cancer and his liver is damaged and he can't take is Chemo dosis due to his liver enzymes being high and his potassium level is also high so what would a good nutrition to bring both down? I would really appreciate your assistance due to the family being concerned and would like to take him a dish but his wife always complains about it having too much potassium. Thank you for your assistance.",
	"I'm a diabetic and my blood sugars have been out of control. I just started on insulin. My family doc sent me to a nephrologist and he says I've lost 50% of my kidney function and if I lose 40% more I have to start dialysis. I'm a 58 yr. old female and disabled. I lived in subsidized housing for the elderly and disabled. There are a lot of people here on dialysis. Next week I have my second appointment with the nephrologist. I've been searching the web for a diet for this. Maybe I can stay off of dialysis, but my blood sugars are still out of wack.",
	"Have any of you had any success with ACE Inhibitors. My dr. has had me on this for about a week now and my creatinine has gone from 3.0 to 3.7. She says that sometimes it gets worse before it gets better and if it drops to 4.0, we'll stop. But if it can stabilize, it can really work well with preventing further damage to the kidneys. What has been any of your experiences?",
	"I've been reading different articles on dialysis and find that some of the current thinking is to not wait until the patient feels unwell, but to start dialysis sooner to allow the body to recover. Other docters wait until the patient is very sick from symptoms. Any ideas or experiences from any of you?",
	"Happy Summer Time!\n\nSince there are few \"segregations\" in Nursing scope of practices, I just wander if an LPN / LVN is allowed to go to certain additional certifications such as a dialysis cert..\n\nI hope it is allowed.\n\nIf so, then, there might be a different salary between RN dialysis certified VS LVN dialysis certified; even though the job descriptions are all about the same....am I right?\n\nAnyone has information about training centers/schools of Dialysis Certification especially in Southern California? How long does it take for the training? How much...or paid training, maybe?\n\nAnd last, but not least, how about salary?\n\nAny info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!",
	"Hi everyone. I have been getting some different information about nutrition and restrictions at certian websites. My boyfriend has pkd and while I was researching I came across an article from a pkd website saying that potassium rich foods are benefical in the early stages. It then says that rats fed low potassium diets have larger kidney cysts then those fed high potassium diets. That kinda goes against everything else I have been reading. If anyone can help me out with which this I'd be grateful. Thanks!",
	"Hello,\n\nI am new to the forum but not new to dialysis. I had renal end disease at the age of 18 and was on dialysis for ten years before a kidney transplant. I found out that my body is rejecting the kidney after 8 years. After the transplant I got married and have tried to conceive without success. I will be getting my catheter place next Tues.\n\nMy husband and I want to adopt and wanted to know if anyone has adopted a child while on dialysis. I wanted to know the logistics of adoption for people on dialysis.",
	"I guess I'm stupid, but I can't find the \"New Thread\" button in \"Share Your Experiences\" or \"Lifestyles\". Please enlighten me as to how to start a new thread in one of these forums. If you want you can e-mail me at nbliese@atlanticbb.net rather than answering in the discussion forum. Thank you.",
	"This doesn't have anything to do with dialysis or kidney disease, but it may be helpful to some people on this site. I know a lot of you are on SSI, SSDI, or otherwise have very limited incomes. I recently was helping a young friend of mine to get housing. His wife is on SSI. We found a house for them to buy, but it was in need of some pretty massive repairs which he could not afford. However, because his wife is on SSI (because of something besides kidney disease), the State of Pennsylvania has a grant program which will provide them with a grant for a furnace, siding, and roof repairs. My sister, who is also on SSI, participated in a program in Kansas which repaired homes and offered them for sale to disabled persons with limited incomes (state sponsored mortgages). Anyhow, I know that most of you don't live in PA or KS, but I'll bet other states have similar programs. Maybe all of you already know about them, but it was a revelation to me so I thought I'd pass the information along.",
	"I'm an only child, who has a mother,divorced. with kidney disease. I try to all that I can do, but feel that I'm forgetting to take care of me. Plus, my husband is also having medical problems. Oh yeah, I have a three year old that keeps me extra busy. My Mother now lives with My Husand and I ( and son). One of my friends is concerned that having my Mother move in may cost my marriage to fail. My husband seems to be very supportive, and my Sisters-in-law are supportive. I feel as if I am not getting enough sleep but I try to be strong for my Mother. I do not want to go all \"girly\" and start crying, but things are a little hard to absorb due to my Mother's medical condition. I am very greatful that my Mother did not die, and she is home with my Family. As a matter of fact, when my Mother was in the ER on 05-26-07, the doctor told me that if I had not called 9-1-1 I could have losted her. I turned to the doctor and said, \" My Mother is still here with me\". The doctor looked at my weird. I guess I was supposed to fall to the ground crying and screaming? Not me. I'm not thick skinned but try be strong. Are there any other only children taking care of their parent?",
	"Hello to all. Just wanted to introduce myself I'm Melody I've just recently (7/3/07) become a dialysis patient. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one feeling scared with all this. I was shocked when I got the news, I've never had kidney problems before in my life, that is my sister.  One of life's little mysteries I guess. How do I get myself into these situations?????",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI was diagnosed w/ IGA Nephropathy in 2002 in my mid 30's. I have been told by my Nephrologist that I am the only known person who has this particular disorder along with a particular type of Polycythemia(excess blood). So when I got all my exams done in 2002 I not only had one serious disease but TWO! It was pretty scarry at first but as the years have passed it appears that this may be a benign condition. That is what I am hoping for anyway. In any event I wish to introduce a site I just put together to keep those interested parties up to date on the various \"goings on\" in the kidney disease community. Please check us out at www.kidneynewstoday.com and offer any suggestions you may wish. i am database developer and still new to web development. I have just started to scan some of the comments posted here. I must say, Gustine, if you read this you have a nice site. It blows my mind that you have been on dialysis since 1978! Good luck all.\n\ndolfandave",
	"I was just diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. I was released from the hospital yesterday. My creatine level ,at the the hospital, was 4.3. After my 5 days in the hospital my level dropped to 3.8. My doctor has prescribed procite 20,000 units injected once a week. My one kidney is gone(shriveled up) the other is working at 30% According to the kidney doctor.But using the gfr calculator,it is showing 15 to 18%. I am 56yrs.old. I have coronary disesae,diabetes,and pad.I have a few questions.\n\n 1- Is 20,000 units a lot to take for a persom with coronary disease?\n\n2- Should I be thinking about dialysis or a transplant at this time? Or am I jumping the gun?\n\nI have more questions but I will wait to get these answered.\n\nThanks Fred",
	"My mother is new to dialysis, on her 3rd week. She is having a terrible time with itching.\nThe medication they give her helps some but puts her to sleep. Any advice??\nThanks so much, Tracey",
	"My mother is new to dialysis, on her 3rd week. She is having a terrible time with itching.\nThe medication they give her helps some but puts her to sleep. Any advice??\nThanks so much, Tracey",
	"My grandmother is a hemo patient and when she first started dialysis they told us to be at the center at around 6:30 and she usually did not get taken back to treatment. Then they told us to be there at 6:00 and she usually was not taken back until 6:30. Now they told us to come before 6:00 and she does not get taken back until between 6:15 or 6:30. Does anyone have to wait a long period of time before going to treatment? We can be the first one's there and they take back 10 patient before my grandmother goes back. Is that normal? Does it depend on the tech? This is just some questions I have been wondering. I don't mind us getting there early but if she is going to have to wait what is the point of getting there so early? Thanks for your opinions.",
	"I am not on dialysis yet but am trying to get as much info as possible before i need too.\nCan you drive a car when you start doing dialysis?",
	"I really do love cheese and hate to give it up...they tell me I can have low sodium cheese but I can't seem to find any. Does anyone know of any particular brand or type that is considered low sodium?",
	"Good Morning Everyone\n\nMy Husband was told yesterday that it is time to get a fistula. Can anyone tell me about the surgery itself and the recovery time, what you can not do etc, etc.\n\nHe is at 17%, and is tired, but overall OK, when will he start feeling very ill, if at all?\n\nThanks\nAlicia",
	"I'm thinking of going to home-hemo dialysis, and believe it would be good for me. My problem is that of a caregiver. I live with my Dad, and he has stated that he didn't want to be involved (with needles and things). I think he would be okay with most everything else. I have no one else at home, and no real cllose friends. I can see my selff sticking myself to gett things going, but how does one pull needles and hold the site if you have no help?",
	"I am new to the forum. I was diagnosed last year and am pre-dialysis. Within the last week I have had extremely bad back pain. My appointment for my doctor is not until next Friday. Does anyone have a suggestion for the back pain?",
	"Hey, I just want to introduce myself. My name is Pam and I live in Travelers Rest SC. I just had my PD cath put in 3 weeks ago. I want to know, has anyone had any pain from their cath? I have had BAD pain, and the dialysis nurse says it is because I am so dry and that when I start PD, the pain will go away. Anybody had this experience?",
	"i am a 22 yr old african guy, uni student and was diagnosed with kidney falure just recently.it happened so quick i didnt even have enough time to get shocked or depressed.anyway am now out of hospiktal going to uni anddoing dialysis at pa hospital. i out here in i by myself so its a bit hard without family support.i study law and accounting and am in 4th yr now.so if you would like to talk to me just write me on naumesi@yahoo.com or msn me tinashizey@hotmail.com and i promise to reply",
	"My father-in-law recently began dialysis and we have so many questions about things that are happening to him. He is diabetic. He has such horrible rectal pain since beginning dialysis, is this a side effect? Diabetic Nueropothy is something that's been discussed as a possible cause, but no one has diagnosed, not fixed this problem. He was discharged from the hospital too weak to get out of the wheel chair which took him to the car, and in great pain.\nWhen he is in Dialysis, he soils himself, are they suppose to change him, so he doesn't have to sit there like that? He is now extremely weak, and bed-ridden, but even when he was able to walk (2 weeks ago), they would not take him to the restroom, and left him sit in his soil.\nThey don't give him his lunch at the center yet he packs his lunch and takes it with him. So when he comes home his sugar is so low he is ill. We need advice or suggestions, if anyone could please help.\nThank you & God Bless",
	"Hi\n\nI am travelling down to London Ontario this week. I have my boxes of bags in the back of the van. Do you think that is an issue ? We are reaching summer temperatures here of about 25 Celsius and above.\n\nI was hoping to leave the boxes in the van and just take out (carry) a days supply into my hotel room ( to be put on the heating pad).",
	"How can we determine which Medicare Part D company will give the best coverage for my husband's medication?\n\nHe is a home dialysis patient, started on NxStage portable machine 2/5/07, and we have discovered that the paperwork we filled out at the dialysis clinic only enrolled him in Medicare Part A and Part B. We have no insurance of any kind, so we need to enroll him in Part D but don't know how to figure out which meds he is likely to need in the future and which plan will cover those. I asked the social worker at the clinic and she said to go online to the Medicare site and pick one. There are so many and we don't know which one is better for dialysis patients. We live in Anderson County, SC. Anyone live in SC and know which plan is best for dialysis patients?",
	"Can anyone tell me what I can expect? When I go to get flushed the bags are so huge, is this going to be like carrying a baby again? LOL NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!",
	"They are telling me that I will probably apply for my SSI and medicare this week, since I am starting my home PD training. I've been without income and any type of insurance, how long does this usually take to get started up? I've been told 60-90 days, but I always hear of everyone getting denied the first time for any type of Social Security.",
	"Hi Everybody,\n\nMy name is Carolyn, and I am caring for my beloved mum, Elsie. About two months ago, she was diagnosed with kidney failure and has about ten per cent function. The plan is to get her on hemodialysis sometime around Christmas. We hava an appointment with the Vascular surgeon in a couple of days to discuss the fistula. This 'world' is SO new to us both, and is very difficult to negotiate without advice from others in a similar position. Any advice would be appreciated. Particularly, I have questions about hemodialysis in people of Mum's age (70). Anything I should be aware of?. Also, is anyone aware of the iron medication, Venofer?. Any experiences?. And I suppose the usual one... Any ideas on making the renal diet more interesting?. Thank you all for a very interesting site, and I look forward to hearing your replies. Forgive the length of this message.... I think that I'm desperate to soak up any advice and information I can get!.\n\nMay I take this opportunity to wish you all health and happiness now and always,\n\nGod bless,\n\nCarolyn.",
	"Hello all,\nHow many of you are willing interested in taking part in the CNN Youtube\nDebate?\nBasicly, record yourself doing dialysis and ask our politicians a question\nregarding\nKidney Care Quality and Education Act of 2007 S. 691, H.R. 1193 ..more\ninformation here http://capwiz.com/meiresearch/issues...lertid=9450001\n\nAsk them for their support as well, that we need the resources to educate\npeople\nabout home dialysis and that home dialyisis has improved your life greatly.\nJust\nlet them know in your words how badly we need the resources to expand the\navailability of home dialysis for patients who are currently in-center.\n\nYou have 30 seconds for your video so I hope most of you will take part in\nthis.\nThe more members that do the stronger the voice will be!\n\nI will prepare my video tomorrow night and upload to Youtube...for more\ninformation\nvisit http://youtube.com/republicandebate",
	"Hi,\nMy name is Lynda and I have had 2 kidney transplants in the past 8 years. The first one was my moms, that lasted 2 years. In those 2 years I had many many problems. 3 DVT's in my leg which has resulted in phalbitis, a hematoma around my urtera, PCP phenmona, and in a drug induced coma for a week. I had my 2 transplant, my brother 6years ago and everything was going well (Creatine 1.3) till this past week when I had a 24 hour urine done my neph. found alot of protein in my urine. I was hopeing to get some info foods that are low in protien so I can change my diet. She has also changed my blood pressure med to an ace inhibitor called Altase. If anyone has any info on diet and the med. I would greatly appreciated it.\nLynda",
	"My son is in stage 4 of CKF(creatinine 3.5-3.8) and has been experiencing his legs collapsing during activities, sending him down to the floor. On one occassion he hit his head on the way down, so our neph sent him to a neurologist, saying she didnt feel it was kidney related. But now his EEG and spinal MRI have come back normal and I am concerned, since he is still having problems...what's next? I need to know if any other patients have experienced problems with legs and feet like intense pain or numbness/tingling that causes immobility or a \"frozen\" state( at one point he couldn't move his foot for several minutes). I need to know if this is kidney related or not. The doctor said he would begin to experience arthritis like pain in his joints from the building toxins.....could this also cause what is happening? I would really appreciate any responses...I am concerned for my son's safety.",
	"Hi there,\n\nI would like to know if nayone has dialyse in Bali before. Would like to get some recommendation on which HD clini/hospital is good.\n\nThank you",
	"This came from the AMHA Caregiver newsletter. I wanted to share it here to give us something to think about...caring for ourselves as well as the one who needs our help.\n\n\n\nCaregiver Rights\n I have the right to:\n \n\n\nTake care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will enable me to take better care of my loved one.\n\n\nSeek help from others even though my loved one may object. I recognize the limits of my own endurance and strength.\n\n\nMaintain facets of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he or she were healthy. I know that I do everything that I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right to do some things for myself.\n\n\nGet angry, be depressed and express other difficult emotions occasionally.\n\n\nReject any attempt by my loved one (either consciously or unconsciously) to manipulate me through guilt, anger or depression.\n\n\nReceive consideration, affection, forgiveness and acceptance from my loved one for as long as I offer these qualities in return.\n\n\nTake pride in what I am accomplishing and to applaud the courage it sometimes takes to meet the needs of my loved one.\n\n\nProtect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that will sustain me when my loved one no longer needs my full-time help.\n\n\nExpect and demand that as new strides are made in finding resources to aid physically and mentally impaired persons in our country, similar strides will be made toward aiding and supporting caregivers.",
	"My husband is the dialysis patient. He is very lucky. He has been given the chance to go on a \"dialysis holiday\". He is functioning at 25% of a normal person, but the dialysis is not making that much difference. THus the \"holiday\". We are keeping our fingers crossed that his labs continue to be in normal range and he doesn't have to do home dialysis again.\nI would like to say the course of his dialysis hasn't been too bad in 2 years, from a spectators viewpoint. He has been cooperative with his ordered regimen, watched his diet pretty well and not skipped treatments except on occasion.\nI would like to advise anyone on dialysis to do just that:follow dr's advice, diet, don't smoke, keep the site, equipment and home clean and uncluttered. Make a special, very clean area for the patient only. We used the top drawer of a dresser for his equipment, made sure he used mask, clean technique each time and never wavered. If we went away, he went to a private room to dialyze. He had peritonitis once in 2 yrs and we do not know what happened there.\nDialysis patients are many times very ill, tired, depressed, frustrated, and have it rough compared to us. Give them room to vent, sleep and rest a lot. Many times, they are so tired a small chore is a big task. Understanding is hard sometimes when the caregivers have to do most everything. I have decided I still want him around at all costs. We have decided to sell our home and go to a place where maintenance is done inside and outside for us. It isn't practical for everyone to make huge changes, as some have young families, etc. Each patient's situation is unique and each family has to find what is best for them to help the patient. Some are more ill than others, depending on other diseases and complications.\nI wish you all luck and never give up hope. You never know when good news may come along.",
	"Hi everybody...\n\nMy name is Luky, I'm male 36 years old and I have been Hemodialisys treatment for about 16 years. I've been married for 3 years but my wife hasn't pregnant yet till now. My wife is healthy woman and generally my condition this time is good. I wonder, can I still have a baby? What Should I do so that I have a baby? Is there a medicine that I can drink or treatment so I can have a baby?\nHelp me... please...I really want have a child of my own",
	"Dear all ,\n\nI am a kidney patient.I do not know what \"ready to eat food\" to choose. Could you kindly recommend me what brands of foods like snacks, cookies, soup, even meal replacement I can consider before dialysis and after dialysis.\n\nMany thanks in advance,\n\nSteve",
	"My experience in long term dialysis calls for swift action today! Please help and prevent the possibility of losing your dialysis benefits by sending an email to your Congressman and Senators.\n\nCall Congress TODAY!\nToday Congress is acting on legislation that will directly affect ALL dialysis patients. You action is needed immediately to ensure that quality kidney care is preserved. The House Ways & Means Committee is considering The Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMP). This bill includes key provisions for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients. The bill would provide for increased education in public and medical community awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease particularly in those who have or those who treat patients with the two leading causes of kidney disease hypertension and diabetes. In addition CHAMP would provide for education sessions for those with CKD IV who are covered by Medicare. HOWEVER, the bill would also decrease the amount of funds available to pay for dialysis treatments. The Education provisions within the CHAMP bill go a along way to help prevent or delay the onset of kidney failure for many people, but their are proposed cuts to the ESRD program included in CHAMP that could result in decline in quality care for those currently on dialysis and those who will eventually need dialysis. These cuts would disproportionately affect patients within rural and urban area and minority patients. We need your help to ensure that quality kidney care is preserved. Tell your member of Congress that you care about quality kidney care and that kidney patients should have their voice heard. Please click here, just a few seconds of your time could help almost 20 million kidney patients. Thank you,\nDaVita Patient Citizens",
	"We are getting ready to go on vacation and I am needing some tips on eating out? My grandmother is on dialysis and we want to be sure to follow her diet.",
	"Okay I've been on my machine now for 2 nights, so far it's been pretty good but for some reason today I feel miserable I can hardly move. I'm use to the fluid being there, but it feels like there is just to much there. I've ate very little so I know it's not that...is this normal? I've lost quiet a bit of weight, could it be that there is to much fluid now?",
	"Hi\n\nI am back after having my 3rd transplant for 30 years. I am looking at being back on dyalisas by the new year. I am wondering if any one out there is on home hemodyalisas in the state of Alaska? If not is there anyone out there in Alaska that would like to do home dyalisas? I was on home dyalisas before my last transplant. So I have an idea on how it works. But need to know some of the changes that mite have went into effect. I have been to a local kidney center here in Wasilla, the kidney's are the same as they were 30 years ago. But the machine have changed. Do you know if the chances of getting sick with each treatment has imporved, or how strict the diet is? I have always said I would not go back on dyalisas but my family would like me to. And I have a great husband, 32 yr daughter and two grandchildren. I may reconcider",
	"being on Dialysis for 7 month now my diet good thou my phosphorus has become low which is Good thou My protein has Been low Since i Started Treantment With Davita So they Help me Get Pro V 60 protein powder it has help me Raised my protein fro 35 to 37 in the last set of tests test results for phosphorus was 2.5 last month june in july it was 3.5 so I am taken too many binders",
	"I am so upset. Two days ago, after taking one day off, I missed the arterial buttonhole and the blunt went in UNDER the channel. Tonight I did the same thing with the venous!!! OUCH!!!! Both times they did go into the vein and got good flow but I am so upset and frustrated about missing the channel we have worked so hard to create. He said it was painful but not much more than usual. His buttonholes have always hurt more than I think they should. What is going on? Is this \"normal\"? He is part Native American and does scar easily, forming hypertrophic scars, almost like small keloids, but not as bad as real keloids. Is this what's happening with his buttonholes?\n\nA little background: He has been using the same buttonholes since his first dialysis session on Feb 5, when he started training on the NxStage. I have been sticking him since about the end of the second week. We have been using the blunts for months. His buttonholes seem to get tighter as time goes on, especially the arterial. It has gotten harder and harder to get the blunts in after his day off. He seems to heal too well, and the holes are very tiny and the scabs recessed into the opening and hard to remove. There have been many times that the needles take more force to put in than I think they should, and I've been thinking that they would get easier. A few weeks ago the venous seemed to have improved a lot but now it has gotten difficult again.\n\nWe don't usually use a tourniquet, so we tried using one and it made no difference.\n\nAny information and/or suggestions greatly appreciated.",
	"I am recovering from my second fistula surgery and neither were productive. The first one didn't take and the second one the Dr. said my veins were too small. So I am back to square one. They say they will put in a line when I am ready to start Dialysis.( whatever that means) I am so disappointed.My level is at 2.5 right now. Only the good Lord can intervene right now.",
	"I get the every-other-week aranesp injection for my red blood cell count. My count started off at 10.4 (not on dialysis yet) and has gone up somewhat from the injections, then back down again. A few months ago I sustained a herniated disc in my lower back from lifting something. My 83 year old father recommended that I try \"vitamin B15\", which has helped him a great deal with his chronic back problems. He ordered a bottle of 50 capsules for me and had it sent directly to me. I began taking it and it made a big difference in just a few days, easing the pain and apparently speeding the healing, as it is reputed to do. I was unable to go get my aranesp injections for 5 weeks because I was immobilized due to the back pain, and when I went for my labs the next time, I expected a very low blood count. It was higher than usual, even after missing those injections for 5 weeks. I was surprised but didn't think too much about it. As time went by, my blood count began to drop again, until 2 weeks ago, it was at 10.7. Thinking back to when I had the higher count when recovering from the back injury, I realized the only thing I had done differently was to take the B15 capsules 3 times each day. So, as an experiment, I decided to resume taking them for two weeks, 2 capsules each day. At the end of two weeks, my blood count had gone up to 11.7!\nThe nurse that gives me the injections was surprised to see such a large improvement in only two weeks...and even more amazed when I told her what I had done.\nNeedless to say, I am going to order more of the B15 capsules...also known as Pangamic Acid...made from apricot seeds.\nIt is not FDA approved, and while people have made many claims about what it does, all I know is it worked for me to promote healing in my back and also increased my red cell count considerably in a two week period.\nI have no idea who can take this or who cannot, how it interacts with other medications, or whether dialysis patients should take it. I'm just relating my experience and how it works for me.",
	"My mom just a little over a month on dialysis, still suffering a great deal with the itching medication helped initially but they have to keep increasing dosage and now after every treatment she eats lunch and within about 20 minutes becomes sick to her stomach for about 3 hours or so. Is this normal and will it get better in time??? Any thoughts\nThank you so much. Tracey",
	"Hello,\n\nMy husband is 35 yrs old and has been on dialysis for the second time now for the past 5 years. He works part-time as a grocery clerk, goes to the dialysis clinic near our home for hemodialysis, and has gone back to college. He will be applying in the next year or so to a radiology program that is full-time based. It is an intense program and will not allow for him to realistically work and continue to do dialysis like he has been.\n\nMy question is, does anyone know of any programs out there that help provide financial college assistance for kidney patients??\n\nAny help would be greatly appreciated.\n\nThank you!\nSettie",
	"Angie from Angies Kidney CommUNITY has been working on this site for a few months. It's a free organ donor registry. There is also information on organ donation, so even if you aren't sure that you want to donate, you can learn more about it first. If you are need of an organ, you can come here also.\n\nhttp://www.donorregistry.info\n\nCome check it out!!",
	"I live in Scotland where I attend a pre dialysis clinic. I am stage 4 with 12% function. I have never recieved any info about my condition other than being 'fed pills'. Thanks to Davita I have been able to prepare myself with what proccesses I will be going through. Your article on the fistula has made my mind up that that will be best for me. The BKF doesn't go to the in depth pro's and con's of dialysis and I am ever greatfull for the newsletter I recieve from Davita. Thank you.",
	"I am sure I am not the only one like this, but, this whole thing of daylisys & work and being so beat ALL the time is depressing as can be.\nI work a fulle time job, leave for work at 6:30am and 3 nights a week don't get home until 9:30-10:00pm. By the weekend all I want to do is crash. Now I have been told I have Severe Neuropathy in both my feet.\nDoes anyone else have this? It totally sucks.\nAll I want is to be healty again. I don't even have the strenght or energy to play even 9 holes of golf, and now with th efoot problems, man, can it get any worse...lol",
	"Hello, my dad started dialysis in January, he's a diabetic. He never took care of himself or his health, never tried because he always wanted to live his life to the fullest, no restrictions. Now he's on dialysis and very depressed. I love my dad, he's my world and it hurts to see him depressed. I think depression is an awful thing, it's not like you can just take an aspirin and it'll go away. I've been through it and it's just awful. So now I'm here to ask you...how do I help him with his depression. He says he doesn't want to go anymore. He says it hurts and he just doesn't want to go. I keep telling it's not about wanting to go, it's about needing it to live. I tell him I need him here with me. I'm 26 and don't live with my parents anymore...but I'm always there if they need me. What can I do to help him? How can I change his mind about this? Are there any support groups he can possibly go to? We live in the Los Angeles area. If I could find a support group in spanish...that would be ideal! He speaks and understands English but feels more comfortable in a spanish speaking crowd. I would greatly appreciate any advice/tips.\n\n Thank you so much!",
	"I went to the tranplant hospital today for some test to continue to stay on the list. After the tests were done they informed me that i was the next one on the list for tranplant. i have only been on the list for a year so it come to me as a great big surpirse. Not in my wildest dreams that i would here those words. i am so excited. Just wanted to share my new with everyone. Anyone waiting for tranplant hang in there it will come. sheila",
	"I lost my father-in-law and best friend to kidney disease--he made it thru transplant but did not survive complications; my wife wife has battled kidney disease since her early 20s.\n\nRecently, I have learned that a popular laxative used for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy and surgical procedures is causing renal failure in users regardless of age, men and women alike.\n\nThis is very sad because folks who have a screening colonoscopy to better monitor their health, should not suffer renal failure.\n\nThe companies that make these products refuse to follow FDA guidelines; failed to provide adequate instructions and warnings; and have refused to accept responsibility for their actions. In fact, in some instances, the companies are blaming doctors!\n\nI know from personal experrience that one of the most difficule questions facing patients is \"what could have possibly caused my kidney failure?\"\n\nTed",
	"Just a reminder to all of you Nxstagers!! Get those photos in!!! Don't delay!!\n\n\nOn behalf of the \"Home at Last\" NxStage newsletter staff, I'd like to announce that we have extended the deadline of the photo contest for our 2008 calendar to Friday, August 10.\n\nPlease consider sending us your favorite high-resolution picture of you with your NxStage system and tell us how NxStage therapy has enhanced your life.\n\nImage Requirements:\n- TIFF or EPS format (high resolution)\n- 10MB or less\n\nPlease provide us with the following information:\n- Your name\n- Address/City/State/Zip\n- Phone\n- Age\n- How long you’ve been on NxStage\n\nEmail picture to: newsletter@nxstage.com.\n\nFinally, complete the attached consent form…it can be scanned/emailed or faxed to 978-487-4800, attn: Marketing.\n\n\n\nPHOTO RELEASE FORM\n\n\nThank you,\nMary Scourick\n978-687-4887",
	"Only 1 new post in the last 48 hours (as of Sunday evening). Where is everyone?? There are usually 10-20 new posts every day. Things are good for me, hope they are for everyone else, too. I worry when I don't see at least occasional posts by the regulars.",
	"My sister is 53 years old and on dialysis. She is not in a location that she can get her dialysis from DaVita. Her tech has just increased her treatment to 4 hours 3 times a week. He told her that her 'clearance levels' were not good.\n\nFirst question is: The equipment they are using is a Baxter 550. Is this the same type of equipment used at DaVita centers and if not how does it compare. I have tried looking on the internet for technical information on dialyzers but it is not readily available.\n\nSecond question: How can they determine 'clearance levels' if they are not measuring her output at home? She told me they are baseing the increased time on fluids removed at treatment only.\n\nI would greatly appreciate any help I can get.",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI'm excited to let all of you know that DaVita is running the \"Kidney Idol\" contest again. The last time we ran this contest was in 2005 (Meet the 2005 Kidney Idol) The DaVita Online team (the folks behind DaVita.com) coordinated with Dialysis at Sea and DaVita Patient Citizens to make this happen. And, this year we have two cruises to offer so there will be two Kidney Idols!\n\nYou can find out how it all works and enter here: www.davita.com/kidneyidol",
	"how can i change user name so that email address does not appear when posting? i have questions but am afraid\nof unwanted spam etc,",
	"Hello.I am now 38 years old. Mom of one . I was told I had ESRD back in 1998. I was devastated. I had no clue what it all meant. Luckily for me I was introduced to a very good nephrologist and dialysis support team. They gave me all my options and i chose PD.I started dialysis June 2002.I am also on the national transplant list. I did manual exchanges for the first year, then went on a night cycler. I am now experiencing numbness thruout my body. Is this normal? I feel it in my face sometimes too. It scares the bigeebies out of me. I also had a couple of hospital stays a few months back. One put me in the ICU with extreme high BP. The other was low potassium levels. Back to the numbness.....is there any other PD patients with this same feeling? Also I've always wondered what other PD patients feel when they are not getting enough protien in their diets? Also how much potassium type food do you consume in a daily diet......not getting enough answers over the years from dietician? How much daily exercise do you do? I know it sounds funny after so many years on PD, but I still feel as if it all began yesterday. Up until now I really did not know where to go for some answers, until an old PD nurse told me about this site today, so I could talk to other PD patients.",
	"I am awaiting a kidney transplant. I am at present still working and not on dialysis. The pre-transplant center has my home number, my office number, and my cell phone number. I am not out off my office a great deal, but needless to say, this is one call I do not wish to miss. Is it beneficial to me to get a pager? Are their any out there specifically for transplant patients? Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated",
	"my mom started dialysis in dec 06, she has had numerous surgeries and/or procedures.\nat first my brother and i took turns staying with her while my dad worked.\nyou see, i am a nurse aid and my brother is disabled.\nwhen mom was first told about kidney disease, she didnt understand at all. she missed her med.s and such. (not Good)......\nwell in jan. i got in home help- cause i was on the verge of losing my job and got evited from our house, cause i couldnt make rent.i was helping mom and dad by moms medication. so we got her signed up for medical insurance (medicaid and medicare) since they qualified. i have a gal there 5 days a week and that helps. and a visiting nurse once a month. i am always available for her. i did tell my boss, family comes first, and she said she understands. and will hold my job in such cases. ( ifeel im rambling on and on).\nmy mom is only 63 . she is my best friend and the greatest all around. i just worry all the time. and well my dad never did have any patience with her.(or us kids either)\nalways in a hurry and only out for himself.\nwell thanks for listening\ntarabell",
	"About The Kidney TRUST\n\nThe Kidney TRUST aims to benefit the 20 million American adults living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), as well as the 320,000 Americans with kidney failure who are on dialysis. The TRUST was formed to increase awareness of kidney disease through public education and testing programs so that progression of CKD to kidney failure can be delayed or prevented.\n\nThe Kidney TRUST was founded in 2006 by DaVita Inc., one of the largest providers of dialysis services in the United States. The TRUST is an independent public charity whose programs are intended to complement the efforts of other nonprofit organizations that focus on CKD, as well as develop solutions to address the critical unmet needs of people with CKD.\n\nThe Kidney TRUST programs\n\nThe TRUST is piloting a low cost testing and screening program to identify individuals with CKD (Stages 1,2,3,4) in order to refer them into care. The program model is designed to be implemented in non-medical settings for use in large volume environments and community-based venues.\n\nIn addition, the TRUST is piloting a financial assistance program for dialysis patients who are privately insured and who face financial challenges in meeting drug and treatment co=pays, deductibles and co-insurance costs.\n\nThe Kidney TRUST also produces the Kidney Awareness Time Walk-a-thon, also known as the KAT Walk -- a national multi-site, volunteer-driven event to raise awareness about kidney disease and to raise funds to support The TRUST's vital work. In 2007, the 2nd annual KAT Walk will take place during the weekend of September 15 and 16 in 56 communities spanning 28 states.\n\nFor more information or to contact us:\n>>>>>>Web: http://www.kidneytrust.org\n>>>>>E-mail: info@kidneytrust.org\n>Call Toll Free: 1-877-444-2398\n>>>>>>>Mail: The Kidney TRUST\n........................1350 Old Bayshore Highway, Suite 777\n........................Burlingame, CA 94010\n\n================================================== =============\n\nWHY WALK?\nChronic Kidney Disease\n•It's silent\n•It's deadly serious\n•It's treatable if detected early\n•Educate yourself -- then help spread the word\n\nChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a public health crisis and silent killer\n•One in eleven American adults has CKD. That's 20 million Americans. Most don't know they have the disease.\n•For 325,000 Americans, the disease has progressed to kidney failure. They need dialysis to stay alive. Only a small number can get a kidney transplant.\n\nDiabetes and high blood pressure are the main causes of CKD, but there are many others\n•Major risk factors for CKD are: having diabetes or high blood pressure; having family history of kidney disease; being over 60; and being African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander or American Indian.\n•But many people without any of these factors still get kidney disease.\n\nAwareness can save or improve millions of lives\n•If CKD is caught early, its progression to kidney failure can be slowed or even prevented altogether.\n\nDO YOUR PART TO HELP FIGHT CKD!\n•Find out if YOU are at risk, and if so, what you can do about it. Take the CKD risk quiz at http://www.kidneytrust.org\n•Raise awareness and funds in your community by participating in your local KAT Walk.",
	"Hey everyone,\n\nHave Systemic Lupus Erythematosis for 24yr. End stage of Renal Failure.\nTalk more later.\nKP~",
	"I have been having problems with my exit site (where the PD catheter comes from my stomach) for a few months now. The skin has somewhat grown up the tube, maybe about a centimeter or so, but now no matter how I tape my tube, the skin pinches and bleeds. I told my neph about it, and he said that I may have to have surgery to have that skin removed. Has this happened to anyone else before? I don't have an infection, and I never have. My jeans just rub the tube, push it, etc, and make it raw. I can't seem to get it healed now. I thought that it was healed twice now, but it bled the same day.\n\nMy nurse suggested leaving it open more often so that it will dry and scab over, but when I do that it still bleeds, like it's too dry. I'm so lost. It's starting to hurt from being raw and bleeding for a few months like this. What can I do to make it stop? :cry1:",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI am just beginning to navgiate my way through this site I just found and am enlisting ANY and EVERY piece of help I can get. I am a personal care worker for a client with cognitive and physical disabilities for the past two years. We have just recently discovered he is in stage 4 of CKD. He is nonverbal and has profound mental retardation, so the hardest part is understanding what he is experiencing beyond what can be determined physically. I understand a lot of the printed material that is available, but my concerns are of the more personal things that a patient with CKD experiences. Myself and my coworkers want to be able to empathize and understand what it is that he is going through to the fullest extent possible.\n\nThank you for any help you can be!",
	"Hi all, I wanted to start this post for the purpose of alertness and preparedness and I know some of you know particularly which pandemic am reffering to. Anyway, I want to invite anyone interested in this topic and would like to direct them to the thread where it all started, so instead of re-writing what had been posted please vidit the following link below..all details are all there. After reading you have your choice to reply here or on the original thread...\n\nPandemic Flu and Dialysis",
	"My father has had CKD for quite some time and it has now progressed to stage 4,so far he has only had medications,my concern what happens if he refuses dialysis as he definately is not a candidate for a transplant as he has CAD and has had several stents put in already,can anyone give me some insight on this\n Thankyou",
	"I found out last night that I am the perfect match for my husband. She even asked if we were sure that we were not related. His sister wanted to donate but they said she weighed to much. My question is has anybody on here donated or know of a forum with people that have donated. Just would like to see what other people have to say. I am excited and scared at the same time. I'm not sure if my husband wants me to do it.",
	"Hi - This is my first time around here and I am having a problem with my husband's blood pressure.\n\nHe's been doing p.d. for about a year. He is on 3 b.p meds - cardiozim, toporol, benicar plus lasix - his history has been high b.p. but it seems like every summer (any idea why only during the summer?!?) it drops so low he feels totally wiped, his ears ring really badly, starts to go deaf and the past weekend he started losing his balance because it was so low. We are talking the 80/50 area up to about 115/60 area where he feels awful.\n\nWe've talked and talked with his neph and his nurse at the dialysis center - they keep suggesting various levels to not take the meds, different color bags - he lost 5 lbs. in as many days last week - and we are getting no where!\n\nI am very frustrated - we now have a call into his cardiologist - he had a quadruple bypass 2 years ago. It's been 3 hours since I placed that call and still no response.\n\nAnyone else had these problems?\n\n_________________\n\nHe also has an inguenial hernia once again - they have removed his daytime dwell to see if it will resolve itself without surgery - he's 73 years old.\n\nAnd...........as if that's not enough, last night his exit site started bleeding. We THINK it is because he stepped on his 12' extension the night before and tugged at it some because he was sore during the day - no temp or any signs of periotonitis. It looked good this morning - bleeding was minimal and had started to scab over.\n\nAny help with any of this would be so appreciated.\n\nThanks!",
	"My husband has been getting hiccups really often and episodes lasting 30 minutes at times. I thought this was due to excess phospherous but his lab results have been great in that area.\n\nAny idea what might behind this - AND how to treat them? \n\nThanks, guys.",
	"Find lastest medical related news, categorized medical news at one place.\n\nhttp://www.doctorsdir.com",
	"Is hip joint pain something common in dialysis patients? Recently my boyfriend started complaining about pain in his hip joint. He also mentioned some tests with his hypothyroid. I looked that up and found out that has something to do with the calcium in his body. He only mentions his problems in passing. Then I am left to take the snippets he gives me to try to find out more so that I can be more helpful. I am concerened because he may be having some bone weakness going on now.",
	"Hello everyone!\n This is my first time posting here. My nake is oaul and I'm going on hemodialysis in two months. All this started with a simple blood test. I say my doctor for a physical and they found out about my renal disease. I knew 4 years ago that my kidneys were not so good,and I saw a kidney dr. than. They told me they werent that bad so I just let it go.Now my kidneys are at 10% and my creatine level is at 5.6. My wife is a nervous wreck but Im doing semi well. I keep waiting to wake up from this dream. I just pray for aceptance.\n\n\n paul",
	"I am not exactly where to start. Doctors, lawyers and most chiefs call what I have an \"inherited birth-defect\". I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, God calls it the miracle of my birth; Jesus explained this to Peter & John one day when they questioned Him about a blind man. I was 8 yrs. old when I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease - woke up one day and my legs were one solid size from top to bottom and wouldn't work. I lived out most of my childhood with minor incidents of acute kidney dysfunction/failure - and I kept as much of it as I could to myself. I never wanted to be treated different. I played as the only girl on an all boys baseball team from the ages of 8 - 12, I was their star hurler - pitcher. I have three brothers, but most of their interest seemed to be consumed with orneriness. LOL I had my good days and my bad, just like everyone else. I have been able to swim since I was three years old, qualified for the HS diving team - my specialty was a 1 1/2 with so little water displacement/splash they called me \"Kat-Fish\". I loved all animals and still do. I was an experienced rider by the age of ten years old - western, I like quarter horses. I was the girl in the middle of three brothers - a tomboy. My Jr.HS years are mostly a blur to me, it was at this time that my kidney disease first began to effect my over-all health. I had no idea what was going on - I was tired all the time, I usually felt like I had the flu and I peed a lot of blood. Then along came HS... I was the smallest in my class and seemed to be the target of every bully within a 2 mile radius. LOL I swore my oldest brother to secrecy - I didn't want anyone feeling sorry for me... EVER! After HS I did the usual stupid stuff; drank too much, lived life fast, drove too dang fast, loved nothing more than my motorcycle - Kawasaki 550 w/windjammer and chopped to the limit and flirted a lot with disaster on a regular basis. I tried everything from skydiving to driving across the USA. Loved it all! Then the big shocker hit - I was pregnant! My son lived long enough for me to hold him - he was less than 4 lbs. at 6 mths., if he had stayed here I would have just be forced to watch him live a life worse than I ever dreamed of. Patrick, my son, had multiple birth-defects in addition to my kidney disease. His father turned to drugs and alcohol and I turned to anger. I was angry at the world and especially at God. My husband and I were quickly divorced after Patrick's death - we were too busy playing the blame-game to squeeze any love out of that lifeless marriage. A couple years and I went out of state to be my cousin's maid of honor, which is where I met my best-friend and future husband. Honestly, I still to this day do not understand what kept him in love with me - I was the angriest person he'd ever met. Still it was love at first sight and we were married a year later. The honeymoon didn't last long, I went into complete kidney failure when we had only been married for a couple of years. Gone were the days of care-free motorcycle riding and weekend partying and traveling anywhere we could think to go on few bucks and a bike. He had a beautiful 1969 Road Runner we restored together; it was black with black velvet button-tucked interior, he sold it for a fraction of it's worth to buy a newer mini-truck to get me back and forth to dialysis. A \"friend\" gave him $400. for $3000. car; it had a big 440 and was a drag-racer's dream - named \"Back-N-Black\". We both loved life and now it was slipping away from me at the speed of sound because I was also suffering anorexia - 5'2\" X's 89lbs. - I wore a size zero. Then my oldest brother and life-long confident offered me one of his kidneys. OSU did the surgery a year later. That kidney lived for almost 14 years and then I was on CAPD for 9 1/2 mths. until Danny, my hubby, gave me one of his kidneys. It was 9 yrs. ago 06/26/07. I have my good days but mostly nowadays I have my not so hot days more and more. It sorta like tossing a coin and I never know when the bad will over-take the good. Luckily by the grace of God I have long since gotten over my anger at God and most of the human race. LOL I am now & have been a born again Christian for the past 24 yrs. Funny thing is, even on my worse days now I feel so blessed to have been so loved all these yrs. by my husband, parents, brothers and the majority of my family that each day, good or bad, feels like a blessing. When I was a new Christian I thought God would never put more on me than I could bare, then with age came a little wisdom and I realized He would never put more on me than He could help me bare. All of that physical strength that was so very important to me in my youth seems like nothing compared to spiritual strength I have gained as a child of God - saved by His sacrificial grace and redeemed when I thought I was worthless. Funny thing about Him don't you think, whatever is meant for our harm if we hand over to Him it is amazing the miracles He can derive from tragically depraved situations. In my case He turned worthless into priceless and taught me to love instead of survive. I guess I told all of you all of that just to say this; no matter what you feel you've lost from kidney failure remember the life lessons you could not have learned any other way. My greatest lesson was grace, what was yours?\nMay God Bless All That You Love,\nKathy [a.k.a.:SerialWife81]\n\n\n\n Attached Images \n\n Kathy V. 1988.jpg\n(20.6 KB, 317 views)",
	"My mother is not on dialysis yet---her kidney function is at 15---I have searched everywhere I can think of on the internet to get an idea of how many milligrams of sodium and potassium she is allowed or recommended to consume daily---\n\ncan anyone give me some help on this---I know she is suppose to be on low sodium and low potassium, but how much is too much???\n\nthanks",
	"What kind of fluctuation do others have with creatinine fluctuation? Can a change in medication cause this?\n\nI went to my neph yesterday and was kind of shocked when he told me my kidney function had worsened. It had been stable since march, and I feel fine. actually felt pretty good until he laid that on me. are these fluctuations normal for pkd patients?\n\nI had stopped taking lipitor for about a month, cause by SOB employer didnt pay the insurance premiums, and I lost my coverage temporarily.When I started it up again, I broke out in a rash and felt generally crappy. that has happened before. usually after a week it goes away. I had my blood work at the time I had the rash so I'm hoping that was the reason",
	"During a discussion of transplants my neph told me that I would'nt be allowed to have pets. First time I heard that one.anyone else hear of that?",
	"Well, I am the new kid on the block, and I expect my wife will be joining this forum shortly.\n\nRuth is a diabetic with a number of health issues, including those frequently associated with kidney failure – CKD being just one more problem on that list. She is currently at the bottom of Stage 3, sliding toward Stage 4.\n\nHer treatment started with additional meds, which are approaching a handful at a time, and more diet changes. I think the mountain of meds she consumes is designed to replace at least one meal per day.  She will be visiting a dietitian within a week to develop a new menu that should accommodate all of her dietary requirements. Of course, I have to learn to accept some of these changes myself. We can’t afford two separate menus for every meal. Besides, Ruth says that she is not running a café here. It is more like a boarding house: Ya eat what is set before ya, or do without. I was thinking that there might be a message there, somewhere.\n\nAnyway, it is nice to know that you folks are out there.",
	"Hello,\nI am a 52 year old white male. I have had gout off and on for about 6 or 7 years. I recently took a serum creatinine test that measures 1.57. My doctor told me my kidneys weren't filtering as good as they should. My uric acid serum number was 10.2. I have uric acid deposits in my fingers and thumbs. All my other blood tests seemed to be normal except for my lymphocytes which was 22.7, they said was L or low. I am also a runner and have noticed at times I am more tired than others over the last 5 or 6 months or so. I calculated my GFR to be 50 which said I am @ CKD Stage 3. Did I calculate correctly??? Could someone please tell me if I have CKD, or please tell me what all this info means? They keep telling me to take colchicine and Allpurinol. I don't want to take those medicines for the rest of my life. My dad had kidney disease and gout too and his kidneys completetly shut down @ age 80 before he passed on. I am taking some natural cures, watching diet, drinking tons of H2O. Last night I had a few scotches and noticed my right big toe is slightly swollen, but have had no red meat or shellfish for a few months. Please help me with info. Thanks, RunningMan",
	"Hi, I just started my pertioneal dialysis . I am very new to this. Every time I drain out I gain another pound. Is this normal? I started out weighing 205 now I am up to 209. Any advice.",
	"My husband was told that he his at 11% kidney function and is set to begin PD within the next couple of weeks. But lately, he has had such bouts of insomnia that he is going days with only a couple hours of sleep. It's not that he doesn't try to sleep it's just that he lays there. He look awful and all he does is complain about being tired, however he just can't sleep. Has anyone else had this and what did you do? Also, regarding PD... is the cycler machine that you use at night portable?\n\nThanks in advance,\n\nKS",
	"Does anyone know what the purpose of taking sodium barcarbonate for kidney disease is?\nIf addition to the other meds they want me to take this too, and they said it may raise the bp a little. Thats the part that bothers me... we trying to get the bp down and they want me to take something that will raise it?",
	"Hello all:\n\nI am not on dialysis yet, but am at a 3.6 for my creat. Question, once you start hemo dialysis, can you scuba dive and/or snorkel? I have yet to find anything on any website on the internet as to whether you can dive or snorkel while on dialysis. Anybody got a clue?\n\nAlso, when do most people start dialysis? Does your creat. have to be at a certain number?",
	"On September 11th, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee will hold a joint meeting to update information related to the risk and benefits of ESA for treatment of anemia for end stage renal disease patients (ESRD).\n\nThe outcomes from this hearing could drastically change the manor in which your physician is allowed to treat your anemia.\nClick here to read more.",
	"On September 11th, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee will hold a joint meeting to update information related to the risk and benefits of ESA for treatment of anemia for end stage renal disease patients (ESRD).\n\nThe outcomes from this hearing could drastically change the manor in which your physician is allowed to treat your anemia.\nClick here to read more.",
	"My husband has been on peritoneal dialysis for almost 3years, but for the past few months has sufferered terrible itching all over his body which particularly drives him mad at night. We are both having very bad sleeping as a result. His GP sent him to a skin specialist who thought it was probably related to his kidney failure, and recommended some anti-allergy tablet which has proven useless. The kidney specialist has nothing to offer. Has anyone else suffered this and found a solution?\nDesperate wife, Caroline",
	"My name is Casey...this is my first post here...and hopeing someone can help....\n\nMy father-in-law was just diagnosed with final stage kidney failure and has started hemo dialysis treatments. He's doing much better . He also has diabeties altho they have taken him off his diabetic pill.\n\nFigureing out what he can/cannot eat has been a challange but we're getting there...slowly...very slowly. I know I'll have a million more questions but right now can anyone direct me to 'Southern' recipe sources...like Collard Greens, Blackened fish, etc. that would be ok for him? It's his favorite type of food...heck, he's from the deep south...and at 76 yrs old it's pretty hard to tell him he has to give it up!\n\nThank you!!!\nCasey",
	"Hello all.. This is my first post. Back in 2004, I was diagnosed with what was thought to be post-strep GN (my first biopsy was inconclusive as to wether it was that, FSGS, or MPGN III). My creatinine fluctuated between 1.7 and 2.2. It was decided that quarterly monitoring and blood pressure control was necessary and that if there was a change, I was to follow up with another biopsy.\n\nIn July 2007, I was called by my doctor because my creatinine went up to 2.5. Another biopsy was done and lo and behold, I have ideopathic MPGN (was not told the type yet). From what I understand, the form of the disease I have is usually found with those who have lupus or hepatitis, but I have neither of those diseases. My creatinine seems to be steadily rising and in the past month and a half it has gone from 2.5, to 3.0, to 3.6.\n\nOn top of all this, I am active duty military and will be facing a medical board to probably be dismissed from service. So this disease has suddenly cost me my health and unpredictably my job.\n\nAny one else out there have MPGN? Are there any miracle treatments to slow the progress of the disease? My head is reeling because of the monumental life changes I am about to undertake.\n\nMy last question: For someone who wants to continue working, what is the best dialysis to choose? I'd like a transplant, but the odds are not good that the disease will not recur in the new organ.\n\nThanks,\n\nShawn",
	"For those of you on Hemo and using a fistula in your arm...does your unit use anything to numb your arm before inserting the needles?\n\nMy husband just started using his bi-directional fistula Saturday and he came home ready to throw in the towel on the whole process. He said they just pushed the needles in and it was very painful. I thought that I had heard that the arm was numbed before inserting the needles. Then he said it took a long time to stop the bleeding afterward because he is on Plavix (following two heart attacks from March to the end of June). This sounds inhumane to me! He is very upset by the whole thing now and I'm afraid that he might just decide it isn't worth this. He is 75. I haven't had a chance to talk to our Nephrologist yet, but will call him in the morning. Any information will be appreciated, thank you.",
	"Working on staying off dialysis, I finally broke down and bought the book by Mackenzie\nWalser, 12 steps to stay off dialysis. Just started reading it,and havent gotten to far, but I jumped ahead to the part about low protein diets. unless I'm reading it wrong all I can say is \"HOLY CRAP!\" only 21 grams of protein a day?. I dont know if thats possible for me, or anyone else. I have been trying to cut back on protein anyway and can handle 50 grams without a problem, maybe 40, but 21?. Would be interested in hearing from others on this subject.",
	"My monastic superior has diabetes and stage 3 CKD. Both of us like to cook, but we both like to cook with tomatoes. Is there ANY way of being able to make something with tomatoes?",
	"Hello everyone,\nFirst post and I hope I am not being redundant here...I found a fantastic site that has really helped in my confusion of phosphorus mg of almost any foods you can think of. It is a USDA website. Here is the linky dink!!\n\nhttp://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcom...k/sr17a305.pdf\n\nIt is a pdf file and takes a min. to load, even with high speed internet. It is 26 pages long!\n\nI am totally overwhelmed and confused, but this helped me a lot!\n\nThanks for a great site and all the help I have found here!!",
	"I wanted to intrduce myself . I am 36 years old ,married with 2 kids. I am from Northern Ca. Up until June 1st I was a dialysis technician.( now on disability) I think it was Feb when I was at work and we (the techs) were taking our BPs. Mine was 195 /112. I figured the machine was screwed up so I went to another machine. It was the same. I immediatley made a doc appointment and was soon on BP meds waiting for lab results. A year prior to this my BP was pushing the limits of normal but nothing like this. I have no history of Kidney disease in my family and had had no illnesses that make me worry that something had happened to them. But still...I was freaking out. I had been having SEVERE leg cramps, headaches, I was getting bruises just from people looking at me, I was insanly tired all the time, Oh and..sometimes when I put my mask on I could smell urea on my breath. I tried to convince myself it was just the smell from the clinic. When the labs came they were screaming that something was wrong. After a couple of ultrasounds and a few other tests I found myself having a kidney biopsey done. I was soon informed that I have IGA Nephropathy, I have about 15% function, I needed to have my transplant evals done and decide what modality of dialysis i would want and so what type of acsess I wanted. 2 weeks ago I had my PD cath placed and I start PD tomorrow.",
	"I have found a sugar free low sodium bacon. It is called plumrose it has 150 grams of sodium for three slices of bacon. The best part is it is pre-cooked and can be microwaved. My grandmother loves it she does not get it daily but on occasion it is a nice treat. The only place I have found it is at our local Super Wal-Mart. It runs about $3.62 per pack. I believe there are about 15 slices per pack. I hope this helps some people. My grandmother loves bacon and it is nice that she can still have it on occasion and does not have to worry about her sodium limit.",
	"Hello all:\n\nI am a 42 year old female whose creat. is at a 3.6. I have not started dialysis as I very rarely feel sick and have no swelling. I run 4.25 miles every other day. How high does your creatin level have to be before dialysis is to start?\n\nI find this forum a true relief. I was stressing a few weeks ago when I found that after 2 years my 3.5 creat had jumped to 3.6. I would like to start a diet and hope to delay dialysis as long as I can, but do realize that sooner rather than later, it will happen.\n\nThank you all for your support and responses.",
	"I must admit I am finding the pre dialysis diet a bit overwhelming. I think the fact that I am\na diabetic also is making it harder still.\nWhen I went to my nephrologist he said that I don't have to go back for two months, but to start watching my diet. He gave me some brochures, but I have learned a lot more here, thank you all.\nI do have a couple of questions. I am now trying to restrict my protein severely, I am also using the list I found about phosphorus amounts in food. But I am also very anemic, on iron and he said that in two months I will be needing to get a fistula, so it can mature, and possibly go on binders as well as iv iron. Does anyone else that is in stage 4 kidney failure take binders? I just thought that people took them after starting dialysis?\nSorry for rambling.\nIs anyone else here in stage 4 renal failure and a diabetic? I would love some food suggestions! Thanks so much!!",
	"Hello All!\n\nMy sister and I are wanting to bake cookies for all the patients in my grandmother's dialysis center and are looking for some good recipes. If possible some diabetic recipes. If anyone has any or knows of a good website please let me know. We want to do something nice for the patients during Christmas this year.\n\n Thanks Again!",
	"I just started PD on monday. Right now I am filling up with 1500 , they want me to slowly build uo to 2000 by the end of the week. I already feel like I am going to explde. How long does it generally take to get used to this feeling?",
	"Hello, Im new to this so here goes. I've been in kidney failure since I was 17. In the middle of my senior year I flew to seattle to have my workup for transplant and I had just had my PD cath put in right before christmas. I recieved a kkidney from a girl at my church after only 9 months of being on PD. The transplant went perfectly and everyone was happy. years went on and I began to expiriment with drugs and alchohol, things I'd never done before I had the transplant slowly I stopped taking the medications on time or at all and I was drinking WAY to much, thats what I get by being raised by too alcoholics, I guess I didn't know any better, or maybe I did. I had my kid from 18 to barely 22 it was 3and half years barely. Soon enough I was back on PD BY MY OWN DEMISE!! Whay had I done that to myself, I have problems all the time with guilt now im on hemo and I like it better then PD but I still struggle with the guilt that I know I put myself here......",
	"I read on a post that, I believe it was chefnancy, said we shoud introduce ourselves. Not much to tell, but here goes. \n\nI am 55, married to Ed for 38 years, mom to Katie who is 28, been diabetic since age 35, had gestational diabetes at age 27. I worked for my local post office as PM relief/replacement until I had two heart attacks within 6 months, 12/97 and 5/98. I quit the job to get away from a lot of stress in 1998 and have not had a heart attack since..\n\nIn 2000 I became trustee of my township and kept that till 12/06. I didn't run for election again because I felt I could no longer do the job well. My husband, Ed, was having to run all the errands for me and I just had to let it go.\n\nMy health issues have increased over the years. Neuropathy in my feet and up to my knees. It's in my hands and I burn myself and never realize it. I've lost my balance because of the neuropathy. In 2005-2006 I sat in a wheelchair, never standing or walking for months with charcot arthropathy--my bones in one foot decided to try and become mush, as my doctor said.\n\nAbout the time I was beginning to learn to walk again with a brace and cane, I began having breathing problems. It has taken months to find out that I've had sleep apnea for a long time and it has caused mitral regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension. I am now on oxygen 24/7 and a c-pap machine at night.\n\nIn the fall of 2005 I applied for disability and though I had heart disease, diabetes, stage 3 kidney disease (now stage 4 with a GFR of 19) and sitting in a wheelchair, could go no where alone, no balance, they turned me down! They said I could still do some kind of work! I can't type well enough to maintain a job due to the neuropathy in my hands. (Even gave my piano away because of it.) The docs say my nerves no longer tell my brain where my legs, feet and hands are. I surely don't know what kind of work I can do when I've lost dexterity and can't even get to a job site.\n\nMy hearing has finally came to the top of the pile. The lawyer didn't expect it to until next April, but a friend and I have been praying and the lawyer doesn't understand why, but he got a notice to schedule it. I know why--God is good! So the hearing is next Wednesday, 9/19. They surely can't turn me down this time, can they? LOL!\n\nSome days I feel okay and some days I can't even walk from one room to another without being totally out of air. Tired and weak all the time. So I'm learning to take things one day at a time.\n\nTo fill my time I spend a lot of on-line time at www.faithwriters.com. It is a site for Christian writers from around the world. There are over 30,000 members and they keep that forum hopping! I know from spending time there that forums are great places to make good friends and learn a lot. I have been published several times since joining FW. And since I can't do much else sometimes, it is a way to feel fulfilled and worthwhile.\n\nSo that's me. I told you it wasn't interesting.  I'm glad to be here and expect to need to even more as time goes by. You all are very helpful. (If you notice my join date, you'll know I've been lurking around for quite a while. ) I'm glad to finally become 'a part' of this forum and perhaps get to know you all better. Cassie Memmer",
	"Hello guys:\n\nI've been on here a few days and have more questions if you all don't mind. I went to the kidney school.org site and read a disturbing sentence that I want clarification on. According to their website, Medicare WON'T pay until your creatinine level is at a 8 in non-diabetics?  Is this true?",
	"My husband is in the hospital recovering from a 2.1 potassium and 6 hemoglobim uremic poisoning. We knew he was really sick, had told his doctors and dialysis center nurses and nothing was taken seriously until he had to be taken in by ambulance Wed. night.\n\nI am just wondering if anyone knows how low these two counts can go before someone wouldn't be alive. \n\nHe has rallied back amazingly well - 2 pts. of blood, very aggressive dialysis with potassium in each bag have really helped - along with prayers of many. Within 24 hours of the blood transfusion he was clear headed once again, eating, nausea gone, hiccups cut by about 80%, godo color and was able to stay awake. Within 48 hours up and walking around and hopefully coming home tomorrow or Monday. We were very fortunate.\n\nIt was a major scare and I am just curious. And believe me, that will NEVER happen to him again - if I think he needs to go to the hospital, I'll take him myself and never mind the doctors telling me he's okay.",
	"My husband is in the hospital recovering from a 2.1 potassium and 6 hemoglobim uremic poisoning. We knew he was really sick, had told his doctors and dialysis center nurses and nothing was taken seriously until he had to be taken in by ambulance Wed. night.\n\nI am just wondering if anyone knows how low these two counts can go before someone wouldn't be alive. \n\nHe has rallied back amazingly well - 2 pts. of blood, very aggressive dialysis with potassium in each bag have really helped - along with prayers of many. Within 24 hours of the blood transfusion he was clear headed once again, eating, nausea gone, hiccups cut by about 80%, godo color and was able to stay awake. Within 48 hours up and walking around and hopefully coming home tomorrow or Monday. We were very fortunate.\n\nIt was a major scare and I am just curious. And believe me, that will NEVER happen to him again - if I think he needs to go to the hospital, I'll take him myself and never mind the doctors telling me he's okay.\n\nThanks",
	"I just had surgery for my new fistula last tuesday. All went well except my arm hurt alot. The first time I saw the dr. he told me all I neededto take was tylenol so I had it in my head that it wouldnt hurt,boy was I in for a surprise. Thank god he gave me pain pills,or i never would have slept.\n\n\n I have a question. Do they keep sticking the needle in the same place? wouldnt it eventually wear it out?\n\n paul",
	"Hi, to everyone, Is anyone there who is suffering from Dialysis?\nHow long who suffering from Dialysis? How is your health right now?\nIf your are not suffering from dialysis, if you know anyone who is suffering from dialysis and how are they doing with their health.\nThanks in advance.",
	"Hello All:\n\nI've been around on the forum and have questions regarding home hemo dialysis with the NxStage PureFlow SL machine. I'm hoping someone can shed some light on the machine. A friend of mine said these machines were recalled because of bacteria buildup. Is she correct with regard to the Newer machines or were there problems with the original/older machines?\n\nPlease let me hear from people who use this and let me know your experiences. I am not on dialysis yet and would like to do home hemo if possible. Thanks again.",
	"I just found out today that I'm anemic. I've never had that problem except once in 2000 when I had kidney failure due to a medicine. I was down to 7--stopped the med and got two units of blood. Perhaps anemia is what has been contributing to my inability to stay awake all day? I know it must be the reason I've been dragging and my legs feel like jelly. It was nine something.\n\nMy primary doc was the one who had ordered my regular blood tests. He said he would send the results to my nephrologist. Sometimes things don't get done as people forget and such, so if I don't hear from my neph should I call him? I'm not due to see him till November. Nine is not too bad is it?\n\nMy disability hearing is tomorrow (Wednesday). My primary care doc said, \"If you're not disabled, I don't know who is.\" The lawyer said my doc made his job easy with his report of my medical problems and would let the paperwork speak for itself.\n\nGee, don't you just keep thinking, just one more hurdle then everything will smooth out? I've been thinking that for 2 years now!",
	"I have a twin sister who is on PD dialysis. She is sick every 3-4 days. She'll be fine one night and the next morning she is seriously nauseated until later afternoon. Eating sometimes helps but not always. She can't do anything, but stay in the bed. I've gone to some of her doctors appointments and they always ask \"Is the bag clear\" ? and usually it is but she's still sick. Lately the biggest problem is breathing, she has a terrible time breathing at night and can't sleep. She'll be up all night long. Does anyone have any ideas? They've checked everything, her stomach, her blood, no infections, they can't find anything but she is so sick. I see other people who are on the same type of dialysis and they seem to be so much healthier than she is. We're 38 and she's been on it dialysis for two years. She started with Hemo and then went to PD about 6 months ago.",
	"[hello\nI Am A 45 Yr.old Female I Have Been In Kidney Failure For 4 Yrs. I Am A Type 1 Diebetic For The Past 27 Yrs. My Primary Dr.says That My Kidney Failure Is Not Due To My Diebeties Because Of The Way They Started To Fail. My Dr. Always Checked Kidney Function.i Had A Colonoscopy Right After That Is When My #s Started To Change. We Found Out It Was From The Fleet Phososoda I Had Taken Before The Procedure. Anyways My Neaphologist And I Do Not See Eye To Eye And Has Been Telling Me For The Past 4 Yrs. I Will Be On Dialysis. Well I Feel Great I Have No Symtoms Of Kidney Failure Other Than My Creatine # And The Bun Everything Else Is Normal. Should I Start Dialysis When I Still Feel This Great? Please If Anyone Is In The Same Condition As Me And Has Not Started Please Contact Me. Thank-you\nNbp",
	"My dad was just put on hemodialysis yesterday. This came about very suddenly and was done on an emergency basis.. I cant help but worry. Dad is 47 years old and worked all last week as a construction worker then ended up in the ER on friday. He has been diagonsed with ESRD. The doctors do not believe it is genetic. Dad was just the lucky one. He seems so down and as his little girl it is so hard to see him that way.. I guess the question that lingers in the back of my mind is.. How long can dad live on dialysis? He only has high blood pressure and does not have any other illnesses. I know that with God all things are possible and he could be healed but Im not ready to lose my daddy!\n\nIf any one could share their stories with me including how long theyve been on dialysis I would really appreciate it. I just want to know Dad can live as long as others if he takes care of himself.",
	"My name is Ron and I started dialysis in November of 2006. I’m a 39 year old divorced father of 3 boys aged 13 and 10. No my math isn’t off, the 10 year olds are twins. I’m a test technician at a large aerospace company that I’ve been working at for 18 years, and write a bi-weekly article for one of the local papers. I also used to be a mobile DJ and even had a radio show on the local rock station in the late nineties. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 14 and used to give lessons until recently. I’ve known I have high blood pressure for several years and was on medication to control it. After divorcing in 2004, I didn’t have anyone to nag me about taking my pills, so I quit. Unfortunately, this lead to my kidney failure.\n\n I thought I had the flu, but I wasn’t getting any better. In fact, I was feeling worse each day. Then I started experiencing shortness of breath. I could only walk a few feet before I was totally exhausted. I had to follow the kids in the car while they trick or treated. Little did I know that this was congestive heart failure from the fluid building up in my lungs. A normal person would see a doctor, but crazy me kept thinking I’d get better. When they finally drug me to a doctor, my feet and hands were swollen, and I couldn’t even walk a few steps without practically collapsing. The doctor sent me to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure. The doctors were shocked at my creatinine level, which was 33. No, I didn’t forget a decimal point. Every doctor and nurse I met mentioned they’d never seen a level so high. Anyway, they admitted me into the ICU and the next day I got an IJ catheter in my chest and started dialysis.\n\n I spent a week in the hospital and got a fistula in my left arm on the last day. It happened so fast it seems like a blur, but 10 months later, dialysis has become a normal part of my routine. I do hemo-dialysis at Davita 3 times per week. I got on the transplant list a couple of months ago, so now I wait. I’m also hoping for a miracle since this exact same thing happened to my brother 8 years ago, and one of his kidneys started working again. So with a little luck, maybe one of mine will fire back up. And that’s the Reader’s Digest condensed version of: The Diary of the Rossman.",
	"my husband has been in HD for 5 months. It is not proving helpful at all. He feel worse now than ever before\n\nHe is sore all over, he says his kidneys hurt and he can't sleep at night. he has been checked from head to toe and all tests come back OK\n\nRight now he says he is just ready to give up and die. The Dr's don't seem to HEAR what he is saying. They have tried taking off less fluid, then more fluid, then a different needle, then a different machine. All to no avail.\n\nWhat do we do???? He is only 55.",
	"I have been up for hours searching the internet for some answers and then I ran across this website. I am in a relationship with someone who is on dialysis, it's really new to me and I am scared to death. For the past week he has come home from dialysis very weak, tired and he has had diarrhea. I'm afriad to go to sleep sometimes because i'm not sure if when I wake up he will be ok. I had alot of people doubt me for getting involved with this man but he is awesome. Is it normal to to feel like this. I am always trying to get him to go to the doctor when he feels like this but he tells me he's ok. I fear waking up and the love of my life will be gone. Is there a support group for love ones of dialysis patients? Thank you so much for listening, I'm not sure where to turn to next.",
	"My Dad Has Been On Dialysis For A Week Now And Besides Having To Battle Depression That Has Now Struck Him He Is Also Dealing With Horrible Muscle Cramps.. Does Anyone Have Any Suggestions As To If They Are Meds That Can Be Prescribed Or Any Other Ideas.. Your Help Is Appreciated!!",
	"Over the last week or so, I've been having excessive bleeding from my graft. I had a fistulagram done last Thursday (9/27), and there was some stenosis where the graft connects to the vein. That was ballooned open, and the next four treatments went fine. I was visiting friends in another town this weekend, and today (10/1) I was getting ready to do my treatment, and I went to put in my second needle, and I couldn't really get any flow. I figured it was just a bad stick, so I took the needle out to re-stick with a new needle. It normally takes about 10 minutes to stop the bleeding after I remove a needle. Over 40 minutes later, the bleeding still hadn't stopped, and I had one of my friends call 911 and I went to the ER at an unfamiliar hospital with unfamiliar doctors and nurses. They eventually got the bleeding stopped, but unfortunately, it stopped a little too well. My graft is now dead. I don't think it clotted because of the pressure to get it to stop bleeding however. I showed the EMTs and doctors how to properly hold the site, and they never applied too much pressure. I think maybe the graft was clotting even before I took that needle out. What I thought was just a bad stick, may have been the clot starting to form. I'm supposed to have it looked at and hopefully fixed tomorrow. What I'm afraid of is they will find that it can't be fixed, and I will have to get a catheter until I can get a new graft (Most likely I won't be able to get a fistula because my veins are too small). This is so frustrating because I've only been using this graft since the middle of June, and I've had so many problems with it. Sometimes I just want to scream.\n\nAdam",
	"My father is 61, som 200lbs, with a history of hypertension. He had find out yesterday (on my birthday) that his serum creatinine is between 1.4 and 1.5 (we use different units here in Europe, so I had to convert). He had the same result some 2 years ago.\n\nAccording to some online calculators, his GFR is 53, and he is Stage 3 CKD. Can anyone tell me how muc of kidney function does this represents?\n\nAssuming that his high creatinine is caused by his long-standing hypertension, (and he started taking ACE inhibitors for that only now and lowered his bp to 135/85) can anyone tell me how fas can his condition progress to the ESRD? Months, years, decades? Does anyone have similar experience?\n\nWhat can we do to retard the progression? Are the renal diet and the protein restriction essential and at this stage?\n\nI apologize if you find these questions stupid or unapropriate, but I really need to know more about this.\n\nThank you.",
	"I started pd on sept 10th. first 1000, then 1500 then 2000. After two weeks of manual they put me on the machine. Friday, 3 or 4 days into the night txs (which were not going very well) I suddenly had wet pants. I was pouring pd fluid out of my incision. POURING! The nurse had me drain all the fluid and wait a day. Then they had me put in 1000. It took a few hours, but again, pouring! My doctor and nurses have never seen this before. I go into the surgeon tomorrow. In the meantime , no dialysis. ( I have enough function left , they are hoping it will hold out) It sounds like I am going to have to have another cath placed.\nAnyone with any experience or info on this , please tell me what the heck is going on.",
	"Hi:\nMy dad has been on PD dialysis since Oct. 2004. Life changed, for all of us suddenly, but with the past of time, family support, love and god, have help us take car of him.\nHe has CKD end stage, heart failure and High Blood Pressure.A transplant is not an option because he had Hepatitis B. He's only 62 and he is depressed. He has periods of high energy and he feels great, but others, he only want to stay in bed and thinking on his deseases. He feels he is going to die sooner than later and he stopped fighting. He moved with us (my husband&2 kids) a year ago (he and my mom) so we can all take care of him, and help my mom too. He has all our loving and support, 2 beutifull great daughters, and we have made all efforts to bring it here to get a better quality life. He's not working now, but he likes music. I would like to find some activities for him to get him entertained and out of his room. He doesn't like an specialist treatment.\nAny suggestion? I just want him to live a normal life as possible.\n\nThanks,",
	"I am a 69 year old male retired professor who had a kidney xplant from my wife almost 8 years ago. My numbers have been slowly creeping up since then and my creat is now 3.7. My neph implied that dialysis could be the next step, fairly soon. I have just begun some research on it ( I was not on dialysis prior to the xplant ) and still not sure about which kind, what happens to the xplanted kidney from my wife, do I stay on immunosuppress (pred, immuran) , etc. Needless to say, I am at present too depressed by all this to really investigate on the web. Thanks. docprof",
	"I have an issue that I kind of need some advice on.\n\nThis happened a few months ago, but I am still traumatized and very upset about this.\n\nThere was one nurse at the unit i go to that was not following the doctor's orders and was refusing to give me some saline when I had severe muscle cramps.\nI had to keep on ending early for 2 weeks because the burse was refusing to call the doctor and was refusing to assist me.\n\nI could not stay on dialysis because the muscle cramps were so severe I was actually contorted and unable to move and would have also injured myself from the needles as well.\n(I don't usually get such muscle cramps unless I am severely dehydrated...which never happens anyways).\n\nThe nurse was also refusing to follow the doctor's order to give me saline and to change my weight.\nThe same nurse also yelled at me for this 3 or 4 times (which I found very unprofessional).\n\nI was finally able to reach the unit manager after 2 weeks as she was away on holidays during that time.\nThe unit manager did speak to that nurse and she was told not to come near me and was assigned to other parts of the hospital.\n\nThe same nurse was also entering my weight at a higher number when I ended, so it was not as easily seen that I was having these severe problems.\n\nI also managed to find out that the doctor was actually not called and that he was available.\nI had been told by the same nurse that he was \"too busy and did not want to come by and see me\"\nyup, those exact words.\n\nI was actually assigned tot his nurse by accident 2 weeks ago and she still seemed to show disregard to my orders.\nShe was insisting that my weight should be lower than what was ordered.\nI would not let her treat me as I am now afraid she could \"accidentaly\" put in the needles incorrectly. (hasn't happened by you never know....)\n\nAnyways, just wondering what I should be doing in this situation?\n\nI am clearly still quite upset about this and now have anxiety problems about going to the unit because of this person.\n\nShould I actually report this person to the nursing board?\nPatient services?\n\nI had mentioned this issue to the unit manager and last week has a totally different nurse come by and be rude to me saying it was \"not proper etiquette to complain to the unit manager\" and then tell me that \"no one here wants to hear about these problems\" and stomped right off.\n-now this was a different nurse than the one involved in the first situation....\n\nNot sure at all what to do about this.\n\nI am usually a very nice and plasant person, so am quite surprized that these 2 people would act like this.\nI work in customer service, so am usually polite to anyone.",
	"Hello, my name is Cathey and my husband is in the end stage of kidney failure. He has had kidney and bladder problems since birth. I've known him practically my whole life and we've been \"together\" since I was 10 except for two years in high shool. He's the love of my life and it's killing me having to watch him get worse and worse.\n\n He's been seeing his kidney specialist for years now and we've been watching his creatin levels drop and drop, he only has one kidney, and it's down to 15% and that was 3 months ago. He goes back to his specialist on Monday the 15th to find out where we are now. I don't think it's going to be a good report.\n\n He's not on dialysis yet, but I have a feeling he will be soon. His appetite is going down, he's not cooking,( his most favorite thing to do in the world), he's laying around all the time because he just has no energy and now he's started itching all over. Plus he already is taking an 80 mg tablet of Lasix twice a day and his belly is bloating already again. He's had his ankles swell and get extremely sore lately. But that's happened before. But it's just a combination of all these things at once now that I'm having a problem coping with at the moment. I don't know what to do. All I can do is sit here and watch it get worse and worse and I can't do anything about it!\n\n I'm not exactly sure where I was supposed to put all this, so I put it in here in the into I hope I didn't do it wrong. Thanks for reading and if anyone knows if these signs are meaning that dialysis is right around the corner, please tell me so I don't have to just sit and wonder. Is the itching sign a sign that things are done and dialysis is it now? I know I\"ll find out on Monday after his appointment, but I'd like to know before hand if possible. Just was wondering if this is like one of the major signs. I've read alot as much as I can find and have tried to remember it all, but there's so much that some of it I remember and some I don't.\n\n Anyways, thank you for reading and hope you have a good day and are doing alright yourselves.",
	"Heading into the final leg of my run of end stage kidney failure without being on the machine. Am having Doc look into PD, but have a feeling that since I've been fighting this since it was discovered at age 6, that the outcome will not be a positive one.\n\nI've been fairly active and have only recently been having issues with \"energy issues\".\nWill this get better? With Dialysis or only after a transplant?\n\nI've also started to feel like I'm itching constantly. I have some unknown rash on my back, but this has started to travel with no signs of anything I just itch. Is this normal once you get below say 15% function?\n\nI've had a couple of experiences of reversing my numbers 3.7 to 3.1 and 4.5 to 3.8 (Creat) problem is I don't know what I was doing to cause this to happen. Has anyone else had this happen?\n\nI've not been set up with a nutritionist yet - any idea when I should expect this to happen?\n\nFeel that I should know more than I do about this since I've been \"dealing\" with for so long. Will admit I've been playing \"Superman\" for a large amount of my life & I'm not going to make excuses for doing it - it was fun while it lasted, now I need to know what I'm up against & how long I can expect to last before the \"fun\" begins.",
	"My mom, who is diabetic and is 77, recently started dialysis after two knee surgeries. We have noticed a variety of new symptoms and are quite confused as we were told she would actually feel better on dialysis....she has a lot nausea and vomiting in between dialysis days. We have also noticed a marked decrease in her short term memory, she struggles to find and recall words and seems to be quite confused much of the time - she is even aware of it. It is to the point that even though she is a retired nurse we will have to fill her pill boxes as this is very confusing for her all of the sudden. We would chalk it up to getting older but this sudden onset after dialysis makes us think there is a connection; in short, is this normal?\nA concerned daughter",
	"I was diagnosed with ESRD and on dialysis with a week's time. My cousin told me that another cousin had kidney failure and for some reason it reversed and he does not have to take dialysis anymore. Can this be true?",
	"We are having terrible experience with dialysis. My Nanay filipino word for Mom), 78 years old has just started dialysis for a month now. She was on emergency with a catheter on the neck. The first catheter got infected, had chills, and so many problems. We went to the Manila Kidney Institute and had the catheter re-inserted. A couple of weeks after, a gortex was done on her. Up to now, she is having too much discomfort. Most of the time, after dialysis, she's vegetable, no appetite and sometimes has pain in the stomach. She gets 3x dialysis on which we think the intervals are too close. One on Sat at 6:30p.m. next on Monday at 4:40a.m. and Wed. on 4:30a.m.\nOftentimes, she begs to die, refuses to take her medicines because of the discomfort and weakness she feels. Tho, we noticed that eversince she had the dialysis, her mind became sharper, the sense of smell and taste is so picky and sharp. She seldoms urinates now, and has to pooh after food intake. Are these normal for dialysis patient? These are the things our doctors are not keen about. Will these go away.\nPlease, we need som words of encouragement as the whole family who still sees our Nanay as the head and wisdom of it all is on the berge of collapsing.\nThank you so much for your insights.",
	"OK, it has been a long time since I have been here but last time I got some great help , so I am hoping for the same thing. My son is now 15 months old and doing great. He has peen on PD for 6mo now and no major complications.  However he has not grown in 4 months now, not even a half a centimeter. So they are going to get him on growth hormones and my question is are they painfull. He really hates the epo injection and if any one has had them I would like to see if I could get a comparison on the levels of pain I must inflict on my child? Any responces or words of incoragment would be of great help to me now.\n\nThank you,\nBaig Mom",
	"Has anyone had there catheter come apart? I have been on PD for a year and ahalf and I didn't have any problems till this last July. My catheter has come apart 3 seperate times. after the 2nd I got an infection and it just happened again last night. I was wondering if any one else has had the same problem?",
	"Hello:\n\nMy name is Jennifer and I am new here posting on the Davita forum.\n\nI am worried about my chronic urinary tract infections, some of which have been resistant to treatments in the past. I've had diabetes, (type 2), for about 12 years now and am being treated with Byetta injections, Metformin, and Actos. I also take Lotrel for hypertension which I have had since I was 12.\n\nI may be close to having ckd and my doc is watching for it. I wonder how many of you out there have had kidney disease from some of the same problems I've had? I know this is very common in diabetes, both type 1 and type 2's like myself.\n\nAnd when you don't have insurance, it is really scary. I know that I'll be heading to a nephrologist at some point or other, especially if these infections don't start going away again. I did call one neph in my area for the heck of it, and they say they won't take anyone without an insurance card! Can you believe that? It really frustrates me knowing I have these problems and that my regular doc, kind as he is, can only go so far with my problem here. There must be nephrologists that care enough to help those without insurance coverage.\n\nSorry to go on and on, but I am awfully concerned here! If a person uninsured would have to go on dialysis, then what? Do they just not bother and let you go toxic if you have no insurance or anything??\n\nJennifer",
	"I have Vasculitis, caused kidney failure and am now on haemodialysis. My brother has just been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis - they are both called Auto Immune diseases. Can MS run in families?",
	"Please, need some advice. My Mom started dialysis for a month now. Her body is slowly adjusting but up to now she experiences stomach nausea, swollen feet even after dialysis, and her foot skin is getting too thin, maybe because of frequent warm compress and she always wears socks? Also, she has to put on oxygen due to occurences of shortness of breath. All her lab test are on normal. She is taking sodium bicarbonate and calcium bicarbonate on regulars 3x a day, plus the once a day tabs for the thyroid and heart.\nThank you so much for your inputs. You are always in my prayers, the team and the members.\n\nchristi",
	"Hi all. My dad is 73 and his kidneys are functioning at 17%. He just had the fistula surgery a few weeks ago (on his right arm since he is left handed) and was told by his doc that it is \"buzzing\". WOW does it buzz....feels so strange to touch.\n ANYWAY, I just found the Davita center around the corner from his house and I've been going over this site.\n He is active, jogging and walking at the park, weights etc. His diet is strict,and weighed and he has a dietician.\n All that said, we all dread dialysis. we have fear of the unknown (my dad, mom and I...I am an only child and I am 38).\n So all of this is in preparation for his dialysis. I have a few questions. I've seen some of you mention creams that will numb so the needle sticks are not so bad, does anyone have a name we can request from the doctor ?\n Also, is it 6 hours at a time three days a week ? Or are there different times you are on the machine ?\n Anyway, thank you for your time. We just want to be prepared and this site is really helping !!!",
	"Hello all, new member here. I found out a few months ago that I have a slightly decreased GFR (85) and am finding it very difficult to get answer to questions I have.\n\nMy Dr. dismissed all of this and said not to worry about it, however, I then get a computer-generated letter stating the reduced GFR and how I might want to modify my diet. The confusion of it all is a bit overwhelming, and, after reading some of the other posts I know that I am still in reasonably good health, but might need to watch what it is I eat. I don't have diabetes, nor high blood pressure, cholesterol is great as well. I am 38.mother of 2 teenagers, a vegetarian, and have been for nearly 10 years. From what I have read, this might be a problem as many of the foods I enjoy have plenty of phosphorous in them. Any guidance, reading, etc, you can direct me to would be wonderful.",
	"We've set up this new forum in preparation for the new DaVita Diet Helper product we're launching soon. What's the DaVita Diet Helper you ask? You can find out at: www.davita.com/diethelper\n\nFeel free to post questions and comments in this forum.",
	"In the psst, I had used Papa Dash as a salt substitue. it had 85% less sodium than regular salt. They do not make it anymore and there is now no place to purchase it. There is nothing else like it and I don't like any of the salt substitutes. Either they don't taste like salt or they have to much potassium. Does anyone know a good alternative to Papa Dash?",
	"I found a neat gadget that might make soda drinkers dream come true. Its a device that puts carbonation into regular tapwater, fruit juices and other drinks. It comes with different flavored syrup as well, including diet drinks for those with diabetes. I have sent an email to the company requesting for additional nutritional information about their particular kinds of syrup they offer for sell. Being a cranberry/apple juice lover, I would like to try the carbonation insertion into a cranberry juice for that added zing. I will post any nutritional information that I obtain here to share with everyone else. The website for this new amazing gadget can be found at\nhttp://www.sodaclubusa.com\n\n|_arry",
	"Hi, I am on the nocturnal program with my clinic. It is 8 hours 3 times a week from 8:00 pm to 5am. I sleep on a chair like bed with a cushion and my C-pap. It is comfortable and quiet most of the time. I do better because the run is slower and easier on my heart. I use the button-hole method. With nocturnal diaylisis I don't get nausea like I used to during the day.\nHowever, my fistula is damaged, my stints clotted and I no longer can have access with a catherter in my neck. Tomarrow I am getting a graft in my thigh. The vein is larger so I shouldn't clot as much. I've been on dialysis almost 3 years now.\nI am a volunteer teacher for an art school and that keeps me going. I also take classes.",
	"Hello,\n\ni am new to this site, but not new to Kidney desease.. just for some background:\n\ni was born with a birth defect (1964), which blocked the urine into my kidneys.. This caused a good bit of damage.\n\nJump to 2004, up until this time, I had not had any issues, went to a doctor to monitor the kidneys, creatine (sp?) was typically around 4.5 to 5.0. I was not on any medication, or diet.. moved to a new state, and new job, and within 2 months of moving, I ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. The creatine got up to almost 10.0. I was serverly dehydrated, and electolytes all out of wack. no potasium (sp) to speak of in the body. I spent over a week in the hospital to get things under control.\n\nSince then, my creatine level has been between 7 and 8. I still have not done any dialisys, or transplant. But, my doctor has suggested that I see a transplant surgeon.\n\nI don't have any other symptoms. I have not missed a day of work in 3 years due to illness, i don't retain water, blood pressure has remained low, no diabietes, my vision has not changed in 20 years.. I actually have the same perscription for glasses I had when I gradutated from High School. If I did not know better, I would not think there was any problems..\n\nIs this typical, or am I just lucky (or blessed)?\n\nI am on the renal diet, but, yes, I do cheat.. i have cheese every once in a while, and a bowl of ceral about once a month. I don't do chocolate (except for white). that was easy for me.. I am more of a salty snack person.. not big on sweet stuff.\n\nSoccerdad4",
	"Hi I was diagnosed in 1991 with PKD. In 1997 my kidneys began failing. My doctor told me I could have ten years until kidney failure began if I looked after myself. I controlled my blood pressure, ate carefully (low protein, salt, phosphorus), exercised and gave up my career since I couldn't keep the Bp controlled while working (I was a Hospital Executive).\n\nI made it ten and a half years - just referred to start Dialysis this month. I tried the transplant route and am an excellent candidate except after testing 10 friends and family, there is no match. I have antibodies. I'll go on the waiting list for a deceased donor when I start dialysis but the wait here in Canada is 5 years and I'm very hard to match. So I've been trying to get my mind around dialysis.\n\nI'm joining this group because I know I need support as I adjust. I'm scared that I'll get fat, it will hurt and I won't be able to get used to the fact that this is forever. Any comments will be welcome. Thanks.\nMary",
	"Hi all,\n I'm curious, once a person goes onto dialysis ... are they allowed to eat more freely or is it still very strict ? My dad is at 17% kidney function....... and he is on a very strict diet, as you all probably already know. I'm just curious if he will be allowed more freedom or if it is still just as strict (I know it will depend on him etc......) he does not have diabetes.\n Thanks for reading !",
	"Welcome to the DaVita Diet Helper Discussion Forum.\n\nMy name is Sara, DaVita Dietitian and Nutrition Project Specialist. The DaVita Diet Helper is a meal planning tool for people with late-stage kidney disease. Because it is a unique new tool, we expect questions and discussion about:\n\n•how people are using the tool\n•how people like the recipes\n•if there are ‘bugs’ in the system that need to be worked out\n•if people are finding it easier to stick to the kidney diet\n•if people are getting better lab results from using the tool\n•ideas on how to refine the tool\n\nPlease share your input in this Discussion Forum.\n\n Explanation about some DaVita Diet Helper features:\n\nWhen you view the meals, you will notice the recipe includes additional items to be served with a meal, such as beverage, dessert, etc. Due to the program design, we are unable to separate the recipe ingredients from the meal ingredients. We hope the Preparation Notes clarify how all the ingredients are used.\n\nThe recipe ingredients are pulled from a food database. In some instances the ingredient name may be listed differently than the way it would appear in a recipe book. Unfortunately we cannot change this, but please let us know if you do not understand an ingredient.\n\nAll meals are for a single serving — this is necessary for the nutrient analysis feature to work. If you prepare a recipe and increase the portions for more than one serving, we invite you to share your ‘scaled’ recipe with other users. Keep in mind, seasonings require adjustment when doubling or tripling a recipe. Cooking time may also be affected.\n\nWe have included concentrated sweets in the diabetic meal plans to provide additional calories. We tried to keep the carbohydrate distribution for each meal and snack in the 40%-60% range as recommended by the American Diabetes Association. We acknowledge the current day guidelines that total carbohydrate intake is more important than the carbohydrate source. Modifications for an individual meal plan, or using carbohydrate counting, can be incorporated by the user. We encourage patients to work with their dietitian to make individual modifications.\n\nWe're looking forward to your input on this new kidney diet tool!",
	"Hi, I am a 35 year old hispanic male. Recently I went to see my doctor and my potasium levels were high. He then asked me to do a 24hr creatinine urine test and results were 3.7. I entered this number on an online calculator and came up with 20 GFR or stage 4. My first appointment with a nephrologist is not for another two weeks and I'm freaking out (a little), my wife is more scared than I am.\n\nWhat can I expect over the next few weeks/months? I have no symptoms and feel pretty normal, but honestly, the last two days I've been feeling down.\n\nAny comments from anyone are welcome.\n\nFrank",
	"the other day I seen an article I think it was called what do all these numbers mean I got up this morning and wanted to read it again (my husband just went from stage 4 to 5) but I can't find it anyone have a link to that page? Thanks Annie",
	"I've said before that my dad is at 17% function, so for now these are fact finding questions.\n We have a Davita center literally around the corner from my dad, but I'm looking at the home dialysis and there seems to be quite a few really good things about it.\n My mom is very squeemish, which leaves me to learn how to stick him and him to learn himself.......... I've only stuck myself by accidnet with a pin before, never put a needle in anyone or myself so I'm thinking, \"how do I get past the fear of hurting him\"....\n I am not sure waht he will choose, a home or in center, but I just have so much spinning around in my head !!!!\nThank you for listening to me !",
	"my husband has just passed over to stage 5 and the dr says we need to start getting ready for dialysis quick here is the problem my husband is a retired mini bus driver his primary clients were to take patients to dialysis His main fear he says is (now remember this is 20 to 15 years ago) the patients were not able to stop bleeding when they were removed from the machine apparently the clinic would have to call paramedics to and transport the patient to the hospital for so much loss of blood is this true or what can I say to reassure him. Thanks everyone in advance for good answers\n\nAnnie",
	"I started on hemodialysis three weeks ago. Having been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for 35 years, and not wanting to resume eating meat or fish, I'm uncertain about the best way to get sufficient protein without too much phosphorous or potassium. Any suggestions? Thanks.",
	"I have been doing PD for a year and a half. My feet have numbness,tingling and burning. The Doc has me on gabapentin,but it doesn't help much. Is there anything I can do to help get rid of it.",
	"HELP\n! My Daddy went in the hospital for a clot procedure. His heart is only working at 8%. While there, they discovered that his kidney wasn't functioning as it should. They scheduled him for dialysis without much counsel. After three weeks, 3 times per week, he has decided for some reason that his kidney is fine and he doesn't need dialysis. Our family can't figure out after talking with him if he is just in denial or gravely misinformed. I finally found this website and it has been very informative, but anyone out there have any suggestions to help my Daddy?",
	"Just to make a long story short:\n\n1 - Broke leg while on vacation \n2 - Went to Dr, was healing fine.. nothing to be done..( broke up by hip)\n3 - Oh orthos advice, went to see a bone doctor\n4 - Bone Doctor did density scans and said everything looks fine\n5 - Did blood test\n6 - 3 weeks later, doctor calls and said that I needed to start taking a Vitamin D supplement\n7 - Doctor also wants to do a biopsy of the bone. Suspects thyroid issue...\n\n\nOk.. now you know the background (sortof).. here is my concern.\n\nthe Doctor says that if there is a problem with the Thyroid, that it can't be treated anyway due to my decreased Kidney function. Any medication that I would take could impact what function I do have. But, if I were to have a transplant, or go on Dialysis in the next 1, 2 3 or 4 years (if ever), I would then need to take the medication.\n\nMy question is, why have the biopsy done, if there is nothing that can be done? Personally, I don't see the need for a test to verify what we already know from a blood test, just so we \"know\", but we can't do anything about it. Seems pointless to me.\n\nSorry for any rant.. sometimes I just get tired of every doctor I go see wanting me to go through every test they can think of...",
	"Does anyone know if your possible kidney donor has had shingles, whether that would remove them as a donor? Also, what are the possiblities of the \"horror stories\" I have heard regarding kidney transplants - losing your hair, skin growth over your gums, facial hair, etc.? I am petrified to go into this.\n\nMy mother is my only choice for a kidney transplant and was wondering if anyone knew if shingles would reduce her chances of becoming a donor. I am not on dialysis yet and my numbers are only at a 3.6. I am still feeling fine, have a healthy appetite with no swelling. Do I go into this transplant thing right away or wait until I really start to feel bad?\n\nMy nephrologist meeting is Nov. 19th. at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.",
	"Hello all:\n\nI am at stage 4 of ckd. I am not no dialysis yet. My question is this: what would make your creatinine drop from a 3.6 to a 3.4 and then all sodium, potassium and other numbers return to normal? I'm at my wits end trying to understand why my blood work goes good for six months and then it bounces back and forth, ie. creatinine goes from a 3.6 to a 3.2 to a 3.5 to 3.4, etc., etc., etc.. My GFR went from a 14 to a 16 in six months. Can anyone explain why this would happen?",
	"I started PD about 2 weeks ago and am having problems with fluid retention, swollen feet etc. not sure why this is happening to me. any suggestions would be appricated.",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI just found this board and would like some advice.\n\nHere's the story. My DH is 53, and for the last two annual physicals, his GFR has been really low. On the results form it says that if you have this eGFR number low for more than three months, it defines chronic kidney disease. That number is the DEFINITION of kidney disease. If it's low, you have it. If it's not, you don't.\n\nToday, DH went back to the dr (a GP, not a specialist) to check on some white blood cells in the urine. I asked DH to talk to the doctor about the eGFR. He did, but the doctor didn't pay attention. He said that white blood cells in the urine are likely due to DH's ongoing problem with kidney stones. He did a urinalysis and sent DH on his way.\n\nI told DH that this was the last time I was going to say anything to him (I'm not his mommy...) , but that I would hate for this doctor's incompetence to overlook something and have DH going on his merry way thinking everything is fine when he has kidney disease. Once again, I strongly urged DH to get a referral to a kidney specialist. That's it. Just get a referral. If the kidney doctor says he's fine, then he's fine. But, I wouldn't trust my life with this moron doctor.\n\nI also found in my research that more than 50% of people with recurrent kidney stones have kidney disease. In addition, untreated kidney disease very often leads to cardiovascular disease. More people with chronic kidney disease die from heart attacks than kidney failure.\n\nAdd that to DH's other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (smoking, age, family history, diet, etc...) and I am barely suppressing a panic attack here. What if he drops dead and leaves me alone to raise my kids? What will I do then????\n\nDH is having back pain and has non-stop kidney stones. I have no clue why this moron doctor doesn't want to look deeper into why he is getting kidney stones, has low values for eGFR, or any of this.\n\nI feel so frustrated because DH is of the type to believe the doctor more than me. I am not imagining this stuff, it was written in black and white on the bloodwork.\n\nI have to let go of this, but it's driving me crazy because I know he needs to see a different doctor, but I can't seem to convey to DH that this is very, very important.\n\nAny advice on how I can convince DH to take this seriously?",
	"Hi, my name is Aaron and I'm new to the site. I've suffered from CKD for about 17 years. I just got some recent blood work done which shows my Creatinine Serum level at 9.9.\nNow I'm a big guy, 6'4\", 235lbs. I guess I'm lucky, my creatinine has been rising - but very slowly.\nI'm still able to urinate, blood pressure is fine, etc.. I guess I'd like to have an idea how long before I need to go on dialysis?\nI'd appreciate any feedback.",
	"Hello fellow kidney friends,\n\nI'm so happy to have found this website. For the past few days, I've been reading all your posts and have learned so much. I'm 49, have one functioning kidney and the last time I checked 2 years ago, my GFR was 32%. I lost the other kidney 9 years ago from a battle with a non-kidney related cancer. It was non-hodgekins Lymphoma located in the cervix and pelvic area. One of the tumors spread blocking off the ureter, and that is what caused my right kidney to shrivel up. I went through chemo, radiation, and have fortunately been fine ever since and living a great life. Every since then, they keep stents in my left ureter to keep the flow going in my kidney and minimize further damage. My creatinine has remained stable at 1.7 to 1.9. Most of the time I feel fine, although I do have high blood pressure, as a result of all this and take meds for it.\n\nMy new doc told me that kidney function declines an average of 1% per year after the age of 40 in a normal person. So, if I do the math, I'm probably be looking at dialysis and/or more in about 15-20 years. I'm going to do the 24 creatinine clearance next week and see what my current GFR is...\n\nNot real happy about the future he painted for me..but I do know that knowledge is power and that's why I'm here. You are all an inspiration to me and I look forward to learning, sharing, and giving ya all some support",
	"Hello all. I do not have RF, although familiar with, from working in healthcare. But now someone very close to me and dearly loved is dealing with end-stage RF, as a secondary (and apparently common) complication of Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of cancer. He is only 45 yrs old, suffering much pain, and becoming increasingly depressed. I would welcome communication with anyone else who may also be (either as patient and/or Dr/RN/family/caregiver/other) dealing with these same problems.",
	"Sorry for the post in the wrong place. I am somewhat computer illiteriate.\n\nHello Everyone,\nI am new here. I have been living with kidney disease for 27 + years. I currently have a GFR in the 30s and a creatinine of 2.0. I take meds for hypertension & cholesterol. I also take an ACE inhibitor. I see my neph every six months with my last appointment a week ago. The nurse called me and said my vitamin d level was very low and my neph wanted me to start taking an over the counter vitamin d supplement. When I went to the store to get the vitamin d I found different milligrams and was not specifically told which one to buy. Since then, I have researched low vitamin d levels in chronic renal failure patients and get the feeling that over the counter vitamin d is not what I need as was stated in this post and other places as well. I was not told to take calcium or limit phosphorus either. I have been limiting potassium in my diet for about a year at my doctors advice. At this point I am very confused and looking for answers. I work in healthcare as a Cat Scan tech and I know all too well how things slip through the cracks and a patients health suffers. I plan on calling my neph on Monday to ask some further questions but in the meantime I would appreciate some advice, questions I need to ask my neph or just some general understanding of what my neph is trying to accomplish with me. I dont have a return appointment for 6 months. I would like to preserve what function I have left for as long as I can. I feel as if I am going down the wrong road with the over-the-counter vitamin d. Thanks for listening and any info you guys can supply.\n\nDenise",
	"Hello All,\nI Have Not Had A Chance To Post In A While Due To \"life Just Being Busy\". However, I Wrote Approx. 2 Months Ago And Really Appreciated Your Support And Knowledge. ( I Was The One Whose Dad Had Just Been Dx'd With ESRD And Put On Hemodialysis On An Emergency Basis.)\n\nDad Still Continues His Dialysis And Has Really Improved Emotionally. We Did Find Out His Renal Dz Is Not Genetic And That Really Seemed To Help All Of Us. The Doctors Said Dad Just Simply Had Bad Luck. I Know All Things Happen For A Reason So I Try Not Question Why. For Instance Last Year Dad Had The Flu And Could Not Inhale So He Quit Smoking. I Told Him God Knew He Was Going To Be Facing A Transplant And Helped Him To Quit Way Before We Even Knew He Had A Serious Problem With His Kidneys. Its Amazing...How The Lord Works In Mysterious Ways. \n\n He Has Decided To Have The Catheter Placed A Few Days After Thanksgiving So He Can Begin PD From Home. He Is Really Excited About This. I Write With Hopes That Someone Can Give Me Some Insight To This New Journey. Does Anyone Know What The Average Length You Can Stay On PD Before Having To Either Go Back To Hemodialysis Or Receive A Transplant? What Are Some Ways I Can Be Supportive To Help Lessen The Burden?\n\nThanks For Your Time And Understanding.",
	"Hey,\n\nI'm new to the site and thought I'd share a little bit about myself. I'm 28 and have had kidney disease since I was 14 years old. I'd been doing pretty well until about a year ago, when the med I was on started to make me worse (cylosporine) and my kidney specialist didn't know what to do. He referred me to UCLA and I found out I am in stage 4 with a GFR of 25. They now have me on Prednisone (again) and Myforic with a bunch of other pills to keep the infections at bay. So far, so good. There haven't been any really changes in my condition, but my doctors are now keeping a good eye on me and I feel pretty confident. There was so much I didn't know and that I didn't know to ask, but now I'm reading all I can and asking all of the questions I can to educate myself and my family. My endurance level is really low. I used to run about 3 miles a day, but can't seem to run a mile around the track anymore. Anyone else there? What advice does anyone have for staying active. I try to swim, but its hard now that its cold. Also, walking is good, but my legs just can't seem to handle it. I also get pretty severe muscle cramps. I try to drink as much water as I can, but since I'm on a low potassium/low sodium diet, it's hard to get the potassium I need to keep the cramps at bay. Anyone have any advice for that? I'd really like to begin communicating with people that are going through the same stuff as me. I talk to my family and boyfriend, but it's really hard for them to understand what is really happening. I thank God everyday that I'm not on dyalisis and hopefully, never will be. I read a lot of the stories everyone has to offer and some make me cry and others inspire me. Thank you all for sharing.\n\nLiz",
	"Hi - I am a 52-yr.-old female that has had Diabetes 2 for 10 years now. I had a physical recently and my GFR score is 56 for my kidneys. My doctor wants me to start on an ACE inhibitor. Has anyone been on this and had success? If not, are there alternative treatment so my kidneys will not deteriorate any further? Thanks.",
	"HI Guys, it's our first post!! We're @Home pts. and we'd like to know specifically where the Lifelines Newsletter (specifically August 2007 Newsletter) is on the Davita site (If it is there) We've search and, Duh, we can't find it...thanks in advance...\n\nBTW, We are talking about the printed (Not online, unless it is online also) publication that you can pick up monthly in any DaVatia Dialysis center.... thanks",
	"Hi Everyone,\n\nQuick announcement... We've restyled the DaVita.com website to match our new brand style. Whereas our old look put a lot of emphasis on the blue color in our logo, our new brand style is more light and colorful. I hope you find the website pleasing to your eyes =)\n\nWe also took some time to fine tune the homepage layout. Gone is the huge obnoxious billboard banner, and back is the illustration for the most recent article. We have some creative illustrators working with us to help make our articles interesting to look at and we wanted to show off their work. We've also tried to identify which links get clicked on the most and grouped them right in the center of the homepage.\n\nAnyway, feel free to post any feedback on our website (good or bad) here in the forum.",
	"Good Morning everyone. My husband, Gary is about to start dialysis. He has had two failed fistula surgerys, the last being the graft. Today, they are going to de-clot the graft and possibly do a cath in the neck/chest area. He kidney function is below 8%, so they have to start the dialysis. He is nervous about everything, and wants to know, if there is a way to shower w/cath. Any suggestions??? The Doctors say you can not shower, due to getting it wet. There must be a way.\n\nLet us know\nThank you",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nThis weekend we got hit by some spam bots and it crashed the forum. It took a while to figure out what went wrong so that we could fix it. The forum was down on Saturday and Sunday. We added a patch to the forum that should stop these pesky programs for now.\n\nAgain, I apologize for the downtime. I know it can be frustrating to see a blank page with no message to show what's going wrong.",
	"Hi guys:\n\nI just got back from Hopkins yesterday with some good news and bad news. I won't start dialysis for a little bit yet, but the doc wants to put in a fistula in case my kidneys were to fail. My creatinine is 3.4 with a GFR of 15. Does anyone know how long it takes for a fistula to heal, can you work out at the gym with one and can you scuba dive with one?",
	"I've been fighting ESRD for two years, but have finally came to the decision with my nephrologist that it's time for hemodialysis. I started in-center dialysis on Halloween. I guess this is not the usual start, from what I heard. Seems most people start in the hospital and not in the center.\n\nI have have been fighting and dealing with illness since I was 16. Most of my problems stem from GI problems, including my kideny failure. I have had 9 treatments so far, so I guess I'm still a rookie.\n\nThe first treatment did not go well and I ended up in the ER the next day. I had severe muscle cramps and numbness. They haven't been as bad except for two days last week. I think we have my treatments adjusted now and I don't have that problem, except for some mild numbness.\n\nHow do you all face the years of dialysis that lay ahead? From what I understand from my doctor, I'm not a transplant candidate, so the only thing I have to look forward to is dialysis.\n\nI've read a few of the entries, but thought I would just jump in and introduce myself.",
	"My boyfriend has been on dyalysis 4 weeks, port in chest, he may be cleared from Drs 12.05.07 to have dyalysis in arm. He's wants to SHOWER, tired of sponge baths.",
	"This is my first time , so I hope I'm doing this right. My wife has been on Peritoneal Dialysis for about 3 years now. Her problem is her Phosphorus level started going to high. Her problem is she can't take the Phosphate binders that her doctor prescribes. They are Fosrenol 1000 Mg and Renagel 800 Mg. They make her have severe stomach cramps and fill nauseated , plus it causes her to go to the bath room with bowel movements which is the way it's suppose to work. She no longer takes because it makes her feel so bad. She has had quite a lot of GI problems the last 3 Years also. My question is there any one that does PD dialysis and has the same problem. I'm at my wits end because the other Phosphate binder Physlo isn't doing the job.\n\nThanks\n\nBobcr",
	"Not sure if this is the right place as I havnt been on here for a while, but some of you may remember I had trouble with my boyf before sleeping all the time etc. Well, I think we've kinda overcome that now, mainly cos Im so exhausted by now I need a nap too I think.\nBut the problem now is he is really getting on my nerves, I know that sounds awful given what hes going through etc, but even on his good days where he feels great I dont feel Im given enough appreciation. Its hard enough with him not pulling his weight enough sometimes, but this is really bad.\nI dont expect things in return normally especially in this situation, but I do everything for him, put him on and off the machine, look after him, make sure hes ok, offer him things, give him backrubs and neckrubs etc which he mainly asks for cos they make him feel better, but he asks for them all the time!! I dont mind and I offer them sometimes to be nice, but it all seems way too much when I cant even get a hug or a cuddle off him, even in passing, without having to ask or hint for one. thats awful I think after all I do for him.\nI want to know Im not just needed, but wanted. Thats just as important and I need a kiss, a peck, a hug and a 'i love you' now and then off his own back. mainly I just get a I love you before bed out of habit and i have to ask for that. I know once youre set into a relationship for a few years etc it isnt often said as much as it needs and should be, but a hug is no excuse.\nSo tonight again, as always hes left for his dads, cos he cant rest cos Im going on and on at him too much apparantly. I offered him a backrub to make him feel better, then he asked for a second and more and more of it when I stopped to go to sleep. I didnt feel well, sickly, dizzy and cold etc and needed to go to sleep in the end, so I had to stop.\nHe said dont worry if I dont want to but to give him more if i could so he could fall asleep while i was doing it (he has trouble sleeping at night alot, especially latley).\nI said I couldnt, at least not yet, cos i was tired and feeling rough.\nBut he kept hinting, and then he did the most annoying thing ever.,.. that noise he always does. I cant describe it, but its a long loud droning groaning sound over and over, louder and louder and I know its real, but it sounds so put on. Does anyone know what im on about?\nEventually I got annoyed and sat up and more or less just was funny. I know- its bad. but I am irritated from my womans monthly thing too, and I had just helped him out throughout my pain as always before helping myself as I always do every day and night without fail.\nHe phoned his dad to pick him up, and then he left. Suprise suprise, home to daddy cos he'll look after him properly he said.\nAnd what do i do then!!!\nI cant help it if I lose it quickly wether its my fault, his or both of ours, cos Im so stressed. This isnt helping me either cos I dont know whats going on now, when or if hes coming back, and he has dialysis tomorrow that he cant miss, plus he said next time this happened (it happens alot) his dads going to be havng a talk to me. Like im a kid? He may be his son and hes all protective etc, but I got a life too and ive sacraficed alot of it without a thought for his son. I dont want to be wasting my time all the time and not be seen as anything more than a nurse or a maid.\nAnd this noise he does, its all day every day and night, and he doesnt do it round anyone else not even on the phone and even the coughs he does all day and night seem forced. I am sick of it. please someone help me get my relationship back on track.,",
	"On Nov. 2 I got my 2nd injection of Aranesp. On the way home, an hour's drive, I began having chest pain. I kept taking nitro but finally after being home a short time the nitro no longer worked. We drove the hour back to Evansville to the ER. I was having a 3rd heart attack. I had a heart cath, then they whisked me off to surgery. I had a triple by-pass.\n\nI had a complication following the surgery. All the insulin receptor cells died off from shock. They said they gave me more insulin than they'd ever given anyone. 250 units every 1/2 hour! Nothing would bring my sugar down. The docs said no one survives the condition, it's always fatal. But God's ways are not man's ways and I thank Him for His goodness, mercy, and grace and all the prayers that were being said for me. I did live and I guess made the hospital's history!\n\nDue to the dye used in the heart cath, it shut down my kidneys as had been expected. While in ICU for 6 1/2 days I spent 4 of them on a slow continuous dialysis. They said that was easier on my kidneys. They had projected that it could be weeks or months before knowing if my kidneys would come back, and perhaps they never would. But they did within the week! Again I thank God! While on dialysis they had to give me 5 units of blood. They said I lost a lot each time the filter clogged, which seemed to be often. I was so glad when they finally took that big tube thing out of my neck!\n\nI spent another week in the hospital and am now mending, taking things slow. This is one month I'll gladly tear off the page from the calendar! LOL! Every one says I look good and am 'pink' again rather than ashen gray. It is good to be alive and I am so thankful to be here! God is the answer to all things and He is still in the miracle business! \n\nMonday Dec. 3rd, I go for another Anaresp injection. But I'm not sure I want to!",
	"My grandmother has been on dialysis since June and I am her sole caregiver. Lately I have been resenting her for being sick and I do not want to feel that way. I know God does not put more on us than we can bear but lately I have been so angry, moody, can't sleep, cry at random times, and feel confined. I have found that I will snap at her because I am mad and I do not want to do that she cannot help that she is sick. My grandmother can do some things for herself but does not try. I feel like I am just a servant. I stay at home only threee nights a week and I am only home from about 5pm to 7am three days a week. I am also a full-time college student. I love my grandmother so much but it seems like when I go home she always finds a reason for me to have to come back to her house. I know she cannot help it if she feels alone but I cannot be with her every hour of every day. When I do come she mostly sleeps. I feel like I have lost my life I am twenty-one years old. Any advice on how to deal will greatly be appriciated.",
	"So my husband had his PD cath placed last Tuesday. Everything went fine...On Wednesday when we went to the dialysis center to have the first dressing change the whole plastic tip part fell off. UNBELIEVABLE. The dialysis nurses and myself were in extreme panic. They immediately put a new tranfer kit on and sent him to the hospital to start him on IV Vancomycin and oral Cipro. Has anyone had to take these meds prophylactically to prevent peritonitis and more important did it work? I would hate to see him with peritonitis before he was ever able to use the PD cath. I'm so frustrated with this whole deal I could cry. He's been so sick he doesn't need peritonitis as well. Appreciate any comments/life experiences/etc...\n\nK",
	"Iam new at this altough iam not new at parts. just got told that my gfr is 190 and my creaton is 3.0 but not to worry? I am always in pain cant seem to find relief the doctors thought that it is stones. i get them alot but not this time no stones just sit in the corner and cry pain has anyone been in this situation any advice would help.\n the other thing does this cause joint and muscle to hurt",
	"hi everyone i am new on pd but was on hemo for quite a while. I am enjoying life more on pd than hemo, more freedom to do what i want to do, than being at a center 3 days a week. A set back of pd is that u have to do it everynight. I do the cycler (a small machine) hooked up at night and drain the fluid in the morning when i awake. Its really good because i just return from the caribbean where i spent 2 weeks for which i could not go in 9 yrears. hurray for pd \nThe funny thing is that they never tell u about pd as a option cause i would have never given hemo a try. hope i never have to go back on that.\nKnow your options.",
	"One of the members of my site, Grilldog, is the host of a cooking show in California called \"Grilldog Presents.\" He was nice enough to make an episode for pre-dialysis patients! It has tips and facts on how to keep your kidneys healthy by eating the right foods. He even made a couple of recipes just for us!! If you would like to buy this episode, please click link below. The Kook'n for Kidneys episode is episode #29 near the bottom of the page. We are working on uploading the entire episode for everyone to see, so be watching out for that! I will post a link to it when we get it up. The cost of the DVD with one episode is $7.95usd. The shipping and handling is FREE within the United States and only $3 internationally!! Grilldog will even throw in a 2008 calendar magnet for FREE while supplies last!! There are other deals, where you may choose more than one episode to go on a DVD...details are explained in the link below. \n\n\nHere's the link to order the Kook'n for Kidneys DVD::\nhttp://www.grilldog.com/paypalorder.html\n\n\n***Just a commentary, this episode is AWESOME! I give it (as Grilldog would say) a four paws and tail salute!! It is very educational, yet fun at the same time. The food he made looked so delicious! I really recommend this DVD for those in the pre-dialysis state!",
	"I've been on PD dialysis now for a few months and have been trying to get the social worker at Davita to send in my application for the donor list for a while now, but for some reason she keeps giving me the run around about I need to get this done and I need to get that done...what she's talking about doesn't matter....sure times are hard and my financial situation really bites, but it's not going to get any better until I can go back to work or something. Has anyone else had a problem getting past the social worker at Davita? Also when does SSI become SSD?",
	"I am new here, not a patient but I have a 34 yr old daughter who has been diabetic since age 6. She has fought the disease all her life, been blind (cured with eye surgery). She had a transplant 9 years ago and the transplant is now failing. The kidney is at 17%. She has made a decision not to go on dialysis or seek another transplant. She says she is just tired of living on drugs, not feeling well and financially not being able to make it. She has worked since she was a teenager, been on her own since high school and is very independent, does not want to be a burden or ask for help. I just don't know how to discuss her decision with her. She gets very upset when I try to discuss her medical condition. Any ideas would be appreciated. I want to honor her decision but I also want to make sure she looks at all alternatives. She is very intelegent, recently pass state insurance exams so I know she can think and rationalize OK. Thanks for any assistance or thoughts.",
	"Hi everyone I haven't posted in awhile I try not to bother you all unless I have a concern I learn so much from all the other posts anyhow\n\nMy husband is currently pre dialysis his gfr is 16 and the other number that I have watch is either his creatinine (serum) which is 3.8 or the bun/rea ratio which is 4.5 I know we are getting close to the time\n\nhere is my question (finally) his hemotologist referred him to a gastroenterologist to make sure all the vomiting was because of the kidneys they performed an upper endoscopy because the cat scan showed a thickening of the stomach lining. the gastroenterologist came back with no tumors or cancers but the walls are thick plus he tested positive for h-pylori\n\nmy husband doesn't tolerate nexium or pepcid so they are treating it with 2 seperate antibiotics and bismuth ( pepto-bismol) 4 times a day for 2 weeks\n\nthe nephrologists currently has him on 2 tums before meals as a phosphorous blocker because he doesn't tolerate phoslo either\n\ndo you all think bismuth might work in the same way as the tums?\n\nAs always thank you all of you in advance for your answers I come back and read them daily.\n\nJLYSDI\n\nAnnie",
	"Hi!\n\nFirst of all just want to say Hi and I got reffered to this site because I've got a bit of a problem and told that I could seek advice on here.\n\nI'm 17 years old, and about 2-3 months ago, I moved house. When I got registered with my docotrs, they found my blood pressure a bit high. It was around 165 at the time.\n\nI went back a week later because they wanted to check it again, but it was still at around 155-160, adn they done this 2 times, one time it was about 160 and then dropped down to 140.\n\nI went back again the following week and again they done it again and again it was high, so I had to make an appointment for a blood test.\n\nI had my blood test about 4 days later and about 5 days after that, I got back the results.\n\nEverything come back negative.\n\nThe doctor were still unsure what was cauging my blood pressure to be so high for my age. Anyway, I done a urine test and 3 days ago, I got a letter said that I had to make an appointment within a week because they found protein in my urine which can lead to a kidney defect.\n\nI read up some infomation on this, and apparently I got have something wrong with my kidney which is causing this.\n\nApparently protein in the urine is some kind of infection.\n\nI also got adviced to drink Cranberry Juice on apaprently can help this.\n\nI have to go back to the doctors on the 7th (friday) so I will find out alot more then (hopefully).\n\nI was just wondering if anyone else has had the exact same problem and what they have been through and what I could expect.",
	"Hello, I wanted anyone who has already started dialysis please explain what I will expect tommorrow. I am not afraid, but just want to know what I am up against. Mainly, I just trying to prepare my mind.",
	"Hello Everyone,\n\nFor a while now, we've offered recipe cards, \"Kidney Health\" bracelets and a \"First Day on Dialysis\" DVD as free giveaways on DaVita.com. It's the end of 2007 and we're just about out of stock. For now, we've taken down these promotions off the site.\n\nWe're not sure yet when or if we're going to start these promotions back up again but feel free to inquire in this forum thread.\n\nFor those that use our recipes, did you know we have around 500 recipes on our site now? Look out for some improvements to the DaVita.com/Recipes section of our website coming soon.\n\nThose interested in the First Day on Dialysis video can watch it here. (The banner ad for the DVD is coming down shortly.)\n\nLook out for more new stuff on the DaVita.com website in 2008.",
	"Ok, where to begin...\n\nI'm 53, live in Denver and my father, 92 lives in Louisiana. We talk 2 or 3 times a day sometimes. Just to chat really. As of June this year, he was very active for 92. Amateur Radio Operator, played in \"Big Bands\", full of life. He drove, worked on watches, lived alone, shopped, fixed his own meals and more. He and I spent Father's day week together. Went out to eat, had great talks, bought him some clothes and more. He walked fine, but yes a little slow as one might expect for 92. He and I always had a \"Plan B\" as he called it for him to move out to live with my wife and I. I'd always promised him he'd never see a \"nursing home\". My wife is wonderful and did not have any problem with him coming here. I'm lucky.\n\nThis all changed 10/18/2007. He had a little ankle pain and went to the local ER to get it checked. Nothing broken. The gave him Naprosyn and within 4 days his kidneys failed. His prior blood work (I made sure it got to his doctor 4 times a year) showed no hint of kidney problems.\n\nAlmost lost him as his K was 7+. It was touch and go for about 24 hours, but he got stable. A day after he had lines installed and got his first dialysis treatment.\n\nDad stayed in the hospital for about 9 more days. He got weak fast. Became delusional, angry, stopped eating, developed breathing problems. It was/is heartbreaking to watch him go down hill.\n\nHe and I had prepared with a full POA and DNR and very clear discussions about what he wanted in the end of life.\n\nWhen he was finally starting to have some \"good\" days and was clear we discussed if he felt dialysis was \"artifical\" and if he wanted to continue. He did.\n\nI moved him to an acute care facility and got some PT started. He resisted strongly saying he simply didn't feel good. We had to put in a central line for some feeding support. Again he's gotten stable.\n\nWe've prepared a nice room for Dad. Gotten some good furniture/bed/chair and a place to setup his XM radio and BoseWave so he can listen to his Big Band again. Widen the doors for future wheel chair access. Refitted one of the bathrooms just for his use and more. I dove into learning. I found a great support person who's been on dialysis for about 11 years. He's helped guide me. I've found him a Nephrologist here and gotten his records. I have a Davita clinic less than 4 miles away that his new doctor works out of. In June I don't think I could spell dialysis.\n\nNext week they MAY discharge him and try to help me bring him to Denver. I know he faces a tough road. He's too weak for commercial travel, \"Life Flight\" costs are way beyond our means. All he talks about is getting to Denver and being comfortable. I have to make this happen for him. I'm working on the idea of driving, with my sister's help. Get dialysis on a Friday for example and just haul A to Denver, obviously with some planned stops if dialysis becomes necessary or if we were to get delayed for some reason. It's the best plan I can come up with for now.\n\nNot sure why I came to the forum or why I'm writing all this. Guess I just needed to know that what I'm trying to do is OK... that I'm headed in the right direction to help Dad.\n\nThanks for reading. If you have \"been here\" and have thoughts I would appreciate any direction.\n\nThanks,\nRuss",
	"Good morning ya all\n\nI have a copy of my husbands blood work in front of me when I use the gfr calculator here\n\nhttp://www.davita.com/gfr-calculator/index.cfm\n\nhe comes back at stage 4 gfr 18\n\nhere are the numbers that I entered\n\nage 55\nmale\nwhite\nSerum creatinine 3.8\n\nthe blood work clearly states GFR Non African American 16\n\nhere are the rest of the results\n\nSodium 144 - within normal range\nPotassium 4.0 within normal range\nchloride 112 within normal range\nco2 24 within normal range\nbun 17 within normal range\ncreatinine (serum) 3.8 normal range is 0.5 -1.5\nbun/crea ratio 4.5 normal range is 10.0 - 25.0\ncalcium 8.0 normal range is 8.4 - 10.3\nalbumin 2.1 normal range is 3.2 to 5.6\nPO4 5.2 normal range is 2.5 to 4.6\n\nis there something that I am missing here?",
	"Hello Guys:\n\nI will be starting hemo dialysis soon and am getting more and more sick thinking about it. I'm so afraid that I won't be able to handle this and just the thought of losing my job and being sickly for months doesn't sit well with me. I have heard the horror stories about dialysis and keep hoping that I can stay positive about this.\n\nThe down side is the hospital I chose doesn't offer the NxStage home dialysis machine. I am devastated that perhaps I will have to do clinic dialysis the rest of my life.\n\nI would like to know the percentage of people on this board who do clinic hemo and still work full time.....anyone?\n\nWorry has won in some respects as I can't sleep...all I think about is how horrible this is gonna be.",
	"Hello \n\nI am 38 and have had a few kidney infections etc in the past. I have constant UTIs. My blood pressure is high (141/98) and I have been getting bad pains in my right side.\n\nI had investigations done about 9 years ago (ultrasound and kidney function type tests) and tests did reveal my right kidney is quite a lot smaller and doesnt function as it should (I think function was about 18-20% if I remember correctly). There was no treatment or anything started.\n\nThe thing is now I am feeling so unwell and these pains are quite bad. I am also anemic (have been for years) and I read somewhere on the net that when a kidney isnt functioning correctly is doesnt send out the hormone to make the red blood cells. Doctors are always telling me to take iron without investigating why I am anemic ... could this be it?\n\nI also get muscle cramps and numbness in my finger tips ... is this any way related?\n\nI have made (another) doc appointment this morning as I was up all night with yet another UTI but I just wanted to maybe get some input from people who may have experienced something similar?\n\nI dont lead a very healthy lifestyle if I am honest ... I run my own business, eat on the run and drink too much red wine (about double the weekly recommended units).\n\nI am constantly under huge amounts of stress and over the last couple of months I have had a close family member die at the age of 41. My grandfather has been diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to his brain and bones and he isnt expected to live very long and then 3 weeks ago my husband was rushed into hospital with a mystery illness that I thought was going to kill him (he was diagnosed finally with severed Crohns disease). Do you think it is possible that my health has been affected by the stress too?\n\nMany thanks for reading my very long and garbled post",
	"I have had kidney disease as of 10 years ago , I am stage 3 right now. I had NO idea I had it until by accident I got a print out of my cholesterol test last year and they had kidney function numbers so I studied them and found out I had moderate kidney disease. I saw my primary doctor and asked him and he said we do not let patients know until they are on stage 4 so don t worry about it. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!They have traced my tests as of 10 years ago (my numbers have been the same for 10 years)... so that is how I found .\n\nI read that the sooner you find out the better since you can go on a renal diet etc to slow down the progress of the disease. SO WHY arent doctors telling us when we do have stage 1 or 2, whey wait until you get to stage 3 or 4 , it really makes me very angry that we are not told We are military and I am being seen on base but I had a second opinion by a civilian nephrologist and he told me the same thing. we are not told until stage 3 or 4 about kidney disease.\nDoes that make any sense to any of you??? Have this happened to you??\nThanks for listening to me\n\nfrustrated",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nJust a question that has popped into my head because I am a wine drinker. Can you drink alcohol while on Hemo? I know there are fluid restrictions, but I'm looking at perhaps one glass of wine per week???\n\nI hate to think my wine cellar is gonna have to go dry.",
	"Hello All,\n I am new here, in fact this is my first post.I have had CKD for many years now, and we are\n now nearing the end stage and dialysis.I have had my evaluations done for a transplant but\n one test has been on hold for a time.I had heart surgery 13 or 14 years ago, and they now\n want to do a heart cath., but i elected to put it off on account of the \"dye\" that is used.It\n can put the final touches to the kidneys even quicker, although the doctor said that uses\n very little dye.I have an appointment with my kidney doctor again in March, and probibly\n will go for the heart cath then.I have a brother that had the same thing, CKD, and had a trans\n plant 3 years ago and is doing fine.Now this is the \"kiker\" on dialysis.To my estimation it\n is NOT a quality of life that i am looking forward to.3 days a week 4 hours a day, special\n renal diet to follow. NOPE! this is deffinately NOT a QUALITY OF LIFE! On a michine!\n I will go on dialysis for a little while, until i see how they progress with finding a kidney.\nI personally do not care where it comes from as long as it do's what its suppose to do.\nAs far as i'm concerned it could come from an animal.But I'll tell you one thing, i wiil not\nstay on a machine no 3 or 4 years, not at this stage of my life.(71). I would say for you\nyounger people yes.",
	"I would like to know:\" if anyone has been accidentally put on the wrong patient dialyzer, does this cause an immune response in the patients\" Specifically patients waiting for transplants?",
	"I started dialysis about a week ago in the hospital, but I'm going outpatient for the first time at a Davita, and I don't know what to expect! I don't know if the hospital's dialysis clinic is more friendly or not, so I have a few questions. If you can tell me what your experiences were like, that'd be great. I've been surfing through the pages already, so I think I have a general idea, but still:\n\n1) Blankets? At the hospital they gave us heated blankets if we were cold. Do I need to bring my own blankets/pillows?\n\n2) I have a quentin catheter (I think that's how it's spelled) in my neck. At the hospital, I just wore the gown, so it was pretty loose and the nurses had easy access to the catheter. But what should I wear to the center? Is a t-shirt loose enough?\n\n3) Is there usually Internet access?\n\n4) Are we allowed to eat/drink?\n\n5) Is it a bad idea to sleep? I've always slept during dialysis just because I can't stand lying in bed doing anything idle, even if it's reading or something.\n\nThanks so much!",
	"I have just completed my first home treatment, and I am ecstatic!!!! My wife and I trained for four weeks, driving 40 miles everyday, in some very rough weather. To sit in my own home, and do things on my own terms was the best.\n\nI have been on in-center dialysis for seven years, and I really saw no light at the end of the tunnel. I was not very good about watching my phosphorous levels, or being careful about what I ate and how much I drank.\n\nThen, my doctor told me about the improved home hemo program. AT first, I didn't think I could do it. The more I thought about it, the better I liked it. I am a teacher, and I had to retire shortly after I went on dialysis. With this, I can get back to teaching!\n\nAnyway, the intake team took alot of time to decide whether to accept me beacause of my past problems, plus, I am a large guy, 6'3 and 350lbs, so there was no way I would run two hours like the others in my program.\n\nStill they gave me the chance and I started to turn my life around. I used to drink diet pepsi like there was no tomorrow(high in phosphorous). I would routinely gain 7 kilos between in center treatments. Now, I have cut out all diet pepsi and switched to diet sprite. I also drink less because there is no sodium given in these treatments. Now, I usually only gain between .7 and 1.5 kilos.\n\nI went from having a phosphorous of 10.8 and over, a PTH of over 2,000(yes, that's the right number), and a KT/V of only about .94, to a phosphorus of 5.0, a PTH of 266, and a kt/v of 198(that's only after my first two weeks of training). I feel better than I have in years!!!!!\n\nIf anyone asked me if I would ever feel this good again, I would have said no. But this has given me hope. Sure, I still run between 3:45 and 4 hours, but it is in MY home and on MY terms.\n\nIwould recommend this to anyone who qualifies for the program!!!!!:",
	"I'm still learning to negotiate this forum.\n\nI am Mary Pat and my sister is on dialysis. I am 62 and she is 73 and we are not ready to give up the ghost yet.\n\nMy sis started on dialysis in the hospital about two weeks ago and now she goes to a outpatient center. The guy who runs it is great.\n\nI don't think that we are in the last stages of life, in fact, my grandma lived until 103 so I figure that we'll be around for awhile, or maybe not, but even so, everyday is a gift and I have never realized it so much as recently.\n\nI grew up during Viet Nam and right now there is a war on and many folks in their teens are losing their lives, this makes no sense to me but the fact is that it is so and therefore I put no truck in the idea that I or my sister are at the end of our lives because the way things go, you just never know and you should make the best of things. I lost a dear friend in Nam who was nineteen years old.\n\nI'm writing this carry-on because I read a message earlier from a guy who was only 71 and who didn't like the idea of dialysis because he was old anyway and there was a \"why bother\" tone to his post and to this I say POPPY****! Four hours a day is not that big a sacrifice when the end result is a longer life! The fact that there are folks all over the planet doing wonderful things at ALL ages tells me that age is just a number.\n\nAs long as my sis and I can admire a good looking guy or enjoy our mashed potatos and gravy or get involved in a good book (book on cd for sis because she's had an eye stroke and can't read YET, the therapist says that she CAN learn to read again) there is still a reason to go on, not to mention our nieces, our siblings, our extended family, our friends and our animals! I think that Phil (I think that is his name) should get a dog because my dogs bring so much JOY to my life and I think that would give him comfort, but I don't want him to feel that the end is near because even though it may be...who knows, that's no reason not to enjoy the heck out of today.",
	"Hello All,\n My grandmother’s access clotted and was operated on 11/23 it is now infected and no one seems to know what to do. The doctor at our center has ordered antibiotics for her but he has not seen her arm. Only the nurse’s and the PA have seen it and they said it looked bad. One nurse said she may need surgery on it the other said she may need stitches in it, and another said she may need to be hospitalized. We are keeping the site clean and bandages are changed everyday. The nurse told us the surgeon may need to look at. When her arm was operated on stitches were not put in after surgery and it is about a 3 inch long incision line which is now open and has infection in it. My question is should the surgeon have put stitches in and what would need to be done for her arm. It got infected last July when she first had the access put in and the surgeon said it was not infected she had a deep hole in the wound and I “doctored” it until it finally healed two months later after it was almost healed they decided she needed antibiotics. Both experiences with this group of surgeons have not been good. Our family doctor looked at her arm and said the antibiotics were strong and would help with the infection and that it would just take time to heal. Has anyone been in this situation? Any advice/experience would be most appreciated.",
	"Hi, my name is Steven Dunlap and I am the original inventor of SeeLippers – Animated Lighted House Slippers for everyone in the house! I invented, created and designed these slippers in memory of my 9 year old niece who passed away fighting bone cancer.\n\nSeeLippers were created as my bright idea to help children and families fight everyday expenses of dealing with Cancer. Both SeeLippers, Inc., & our national distribution company Steven Dunlap & Company, Inc., will donate 100% of profits from the sales of each pair of SeeLippers to those families who need help the most by the Through Maegan’s Eyes Children with Cancer Family Support Assistance Fund, a private philanthropic organization which was set up by Maegan’s uncle: me, Steven Dunlap.\n\nSeeLippers is only the first step and a giant step at that! 100% of our profits from the sale of SeeLippers will be used to help people do ordinary things that matter most in the daily life of someone battling cancer—meeting everyday expenses, traveling back and forth to treatment centers, flights, hotels, extended stay support, or just the money to enable a mom or dad to stay away from work for extended lengths of time to hold the hand of their child and aid in that child’s recovery. This is what Maegan would have wanted me to do, and I intend to make this her legacy: the Through Maegan’s Eyes Children with Cancer Family Support Assistance Fund will send out as much support as possible to families in need.\n\nI invite you to visit us at www.maeganseyes.org and read Maegan’s Story and then you will understand what why and how I plan to make a difference in as many families battling cancer as I can with your support and purchases of SeeLippers from www.seelippers.com. Thank you and God bless you and yours throughout this joyous Holiday Season. Only together can we spread the light of giving. Personal questions welcomed by writing me at sdunlap@stevendunlap.com\n\nFor details on how to participate or how to receive benefits from this program, I invite you to write or contact me directly by phone using the numbers listed below. I hope you will share my inspiration and help me spread the word.\n\n\n\n Attached Images \n\n all_seelippers.jpg\n(94.9 KB, 291 views)",
	"I am not new to dialysis as I have been doing this for seven years. However, I am new to dealing with it in a positive manner. I have gone through many episodes of depression and giving up. I have had a transplant that unfortunately stopped working after 11 months. You can imagine the type of depression I experienced after that. I must say that one day I looked at my daughter and realized how much she needed me and that is what caused me to turn my life around for the better. She is now 16 and doing great. In the last few years, I have managed to return to school and earn my Bachelor's degree and am now working on my Master's. I am currently being worked up to go back on the transplant list. So, keep your fingers crossed for me that I will soon be re-transplanted. Until then, I am keeping the faith. Although doing in-center dialysis takes a toll on me and takes a lot of my time, I am trying to remain positive and keep those around me positive. I just wish that I did not have to feel bad so much of the time and experience the pain that I feel a lot. I just continue to pray and try to remember that the Lord will prevail. I look forward to conversing with you guys and I look forward to a wonderful and inspiring time on the forum.",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nJust a question I need answered. How do you build up the veins in your arm prior to having your fistula surgery? I do barbell curls currently with 15 lb barbells. Is there something else I can use to build up my arm?\n\nThanks again for your assistance.",
	"My hematocrit is 23. I have been told I should get a blood transfusion but have been warned\nthat I will change my antibodies which could affect my kidney transplant. I am holding\noff the transfusion until an exam of my GI area can be done to see where I may be losting\nblood. Has anybody had a detailed discussion about the changing of the antibodies in\nthier blood after a transfusion and what affect it has on the kidney transplant???",
	"Hi All:\nJust joined and want to find some stuff out. 80 years old, had stroke at same time as heart bupass surgery. Now, very high blood pressure. Suspect kidney disease.\nQUESTION:\nHow does PRUTEINURIA differ from RENOVASCULAR HYPERTENSION? I'm confused!\nRowland",
	"When I got called for my kidney transplant after 6 years of waiting on dialysis I didn't expect the call but was ready to be called. The Neph who called was asking if I was sure I wanted to get a kidney that was so old (from a 60 year old man) and I was thinking, why not as long as the kidney works? I should have asked more questions. I got the transplant but it did not work right away. Infact my blood pressure dropped so low that the kidney was starved of Oxygen carrying Blood. The kidney became damaged with what is called Acute Tubular Necrosis. I didn't know this until after a month of the kidney not working. It was upsetting how the hospital kept me in the dark about so much. I didn't think a Canadian hospital would do this. Perhaps they didn't think I could handle the truth or any technical terms but figured I just would let them figure it out and didn't mind being kept in the dark. But for me I wanted to know all the details. I felt nothing is worse than not knowing what is going on with your own body! As soon as I finally learned what was wrong I looked it up on the net and learned that there was hope! I had gone back to full time dialysis for over 2 weeks at home after over 3 weeks of off and on dialysis in the hospital. I read that with ATN the kidney would start working in around 4 to 6 weeks but it was 6 weeks and things were not picking up. My kidney finally started working on the 7th week. I got my transplant on Sept 30th but the kidney didn't start working til 7 weeks later. Still not everything about the kidney is working yet but I am happy to announce that I have been able to go without dialysis now for 4 weeks! I have to give myself Epo injections 3 times a week in my belly subcutaneously for hemoglobin and have to take iron pills along with my 3 immunosuppressants and my stomach pill and my baby aspirin and Vitamin D and Calcium (because I have no parathyroids) and 1 blood pressure pill that also brings down a high pulse. I also have to take a pill to prevent a certain type of Pneumonia (PCP) and the CMV virus since I am CMV negative but the kidney is CMV positive. But right now I am stable. I had to go back to the city of the transplant hospital twice a week but then they let me start going once a week and I was able to talk them into letting me skip a week at my last appointment because of the winter weather and since my home town started following me as well.\n\nIt has been a long and bumpy wild roller coaster ride where I was not sure if I had made a mistake accepting this kidney or not but I am glad I did. I think the worst part was not knowing if the kidney would ever work, but being kept in the dark about what was going on. The Nephrology team would all talk outside of my hospital room and then come in to just tell me what they decided. They would not involve me in the decision process. But then when they let my calcium drop dangerously low as they didn't realize that I had a parathyroidectomy the head Neph said that I knew my stuff and should be listened to. After that, even though he didn't like me questioning everything and stopped dealing with me himself, the Neph assigned to me let me be apart of the decision making on my own health care. He listened to my input. Even at home when my home Neph put me back on a BP pill he wanted to put me on a different one and I suggested the one I am on now. He asked why and I said because it would bring down my high pulse. He agreed that made sense and so I am on that one. I like being in the know. It sure makes dealing with all this easier.\n\nI have an appointment this Monday. It was hard fighting for the money from disability for the trip including getting reimbursed for the money the Kidney Foundation lent me. I never got the cheque in the mail yesterday (they said I would have it by yesterday) all because a girl who was dealing with my file was sick and didn't get my paperwork in on time despite me doing everything right to ensure it was all taken care of. Just goes to show you always have to fight and be on top of everything. You can't just sit and let them all take care of you. With Kidney Disease you have to be a proactive part of your care!",
	"Hi everyone!\nI'm Dannwn and I've had kidney failure for 18 years. The first 10 years I had a transplant (donor was my dad) and I've been on dialysis 8 years now. I've done probably every type of dialysis except Home Hemo. I'm looking into that next. I'm on hemodialysis now at a Davita clinic. I have an online support group that keeps me busy. I'm thinking of getting an actual physical support group going here in the city that I live in. I had one going in the last city, and it did well. I was dancing (ballet) up until 2 years ago. I survived a ruptured brain aneurysm and had to learn to walk again among other things. So, I'm slowly starting to train my muscles up to start dancing again.\nI would like to meet people and here their experiences.",
	"Hi folks. I've been doing PD since July 2007 with hardly any issues until October when I got peritonitis and pulled my catheter out about 1/2 inch. The peritonitis cleared up quickly and I had a new catheter inserted. Unfortunately, for the past week, during the draining portions of my dialysis (5 drains each night), there has been painful suction/pinching on my right side. Sometimes it only lasts for about a 30 seconds, other times it lasts for minutes. I've taken my cycler back to the Davita Center, where the UF was recalibrated to 900 ml. The pain continues. Has anyone experienced this? Does it get better? Is it a catheter placement issue? Any thoughts would be appreciated.",
	"I would like to ask any one who has experienced the following problems to share his thought about the causes as, so far, no one has been able to do so.\n\nHaving been diagnosed with End Stage Kidney Failure earlier this year, I chose PD dialysis. During the first five month I had several issues with dehydration, which, along with typical dehydration symptoms also caused dizziness in my head and inability to properly walk. After about a week of hydration I was OK again.\n\nI found PD a relative convenient way to allow me to travel extensively, including several trips to Japan.\n\nIn early September, I found my effluent to be cloudy. I immediately went to my dialyses center and was prescribed a 21 day dose of anti biotic.\nThan, in mid-September, I experienced a bout of Edema (my nephrologists referred to me as being wet). This was accompanied by a case of hemorrhoids, a severe case pneumonia, an enlarged prostate, cold finger tips and toes, the total inability to walk (total lack of coordination and balance) and blurry vision.\n\nI was able to overcome most of these issues through the help of:\nMy nephrologists who told me to increase my albumin levels (at that time down to 1.8);\nMy urologist who placed me on anti biotic in order to combat my enlarged prostate;\nMy pulmonary physician who placed me on anti biotic to fight my pneumonia;\nand my neurologist who insisted that I get B12 injection.\n\nWhile I am able to walk again I still feel off balance most of the time. My blurry vision is persisting. My albumin levels are at 3.7; my Vitamin B12 is over 450.\n\nSince the medical community is not able to come to any viable concept of the cause of my problems, I am asking you for your help with identifying the cause of being off balance and having blurry vision after all this time? Thank you very much!",
	"Hello all:\n\nI'm sure to start dialysis in the next couple of months. I have already talked to my doctor about doing NxStage training through Davita Home. Question to anyone using it: How is the training done? Can someone give me step by step explanation of how the training is managed? I don't think I want to start in the clinic as I've heard too many horror stories - would prefer to go right into the training to start the dialysis. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.",
	"One of the few things I have not seen anyone mention on here is c-difficile which I have been battling for 8 months on an almost constant basis. Maybe it is known by a different name in other places. It is a nasty gut infection caused when your good bacteria are taken over by the c-diff, usually after a treatment with antibiotics.\nI have seen two infections disease specialists have tried two different drugs, flagell and vancocin ( still on that one).\nI have done everything that anybody has suggested in terms of prevention and diet. Has anyone out there gone through this. It has delayed my transplant 3 times and I am getting very discouraged. Thanks Marilyn",
	"Hi,\nI kust have a question about the different symptoms that you can have.\nI don't really know anyone at my centre that can answer t his question as the people there do not talk to each other.\n\nIs it normal or a typical sympton to have your heart race?\nLet's say I only have 1 or 1.2kg to lose...yet after half an hour my heart will not stop racing.\nIt also show that my blood pressure is not low...it is the correct range.\n\nAlso when I leave the unit, I find my heart races even more and I am extremely short of breath....not from fluid though.\n\nJust wondering if anyone else here had any of the same issues and if so what could you do about it?",
	"Hi There!\nMy name is Tascha and I am new to this site. My Dad just recently started dialysis. He was admitted to the hospital for septic shock, and had multiple organ failure, one of which being his kidneys. While he was in the hospital he had zero urine output. They started him on CRRT and he was on that for almost 2 weeks in the hospital before they started him on hemodialysis. He's home now and goes for dialysis 3 times a week. My questions are as follows: he has started having a very big increase in urine output since he's been home. I understand that they check for the chemical creatin (right?) and thats a big indicator of whether or not the kidneys are functioning. But is it a good sign that he's having more urine output now? The doctors did say that since his kidney function was fine before there's a good chance his kidney function will return. So another question, do people with kidney failure not urinate at all or is it all about the chemicals in the urine? I'm so sorry to bombard everyone with all of these questions, it's just that all of this is extremely confusing! Any help would be appreciated! Thank you in advance!",
	"Hi\n\nI haven't been on awhile. Everything was going hunky dory - until I got a pleural leak this past fall.\n\nI didn't pick up on it - until I had a massive amount of fluid in my lungs.\n\nAll said and done - I am now on HD.\n\nHas anyone ever had this experience ? and gone back to PD after ?? My doctors are suggesting I give PD another try. My tube is still in - and I flush it once a week.\n\nI do have to undergo a dye test to see if the leak is healed over.\n\nI have so many apprenhensions about trying this again. Any ideas or suggestions will be appreciated.\n\nConfused....",
	"Hello guys: Back with more questions. I would like to know from people who use the NxStage Pureflow SL as to how much time it takes to set up, prime, dialysize and then clean up. I'm basically looking at people who use the NxStage for home daily treatment. Can someone shed some light on how long it takes to get prepped and cleaned up - 3 hours? 4 hours?\n\nI'm looking at having a 3 hour time frame from the time I get home from work, eat dinner and then do dialysis from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., then go to bed. Anybody else have a schedule similar?",
	"Good morning to all! This is my first post here.\nOur story is long and complicated. My husband has been diabetic since 10 years old. At the age of 33, he started losing his eyesight due to retinopathy. He hasn't driven since 2001. He became Mr. Mom to our 5 children and I returned to work.\nHe has suffered through a heart attack and many eye surgeries to keep his central vision. With much determination he returned to work, only to go into congestive heart failure and begin dialysis. Thankfully, he was able to do Peritoneal Dialysis, for two years. He had no problems, no peritonitis, etc. Again, he returned to work. His choice, and his work has been good to us.\nWe made the decision to pursue a kidney/pancreas transplant at Duke University. His wait time was 29 months, with about 9 calls to be ready during that time. It finally happened on April 15 2007. It has been a long 8 months since then.\nThe transplanted kidney was removed the next day. He suffered numerous infections, 6 weeks intubated & sedated in the ICU, and the recovery time since. He went into a rehab facility only to suffer a bout of gastroenteritis and blood clot.\nIn August, he was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal abscess, and hospitalized twice, the second one lead to the transplanted pancreas removal, which was considered unsuccessful because he still needed daily insulin.\nIn October, he was again hospitalized with a clot in his leg. And the end of November, the abscess was back. We are praying this time it has been taken care of. We asked for a second opinion at our local hospital with infectious disease.\nHe is still not walking alone, due to his extended ICU stay. But he is determined to walk again.\nThere's so much more but I've already bombarded you. I'm looking for others who haven't had such great experiences with transplants. We are pro-transplant, my niece had a living donor transplant two years ago. But it's hard to find others with difficult experiences.\nThanks for reading and I hope to become active on here.\n\nLynn",
	"hello everyone ,i would like to introduce my self and thank you for taking the time to read this! im a mother of a 22 year son bobby,he has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure,we are awating the biopsy report results.(on dec26).i m not sure what questions i should ask.he has been told that he only has 1/4 kidney working.at age 16 he had started having siezures,along with extreme high blood pressure inwhich he takes meds for.just this year while going to emerg room for extreme pain and sores on his feet a nurse there advised him that high blood pressure wasnt normal for his age and instructed him to give a list of test to be done to his home doct .after doing so ,here we are with chronic renal failure. after saeeing the specilaist and several blood test, (his creatine was a little hihg,not animic,low on calcium) what normal resultsare with older people wasnt adding up to him we do go to a kidney speciualist. doc wasnt sure why this was happening so he ordered a biopsy.\\after the biopsy he had a uric acid test ,and now has been told he also has gout.my question is when he and i go to recieve his results of the biopsy what questions should we ask?my son would be happy to go say okay pay the doc and finish out his day .mostly because we are'' un educated in this area ,and hes the doctor method.''what questions should we ask.?",
	"Hello All!\n\nI just have a quick question my grandmother is wanting sweet potatoes for Christmas and I am not sure how I can prepare them for her on her renal diet. Any tips? Thanks for taking the time to answer and may you all have a blessed holiday season.",
	"To anyone out there that can comment on this from a transplant point of view:\n\nWhat type of out of pocket expenses are you looking at if you decide to go through with a transplant? I work full-time and have good BC/BS insurance. I have heard stories of paying out as much as $2500 per month for medications. Anybody got the truth on this?",
	"Hi, I am new to this site. My husband has recently started PD. Does anyone have any information they could share with me about fluid intake and restrictions? Are you required to limit your fluids?\n\nAny information would be greatly appreciated!\n\nSarah",
	"Has anyone else had a test called PET? I am not sure what it is. We were told my husband would need to have this done after doing PD for a month. Could anyone please share their experiences with me about this procedure or test? Do you know the purpose of the test?\n\nWill you please give me any information that you have about the PET? Thanks so much for any info that you are able to give me.\n\nSarah",
	"Hello forum members,\n\nWe've been busy over here revamping the Recipes section of DaVita.com. We have over 400 kidney-friendly recipes now so we want to make sure there are a bunch of different ways of finding the recipes you want.\n\nWe'll be releasing more features next year as well, so keep a look out. \n\nwww.davita.com/recipes",
	"As I stated before, I am on PD.\n\nSince I travel a lot by plane, I would like to know if anyone has done PD exchanges while on a long trip, say from the East Coast to the West Coast while on a flight?\n\nI have user the Delta Crown Room Shower to do exchanges but have not done it while flying.\n\nDoes anyone have any experience with doing PD in a car? I did several with seemingly no ill results.\n\nThanks\n\nHans",
	"Good morning everyone. I just wanted to post that my support group will have the first meeting on January 19, 2008, and every third Saturday thereafter.\n\nI am feeling very positive about this group. Many Kidney organizations forwarded material so that I might be able to distribute it to others. I have some in English and Spanish. Also, I have nutritional guides, DVD's on dialysis, cookbooks, and tapes to help with CKD and with Dialysis.\n\nI am going to be using the Kidney School information as a guide each week. I have my Nephrologist coming to speak as well as local doctors and doctors from surrounding towns. I also am having a diabetic counsellor and a renal/diabetic dietician coming to speak during 2008.\n\nI have a list of groups that are on the internet to hand out in case some of the people have internet access. I have renamed the group (didn't know there was a KEYS group), so the group is now called \"The KIDNEY Group.\" Easy, and simple to remember.My husband does great print shop graphics and such, so we have posters to put out, and he is making an easel to stand out in front of the building where we are meeting. The Chamber of Commerce and the newspapers and radios are all printing out my press release, and my doctors and dieticians and laying out flyers, as well as my local pharmacy at Wal-Mart.\n\nIt seems that everyone is helping to make this a success. I pray that people come, because the more I find out about CKD, the more I know people need to be encouraged and uplifted. Wal-Mart is donating 25 Spiral notebooks which we are giving out for them to use as Journals, in hopes that everyone can benefit from writing down their hopes and dreams, and their feelings and share if they want at the groups for encouragement.\n\nI just want to thank all of you for being here to help me. I don't think I would have had the courage to start this without the surrport and encouragement I have seen on this forum.\n\nBlessings,\nSue Randolph\nthekidneygroup@msn.com",
	"In dealing with the runs any idea on allowed foods that bind? Also swallon feet. a pt friend of mine says massage sometimes help but wondering what your favorite ways are. Annie",
	"around 5 years ago i was dx with crf, i am now 48 and in the early stage 4, although i am so blessed to be working every day .....i have a lot of questions that my doctors tell me not to worry about at this time. i am so tired most days and i begin to wonder if it's all in my mind or am i really sick......i don't look sick.....i am on lots of meds including dexedrine to help me going and to help me concentrate at work. someone please tell me what to expect and what kind of time line am i looking at? my doctors said when i was dx that i had a 5-7 year window......is that true?\ni am so thankful to this blog.....i now have someone to share with.\nGod Bless You,\nToodles",
	"I just started my PD training this week and one question on my test asked why PD patients have a lower temp than the average person, I can not find the answer any place, I have an idea, but don't know if I am right. Does anyone know the answer to this? I might add the second day I was so overwhelmed and frustrated I was ready to give up , I have had two days of training, I was supposed to go yesterday but the weather was too bad. I think I needed that break, so my brain could rest and process what I had half way learned. Did anyone else feel as inadequate as I do when they trained? Sorry I rambled.",
	"My insurance company now requires the clinic give my epogen subcutaneously once per week rather than IV per treatment. The Administrator (RN) and the LPN have been giving it in my lower forearm on the inner aspect just like when you get your TB test. It's painful and I dont like it. The new RN gives it in my abdomen and tells me the forearm is NOT an acceptable place to give EPO or any other subcutaneous medicine. I have no problem with it given in my abdomen but the others refuse to give it there and only in my forearm. It hurts and leaves big knots there. Anyone else????",
	"I don't know what's going on anymore...The doctors all say I'm practically dead and they need to monitor me as much as possible. I'm not allowed to eat salt, I'm not allowed to do anything. They say my creat. levels are through the roof and I'm at like 19% functioning [as of two months ago when those tests were done]. I get to find out in February if I'm still \"doomed\" or not. I've been on the prednisone and all that jazz. I'm taking pills galore. But with all this talk about being so far gone, you'd think they'd talk to me about dialysis or transplants or something...I have no clue why everyone's trying to put off the talking til the very last minute...I've read around that fistulas and grafts need about a month to mature...so why are they waiting til it's down to the wire? It's just...it's been so hectic and crazy and all of a sudden....nothing. Like everyone's holding their breath...\n\nI guess my biggest question is...how am I supposed to accept this if no one else will? How am I supposed to live with this if no one will tell me how? How am I supposed to know what I'm up against if no one will really tell me? I'm just...kind of lost....",
	"I'll start at the beginning. I found out when I was 11 years old that I was born with only one kidney and that it was slowly failing and that I would eventually need dialysis. I never thought much of it. Lived my life normally...as normally as I could, anyway. I have a lot of other medical problems to deal with that I won't get into here right now.\n\nWhen I was 17, my kidney function was low enough to go for a transplant evaluation, so I did. I was turned down bc of my age. They had bad luck with people my age not taking their meds. \n\nWhen I was 18, my nephrologist said that it's time to get an access for dialysis. I tried 3 times to get a fistula/graft, but never succeeded. I ended up getting a PD cath inserted. I started PD in the hospital a few months later, a month before I turned 19. This was April 2006. I went the weekend without dialysis, then was trained at my new dialysis center for 4 days, then did it at home myself, but I started doing it at home after 2 days. I guess they just needed to watch me more. They said I was a quick learner; that's why I was able to do it at home after 2 days.\n\nI went for another transplant evaluation November 2006 and was turned down yet again. This time, it was for my other medical problems. They said doing surgery on me was too risky, and they didn't want to take the risk.\n\nOctober 2007 I went for my third evaluation and was ACCEPTED! I was able to tell my grandfather about a week before he died that I was accepted on the list. Though he was really sick and out of it most of the time, he was really happy that I was finally accepted. I thought he was going to cry. \n\nAnyway, my fiance called to be tested, got a kit, we got it drawn at my dialysis center, sent it in, and he is a MATCH! Everything is just working out so great now. It's weird how it all falls together sometimes. The date for him to get the rest of his testing done is set for January 11. That's the reason I'm writing this thread. I'm going to continue in this thread updating everyone on how everything goes.",
	"I had no idea there was a PD Hotline until I read it in the April 2007 edition of DaVita's Lifelines patient newsletter! It said that you should call if you want to learn more about PD. Here's the toll free number:: 1-866-801-6075",
	"Its a new year! To kick-start off this great new year we at Nxstage Users Group wishes all a Happy New Years!\n\nWe also want to announce that we all know that Nxstage really made some buzz last year and we think they will still do so this year! Nxstage has given us a Second Life, hehe ..and now we announce that we have formed a group on Second Life! Yes, we have just started and for those of you who really want the the exteme in social chat over the net well head on to http://www.secondlife.com and download the viewer for free and start exploring the massive virtual world of Second Life.\n\nFor all the Nxstage fans we also have a free Nxstage T-Shirt for you to wear in Second Life......\"While doing some work for a client it just hit my head, why not Nxstage in Second Life?\".....Nxstage= Second Life!\n\n\n\nTo grab the Free Nxstage T-Shirt go to my cabin located at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hodgeman...nty/17/202/21/ ..be sure your Second Life viewer is enabled..\n\n\nThen go inside the cabin and you will see a crate with floating letters....finally, click on it to take a free copy.....for further details and assistance send me an IM inworld to Gusher Castaignede\n\n\n\nOnce again, Happy New Years all...",
	"Hi all, I am looking for a list of all or as many foods as possible and the amount of potassium in each one.\n We have a list of a few foods and the amount of potassium in them, we would just like to have a larger list with as many foods as possible.\n Anyone have any idea where we could find a list like this ?\nthanks !",
	"Is their any thing I can do for thinning bones? I have been on home hemo dialysis for 28 years. I have had seven total hip replacements and getting ready for number eight, their for any exercise involving stress on the legs is out. Their are a lot of medications for people with osteoporosis out their but they say not for end stage renal disease. I take three Renagel tablets with each meal to help control my phosphorus and I'm still breaking bones.",
	"I hope to paint as honest a message as I can for all hemodialysis patients that might read this.\n\nMy names is James, and I was diagnosed with alport syndrome at 12, 3 years ago I entered dialysis after my kidneys finally gave out.\n\nIt was a momentous experience.\n\nIt had its highs and lows, sadly, I never quite found a balance, i'd have good days and bad days, and most of the complications I had were stress related rather than serious complications. Admittedly I had high blood pressure, I wasn't stellar on fluid consumption, and my phosporus levels tended to spiral on occasion.\n\nI fought it constantly, I developed panic attacks and became isolated and lost. (Wish I had discovered these forums sooner). Despite the tremendous asset of having people I could depend on, I was very much alone (or so I thought) in my plight.\n\nI spent one and half years on \"the list\", was given 3 fake calls, where somebody else was chosen instead of me. Finally, one year ago, I was called and successfull implanted a kidney. I was in hospital a grand total of 10 days, after which I returned home.\n\nI'm not a doctor, I learned a lot about dialsys (and myself), but I'm far from anything resembling an authority on hemodialysis.\n\nWhat I wanted to say was: My heart is with you. If you're as lucky as I am in getting a new kidney, then honestly, I would say DONT WORRY (and I mean it) . To me, a single dialysis was worse than my operation. And throughout my stay I had a smile plastered on my face even while I slept.\n\nI have no overwhelming insights to add. Only my support. If you have any questions regarding my experience, feel more than welcome to.\n\nYours truly, James\n\nI wrote a post on my dialysis experience here if anyone is interested. HERE",
	"I just recently found out that I am in stage four kidney diesease and have Lupus in the kidneys as well.I have been in and out of the hospital the last few months because of swelling around my ankles and hands.I need to know what kind of foods I should avoid what I should and shouldn't drink etc.I would appreciate any advice anyone has\nThank you\nPatches",
	"I am 60 years old and have been on dialysis for three years now. I have been working the whole time, but it is starting to take its toll on me. I was considering going on disability. I was wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions as to how to handle this and what I have to do to get started. Also I live with my mother who has cancer and aside from the fact that dialysis really exhausts me alot, she is one of the reasons I'm considering disability. I think I just want to be home when I can to help my mother and be able to dialyze earlier in the day and not have to worry about the day to day rigors of work. Thank you!",
	"My husband (28 year old dialysis patient) and I have decided to compile recipes into a cookbook, of which the proceeds go to his kidney transplant fund. We have received quite a few recipes, but are in need of many more. We have hopes to get healthy recipes, such as those for a renal diet. If you have any recipes that you have enjoyed and reccomend, we would greatly appreciate them!",
	"My husband (53 y/o) has advanced PKD, had problems in October with hemorhagic cysts, followed by a failed live donor transplant. Kink in renal vein occurred, then found days later to also have a blood clotting disorder (G20210A). He developed extensive clotting throughout his legs including the renal vein, and lost the kidney. An IVC filter was put in. Because his native kidneys bleed his coumadin levels were kept at conservative levels, only for him to develop extensive clots in both legs 5 weeks later. Interventional radiology treatments were repeatedly performed to rid the clots. He is so weak. I am so afraid for him. I hope and pray that someday he will have another chance for a transplant, but realize this is a real balancing act. I'm in need of some expert advice for his care now and later. Anybody have any ideas for me?",
	"My husband has been on peritoneal dialysis for ten months. Since he started PD he has been suffering nausea and vomiting intermittently. He had previously been on hemodialysis for nine months and never had this problem. Has anyone else had this experience?\n\nJudylieb",
	"My husband is 48 has been dealing with his high blood presure and being a diabetic for 4 years, he was told he is in the end stage renal failure and every symptom he has. My problem and great concern is that he has refused treatment of any kind. his gfr is 13.2 well that was in October because he wont even go and get his blood work done anymore. he has stopped his blood thinners, insulin and all of his other medications. I am actually sitting here and watching him slowly die... He thinks because he is not in any pain he is somehow going to get better. How long can he continue on like this before I come home to find him unresponsive? Is there anything I can do??",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nWe launched our enhanced GFR calculator over the weekend with some nice new features. If you have or create a DaVita Web Account, you can now save, graph and print out an GFR calculations you make.\n\nLearn more about these new features or check out the new DaVita GFR Calculator.",
	"I just got put on the list for a transplant. I am very happy about that. The coordinator said I would be better off with a younger kidney because of my heart condition. My daughter is 34 and she is trying to test to donate to me. She has stopped now because she has high blood pressure. They want it to come down before continuing with the test. I am lucky not on dialysis yet, and not in a hurry to be on it. I just thought I would let you all know what is going on.\nJohn",
	"I am going through some depression right now, is there anyone out there that want's to pls become a friend i can talk too? thank you....",
	"Okay guys this is a first - never heard this before. I've been going to this doc for a few months now and found out that when I start dialysis, I will be referred to another \"dialysis doctor\". Is this customary? I assumed that you keep the same nephologist as the same doctor that takes you through dialysis. Is this normal? I'm really upset because I assumed the nephologist would be making decisions once dialysis starts. Can someone explain further? Or have I found a hospital that is screwed up?",
	"Hello all,\n\nDavita Patients latest Newsletter is out...it has been posted at my blog for your reading pleasure....\n\nDPC Celebrates a Successful 2007; Ready for a Great 2008!",
	"I'm a 42 year old female and I live with my 84 year old mother. Although she is in very good health, I still consider myself somewhat of a caregiver. I'm really worried about how I will be able to be a caregiver for her when she's older and deal with my own kidney failure at the same time. I see her deteriorate a little more every year. I read a lot about people whose husbands and wives help with their caregiving (and how stressful it is,) but I don't have that, and I don't think my mom would be a very good helper anyway. And what will I do when she dies? Can a person handle this disease and everything that goes with it alone? What am I supposed to do?",
	"when i started dialysis in dec 2005 i was in the clinic oneday doing dialysis and two chairs down was another woman fixing to be hook up on he dialysis and her ports explouded, there was blood all over and about a half a inch from me too, i mean it was all over, and there's no nothing in between the people to stop anything from getting on the next person...\ni don't do dialysis in the clinic anymore needless to say....",
	"I am new to PD and I am doing CCPD but my cycler alarms so many times at night and interrupts my rest. The main reason I chose PD was so I can continue working but I am beginning to feel like a zombie, everyone said I would feel so much better after a week of dialysis but I feel no different, just tired. I guess my question is, are there more benefits to doing CCPD instead of CAPD? I am beginning to think I want to switch. I only do 3 exchanges per night. Can anyone help me with this problem. I called the company about my cycler and they said they will send me a new one. I have Fresenius (not sure about that spelling), the alarm that comes on is \"heater alarm\" and then I have to turn off the cycler and practically start all over.",
	"My 13 year old son was born with kidney disease and we have recently been told that he will need a kidney transplant sometime in the near future. He feels like his life has been turned upside down and is very depressed. He has been feeling very weak and has about 24&#37; kidney function. He has started on a bunch of meds. Even though we knew he had kidney disease, over the past 2 years things have worsened and we are still in shock over the fact that is really happening.",
	"There are many ways to dialyze at home and incenter. You should discuss the choices with your doc including transplant. Don't let the stories about what could happen cloud your decision......it was very well stated that when you talk about camping we don't focus on the lighting strikes. Yes any form of dialysis is a life altering event, I encourage you to learn as much as you can stay informed about the what will deliver the best outcomes for you. Kudos to you for reaching out!",
	"Hello,\n\nMy name is June and last fri. I found out that I have arpkd that has been misdx'd my whole life.\n\nI had to go on disability 10 yrs ago and my rhuematologist dx'd me with fibromyalgia. Because this disease was never found the insurance company that was supposed to pay me for the rest of my life dx'd me with a somatizational disorder and paid me under their mental clause and I recieved only a 2 yr settlement.\n\nI've gone to a dr's office where they had made up a play to catch me as a lawsuit seeker for nuerontin. A drug seeker and a malingerer. The receptionist was on the phone when i arrived and was saying \"Oh yes Mrs. ..... Your husband is in the exam room right behind me and everything is all set. You two are going to be very rich!!!! Congratulations!!!! Mc Carthy who was treating me came out of the exam room and spent too much time with me at the counter because before I reached the exam room I saw a worker guy come out of the room and turn off the light. Looked at me and turned all red like a candied apple.\nWhen I was alone with mc carthy it was an interrogation not a dr's visit.\n\nI was told by every single doctor for the past 10 yrs that all my pain was in my head and now finally a simple mri show's the real picture and the growths are hudge, I mean they are massive. They gave me the pics and I have been researching the web and have not found any including kidneys removed after death as big as mine are right now!\n\nSo I went to my gp and was treated by the nurse to get set up w/ a nephrologist you should have seen the wierd look I got when I said I never had fibro or a somatizational disorder and I'm starting to wonder if im stuck with all of their incompentence on my record when I was right and they were wrong for the past 10 yrs!!!!!\n\nThe first lawyer I called in the phone book took my case over the phone in 10 minutes?! Do I really want to tie up the rest of my life with this?\nHas anyone else ever had any thing like this happen to them?\nMy daughter is angry with me because she wants to donate half a liver and a kidney for me already and I told her im not telling anyone when i completely fail and want to go out quietly how do i deal with this?\n\nAny advice at all would be greatly appreciated!!\n\nHope all are in the best of spirits and having pain free days\n\njune (aka bug)",
	"Hello everyone, My husband, 60 years old, has been diagnosed with PKD. I'm sure I'll be learning and sharing alot with you.We live in the jungle in Costa Rica, which poses challenges in terms of access to information and support. So far , I'm impressed with his doctor, a fluent English speaker in the capital city of San Jose at a private hospital. But I'm of course concerned about getting the information I need to do what I can do. He will be getting more tests in February. So far I know he has 30% kidney function. he's been told to limit protein to 4 ounces a day and restrict salt. We haven't used salt for 20 years, so that's easy. I'm concerned about finding an online table for potassium and posphorus food values and wonder if I should already be weighing and seriously limiting foods high in these values. Are there online renal dietitians available ? Any hints or information would be appreciated ! Gracias",
	"Hi - I am a 52-year-old female with a GFR of 56. I have been adult-onset diabetic for 10 years so take 2 horse pills (LOL) of Glucophage (which I have not heard is great for the kidneys). I also just started on an ACE inhibitor drug 2 weeks ago.\n\nMy question is, when should you start the Renal diet? Is there a site to go to that can tell what to eat and what not to eat? I try to eat right but after reading some of the posts on here, I probably eat too much protein.\n\nOne more quick question - Is it okay to be on calcium supplements when you have kidney problems or not? I'm small boned and just a few pounds overweight and osteoporosis runs in the family so I hate to give up my calcium every day. Thank you so much.",
	"Hello all:\n\nI'm not on dialysis yet, but am wondering if some of you that are on home dialysis can share your insight as to how you got your doc to allow you to do home dialysis. I am afraid that when I get to the point that I need dialysis, my dialysis doc and hospital won't prefer home dialysis and will want me to go to their clinic. Do these guys/gals work with you as to your preference for dialysis or are you stuck as to where you go and who you have as a dialysis doctor?\n\nI do not want to do in-clinic dialysis. I would prefer doing daily home hemo as I am only 10 minutes from my job. This would be more beneficial than having to schedule time at a clinic and from what I have heard, the clinic drains you.\n\nAny insight would be appreciated. Thanks.",
	"Hello All:\n\nI hope I'm not getting on anyone's nerves, but I have another question if someone can answer. I was reading through old posts here on the board and found a post about a person who was on the transplant list. Do I understand this correctly - once you are on the list, you cannot travel any further than a four hour stay? Does this mean that once you're on the list, you cannot travel to any destination outside of four hours? Oh, God, I just thought I had this down - go on hemo, there's dialysis at sea - now I can't travel because there is a possibility I will miss the kidney. Does this get any better or should I shoot myself now?",
	"My mother-n-law does her peritoneal dialysis by herself but wont listen when it comes to her diet. She does'nt like to shop so she just gets whatever is cheap and easy to fix. I try to talk to her about it but she just goes on like she has always done. Her phosphorus is high and she scrates so much she is raw and sometimes brings blood. The doctor has told her it is her phosphorus but she does'nt try to get it down. This a women that is 66 years old and never pumped gas for herself until 1990. She has come along way to be as independent as she is but I dont want to take that away by telling her what to do. I need some advice on how to handle this without upsetting her.",
	"Can anyone point me in the direction of information regarding why or if a dialysis patient should or needs to continue taking flomax?\n\nDad has been taking this drug for many years.\n\nThanks,\nRussell",
	"I am a pateint at one of your clinics and currently on the transplant list, my blood sample has to be sent to another state other than\n\nga. but when it was taken today the tech brought it back and said that I had to mail it myself because they were not allowed to do it if\n\nthere is no stamp on it. I asked her how much did it cost to mail it and she said 41 cents. I can't beleive that a large company like your\n\nis tooo cheap to put 41 cents on a package. This is part of my treatment , as much money that you charge for treatment you people\n\nshoud be able to afford 41 cents. This policy should be changed.",
	"Hello,\n\nI have chronic kidney disease. We thought it was due to some medications that I had to take for another diseas that I have. But I recently reconnected with my sisters who are my only living relatives of our generation. Both are in advanced stages of Polycistic Kindney diseae. One is on dyalisis and the other is waithing to start. Both my older brother and mother died from this disease. So on this sunday at 9:30 I go for the definative ultra sound that will let me know if I have the same disease.\n\nFrom what I have read I probably have it there have been reoccuring infections that have dehydrated me and hospitalized me on a regular basis. Aches and pains that have caused me to have to quit working because it just got more intense with the days work. It got so bad that I did not know if I was going to be able to drive home or not.\n\nI don't even know the questions to ask. or what specifically to be scared of but this disease has been a horrible one that has slowly killed two of my family members and injured others. I hope that you all keep me in your thoughts.\n\n1DAF",
	"Can anyone tell me what this test result means? I'd really appreciate it.\nCreatine 0.6\nGFR >89-NB",
	"I need help setting up a dialysis center in Africa. I reside in the US but have several family members who are africans by birth and diabetics. My home country lacks diabetic centers (I believe there are less then 7 for the entire country) and my family regularly have to go two or three without dialysis. It is an acceptable norm there and not to mention it is ridiculously expensive. I' m ready to relocate there and have spoken to a few people who are ready to invest in such a project however I'm at a loss as to where to start. I personally am not diabetic, but passionate about it as it runs through my family.\n\nI spoke with a rep at Davita but according to her, they don't extend their services outside the US. Please help, no information will be trivial.",
	"Hi\n I posted on another spot but not sure if that was the right spot. I wanted to know what is next now that I am in stage 4 kidney disease. My GFR is 24%. I haven't been feeling well. What kind of symptoms could I have at this point? I know everone is different. Some people don't have any symptoms. Just was wondering if what I am feeling is normal?",
	"Hello all:\n\nYes, another question for all of you suffering from bad anemia. Are any of you on Procrit and if so, have you suffered any bad side effects? Does this drug really make you feel better or is it just another ad compaign for another drug?\n\nI have \"entry level\" anemia - I feel tired occasionally. However, I know there is going to be a time when I will feel worse. Just wondering if these drugs really help or if they are just hype. Thanks.\n\nSorry to ask so many questions...\n\n - Jo -",
	"Hello everyone. This is my 1st day posting on this forum, as my mother has just started hemo dialysis last week. My mother, is 74, and after many years of using lithium for her manic depressive disorder, her kidneys began to fail. They started going downhill back in 1996, and from then, they got worse....but slower than the dr's anticipated. In 2005, she had the surgey to insert the fistula in her arm to prepare her for dialysis. At that time, her kidneys were working at a mere 10% and her kidney specialist was anticipating them going rapidly down hill from that point on. Unusually, my mother held at 10% until the first week of Jan 2008, when her kidneys were diagnosed as working at a mere 6.3%. As i stated earlier, she began in clinic hemo treatments 3x per week last week, and this is all very new to me and my siblings. My sister and I have taken over most of the care taking (like planning her meals and bringing her dinner), and it has been stressful to say the least. What is making it a tad easier, is the fact that other than the kidney failure my mother has no health problems....perfect blood pressure, no diabetes, no heart disease, etc...so it makes things a TAD less stressful  Anyways, luckily, i attended culinary school for 2 years, and read a lot abt Kidney Disease and diet, so i will be able to cook things for my mother that are renal safe...i am willing to share that information w/ who ever needs it. Hoping to meet some nice people on here, who will be able to help, when things may get crazy! \nThanks for reading!\nLisa",
	"my husband was diagnoised with renal failure in march of 2007. he was being watched by the doctors and they were going to do his arm. then all of the sudden one visit his levels were through the roof and was at 10 percent working. they had to do his chest. he started to go to dialysis the next day. he started at three days a week for three hours then he went down to two days a week three hours each time. before each appointment he gets sick really sick. when he goes to doctor appoinments he gets really sick. even if he has to go to the VA to get medication he gets sick. we were always told after dialysis has started things should start looking up. here we are almost a year later and he feels just as lousy. now he is missing his dialysis appoinments. at this time he has missed nine appoinments. he just tells me that he feels fine and he feels lousy he will go. we have a four year old to think about to and i just dont get it. he thinks because the area they ask about when he goes to dialysis are working that he is fine.. HELP",
	"Has anyone had a tunnel infection? What were your systems? I have an area on my abdomen about 1- 2 inches from my exit site that is red and warm to the touch, it is about the size of my hand. There is no drainage from the exit site so I suspect it may be a tunnel infection. I have a call in to my PD nurse and am waiting for her to call back. Needless to say I am really scared and any advice anyone can give me is appreciated. Thanks!!",
	"Hi\nI am on HD right now because my PD failed with a pleural infusion into my lungs in September 07. This coming Tuesday I have a chest cat scan done with dye to see if things have healed over.\n\nThe last four flushes I have done with my physioneal (1 flush a week) I have tasted the the solution \n\nIt is a god awful taste. Is this normal ??",
	"New to all this and really scared.\n\nMy dad has had CHF for a long time. He is currently 76. Is a 7 year survivor of Esophagaus Cancer, which he is now cleared of and has been clean in this respect. He has just been diag with Kidney failure. Currently has only 11% kidney function. They put a temp port in his chest on Tuesday and did his first dialysis. He is still in hospital and so far is having his 3 one today, with 4th tomorrow. After this the Dr. said he would more than likely be on schedule of MWF. For the first couple in the hospital (Tuesday/Wednesday), they said they were going to start him slow as to not take too many toxins out at once. Then today they were suppose to start at full capacity. Each one is lasting for approx 3 hrs each.\n\nOur concerns are if his heart can take it, due to his congestive heart failure that he has had for some time. My dad is pretty weak and scared (as are we) to say the least. We are trying to keep dad upbeat. This has all been pretty hard on him mentally and physically. Is there anyone else out there with CHF and taking dialysis that can give some insight and encouraging words?\n\nThank you\nJanice",
	"First I want to say Hi. I just noticed this forum. I am my mothers sole caretaker. My sister and father both passed away. I have one sister who absolutely does nothing even though my mother favored her. The fact is I don't care anymore about that because I have resigned myself to the fact that she will never do anything, so she doesn't exist. My mother has always been very difficult and we have had a contentious relationship since as far back as I remember. My health has always been pretty bad because I have severe asthma ever since I was a child. I have done pretty well with stressful situations and I am usually the go to person when something happens. I was also s caretaker for my grandmother who died at 101, My grandmother who most would say was difficult was a pleasure, A little ornery but that was endearing to me. She never really was sick up until the few weeks before her death so I should say I was more of a person who made sure she was ok, because she was in a wheelchair only because of arthritis and that was about it.\n\nBut my mother has made me into a person i don't know She was told by her doctors for the last 20 years that if she did follow the advice they had given her ab0ut her diabetes she was going to end up on Dialysis. Even after she had to go on insulin which was also a warning. She was never compliant. My father was alive and I was married or away at school or working so even though I knew what was going on I was not a daily witness to it . years pass and my father passes away of a sudden heart attack. I live maybe 20 miles from my parents,\n\nMy mother always worked and she was doing ok, or I thought she was..My older sister moves in with my mother because her health problems, which are the same as my mother, Diabetes and being non compliant to the point she was on Dialysis. My mother is witnessing my sisters downward progression, even the amputation of her leg and subsequent death and she still does not get the picture, To make a long story short she ends up on Dialysis \\. The sister who does nothing comes and moves in with my mother, And that is all she did because within a month my mother comes for a visit and the next thing I know she never leaves, lol She is on Perotenial Dialysis. Me nd my roommate fix up everything to make sure she is comfortable at night, I have a one story ranch so it is easy to keep eye out plus she has access to the whole house at all times She has own bedroom, all the pleasures of her home, even nice because I have one floor opposed to two which limited her access. In any case me and Stephen were constantly on her about making sure the tubing and everything was changed, My mother is not a sickly person , the problem with her is she does too much, All we would got was grief about how we can't tell her what to do, Eventually she develops peritonitis. They put her in the hospital and now she has to go back to the in clinic hemodialysis. Since her address is officially where her house is and not mine, she never bother to change what clinic her perontenial was associated with I have to drive her back and forth to her dialysis I would wait because it would be too much for me to drive back home I don't mind at all and eventually I find a closer center. She takes the para transit now. Now my mother is driving me crazy, she is not compliant, I have had to call 911 at least 4 times a month because she doesn't have a juice or something sweet after Dialysis I have stressed to her that her blood sugar crashes and she has to have something,, A friend took her shop not too ,long ago I asked if she had anything to et, yes, Around 20 minutes later my friend is calling me on the phone.. My mother has passed out in Stop and Shop and 911 i s called by the time they get there she is revived and I can hear her tell them she had nothing to eat. So now she is lying. She will not listen to me. people ask me if she is getting dementia, no she isn't her neurologist confirmed that fact. I tell people my mother has always been very hard headed But now it is killing her, When she is home she does too much. I had a operation myself and had to hire someone to make sure my mother doesn't do too much, because I ould not watch her on my own,\nWhen I say that I mean work around the house, She has passed out so many times I am a nervous wreck, I can't say anything to her because she is always yelling at me. every time I call 911 she claims it is a way to get rid of her, What am I suppose to do let her pass out and die. She lives in my house but I have no say. I rarely hear a kind word from her She is always complaining. I have gotten to the point that if I hear her coming I get tense My friends do not even want to visit me because of her, Stephen moved out. I have talked to her social worker She told me to give hints that she will end up in a Assistant living home if she does not help herself and her illness instead of making it worse She doesn't even know the medicines she takes. I am at a loss at what to do. I rarely go out because of her bouts of passing out.\nI love my mother very much, And every time she passes out it gets to me, I am not angry because she is ill I have been ill most of my my life. So I know what it is like to have a chronic disease, I am angry because she does absolutely nothing to make life easier , but seems to take relish in making life worse. Consequently my health has worsened and not fully recovered from my operation almost a year ago, I know this is all stress related. My mother doesn't see any of this even if I mention it to her She has no empathy what so ever. but I am use t that But even if you mention you are very stressed out she doesn't see it and life continues on like it has been and I am going nuts.",
	"My dad has really itchy dry skin (he is in stage 5 )....... does anyone know of a specific brand of lotion easy to get at say walmart...... that does NOT contain alcohol ? If you do, will you please share with me ! thank you",
	"Hello everyone..I am a caregiver for my mother whom is 47 and was diagnosed with kidney failure about a year ago. She tried the PD, but she had/has too many other health problems so she has now been on Hemo for about 8 months. This is a life changing illness, and requires alot of time and support. I had an aunt years ago that was on dialysis but I never fully understood the ways of it. I have to say I was very suprised upon my first visit to the DaVita center being there was alot of young people there. I know this is so hard as mom has been sick with stomach, breathing, being cold, and much more symptoms. She also has suffered recently a blown tricuspid valve in her heart. So she is now on oxgen as well. I helped care for my grandmother 3 years ago whom had cancer. It changed our lifestyle for a bit as her battle didnt last long. She passed in July of 2005. After seeing the changes dialysis brought along I have to say it is tough, but there is a way thanks to the wonderful treatments available. Mom had high blood pressure for many years. Since I can remember. So this was the cause of her kidney failure. I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I will be posting more as I learn and to learn from others. I wish you all the best, and God bless each of you.",
	"First I would like to say, I am thankful that I found this site, I have a feeling I will be here daily. As the title states, same story, different person, there are many people out there that are new to the site, and newly diagnosed with kidney failure, and new to this caregiving side.\n\nOn December 11th, my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Failure. He is only 38 years old, and we have only been married 15 months.\n\nIn the past 6 weeks I have done all that I can to make sure medicines are taken, doctor appointments have been kept and everything else he needs is done.\n\nHe is not working and I am supporting the two of us financially. My family is being supportive, although they live in Western PA and Southern Maryland, where I am in the philly area.\n\nI hope I can use this site and the forum to vent from time to time. My husband goes in and out of denial with his illness. He knows that because he did not take care of his diabetes the way he should have that this has led him to this stage in life.\n\nHe is feeling alot of guilt and to be honest I am feeling alot of anger. His family ( mother, aunt, uncle and cousins) live 45 mins from us and I can get no help or cooperation from them. When I have asked all i get is that they are to busy and have things they have to do.\n\nFortunately we belong to a church that is willing to help out also.\n\nWe have decent health care, but because of all the doctor appointments, medicines, medical supplies and such, i am being zapped financially also.\n\nI want to share alot of this with him, but on top of his diabetes, kidney failure, he is also dealing with high blood pressure, I am afraid of overwhelming him also.\n\nI have an appt next week with our primary care doctor to get something for my anxiety and to help me sleep at night.\n\nI know that I need to take time for myself, but I am afraid to, what if he needs me? I know he is ok when I go to work, and I know that I need to work to pay the bills, but I hate leaving him each morning, and then as much as I would like to take an evening and just go out with a friend and have a drink or two I know if I do that that I wont enjoy myself, I will feel guilty leaving him alone again, what if he needs me? What if I am not there?\n\nDoes anyone else go through these feelings?\n\nWIll that change?\n\nOur doctor has said that she wants to hold off on dialysis as long as she can but she hasn't given us any kind of time period. I just want things to get into a routine so that I know how to plan my life.\n\nHas anyone else gone through this?\n\nWell i guess I have rambled enough, I want to thank anyone who has taken the time to read this.\n\nDiane",
	"Hi,\n\nI have always wondered this.\n\nAt the dialysis unit that you go to, when the doctor passes by and gives you all your info at your chair. Are there any other times that you can meet with them, like if you have an issue you do not want to discuss in public?\n\nI'm just asking because at the unit I go to the doctor passes by and stops at each patient chair and you can always hear what he is saying to other people...so you have no privacy really.\n\nSo if you had to discuss something personal or that you were embarassed about, there is no other time or place to meet with the doctor.\n\nI don't like that, as then it seems all the people walking by, other people's family members that are there know your private business.\n\nWe don't really have nephrologists that you meet with, unless you are in the hospital for a surgery you don't see a doctor privately.\n\nI would really like to see this changed so you could meet with a doctor once in a while...not like every week, but maybe every month or 2 would be good even.\n\nSo, is it the same thing in the US as well?",
	"First I want to say that I enjoy the discussion forums so much. It is new to me but you all share so much in so many ways it is just awesome. My question is this do most docs put you on a pre dialysis diet? I have heard that a lot of them do and that it is suppose to help with your creatnine count as well as other counts. They say that it will help keep you off of dialysis longer. If anyone has any info I would really appreciate it. Are there things that you can do that will make things any better? Some people don't seem to want to answer your questions. Maybe they feel they don't have the time or since it isn't about them they aren't worried. I just don't know.",
	"Guess I'm having one of those times. I just feel overwhelmed and need your support. I'm 3 months into in-center hd and my ratios are good. DR is even thinking about reducing my time on the machine. All that's great, but I think my pancreatitis is acting up. We'll do blood work on Monday and I'll find out then. But for now, every time I eat I get stomach/abdominal pain. I force myself to eat, even with the pain - because I don't really want to stop and go into the hospital. If my amylase and/or lipase levels are up I may have to go anyway. Only way to treat this is to stop all oral intake - which means IV. Don't know how that works with dialysis, but because of an ileostomy and chronic diahrrea, I'm not on any fluid restrictions. I know most of you would switch places, but for me it's a slippery slope. This is the reason my kidneys failed and I'm not a candidate for transplant. I'm looking at a lifetime of dialysis.\n\nJust feeling alone and depressed. I know things could be worse, but it's one of those times. I need a shoulder!",
	"I don't even know where to start or how to deal with this?\n\nMy husband is started hemo-dialysis the 2nd of November. He is 46 yrs old, diabetic, had a massive heart attack, surgery quadruple bypass. The surgery finished off the 15% renal function that he had. So, here we are, he has applied for disability which was tough for a workaholic to do. The checks won't start until April. I am the sole income for our household.\n\nAll that aside, I need to ask some questions. I understand that his hemo will wear him out. He is always exhausted. He won't even get up and exercise at all. He sits in the recliner and watches TV all day. Is this normal?\n\nHe won't go out with me. Actually, we don't do anything together. I ask him how he's doing, he gets mad and starts yelling that he feels like sh@@. When things are calm I ask him how he's handling everything, he says fine. He won't talk to me, he won't listen to me when I need to talk.\n\nI'm handling everything, medicare, insurance, medicaid, our son, housework, working full time, laundry, bills. Honestly I feel like I'm going to have a nervous break down myself. If I try to talk to him about anything at all he gets mad.\n\nHe's on antidepressants, actually he's taking a total of 13 pills a day. I don't know what to do. I feel like the man I married died, and he's taking the rest of the family along with him. He wants me to tell him everything he needs to do. I take care of his medications, I pretty much do everything besides dress him.\n\nOur house is in need of repairs. But, I can't even talk to him about that. Our oldest son is willing to do the work, but my husband gets mad if I try to bring up the subject.\n\nOn top of everything else, now there's something new. He's started throwing up. I understood it was part of renal failure, the body's attempt to get rid of the poisons building up in his system. But, now its three and four times a day. Sometimes, he doesn't even make it to the bathroom.\n\nI feel like I'm whining here, but I honestly have nobody to talk to. I keep telling myself for better or worse, in sickness and health. But, there's still this part of me screaming, What about me?!\"\n\nDoes anyone else have any suggestions?",
	"We were recently informed that we had a lot of the heparin on recall. My father has not been well for over a month now. He was doing great. He now experiences sweats, low blood pressure. We also believe he was given massage dose at office in early January in an attempt to clean out his catheter of any fibrin and sent home more heparin to put in bags. I actually gave him some of the recalled heparin. You are absolutely right, we are out here alone with very very little help. Doctors are not available and you must report to a nurse on call. The center sent my father home with gobs of heparin in peritonium and he kept complaining of stomach ache and burning. Before we found out about the recall, my father asked nurse if it should hurt that much and she said shouldn't. Then one day they called and said to quit putting heparin in bag. I am unsure if this is a coincidence and my father is failing or caused by recalled product. Wow. Are there any professionals on the site?",
	"I have been reading about PD belts and wonder if anyone is using them. I did a forum search and only found three postings regarding belts. My husband started PD about two weeks ago and we would like to have something to help him secure the catheter.\n\nI would appreciate any advise.",
	"Hello everyone and thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope it goes through and to the correct location as I haven't a clue what I'm doing.My husband has been on Hemodialysis for 6 months. He has CHF with the kidney failure. 56. He is always lightheaded and dizzy a lot. He used to have Hypertension BP before this. (untreated, that's partly why he ened up like this). They've been keeping him after because his BP is so low now. He also vomits nearly everyday, for months.Some times several times a day. He says that is from the BP pills, but I don't think anyone vomits that much. It's certainly not normal and not healthy.Does anyone know why this is happening? I know dialysis does drop the Bp, but shouldn't it only effect you right after? Also he is on Mon. Fri. so far. I did see areport saying his urea ratio? is down. That means the kidney's are getting worse?This is a lot of questions, so sorry about that.Thank you all. Have a very good night",
	"Hello all:\n\nAnother question from someone who is yet on dialysis. I noticed that home hemo is short - 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Do the clinics allow for short daily hemo or are you stuck with doing 3 hour segments, 3 times per week?\n\nI understand from reading the posts that home daily hemo appears to be better than people going to the clinic. I just wanted to know if the clinics offer the same type of short daily hemo 5 days per week.\n\nI appreciate any info. Thanks again.",
	"i have heard of a new life line that is put in your chest where the catheter is placed and uses button holes in and out . does anyone know how these differ from the other life lines as far as years lasted.",
	"How to overcome worry\n\nTry to enjoy the worry\nWhen worry is inevitable, enjoy it and be wise\nEven continued happiness leads to mental worry\nThus happiness and worry must be alternative\nIf you are worried by the continued happiness\nYou are worried at the cost of the result of your good effort\n\nInstead of this it is better to get worry at the cost of your sin\nLet the sin give some trouble and then you worry out of it\nIn this way the result of the sin is spent and the not the result of good effort\nThe loss in your present worry may be compensated in the future\nBut the time lost in your past worry cannot be compensated\nBecause the life span of any human being is fixed\n\nYour loss may be compensated by million times in the future\nBut even one second of your lost time can never be compensated\nTherefore, understand this and think about the value of the time\nThis knowledge of the value of time is called as ‘Kala Janana’\nWhich means the knowledge of the future that you should know,\n\nWhich provides the possibility of the compensation of all the loss\nExcept the loss of time, therefore, time is the most precious.\nYou may waste anything that can be again procured in the future,\nBut never waste the time, which you can never compensate.\n\nThere are two ways to escape the mental worry in this world\nThe first way is by obtaining the peace, which is zero\nThe second way is by achieving the bliss, which is plus\nWorry is minus, peace is zero and bliss is plus\nTo escape minus, either you should be in zero or in plus\n\nBliss can be obtained only from the Lord in this world\nSince Veda says that the Lord alone is bliss “Anando Brahma”\nVeda also says that the Lord alone can give you the bliss\n“Esha Hyeva Anandayati” this is quite logical in fact\nThe water is alone cool and so it alone can give coolness\nWhatever is said in the Vedas, it is always logical\n\nAt the Lotus Feet of His Holiness Sri Dattaswami\n\nAnil Antony\n\nwww.universal-spirituality.org\nUniversal Spirituality for World Peace\nantonyanil@universal-spirituality.org",
	"Spiritual Solution for Tensions and Anxiety\n\nRealisation and repeated memorization of the true knowledge is the only one solution for this problem. The ignorance is responsible for all the anxiety and tensions. One should know that every one has climbed the time (Kala), which is the running train. Death is the station at which one has to get down. Then every one should face the Lord for the enquiry.\n\nAfter the enquiry one will get either permanent happiness or permanent misery. The journey of this train to that station is the human life, which is only a fraction of second when it is compared to the infinite stream of time set up from the beginning of the creation. To think that the life is very long itself is ignorance. Every one is sitting in a closed compartment and realisation of the truth is the window through which every one should peep to find the infinite time stream. Only on such comparison the human life becomes a small fraction of a second. When the realization is absent and when there is no comparison the lifetime appears to be very long. First one should cross this illusion of time. Similarly, the illusion of the place. The earth looks very large under the ignorance.\n\nBut if one realises the infinite space of this universe the entire earth is a small fraction of a pinhead. Similarly one gets a comfortable seat and sits on it thinking that he is settled in the life. Another person is moving in the compartment in search of a comfortable seat and according to him he is not settled. But when both these people look out through the window, which is realisation of truth, then both realise that both are moving. Similarly one thinks that his co-passengers are his close relatives and is worried about them. But they get down at their respective stations and do not remember this fellow at all. Nobody remembers their relatives of his previous birth. If one realises that the so-called close relatives like parents, wife, children etc., are only the co-passengers who get down at their stations, he will not have any tension or anxiety about them. He does his duties without these two. Similarly when one thinks that he is his body itself, he feels that diseases damage him.\n\nBut if one realises that this body is only a dramatic dress needed for his role in the present drama, he is not worried about the damage of the body. He feels that as if his shirt is damaged. During the journey in the train one must constantly think about the interview and prepare for it. In such case he gets permanent happiness after the enquiry even though he is traveling in a comfortless third class compartment. If one forgets the interview and is attracted by the factors in the closed compartment, he is going to get permanent misery even if he travels by a first class compartment.\n\nThus, something is good according to the ignorant people and that is bad according to the realised scholars. This world is full of ignorant people and only very few realised scholars are present. Therefore the behaviour of a realised soul is criticized and mocked by the large public. But all the souls will realise the truth after the death when they face the enquiry. But it becomes too late by that time and nothing can be rectified. Thus, a realised scholar never cares for the public and proceeds in the true path decided by the true realisation. Only such true knowledge can remove the tensions and anxiety. The path of devotion can make you forget the pain temporarily for some time. It cannot remove the pain and anxiety on a permanent basis. No other methods like rituals, worships, etc., can solve this problem except the frequent memorization of the true knowledge. True knowledge is the comprehensive outlook of the whole situation i.e., realised by looking through the window of the train. Ignorance is the limited look inside the closed compartment, which is related to the comforts of seats and the bonds of co-passengers.",
	"The best way of pleasing God\n\nIf you are irritated with the misery, you are indirectly criticizing God for His creation of misery in this world. A poet becomes fully happy, if you are entertained by each poem written by him. If you are irritated with some poems, the poet will be unhappy with you. The poet is happy with each poem written by himself. Therefore, if you dislike anybody or anything in this world, it amounts to disliking a particular poem of the poet. If you love even the greatest sinner, who is your bitter most enemy and if you like every situation in this world, then you are liking every poem of the poet in his epic (world). This is the best way of pleasing God. The producer and director created the cinema and if you are his beloved servant, you should like every scene and every role in the cinema created by him, while you are giving company to him in seeing the picture. Anything created in this world exists because God liked it. Hence, if you dislike anything or anybody, it means that you are disliking the part of His creation, which is existing because He already liked it.\n\n If you are a true devotee and a loyal servant of God, His liking must be your liking. Since God likes every thing and every body in this creation, every thing and every body exists. If He does not like anything or anybody such thing and such living being cannot be created at all. Since, what ever is existing is created by God and that is created because God liked it, you must also like every thing and every body in His system created by Himself. Even the atheist, who scolds God is liked by God like a hot dish of chilly in the meals. In fact, God requested His loyal servant, Jaya, who is standing before His gate to take the role of Shishupala and scold Him continuously hundred times! God wanted to eat hundred hot dishes continuously since He was bored with the continuous sweet praises of devotees.",
	"Characteristics of a person said to become God\n\nYou must know that the producer and director of the cinema pays the actor of the villain-role also, because without villain the hero cannot shine at all. If you want to attain the possible state of God, you must also like the atheist like the hot chilly in your meals. When the hatred or rejection or repulsion to anything and anybody completely disappears in the heart, I assuredly tell all of you that such person has attained the possible state of God completely and you can call Him as God. When there is no break in the continuous love of every thing and every body and when there is continuous bliss, I assuredly tell all of you that such a person has really become the God.",
	"The happiness and misery in this world are based on the bonds you have with the items present in the world\n\nThe happiness and misery in this world are based on the bonds you have with the items present in the world. Real matter and real energy constitute the forms. The forms are only unreal designs of matter and energy. In a cinema all the items are the unreal designs of the real energy only. In a drama all the items are the unreal designs of the real matter only and slight energy also exists in drama as the light focused on the stage. For God, this entire world is a cinema which is just imagination of the awareness or nervous energy. Therefore, there is no difference between a cinema and imaginary world except that the cinema is made of visible light energy and the imaginary world is made of invisible nervous energy or mind. For individual souls, this world is a drama consisting of real materials and real human beings having equal status with the observers (individual souls existing in human bodies called as human beings). Hence, the world is equally real with the observing individual soul. But in the case of cinema, the observer is real matter, whereas the cinema is real energy, which is weaker than matter in expression. Hence, the observer is in higher status in view of strength of expression. If you take the imaginary world, which is made of the weakest real energy or mind, the observer is in far higher status.\n\nIn the case of God observing this world, God is in the highest status as the ultimate absolute reality whereas the world is in totally relative reality. However, from the view of God or the individual soul, the bonds in the world are totally unreal and illusory only, since the bonds are related to the totally unreal designs of energy and matter only. One bond is full of love on a particular design and another bond is full of anger on another particular design. Since the design is unreal, the related bonds must be unreal. The design does not exist before its production and after its destruction. That which did not exist in the past and will not exist in future must not exist in the present also. Therefore, its existence in the present is only illusory.\n\nThe love and anger in those bonds are foolish and if you analyze, even the love and anger are unreal because they are qualities. A quality is also unreal design of the mental energy. Hence, the love from somebody and the anger from else one are also unreal and your love and anger based on such qualities are also unreal. Therefore, your bond based on the unreal design which defines the individuality of a human being like wife, son, father, mother etc., must be also unreal. Your bond based on the personality of unreal qualities must be also unreal. Therefore, when Shankara said that the world is unreal (relatively real), it means that the world made of these unreal bonds only is unreal for the individual souls.\n\n The matter, energy and awareness (a form of energy only) are real for the individual souls and hence the world made of these three items is not unreal. But, for God, the total world is unreal. However, for both God and individual soul, the common world consisting of these unreal bonds is unreal, which is the basis of the entertainment. You can entertain with unreal items only. The entertainment is not at all based on matter, energy and awareness, which are the three uniform phases without any difference. The difference only causes the design and brings the limits causing the individuality. The homogeneous single phase of cosmos (since matter, energy and awareness are inter convertible resulting in the final single phase of cosmic energy) is called as Brahman, in the form of creation (Karya Brahman) and this cannot give any entertainment. If you try to analyze God (Karana Brahman), it is also homogeneous phase of unimaginable entity. Shankara represented God by this single phased cosmic energy in the form of awareness (awareness is a special work form of energy) or Karya Brahman. This clearly means that neither Karya Brahman is God nor God charges Karya Brahman homogeneously. If such charging takes place, there is no difference between seer and seen. Such charging takes place in the case of human incarnation because if an individual soul is charged by God, such human incarnation can be the seer of the rest uncharged world (cosmic energy).",
	"God wants every soul to come-up to His level, learn humbleness and be submissive always.\n\n\nIf you want to come-up in the life to higher and higher levels, you need not pray God for that, because God is always anxious to bring you up to the highest level. God wants every soul to come-up to His level or even more than Him. This is the attitude of a father towards all His children. God created all the souls and hence He is the divine Father of all the souls (Ahambija pradah pita…Gita). He is the constant Father in all the births of the soul unlike a father-soul, limited to the present birth. His affection to the souls is far superior to the paternal affection. Therefore, He is ready and always dreams to bring any soul up to the highest level.\n\n Then what is the hurdle? The only hurdle that stops Him is the consequence of your behavior in the highest level. Your eyes climb the roof of your head and your increased ego will throw you down to a level far below your feet. Instead of such drastic fall, your present position on the earth is far better and hence God is not helping you to come up. Therefore, learn humbleness and be submissive always.\n\n If God gets confidence that you will not fall down after reaching higher levels, God will immediately push you up. As you suppress your ego more and more to lower level, God will bring you up more and more to the higher levels. Most of you are using the fan all the time in your house and office. Observe the fan constantly and take the message from it, which is your best spiritual preacher. The fan is drawing a zero in the space in every revolution. It is reminding that itself is a zero only and the real hero is the current that is revolving it and giving air. People think that the fan is giving the air and the fan should develop ego due to the praise. But it is very careful in passing on the credit to the current and feel itself as Zero constantly. If the current is absent, the fan cannot move even an inch.\n\nSimilarly, whenever any one praises you for any good work, feel yourself as Zero like the fan and pass on the credit to God who is the real hero. If you can develop this behavior, you will reach to the unimaginable heights very shortly. Instead, people want to hear the praise regarding them from others. Some people boast constantly about themselves by narrating the incidents and want others to appreciate them.",
	"The best worship of God is not through flowers etc.\n\nThe best worship of God is not through flowers etc. You remember constantly God’s help in the past incidents of your life and feel grateful with tears in eyes. Try to express gratefulness to the past help and you will be helped in the present and future without asking for it. If you cannot recognize the contemporary human incarnation and if you cannot sacrifice in any way in His mission, at least, remember the previous help and become grateful to the invisible God without asking anything at least in that time. God will be certainly pleased with you and you will be helped by Him in your life. Regarding the case of devotees, who serve the God in present human form without aspiring anything in return, they will receive the eternal love from God. The fruit of His eternal love is unimaginable!",
	"I just recently had a physical, and I was informed my creatinine level was at 1.6\nMy levels back in 2002 were 1.4\n\nI am a half black\\half white male. I am 6'1 185 pounds, 36 years of age. I try to work out with light weights and cardio a few times a week.\n\n\nI eat alot of protein everyday which includes chicken, turkey, steak, or fish.\n\nI take a multivitmitian once a day. I try to drink alot of water, but I also drink alot of diet pepsi, and usually have a coffe once or twice a day.\n\nOn the weekend I will usually have a few beers as well.\n\nI reschuled a visit with my doctor for a retest in a couple of weeks. Can anyone give me some advice as to what I am looking at.\n\nI am really sacred...........",
	"God decided to take my mind off dialysis and he has done so. At least for an hour and a half.\nStarting last Friday, 1 hour into dialysis, I started having my left leg spasm, jump, 4-6\" ever 4-6 minutes for 1.5 hours.. For that amount of time I DID NOT ONCE think about dialysis.\nAgain on Monday at the same time the same thing happened.. So for Wed they said to take my meds just before dialysis and then see what difference it made. Well you'll never believe this but 1 hour into dialysis my right leg started this hip hop and it lasted 1.5 hours and then quit.\nFirst if you think this is a joke I pray you get it.\nSecond has anybody ever heard of this?\nThere is plenty of literature that suggests that RLS and ESRD are connected. But I need some guidance as the conglomeration of medical practitioners are not clicking on this one.\nAs an old radio program tag line goes, \"Taint funny McGee\" Fibber McGee & Molly",
	"My teeth hurt!\n\nI dont know how else to put it but its pretty painful. Ive asked my dialysis nurse what she thinks and she says she has not heard of any teeth problems on dialysis.\n\nMy phosphorus levels are good and so are my calcium. This has started as soon as i went from peritoneal dialysis to Home hemodialysis on the NxStage cycler.\n\nIve gone to the dentist and they said i didnt have any cavities or an infected root canal. They are sensitive to cold and hot and biting down and it comes and goes during the day but reappears when i connect to my dialysizer. Even without eating.\n\nAnybody have any idea what could be the problem?\nI would really appreciate it.",
	"Anybody here have a nephrologist who is a director of a Davita clinic? I'm just curious to know if these doctors push dialysis more frequently because they are directors of the clinics? Or are they simply better at dialysis than others?\n\nMy doc appointment yesterday was frustrating. Just when I found a doc who had a high reputation for kidney transplants, he wasn't willing to work with me with regards to home dialysis. UGH!!! Back to the drawing board.\n\nAny info would be appreciate. Thanks.",
	"I wrote last night but I dont see it posted, so I am writing again. I have stage four of this affliction. I am not on dialysis yet and not in any hurry to go onto it. I completed all of my testing and was accepted to the transplant program. However my daughter is trying to donate her kidney to me, they wont test her any longer because she has high BP. In the meantime I am getting sick just about everyday at different times of the day. My readings were 3.3 creatine and 17 GFR. If anyone can give me there feelings on all this I would be greatful.\nThankyou",
	"One of my best friends was just told the tubials in her kidneys were contracting and not allowing the calcium to be excreted through the urine, thus a build-up of calcium in her body. She was told by her nephrologist there were no known documented cases of this. They tried BP meds to expand tubials, but didn't work. (GFR is Stage 3.) She has scarring in her kidneys due to the high calcium. Anyone ever heard of this?:",
	"First of all I'm not really sure where to Post this thread.\nMaybe it could be linked to a few categories but i think it makes sense here\nin Care Giver Support.\n\nId like to give my gf a break from having to help me with home hemodialysis's.\nIts only been 10 days since Ive started NxStage dialyzer and can see it will be rough on her.\nThese last 10 days we sacrificed our together time since she works and i have to hook up shortly after she arrives.\n\nI dont want her to be my caregiver. I dont want her to be angry upset or feel like she \"has to do this.\" Ive already experienced 13 years ago gf leaving partly because of my condition.\n(I had a transplanted kidney for 14 years.)\n\nWhat im proposing is that maybe a few times a week i could go over your house during the day and help/watch connect and somedays you could come over my house and help/watch connect me.\n\nThat way OUR caregives have a few free nights that we can spend with them carefree.\nDoes this make sense?\n\nI'm in Fremont, Ca. and i wish i could drive down to wherever your at. i wish i could drive down to ALASKA and help. I wish i didnt have to exclude all of you that im to far from...........i feel terrible but obvioulsy i can only help those in my vicinity.\n\nIt would be worth it though for me...to have more free time with my gf and have her have some time to recuperate.\n\nFremont,Ca.\nNxStage cycler\n\nMornings work best so i can go out with her later at night.\n\nAny takers?",
	"Well guys after 7 years of dealing with doctors, I have decided to walk away from all of this. It has been aggravating, frustrating and totally agonizing. My creatinine is at a 3.72 and I'm still feeling okay (if that's what you call it). I can't seem to find a doctor in Maryland who has a compassionate heart to treat you like a human being, respect you as a human being and yet can't find one who will support home dialysis. I've gone through three doctors, three separate hospitals and I am still standing by the side of the road.\n\nI appreciate all your support and guidance while I asked stupid questions. But I believe it's time to move past this constant road block and wait to see what mother nature does.\n\nGod bless you all.",
	"I am 34 years old and recently diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease. I was told I had stage 2 in August and didn't take it to seriously because I hadn't heard of this before now my creatine levels are rising and I have 6 cysts on my right kidney and 1 on my left. I am going to see a nephrologist for the first time tomorrow, any insight as to what questions I should ask or things I should be aware of..please help...any guidance would be so appreciated....\n\nScared in upstate New York....",
	"Hello everyone,\n\nWe just launched a new blog that provides info on alternative dialysis treatments (i.e. other types of dialysis besides traditional hemodialysis at the center). The purpose is to help patients and physicians learn more about these other forms of dialysis. Check it out when you get a chance. Comments are open on this blog so feel free to respond to the posts.\n\nOur blogger is DaVita's All Modalities Manager.\n\nYou can find our new blog at www.truthaboutdialysis.com",
	"Hello My name is Diane and i just came home from my training on the new home hemo , and so far i am loving it. i feel loads better and am looking forward a new chapter in my life. im hoping to go back to work after 9 years of being tied down to a dialysis chair 3 times a week at a spacific time unable to go or do anything that would keep me from missing my treatments. im so glad to see this web site. to meet others in my shoes. well. hope to get to know you all.",
	"Reading all your topics have been great meds for me. I am 33 years old and have been with my husband since I was 15 years old. My husband has type 1 Diabetes, And now\nstarting PD dialysis, and this has been life changing not only for him but the whole family.\nI love him so much and I want to be there for him 100% but some times I feel like I am falling too! And I don't want him to see me like that. I keep telling myself that everything will get better but when I look at him he looks like he is dieing, But reading all your stories helps me think and I feel better.",
	"Well,\n to be quite honest I dont know much about any of this kidney failure stuff. I joined this group because a little over a year ago we found out that my daughter was suffering from kidney failure. She lives with my mom because I was only young when I had her. Now, after a year of being in total denial that she was ill, here I am. Looking to learn a little bit more about different things. You see, we found out that my daughter was sick two weeks after her 3 birthday. Now, two weeks before her fourth birthday, after many surgery's, they finally removed one of her kidneys today....and reality bit me really hard. I dont know anybody else who is suffering from this or who knows anybody else that is so I am at a complete loss and just want to talk to some people who know what type of reality I could be facing.",
	"does anyone run a longer home treatment less times a week? on the new next stage? im having graft problems",
	"I am looking for some information. My father is living with me and on dialysis (hemo) and has been since October. He also has diabetes. It seems that since he has begun dialysis he is tired and washed out all the time.I have spoken several times to his nephrologist who said that it is normal to be tired directly following the dialysis but that they would up his dry weight, check his time, levels etc. He seems to sleep 80% of the time. I am concerned about his quality of life and lately he has been questioning whether he should just stop all together. Obviously, I do not want that to happen. I feel frustrated that I can't seem to help him and everytime we speak to the doctor and they adjust things it does not make a difference. Is this normal? The days he has dialysis I have to wake him to eat and there are times he does not want to get up to eat. Any suggestions??",
	"Hi Guys - I'm back. I've been out sick with this wonder flu/cold/sinus infection crap.\n\nI went to a church mission starting Ash Wednesday and even though I am not all that religious, the priest who had the mission had multiple scrolosis. He said there are times you have to \"accept\" your cross and move on in life. After spending countless hours searching for a human nephrologist, I often wonder if I was with the right guy in the first place and simply was blind to the fact.\n\nI just haven't gotten to the fence yet in accepting what I have. I don't know when I will get there. When I try to talk about my disease with my parents, they simply clam up. I have support in a way, but I think too they have not \"accepted\" what stands before them. A daughter who was supposed to be their caregiver and now the roles have reversed. My sister who lives 5 miles from my house doesn't ask any questions as to my health or my disease. My one brother who lives the furtherest is the only one who asks about my health. It's frustrating to have a family, but there is a rejection there that just hits you in the face. I'm not asking for a pity party - I simply am asking for some type of support.\n\nIn some respects, I know what I have to do - it's just difficult trying to do all this on your own when it always falls on deaf ears. I don't understand why God is leading me to blind paths. I haven't figured out what God is trying to tell me in all my failed attempts.\n\nMarch 6th will either pull me out of my depression or I will continue my search. I appreciate all your support and prayers. I just don't know if anyone \"upstairs\" is listening.\n\nI'll keep ya all posted as to what happens. Believe me, whatever transpires, I still heading to Cozumel.",
	"I recently started using a CPAP machine at night and after a few days started\nhaving severe stomach and abdominal pain during the day. Has anyone had this experience and can you tell me what was done to correct the problem? I have already experienced the benefits of the CPAP and do not want to stop the treatment but the pain is making me relunctant to continue. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.",
	"My husband was recently diagnosed with kidney failure. His kidneys are functioning at about 40%.\nWe were told that he has to be on a low protein diet, and I have copied many recipes from this website.\nHe is also diabetic, and has heart disease.\nWe have an appointment with a diatician, but, it is not for almost six weeks.\nMy concern is, how much protein is too much, or, not enough.\nIs there a unit level, or gram level that I should be staying with.\nCan anyone tell me??\nThanks in advance.\nDee",
	"Hi I posted here a couple of weeks, and got alot of great advice. I wanted to follow up with a question:\n\nI am a half black\\half white male. I am 6'1 185 pounds, 36 years of age.\n\nI just recently had a physical, and I was informed my creatinine level was at 1.6\nMy levels back in 2002 were 1.4\n\nA week and half later My doctor had me do a follow up blood test, took a urine sample, and I also had a ultrasound.\n\nDuring this week and half period I elimated all asprins, advils, multivitiamis, dietcokes, caffenine, beer, and I also cut back on my protein.\n\nMy results came back with a creatine level of 1.3 no protien in the urine, and my ultrasound was clean.\n\nMy doctor stated I was slightly elevated because I am half black, and he wants to monitor the reading every year. He told me not to change anything in my diet.\n\nShould I be concerned. Any advice is welcomed.",
	"I see some of the recipes on your website include turkety sausage links, cold cereals, tomato (fresh & canned). Plan to do shopping and cooking for husband with diabetes & high blood pressure. He is on medication for both.",
	"I really don't have the words yet to tell everyone about our experiences but do want to encourage anyone looking at PD to take the leap and try it.\n\nTwo years ago we were told my husband was experiencing renal failure. He is a diabetic. Last Feb. he suffered congestive heart failure, a heart attack, and open heart surgery. His doctors did not think he would walk out of the hospital. (He had a stroke 4 years ago. No lasting effects.) This December he had a catheter put in place for PD. A total shock. Everyone told us this was the best way to go for us.\n\nA little over three weeks ago we went to our DaVita clinic for training. This was pure hell. We started on Monday and Friday we were sent home with the cycler and supplies. Even though we were told that we would not kill him doing PD both of us were terrrified. The first week was a nightmare, the second week was a bit better, the beginning of the third week amazing.\n\nI do want to tell you that we have been married for 42 years. We have two sons and daughter-in-laws who have blessed us with 6 grandchildren. Age 3 years to 14 yers old (5 girls and 1 boy.) We live on a family farm in the deep south. Friday night all 6 spent the night with us. This made things seem so normal.\n\nI guess I am rambling but I just feel the need to tell anyone looking at PD and feel so lost and scared to go on and try this way. Right now my husband is hooked up to his cycler getting his dialysis and sleeping away. I am here watching television and playing at my computer. He has plenty of extra tubing to get up and go to the bathroom if he needs to. I also bought a small refrigerator for the bedroom to keep drinks and other goodies that he might want before he goes to sleep or during the night. (I did this after the first two nights kept me going to the kitchen to get water or something else to drink. I decided this just wasn't going to work.)\n\nYesterday I had to take my 89 year old mother to the ER and left husband by himself. Since he had learned how to do the PD by himself. He was able to take care of everything with me not being home.\n\nWe are so happy we were urged to take this route. It is working out so well for us. We are even planning a couple of days away from home in a few weeks. I already have my \"go bag\" packed with everything except the solution and insulin we will need.\n\nI do need to tell you that Baxter is so wonderful too. The first delivery was so scarey but the driver brought everything in and placed it just where I wanted it to be. Even unpacked most of them for me and placed supples on shelves in closets.\n\nAfter reading so much on several different forums I just wanted to post something encouraging and positive to others who are about to walk in our shoes.",
	"Afternoon could anyone shed some light one this for me\n\n6 months ago me and my partner booked up to go on holiday to Egypt for 2 weeks this May but have just been told 2 weeks ago that my partner will need Dialysis soon (kidneys working at 14&#37 he has been a diabetic since he was 9 now 26 and he has also he referred to go on the transplant list for a kidney and pancreas although no tests have been carried out so far in regards to tissue and blood groups. we have been told at the rate the kidneys are deteriorating at he will be on dialysis within 6 months ( roughly going down at 2 percent per month)\n\nif anyone could help that would be great\n\nLeeanne",
	"I have two Dr.s both want me on a diet and the things that i cant eat is extensive and the list of food that i can eat is very short . The Dr.s both told me if it taste good spit it out!\ndose anyone know of a cook book for these diets for kidney problems and diabetics ????????????",
	"TTP/aHUS is what I was diagnosed with. I was wondering if anyone has the same. I have not came into contact with anyone in a similar situation yet. I was on dialysis for 14 months and got a kidney from my mother. This was in May 07. In November 07 my surgeon did a biopsy which showed the aHUS reapearing in the transplanted kidney. They had to take it out (nephrectomy) and I am now back on dialysis. I had some bloodwork sent off to a specialist in Iowa, but I was wondering if anyone with the same diagnosis has had a cadiver, or maybe a living non-related donor? Or any other information they would like to share. Thanks, Brian",
	"I've not seen any information on the bad doses of Heparin from this group. Since so many dialysis patients use Heparin, I thought more people would be upset and want to find out more.\nMy husband is on PD but has had many doses of Heparin because of a blood disorder and heart problems. The only places we have heard anything is in the newspapers and some on the internet. Nothing from any of the doctors or labs.\nWe are interested in learning anything we can. Hope none of you have had bad reactions.\n\nJune",
	"I was wondering if anyone could tell me if it could hurt my kidneys if I fell. As I am in Stage 4 kidney disease and I fell on the ice the other day.",
	"I just was curious this evening thinking about creatinine (I guess us kidney patients become obssessed!). I am 23 and have been on dialysis now for a year and 8 months (I do PD) and I am still working full time as a nurse on a busy neuro-surgical floor. I do from time to time get an ESRD patient on dialysis and read stories on here. I find it so strange how people vary so vastly in how they feel and how they are doing at different GFR and creatinine levels. I find people that have creatinines of only 3.0 extremely wiped and others with tons of energy. Myself, my creatinine is between 17 and 18 and I only void about 120 cc's a day if that and I still work and do a lot of what I used to. The only difference now is that I just tire out more quickly than I ever used to and I do the dialysis every day.\n\nWhat are others experiences?",
	"To make a long story short.I'm 37 and my function is at 12%. I was born with a small bladder that damaged my kidneys beyond repair ( i never knew it until 2 years ago). After numerous surgeries and countless hours of pain and recovery ,my bladder issues have been repaired leaving me with failing kidneys.....So i began the battle to save my kidneys.In the meantime,i have been put on the transplant list and have started the renal diet.My Dr's say I'm excellent candidate for a transplant.My goal was to fight and do all that i can to hold off on dialysis until my transplant came up.i thought i would have time,but i dont think i will make 3 years or even 3 months without help.My brother & sister have offered me their kidneys.My brother is being tested next week .Dr's say even if he is a match, i would have to wait about 2 months before we can operate.I feel pretty bad these days.I'm tired & my concentration levels have been pretty low.It's been difficult to function,but i do.\n i still need to get my fistula.Sometimes i wake up and wonder why should i bother fighting off dialysis? Maybe i would be better off starting hemo?(catheter does sound scary)Maybe dialysis would help take me out this \"haze\" that i have been stuck in? It's tough because sometimes i feel like i can make a few more months,but then there are the \"BAD\" days with dizziness and nausea.",
	"Is there a hierarchy to dialysis seating and available time slots?\n\nCan a manager arbitrarily move patients and interfere with their medical treatment?\n\nCan I be discriminated against because I snore, have a fear of blood and wished to keep working or attend school through my treatment?",
	"I just turned 40 and have CKD for years, but numbers have pretty much stayed the same. The GFR started going down slowly years ago and I'm at GFR of 23 now. It seems to go down about one to two numbers every 3 to 6 months. I'm supposed to be watching diet (low protein no problem, but low potassium, low sodium, low phospherous is hard). I'm very sedentary and don't like to excercise (I hate the heat). I pretty much have never worried about the kidney stuff in the past and basically made a point not to think about it, but my last appointment with those numbers scared me. I'm scared to death. I take 2 BP pills, 3 cholesteral, water pill every other day and requipt for restless leg and twitching a day. I cannot and have never been able to swallow pills, but I chew them up. Transplant worries me, because I've read you have to take lots and lots of pills daily for ani-rejection (I won't be able to do that if I can't swallow them)???? I really don't know how long I have before I will have to go on dialysis or have transplant, but I guess it's just hitting me and I'm extremely scared. Any words of wisdom or thoughts??\n\nCharli",
	"My husband is on dialysis, he started in November. He has to take the Renagel binders, but he is getting a tremendous amont of gas, I believe this is fom the binders. Has this happened to any else and is there any thing we can do? Please let us know.\n\nThanks to All",
	"Excellent books on Divine knowledge, for all the levels of spiritual aspirants including scientists and atheist\n\nThese discourses freely downloadable from the links shown below are the excellent collection of divine discourses of His Holiness Shri Datta Swami, given to different devotees around the world, over a period of time. These discourses are embedded with excellent logic supported by various scriptures of the world, and aimed for all the levels of spiritual aspirants including scientists and atheist. You can see use of extensive logic in these discourses which are used at the level of intelligence, thus avoiding any emotional impact, but imparts a thorough understanding of the spiritual concepts through analysis which one cannot observe in any other works elsewhere. All your questions in the spiritual field are explained in the most convincing manner with scientific logic and supported by all the scriptures of the world, like Veda, Gita, Bible, Quran etc.\n\n Who is God?,\n Can we see God?\n What is divine knowledge?, who gives it?\n Difference between Guru and Sat Guru\n What is soul?, Is soul God?\n Who is Human incarnation? or ‘Immanuael’\n Who is Jesus, Krishna, Bhudha etc are they the same?\n Is there only one God?\n How to see and please God?\n Whether God is with form or formless?\n How to convince atheist?\n Re-birth is true or not?\n If there is only one God then why so many religions\n Hell, Heaven exists or not?\n Reality of Advaita philosophy\n Can God come to this earth in human form?\n Idol worship, rituals, temple/churches\n Is there any truth in Astrology\n Religious Fanatics\n What is self-realisaton, is it God realization?\n Use of the work ‘Brahman’ and ‘Parabrahman’\n God & Science, God & Logic\n Veda, Gita, Bible, Quran etc\n Miracles whether they are true?\n\n Parabrahma_Sutras\n\n\n Divine Discourse Volume No-1\n\nDivine Discourse Volume No-2\n\n\nDivine Discourse Volume No-3\n\n\n Divine Discourse Volume No-4\n\n Divine Discourse Volume No-5\n\n Divine Discourse Volume No-6\n\n Divine Discourse Volume No-7\n\n Divine Discourse Volume No-8\n\n Divine Discourse Volume No-9\n\n Divine Discourse Volume No-10\n Mahima-Yamuna Divine Miracles\n\n\n\nzipped\nDivine Discourse Volume No-1 zipped\n\nDivine Discourse Volume No-2 zipped\nDivine Discourse Volume No-3 zipped\nDivine Discourse Volume No-4 zipped\nDivine Discourse Volume No-5 zipped\nDivine Discourse Volume No-6 zipped\nDivine Discourse Volume No-7 zipped\nDivine Discourse Volume No-8 zipped\nDivine Discourse Volume No-9 zipped\nDivine Discourse Volume No-10 zipped\n Mahima-Yamuna Divine Miracles zipped",
	"Yesterday DH and I packed up and rode up to Columbus, Gerogia. We went to Warm Springs, ate at the Bullock House and then went on to FDR's Rehab. Clinic, and swimming pool that was fed by the warm springs where he went to swim for his polio. We rode over the FDR Forest and visited the spot where FDR would go picnic, sit and meditate. He would ride up to the top of the mountain and send the secret service men away. Telling them he would blow the horn on the car when he was ready to go bact to the Little White House.(We also visited the Little White House and musuem.)\n\nO. K. I have rambled long enough. Late yesterday afternoon we checked into a motel and set up our little dialysis machine. Everything went great. We now know that there is a great life even with dialysis. There is nothing holding us back.\n\nWe both feel so good about everything. For me what is so important is that hubby is feeling like a new man and that is is still in control.",
	"Hi! I'm a newbie but I have been lurking and learning since my DH learned that he will need to begin dialysis in a few weeks. He has chosen to do CCPD and we hope his Neph agrees--we have an initial meeting with the surgeon (and will investigation transplant options too) later this week. Meanwhile, he is very weak, has no stamina at all, sleeps very little and is understandably depressed. What he/we want to know is how long it will take before he begins to feel better. I realize that every patient is different so all we can ask for is your own dialysis experience, especially those of you who began this journey with PD.\n\nThank you in advance for your input and for all the information you have generously provided on these forums. It is so reassuring to know there are people \"out there\" who are willing to share their experience with kidney disease.",
	"]Hi! I'm a newbie but I have been lurking and learning since my DH learned that he will need to begin dialysis in a few weeks. He has chosen to do CCPD and we hope his Neph agrees--we have an initial meeting with the surgeon (and will investigation transplant options too) later this week. Meanwhile, he is very weak, has no stamina at all, sleeps very little and is understandably depressed. What he/we want to know is how long it will take before he begins to feel better. I realize that every patient is different so all we can ask for is your own dialysis experience, especially those of you who began this journey with PD.\n\nThank you in advance for your input and for all the information you have generously provided on these forums. It is so reassuring to know there are people \"out there\" who are willing to share their experience with kidney disease.",
	"Hi,\nI'm just wondering how many transplants can you get?\n\nIs there a limit in the US?\n\nwould it be 2 or 3 or 5?\nI have not read or managed to find out about this and have not had my questions answered by the \"medical professionals\", lol here.\nI was told \"it varies\" (meaning they did not like my question).\n\nAlso anyone know at what strenghth your heart has to be for that surgery or others?\nI was told my heart function right now is 20%? if that sounds right.\n\nAlso are they supposed to do some heart tests on you, because they didn't the last time for me.",
	"Sorry folks... the DaVita Discussion Forum went down again. We seem to have a bug in one of our database tables. I was able to do a quick fix to get the site up and running again and were working on figuring out a permanent solution. So sorry for the inconvenience.",
	"Does anyone know if there is a med-alert bracelet available for people who have kidney disease or are on dialysis?",
	"Hello All,\n\nIn May last year my wife and I decided to take care of her diabetic brother, who has serious complications and doesn't seem able to take care of himself.\n\nIt has been a very frustrating time since then, mostly because his personality is totally different from what we knew before then.\n\nThe reason why I join this forum is that while Jim is getting prepared for a foot amputation (most probably under-the-knee) he is diagnosed with renal failure.\nAccording to the information we got it's probably pre-dialysis condition.\nBUN: 55, Creatinine: 2.3.\n\nThe Davita website is focused on people who are on dialysis, and I do understand that the diet is different from a pre-dialysis condition. Still, I hope to find information here with regards to supporting my brother-in-law.\n\nTo start, I understand that Jim needs 1 gram of protein per kilogram bodyweight per day. I'm comfortable with European metrics. For now I just feel a little bit overwhelmed by all the news and consequences.\nWe arranged a case worker/senior services coordinator, who visited us today. She will be of great help with understanding our needs and getting the right support.\n\nThank you.",
	"I'm 40 and at Stage 4 with my GFR # 21. I'm having a hard time determining if the symptoms I have are related to my CKD? I have neck and back tension, I'm always tired, I often burp with a fullness/not too good stomach mostly at night, shortness of breath with exertion, sleep apnea, Restess Leg which is better with Requipt, and sometimes little bitty heart flutters, sometimes but not always itchy skin, oh and this persistant dry cough that I have had for almost a year and I cough so hard sometimes it feels like I'm gonna hack up a lung.?????????\n\nCharli (:",
	"Hey everybody,\n\nDid you know that March is National Nutrition Month®? In the spirit of promoting nutrition, we've put together a series of daily dialysis diet tips.\n\nCheck it out: http://www.davita.com/nationalnutritionmonth/",
	"Hi everyone. I joined this forum about a week ago, not too long after I was told that I'm in kidney failure. I'm only 24 years old, my kidney failure was caused by diabetes, which I've had since I was 8 years old.\n\nIn an attempt to make a long story short...I've decided for financial reasons, lack of insurance reasons, prideful reasons, etc. to NOT go on dialysis. My nephrologist has told me that I will die, of course I'm sure you all know that. The problem that I'm having is how to tell my friends and family that I've made this decision. Some of them don't even know that I'm in kidney failure. They know that I've been really sick lately, but that's all they know, they don't know why and they don't know that I'm going to die.\n\nDoes anyone have any suggestions? Please, I need some help here!",
	"I was told i had Bergers Disease about 6 years ago. My doctor has said that i am doing ok so far, but I feel worse from time to time. I get really tired at times my back and legs are killing me and I don't know what to exspect, I am new at this, and feel it would be nice to talk to someone going through the same thing. I hope to get to know each one of you. I am going to turn 30 in May, but I feel so much older. I am currently on a low sodium diet, and take ten different meds, for high blood pressure and colesterol, and also one to try to help my kidneys function, it is called cellcept. I know what I have is not reversible, and it is considered a chronic disease. But it is hard to cope with.",
	"My husband has been doing hemo dialysis for the last 2.5 years now and lately, his blood pressure when coming off the machine has been extremly low; we're talking about 60/38!! His nurses have a hard time waking him up and I'm very concerned about this!! Can a person go into a coma from such a low blood pressure?? He has high blood pressuer and is on several different meds. His heart is in bad shape too so he also take meds for that also.\nwhat can be done about this problem??? His BP is high going in and low coming out.\n\nDoes anyone else have this problem and if so, what did they do for you???\nAny advice would be very welcome!!",
	"Yesterday when I went to Dialysis Center for my monthly visit my BP was 230/100, my Neph had the nurse give me clonidine. He said I was dried out and my veins were dry so he put my PD on hold for a week. Next Tuesday I will have blood work done and then he will decide if I go back on PD or hold off for another week. I don't like my BP being that high but I look forward to the vacation from PD. This morning my BP was 127/79--much better!!!!!!",
	"I'm a bit confused.\nI know some people have done dialysis for quite a few years and I read of people having more health issues after 10+ years?\n\nI'm curious to know what one should expect after such a long time.\nI do not know many people that have done dialysis for many years. One man I know he has been doing dialysis 15 years and has bone problems and teeth problems- but that could be from smoking too and eating too much sugar...so who knows.\n\nI haven't been able to find out too much info from asking around. So thought I'd post here.\n\nI seem to always have cold hands and feet but that could be from anything as I had cold hands and feet when I was perfectly healthy and my mom who has no health issues at all is always colld. Also my body temperature is normally very low and it has nothing to do with kidney problems as my kidney problems just suddenly happened one day and I've always had a temp of 34 or 35 degrees, maybe 36-38 if I'm sick.....so maybe that explains my cold hands and feet?",
	"I came across this news report. Some of you with diminished kidney function and/or who are losing your own kidneys might find this interesting. In my case, out of luck as I don't have kidneys.\n\nBEWARE, DON'T RUN AND TRY DOING THIS, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.\n\nIt is questionable, perhaps some of you out there have something to share about this.\n\nhttp://en.truveo.com/MONAVIE-No-more.../id/3147851565",
	"Hi guys - just wanted to give you an update on my situation. I went back to my old nephologist yesterday and after a very long talk (over an hour and a half), I am confident I made the right decision with going back to him. I also started the ball rolling on getting on the list and hope to hear from the transplant team within the next week or so. Wish me luck.\n\nThank you all for your support. It surely has put my head in the right mind set and picked myself up spiritually. I have to wait for my blood work which will be another week yet, but I'm praying hard the number stays stable. Thank you all again.",
	"Hi guys - I was wondering if anybody else has heard of this - this actually came out of the mouth of my nephrologist and was wondering if it was true. He said:\n\nEven if a kidney becomes available, you have to be at a certain number before WE can accept it for you to have the transplant.\n\nI don't know about you, but if I go through all the testing to become a candidate for a transplant, can't I have the transplant at any time should a kidney become available?",
	"I am in the hospital and my creatine is going up. It is at 2.7. When I\n came into the hospital it was 1.8. Every day it is getting higher.I wish\nI knew if I was going to have to do dyalasis. my doctor says I will be here till Monday.I had an angiogram this past Saturday. I am alergic to the dye. They medicated me very well but it looks like my kidney is going down hill but not sure how far.I am scared that my one kidney is going stop working.",
	"I would like to share some information or discuss with other parents who have children or babies on Peritoneal Dialysis or who need a kidney transplant. I have had lots of experience with PD and transplant. No I am not a doctor but I was a parent of a child who was on PD and had a kidney transplant.\nkidsonpdialysis-subscribe@yahoogroups.com\nteresaavent30@yahoo.com",
	"Hi my name is Teresa and I had a child that was on PD and had a kidney transplant. I want to share my experience being a care giver and parent. I want to support other parents who may have questions about my experience or want caregiver advice or suggestions. Join my group.\nteresaavent30@yahoo.com\nkidsonpdialysis-subscribe@yahoogroups.com",
	"Not too sure where exactly to post this. But I'm shocked at reading this!\nThought I'd post here as more people seem to read this section.\n\nMore Warnings for Anemia Drug\nPublished March 07, 2008 12:00 AM\nPress-Telegram Long Beach, CA.\n\nReturn to Health\n\n\nAmgen Inc. said Friday it expanded black-box warnings about risks of death and tumor growth of its blockbuster anemia drugs.\n\nThe warnings approved by the Food and Drug Administration state that the company's drugs increased death and accelerated tumor growth in patients with early stage breast and cervical cancer. Earlier labeling warned of similar risks in other types of cancer.\n\nThe changes apply to Aranesp, Epogen and Procrit, all manufactured by the Thousand Oaks-based company to treat anemia in patients with kidney failure and those on chemotherapy.\n\n(c) 2008 Press-Telegram Long Beach, CA.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.",
	"Today we got the paperwork to start the ball rolling for a transplant. The doctor also wants him to decide which type of dialysis he will want to do so that the surgery can be done so he'll be ready when the time comes. This is so overwhelming. His kidney function is 18% so there is still a little ways to go before dialysis but it's a lot to overcome in one day. We watched a video about the different types of dialysis and what is required. It really helped a lot but my husband just said 6 of one half a dozen of the other. I have no idea which type he'll choose. Another decision that must be made is where to have the transplant. We live in Tulsa but the closest people who do both kidney and pancreas are either Oklahoma City or Dallas. Dallas is a 4 hour drive. Dallas is supposed to be the best but it is just so far and one of my concerns is about where I'll stay while this is going on. I mean when he has his surgery, I'm sure I can't stay with him and hotels are so expensive. It's just another worry I have. He is leaning toward Dallas because they are supposed to be the best. At least in OKC if I need to come home for a day or two I can on a tank of gas. I feel guilty for worrying about myself this way but it is a real concern for me as I don't want to leave him in a strange place after just having this major surgery. I feel like this is the only place where people will understand. I don't mean to ramble on. I just needed to vent.",
	"I have CKD and GFR is at 21. Can anyone tell me from here on out what sort of symptoms will I be experiencing as the numbers go down? When does it get so bad that you are sick very bad all the time and what kind of sick do you get with CKD? I have a very very low pain tollerance and I can't stand needles? I also have to chew up all my meds (due to never been able to swallow them), so I'm extremely scared for future and would like to kinda have an idea of what I might be looking at?????\n\nCharli",
	"Hello All!\n\nI have a question my grandmother has been fighting a bacterial infection for a few weeks now. She was hospitalized for the infection for about six days where they treated her for antibiotics every other day. She is now home and back at her center and is receiving her two antibiotics with every treatment. For the past two days she has had fever and chills. The physician assistant at the center told her today that he would talk to the doctor and she may need to be hospitalized again for the fever and chills. While she was in the hospital all they did was check her temp, give her blankets, and give her tylenol. That is what we are doing at home. My questions are why would she need to be hospitalized again just to give her tylenol when we could do that at home? They took her blood last Thursday at our center could they not tell by that if the infecton is under control? She is getting her antibiotics at our center why would she need them at the hospital? Has anyone ever been through this? They told us they did not know where she got the infection from but they know how to treat it. I am really stressed about this I do not want her to have to go back to the hospital. I am sole caregiver and a full-time collge student. When she is in the hospital I have triple on me than I do when she is at home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.",
	"I am curious as to how long the training is for home hemo or pd at home in different parts of the country?\n\nI had someone of this board earlier tell me I was mistaken on the times for where I live.\nBut now I actually called the home unit people and have some printed papers in front of me and it says:\n\n\"In order to learn to do your treatment- you will need to take 6-8 weeks off of work or school.\"\nIf you have a helper, this person will also need to take some time off to be taught to do the treatment.\n\nApparently you can do home hemo while sleeping too...hmmmmm.\n\nSo if I want to do home hemo I will have to have no life for 2 months as you are there every day Mom-Sat 8-5pm about......seems like such a long time, but I might look into it as I am not in school right now.",
	"I am 22 and just found out this last week that I have CKD. I was born with small kidneys, and they have been progressively shrinking over the last several years, this I was completely unaware of until the 3rd when I went to the hospital with shortness of breath. Despite an echo, ultrasound, chest x-rays, blood transfusion, etc. they still aren't sure what triggered the actual failure, and they said my kidneys are in too dangerous a state to do a biopsy.\n\nI had a fortunate week though, in the respect that I was allowed to be released from the hospital on the 8th after four dialysis treatments. I am terrified at the moment and not quite sure where to turn. I feel really overwhelmed and feel sorry for those around me that have had to start dealing with the recent diagnosis. I know it has been just as hard on most of them as it has on me, but I really don't feel like I can talk to them as openly about it as I would like since none of them are going through it in the respect that I am. I've had a lot of problems so far after dialysis. I seem to get anxiety attacks very easily, I don't know if it's just nervousness about having to go through all of this or what, but it is one more thing I've never had before that just makes everything more difficult.\n\nIn the hospital I couldn't make it through my dialysis time because I would start to get shortness of breath and chest pain, then it would turn into a full blown anxiety attack, and I would need to have oxygen. I had an episode in the hospital where I even lost neurological control of my left arm right after dialysis. I almost blacked out and felt so lightheaded. All I could do was cry, I just wanted to blow my nose but I couldn't find my nose with my left hand to save my life. CT scan came back negative and they think it was just too much stress on my body that week that caused it, but I'm not too sure. Ever since that day I kind of just feel like I am looking through someone else's eyes. I know that I am me, but I feel like I am kind of in a lah lah state of mind, my vision doesn't seem quite right, but they can't seem to find anything wrong. I've never been high, but I imagine if I were that this would probably be how my vision would look. So this has made me very uneasy about the dialysis treatments I will now have to have 3 times a week until I can get a transplant.\n\nI'm hoping that by being here I will be able to meet some people around my age who have started this so they can help me cope. I'm slowly realizing things that I can't enjoy like I used to, and even a few things I can't do at all right now, and it hurts. I see my friends goofing around tickling each other, having a good time, and I know that I can't tease my boyfriend like that anymore because if he were to bump my catheter in my right shoulder I would be miserable. I can't play with my two darling puppies the same way either, since they both have a tendency to jump up and play. I also will not be able to enjoy their hugs, and feel bad telling them to get down when they show affection. I know it is only a temporary thing until I get my fistula...and that becomes operational...but it just seems so saddening to think that I will have to go without those small enjoyments for the time being. I tried playing darts the other night, a joy of mine, and just ended up pulling my stitches and making myself bleed. OH joy! So I have been trying to re-adapt by playing with my left hand, but I just get so frustrated when I can't aim as well. I really feel like a whiny child complaining about such childish things but it is actually really bothering me.\n\nI just think I need somewhere to vent. Hopefully this will be a good place. I've never done these online forums before, so I'm a bit nervous, but I know that I can not bottle this up inside. I think it would be way to much stress, and I don't know anyone close to me who is going through even anything remotely similar.",
	"hello, im new to this forum, have a question, if anybody can help. my dad is just starting CAPD, and now they have discovered he has a hernia, wondering if he can still continue with this type of dialysis, has anybody else experienced this problem, look forward to any feedback. thank you. neil",
	"Hello,\n\nI just started dialysis about 1 month ago. I have had kidney problems most of my life (ok.. all but the first 2 years).\n\nSo far, here is my experience:\n\nThe first three treatments were at the hospital. The first two I kept getting sick, but by the third, I was ok, and able to eat during the treatment.\n\nStarted at a center the Tuesday after I was released from the hospital. I was quite nervous and really did not know what to expect, but everything turned out ok.\n\nCramping has been at a minimum, usually only a little in the left leg in the last 20 to 30 minutes of treatment. They have had some issues with my cathater, since I seem to have very thick blood. they have actually had to change the dializer since it was clogged. They do give me heperin (spelling?), and it does work, sometimes.\n\nSince I have started dialysis, they have taken me off the Renagel, my phosphurous was too low, and they have put me on a potassuim supplement (30mg per day) due to my potassium level was extremely low. Of course, while I was in the hospital, they were having problems bringing my potassium up to an acceptable level before they discharged me.\n\nI feel pretty good, but the funny thing is, I really don't feel any better on dialysis that I did 2 months ago. So, should I really be on dialysis. I am going to the doctor soon, and I will talk to him about it.\n\nI still work full time, and traveled for the first time ( while on dialysis) out of state this past week. I used the website here to find a center, and worked with the tranisant corridinator at my center to help me get everything setup. It all worked out very well. I hope to take a vacation this summer, as we have every summer, and this was a test run of how it would work out.\n\nWell, that my experience so far.. Questions and comments are welcome..",
	"My DH has been scheduled for surgery to implant his cath for home PD late next week. Meanwhile he has been getting weaker and is exhausted all the time--to the point that we are both frightened. We finally insisted on seeing his neph today and he agreed to schedule surgery for a \"permacath\" this Friday. We'll start with in center hemo, have the second surgery next week, and do the training to switch over to CCPD as soon as the site is healed, probably within a couple of weeks.\n\nWe are really pleased and think this was the best possible decision for my husband. His neph said something I've read several times on this site--that he listens to the ESRD patient and pretty much ignores the numbers on the charts to decide when dialysis should begin.\n\nWe're counting our blessings tonight...\n\nQwilterliz",
	"Can anyone out there help with questions about membranous, otherwise known as MGN, or simply membranous, also known as membranous glomerulonephritis? My husband was diagnosed with this kidney disease this past January and we are trying to connect with anyone who has this disease or someone who may know something about it, first-hand. Rarely, we've heard that it can be associated with different types of cancers and because of some of his symptoms and some abnormal imaging results this past year and a half, they cannot tell us with certainty that it isn't or may not in the future be linked to some form of malignancy. Aside, from that issue, if it turns out to be solely a kidney disease, we are desparately trying to find out from people who live with this disease, what their progression rates are and how long they've been told it may be before they will need dialysis treatment or a transplant. Please respond to this message if you think you could help connect us with people who are suffering from this disease. Thanks for listening.\n\nGratefully,\nMabe3",
	"Hi there. I am a new member. I live in England.\nI am 63 yrs old. My kidney problems were first diagnosed back in 1965.\nFor the past forty years my urine has contained albumen and microscopic blood.\nTwo years ago I was told I was now in stage 2 ckd. Scans of my kidneys showed\nthat one of my kidneys was irregular in shape with scarring. The specialist said the\nscarring was due to protein loss over many years.\n\nOne year ago I started treatment for high blood pressure. Ace inhibitors were prescribed.\n(ramipril) My blood pressure has come down but I don't think I can put up with ace for\nmuch longer. This nasty irritable tickly barking cough developed two months ago and\nmy sleep pattern is so disrupted. I find myself sleeping during the day to compensate\nfor lack of sleep during the night. My next appointment at the hospital is at the end of July\nand I want to ask the specialist if there is any alternatives to ACE. Something similar\nthat will take away the cough but will give me all the benefits of an ace inhibitor.\nAny ideas please!!!!!!!",
	"I have a weird question/comment....\nDoes anyone think that something about having CKD or being on dialysis makes you want to eat ice all the time? I am no longer on dialysis, but when I was I always wanted ice. I know they give you a cup of it at in-center hemo (most do, anyways), but when I was at home or anywhere else, I usually wanted ice over water. I thought it had something to do with minding my fluid restrictions or something, but over the years I started to see patterns with people I knew that had CKD who ate a lot of ice. Someone mentioned it to me that it was a sign of CKD. While I didn't believe that really, I was curious and asked my neph once. He said there was no proof either way.\n\nWhen I was 19 and on HD, all I wanted was ice. Once I had my transplant, I didn't really want ice anymore. When I went back on HD at 32, I was back to wanting ice all the time. I mean, it was almost obsessive! LOL.  I ate it at home, at restaurants, wherever. When I was at work I would get cups of ice to have with me while I was at my desk. Part of it was I got nauseated from time to time, and ice seemed to help. So hence I ate a lot of ice. The same went for my brother when he was on dialysis (PD and HD) and stopped while he had his transplant.\n\nSo.... did anyone or does anyone experience this dialysis & ice thing or was it just me? Thanks for bearing my strange curiosity.",
	"Hello All - just wanted to give you all some good news. I went back to my old nephrologist last Thursday and had blood work. My blood work came back the best that it has been in over a year. Creat. is down from a 3.75 to a 3.5 - sodium, phosphorus, protein, potassium - all normal. My total cholesteral is at a 178, but my HDL and LDL are all messed up. Hemoglobin and Hemocrit is only off by a hair.\n\nI would like to go out and celebrate, but I know that eating bad just puts you in a bad frame of mind - eating bad over and over. How I would love to order a Papa John's pizza, if only for one day, but can only think about the sodium in one piece....oh..well. There are plenty of other things to eat. Going out tomorrow to get me some salmon to grill with some lemon dill sauce (homemade), a side salad and a nice glass of wine. Now that's my idea of EATING!!!\n\nThank you all for your support. I'm fighting the good fight as long as I can.\n\nBy the way, don't go back for another four months and by then, will be back to Cozumel in June. The power of prayer does work!!!",
	"Hi, I was just wondering if the calendar feature was going to be updated?\nI checked on it the other day and noticed it's a lil' behind the times... doh! \n\nDoes anyone know about it?\n\nThanks!",
	"Ok, I'm at stage 4 with 21 GFR and 2.9 Creantine. Sometimes I feel great and I might feel great for a couple days, but then at least twice a week I just wake up no energy, achy and so tired and have to sleep like crazy, then after a day or two of good sleeping and extra extra rest I feel better again. It just goes round and round like that. Is the fluctuation normal or am I weird??? The doctor last told me I'd probably be on dialysis in a year or twoor sooner. I'm scared to death. I'm frustrated with diet. I'm having a hard time. Protein is not hard (I don't eat much meat), everything else is and milk and cheese is extremely hard. I don't feel I'm doing very good with the diet...\n\nCharli",
	"My husband was diagnosed with acute kidney failure in August 07. He was on diaylsis till Dec 10 07. Now he is Stage 4 with GFR 20 and 11.5 RBC ,he also contracted Bells Palsy while hospitalized. All his blood levels are good, except for the anemia . I cook everything from scratch, no salt on anything. I resigned from my job as a CFO at an AD agency to get him off diaylsis, and now my goal is stage 3. He has had biopsy and spinal tap and no real findings on the cause of acute kidney failure. In June of 07 his GFR was over 60 . So it all was a schock .\nNow he is a very angry individual , he always was type A, but now is worse, he nags at me about the smallest thing , he will. not discuss his feelings when I ask if he is afraid he might have to go back on diaylsis. When I ask how he feels he just says not 100% . But will not be specific .\nHe always was very careful almost miserly with money. But we are comfortable, own home, have savings and investments. Now is even worse about the money , he did not buy me a Xmas or birthday present because he says we cannot afford it. HIs doctor had recommended that he take meditatation classes to control his temper. I thought he would be thankful he lived thru his 6 weeks in hospital ( he coded twice) and he would change his outlook . But that is for movies I guess.\nI see a therapist, he refuses. He says I have a problem , he doesnt. It is just so hard not to lash out at him, I do not want overwhelming gratitude , but I am tired of the abuse.\nAny suggestions?",
	"My wife wants to bake some cookies and use Almond extract in her sugar cookies...is that possible for some one dialysis?",
	"Hi Everyone - I'm sorry, but I have to post this news first on DaVita Forum, as when I was first Diagnosed with CKD Stage 3 - GFR of 38, here was the very first place I came and posted and you all encouraged me.\n\nWell, at 1:10 this afternoon, I was told that my GFR was 63! I am now only STAGE 2, my Creatnine level is 0.90! CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS.\n\nI have tried really hard to follow the diet, 60 gms protein, 2000 sodium, 2000 protein and 1000 phosphorous.\n\nThe kidney specialist seems to feel that I was \"on too much blood pressure medication, that affected my potassium levels, which affected my kidneys.\" Go figure.\n\nSo, I don't have to go back for 6 months, and l will continue doing what I am doing. I am grateful that I found out even about the 63 GFR, because I'm doing what I would be doing if someone had told me.\n\nAlso, our support group is coming along great, and I will continue doing it.\n\nI just wanted to share the news, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones, one of those 1 in a million who come from a 38 GFR to a 63 GFR. But, I'll take it - I'll still be here posting and caring - I'm not going anywhere - this is where I'm staying.\n\nThanks to all of you!\n\nBlessings,\nSue Randolph",
	"Hi all - just got a call TODAY from my hospital to start the kidney evaluation. I'm really nervous. Anybody got a clue as to what the first day is like? They said it would be an \"all day event.\"",
	"So we finally recieved word that my husband could begin his transplant workup at KU Med in Kansas City. Yahoo, we thought. One closer step to a life of normalcy. However, we recieved a call last week from the cardiologist and was informed that they found something \"suspicous\" on his cardiac stress test. He will be going in next Thursday for the cath and if they find anything a stent will be placed or complete bypass surgery. I keep telling myself \"be happy that they found this prior to having a massive heart attack\" however that doesn't seem to help. It just seems that every step closer you get to a transplant something else comes up wrong. It's so discouraging. Anyhow, I'm not quite sure why I am posting this. Maybe it's to vent some frustration/fear to some of the only people that I know will understand. My husbands only 32 and we have three small children. I'll keep everyone that posts here in my prayers, for I know that I am not alone.\n\nKS",
	"The last week and a half or so, I have been so so extremely tired, with no energy at all, headachy and cold. I went fishing Sunday and got burnt and ever since then I've even felt worse. I went to my doctors and they ordered a whole bunch of labs. She thinks I am severly dehydrated and kidney stuff might have worsened. She had mentioned my symptoms sounded like Uremia. I am headachy, cold, loss of energy, tired, feels like a virus or something and sometimes I get kinda nausous and burpy, loss of appettite. What is Uremia? Do these symptoms sounds like CKD? I was at 23 GFR, haven't got my Stat labs back yet, so I don't know if it's lower or not, but that's what it was 3 months ago?\n\nCharli",
	"Hello everybody,\n\nFor about 10 months now, I have experienced a pressure in my left ear starting just before the end of hemodialysis and continuing after dialysis. My ear usually is blocked for the rest of the day and, for the last few months, the pressure has remained in the ear the following day (or even the day after if on a weekend). It is sometimes more bearable towards the evening but, in general, very unpleasant and it really ruins my quality of life. Often I cannot think straight, that is how much it bothers me.\n\nI have tried to close my nose with my fingers and to swallow but it does not seem to help. Is there anybody who experienced the same thing?\n\nGermano",
	"I have CKD, with GFR 23. I am on two blood pressure meds and I've been told to watch my blood pressure. I've not been feeling very good the last two weeks (very tired, headachy, no energy). Everytime I take it at home, it's high (155/99 or 165/114), but at the office when they take it, it's normal. I even took it this morning twice with my arm machine and twice with my wrist machine and high all four times. I'm confused?????\n\nCharli",
	"I've been extremely tired, no energy and headaches lately and along with that just plain achy? Is that normal?\n\nCharli",
	"I went to dialysis yesterday (3/20), and found that I had gained an extra pound. Now I don't drink a lot of liquids, but the past few days I have been eating more than usual. On Wednesday (3/19), I had breakfeast at Cracker Barrell (normally don't do), then at lunch went to Olive Garden for the Soup and Salad, only at 1 or 2 breadsticks, then for dinner I had a chicken sandwich (cooked at home), crispy crowns, and vegatables. Now this is alot more than I typically eat in one day. So, I expected to gain a little. Well, I told the nurse, just what I told you, but she insisted on taking off almost 4 lbs of water weight. I typically weigh in at 97 to 99kg, but this day I was 100. I had no swelling in my legs or hands. But she insisted on taking off the 4kg just to meet my \"dry weight\" of 96kg.\n\nWell all went fine for about the first 2 1/2 hours, then the cramping started in, which normally I don't get any until the last 15 minutes or so, if I do get any cramping.\n\nI was finally taken off after my 3 1/2 hours, and I felt fine. My standing blood pressure was 114/70 which is typical.\n\nNow, here was the problem. As normal, I go to work after dialysis. I get to my office, and it almost 11:00, and I am getting hungry, so I decide to go ahead had heat up my lunch. Well I am waiting on it, and all of a sudden I get extremely dizzy and light headed. It got so bad that I had to sit down, and it was also making my stomach turn. After about 10 minutes I felt well enough to walk back to my desk and eat my lunch, but I still felt woozy for a couple of hours.\n\nThis has never happened before. Did the nurse setup the dialysis to take too much off? I called my neph. to let me know and he said he would look into it.\n\nJust looking fot some opinions here..\n\nthanks!!!",
	"Hi all!\nMy name is Mark and I've been on dialysis since February 2007. Just this past Friday, I changed my primary care physician to a new one. The old one is such a complete idiot that I couldn't tolerate it any more; he'd never HEAR what I'd have to say, ignored some pretty serios concerns, i.e. nausea and vomiting, excruciating pain in my arms and legs and a general feeling of total exhaustion that prevents me from enjoying life. On top of it, the new nephrologist (I call him a nincompoop vet) who became a new attending at my dialysis clinic, is even stupider than my former PCP, When my PT/INR spiked to 6.1 (normal is 2-3), my arm was swollen like a bad ham and all purple, with horrific pain, he got this annoying \"know it all\", self-satysfying smile on his face and said to me \"well, you've got to quit smoking. I told him it had nothing to do with smoking, that my blood was obviously seeping into my elbow joint, he started to ARGUE with me instead of helping! Here I was, laying in the dialysis chair, with his stupid smile and negligence hovering above me. He ENJOYED my pain and threatened to have me thrown out of the clinic! Boy, did that make me MAD!!! i TOLD HIM TO WIPE THAT STUPID SMILE OFF HIS FACE AND GET OUT OF MY SIGHT. I don't need a stupid quack - I said - that doesn't know what he's doing. I've never spoken to a physician that sharply because there was never a physician as incompetent as he. That very same night I went to an ER where they gave me vitamin K and Percocet and were appalled to hear of my experience that day. As a result of his actions I suffered a debilitating pain longer than I had to and just barely escaped a severe stroke. As soon as there is a new clinic built in my area, I'm switching to it. I will be sorry to say good bye to the other staff at my clinic but I can't have my life endangered like that any more. I'm not giving out the name of those doctors out of simple pity but if anyone else posts their names as his or her potential doctors, I won't be shy about pointing them out as complete morons.",
	"My husband and I recently started home hemo. We are very pleased with the way things are going. His labs have been great and he is feeling better than he has in a long time.\nThe only problem we are having is picking the scabs off for his buttonholes. I know that sounds gross and I apologize to everyone that has a weak stomach. Our home hemo nurse as told us to \"soak them with an alcohol pad\". We have tried this and tried this and it doesn't seem to work. She hasn't been able to give us any other suggestions. When the scabs are dry and hard it's very difficult to get through them or around them. We're not sure what else to try and would appreciate any help we can get. Thanks.",
	"My husband is having such a hard time on the cycler, he is not draining right, his nurse says to use laxatives. is this right? is any one having this problem?",
	"Alright....I had have CKD 2 ...watching it, not causing too many problems...But Last Monday I was sick. on Friday after my virus was better, I went and got lab work done. To check my potassium and such. Well the test gave me a BUN of 74 and and CREA of 2.4. So my approx GFR is 23. I had a repeat test done today, but can being sick cause that much of a rise?? And in both... I'm very fightened right now. I am still awaiting results...pls help me...\n\nI threw up for a night( lastsunday into MOnday). And I didn't feel good all week, I was able to drink, but not eat very much.\nCould it just be that??\n\nPls help!",
	"Hello,\n\n I am new to this forum and I have been diagnosed with Bergers Disease\n( IgA Nephropathy) back in Aug. of 2006. My doctor is monitoring my BP w/ Ace inhibitors, cozaar and water pills. But he did not put me on any Prednisone meds. My CR is 4.2 but am not on dialysis yet, but I suppose I will be on it soon. I think I want to do PD instead of Hemo, but I do not know which one is better? And if anyone can tell me at what level is your CR when you reach Renal failure(4,5,6, or 7CR)? When I was first diagnosed with kidney disease my CR was 3.1. For the most part I feel fine, I but get very fatigued from time to time and somehow I feel like this has negatively affected my golf game. Or maybe it is just an excuse. When I was first diagnosed my CR was 3.1. So I guess we are in the same boat to a certain degree. Oh and by the way I am 34 yrs old.\nThanks.\n\nKage12",
	"I have been on hemo dialysis for 4 months did great started PD did that for 4 months did even better so Neph said had enough function to get off.all together which I thought was strange but was soooo happy as well. That was May 5th 2007. Went to Neph regurarly all still good till March 4th 2008. I had to go back on dialysis. It wasn't an emergency as the first time . I had the appt with surgeon he did this on the 20th of March 2008.Now that you know what i have had in the past. My question: is it possible to get peritonitis before i have used this new catheter. I have a call into the neph but wanted some feedback from someone who maybe had this or cares for someone who has. Thanks in advance",
	"Hi there, I live near a DaVita treatment center and I am wondering if there is anything I can do to make the lives of patients just a little bit better while they are there? I don't have a special tie to any dialysis patients, but I do know what it's all about and as I understand many people are at the treatment facilities for hours at a time. I am not in a position to give financially, but I do have access to a bunch of wonderful teenagers that would love to help as well. I was thinking along the lines of collecting books/magazines, visiting, entertaining etc?\n\nSince I don’t know a lot about what goes on during treatment, I am asking this community forum because I really want honest feedback on if this is something patients would want or if many would rather be left alone while receiving treatment. The last thing I want to do is be an annoyance. I do realize I could call a DaVita center but I figure even if they don't want or accept this kind of help, my mom works for a hospital that probably would.\n\nAny suggestions or opinions are welcome! Thank you!\n\n~Vanna",
	"My son, Evan, is 15 and has CKF...he's in stage 4 and will be transplanting this summer. Since he has declined to stage 4 he is experiencing a major loss of concentration. His grades in school are dropping and yesterday he said he \"couldn't remember\" how to do a simple equation w/ division. This has me really concerned. Have any of you experienced this type of thing?\nTo make matters worse, he has been in depression now for the past few months because his transplant has been postponed 3 times. He is also experiencing terrible nightmares of suicide. He is already in counseling, but he admitted he hadn't opened up the the counselor because he was afraid she'd cancel the transplant if he wasn't stable.\nI am wondering if toxins building up in his body can have this type of effect on him. One psychologist told me that kidney patients have a lack of seratonin in their brains. Does anyone have any info on mental symptoms of kidney disease? I have called my son's doctor and his pyschologist will see him in the morning, but I want to know from some that have been through this stage already.\nPlease write back if you have any info...I am really worried about my son.\nThanks,\nLynne",
	"I just returned from the hospital and had to have my hemo treatments there. The technician(actually an RN by hospital policy) works part time at my DaVita facility.\nMachine, setup, time, flow, etc all seemed the same. Amount to take of was at the lower end of normal, 2KG, but not unheard of for me.\nWhen I finished, I had no \"after treatment fatigue\"\nWhen I first started 2 years ago I had dialysis first and exercise later and then had to change because of the post treatment fatigue.\nMy question for those of you who have reason to change facilities, do you notice a change in the post treatment feeling that follows the facility change.",
	"I have seen the information about Dairy Delicious Milk. But I have never seen a comparision of milk, DD milk, Soy milk, Rice milk, etc. for the renal diet.\n\nComparing each for.\nCalcium\nSodium\nPotassium\nPhosphates\n\nIs there one anywhere? I saw a device that can make a quart of rice ot soy milk in 15 minutes. Pennies on the dollar vs the store prices.",
	"hi everyone. i am a caregiver for a young girl on dialysis. for 2 yrs now we have gone to her treatments with her (another caregiver and I). during this time we have had nothing but trouble from the davita workers. it is not just towards us (the caregivers) but also towards the patients. my grandmother also goes to this center and it concerns me that these are the people who are responsible for taking care of her. the girl i work with is a screamer she will lay and scream for no reason at all due to the disruptivness of this, we worked with her mother and got her to agree to medicate the girl so to provide a peaceful treatment for all involved. that was fine for a yr and a half now the nurses do not want her to be medicated. they want her to scream. however when she does scream they r rude to everyone. i am not saying just one or two of the nurses or techs but i do mean all of them.\nthere is also a problem of them locking the door to the treatment area and all the workers disappearing. this happened one day a machine began to beep and for about 20 minutes no one was available to check the man or his machine. i knocked on the door and i even yelled in thru the receptionists window. no one was there. when they did finally come the man had died!! a nurse actually argued with a couple of the techs about how she didn't want to do CPR! there have been many incidents like this. they r just mean nasty people to anyone who walks in the center. a new center will b opening in a few wks and almost all of the patients are transferring bc the morale is so negative in the current center. i was just wondering if anyone else has encountered anything like this. also, if u have what did u do about it? do u have any advice for me? thanks so much.",
	"Has anyone ever experienced burning in their chest while on dialysis? My grandmother has had a chest cathetar for about two weeks and experienced a burning feeling for about 35 minutes during the first hour of her treatment after about 35 minutes it went away. Just curious if anyone has experienced this. Thanks!",
	"Hello,\n\n My name is Laura and I am looking for support and education in dealing with the diagnosis of stage 3 ckd for my husband Steve. When he was 5 he had to have is right kidney removed due to that it never really formed or functioned properly. He also had surgery for his bladder and eyes, so he spent alot of time, well into his teens, at hospitals and with doctors. Sometime in his late teens or early twenties he just stopped going for medical follow-up and lived life as anyone would at that age.\n\n We have been together for 11 years and married last year. I was able to put him on my insurance and insisted that he get a full medical check-up. That is when the doctor called and said that Steve needs to see a nephrolotist now. We went, and the doctor could not really say how long Steve may have been at this stage based on the fact that there were no lab results to compare to. The doctor wants him to have lab work done often at least every 3 months, watch is sodium intake(yea, he has high blood-pressure as well). For a while Steve was good about the medication and monitering his bp and I started watching what foods we were eating at home, but I don't think Steve realizes that this is something that has to be life changing. He ran out of his bp medication, and I didn't know for a month.\nI guess this is something new I have learned about him. Well the doctor has called and needs Steve to see him due to new lab work (worse then before). Now his cholestoral is high as well as the protein leakage from the remaning kidney. His white blood count is low and has mild anemia.\n\n I sat him down to dicuss the importance of this condition and I'm not sure how he is processing this. He says he wants to talk about it later. I am having a hard time with it to. I just spent the best part of '06' and \"07\" taking care of my terminally ill younger sister who passed away 8 months ago, and shortly after is when we found out about Steves' condition.\n\n I want to do everything that I can to help him and myself cope, adjust and change to prevent things from getting worse, or at least delaying the next stage of dyalsis. So any advice or direction would be most appreciated.\n\n Thankyou,\n\n\n\n\n Laura",
	"Hello everyone,\n\nIt looks like I have some good news. Today, the transplant coordinator called my wife and told her that her blood work up came back as negative. They said it was a match but they are additonal tests that would have to be performed. Yesterday, my brother's bloodwork came back and his blood type is the same as mine A+. but on some part of the testing there was a False Positve. However, they said it was not a straight positive which would be a \"No Go\" because my body would attack the new kidney. They have to proceed with more testing b4 they could say for sure. If there is anyone that has been through the living donor testing process and that could give me some insight, It would be greatly appreciated. Also, the coordinator mentioned since my brother was willing to continue with further testing, they would put my wife on hold for now. Also, he explained since my brother is a blood relative and more equal in physical size that he would be the appropriate match. On a good note, he explained that if my brother is a match, my wife could be a back up donor down the road. I was feeling down a couple of days ago and my wife reassured me that everything would be fine and she said,\"I have a feeling deep inside that I will be the match.\" I guess things happen a reason but I really dont know. My wife and I were united in an arranged marriage 7 years ago and I feel truly blessed to be married to her. I know it is early and I don't want to jump the gun but I do feel a great sense of joy right now. I also pray and hope for others that are still waiting for their transplants to keep looking forward and eventually the light at the end of the tunnel will come to life. Wish me luck.",
	"Recently, I was diagnosed in late stage 3. My GFR is 33. It was a bit of a shock and I have had some trouble adjusting to the fact. My family and partner have chosen to totally ignore the illness. Which would be ok...except I have been experiencing a lot of fatigue and naseua which they feel is just me being lazy. The pain keeps me awake at night and that doesn't help. I am forced to keep the same schedule I have always had...(very hectic) I am so tired...and alone in this battle and I don't know how long I can carry on........I don't think I am brave enougt to go it alone.",
	"If your at home using Nxstage System One you might be interested in Nxstage's Newsletter. Some interesting highlights on whats going on in the community of Nxstage Home Users...\n\nhttp://www.nxstage.com/chronic_renal...March-2008.pdf\n\nEnjoy!",
	"I get labs every 3 months, GFR was 23, then 22 and last was the same 22 (yeah). My creatinine is about the same also, protein I haven't gotten back yet, but test showed my Carbon Dioxide low at 20. I don't know what the Carbon Dioxide being low is??? Can anyone tell me this???\n\nCharli",
	"My boyfriend just started diaylsis yesterday and we are trying to find some helpful suggestions on how to keep the catheter dry so he can shower. Anyone have any suggestions?",
	"I am a PD patient and would like to go to Holland for about three or four weeks. Might even include a river cruise. I have traveled quite a bit but not since I have been on dialysis so I have no clue as to what I must do to get ready for such an adventure. My current clinic is without a social worker at present so I can't ask her. I understand Baxter will ship anywhere in the world given enough notice. I have not asked the costs. I currently use a machine but am capable of manual dialysis. When you look at the amount of weight I would have to have trasnported and transer from place to place it is rether overwheming. I use about 20-25 liters a day and am continuously full of fluid.\nAny help would be greatly appreciated.",
	"Hello,\n\n My daughter is 11 and was diagnosed in December with MPGN type 1. My husband and I have been so frustrated trying to find help for her with this. It seems not too many doctors here in San Diego know too much about this disease. She is so pale all of the time and gets tired so easily. She has constant back pain and they tell me it has nothing to do with her disease. If any of this sounds familar to anyone we would love to chat with you. Any feedback would be so helpful to us.",
	"I check my BP daily, usually 3 times a day, because I've been headachy lately and it's always high, it's even high in the morning. I have an arm machine and a new wrist machine. It is always high with both machines and with similar numbers each time( like 148/99 or 158/111 or 152/114 ). The last time I had an appt with the doctor I checked it in the morning (it was high), but at doctors appt it was ok, so this lead me to think my arm machine wasn't right, but then I went and bought the wrist on and now use both and they both say hi everytime (there are sometimes in the evening when it goes down to like 138/95, but lately not much............ Could this be my machines and it's not really high????\n\nCharli (:",
	"Hey everyone - I am hoping someone who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and has CKD is a member of these discussion forums and can help me out a little. I am currently stage 3, nearing stage 4 CKD, and my joints have been hurting a lot. I thought it might be because my phosphorus levels were off (which they are), but my doc said not enough to be causing the type of joint pain I am experiencing. She thinks I have rheumatoid arthritis.\n\nI have another appointment with my doctor this afternoon, so I guess I will find out soon enough. However, I am concerned about what treatment options are out there for people with RA and CKD. I know a lot of RA treatments involve the use of steroids or non-steroid anit-inflamitory drugs (NSAIDs), but I wasn't sure if that would be an option for me since I have to be very careful about the types of medication I can take due to my kidney.\n\nI was diagnosed with CKD last year (January 2007). Turns out I was born with one kidney and my remaining kidney is getting tired from doing all the work!\n\nIf anyone has any experience with this and can share their thoughts and experiences, I would appreciate it. Thanks.",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nI go for my transplant eval next Wednesday. My question to most of you, if anyone is post-transplant is: How long is the average wait for a cadaver kidney? I'm just wondering how long I will be on dialysis before getting my kidney. I know it's a general question, but was just wondering what other people have heard.\n\nEverytime the hospital calls with more information about my eval next week, I get sick. In some respects, I don't want dialysis, but at the same time, am nervous as hell should I decide to get a transplant. From what I have heard cadavear kidneys only last five years with only a 79% success rate. It seems a lot to tackle when you think that you'll only have five years with it. Is it worth it?\n\nJust wanted some opinions so don't go bashing me. I'm scared...I'm nervous...I'm a little numb.",
	"I wrote a post w/ a good amount of replies(thanks to all of those who wrote me )about my 15 yr old son's depression. He is in\n4th stage CKF and will be transplanting this summer(his dad is the donor). My son has been experiencing extreme depression w/ episodes of \"hearing voices\"...we've had him to doc and counseling. A psychiatrist evaluated him yesterday and diagnosed him with(this is my paraphrase)\" illness induced psychotic depression\". He told us that this type of severe depression is \"the norm\" for those suffering from long term, traumatic or chronic illness. Even the \"voices\" part he explained is linked to toxins and chemical imbalance along w/ the mind/body inability to deal with a \"major physical issue\" deteriorating the body(especially in disease that is or can be terminal, which KD can be if left untreated. )\nThe doc prescribed 2 meds, Prozac for depression(least side effects w/ kidney meds) and a anit-psychotic med as well. But....he did say this was temporary and would subside w/ transplant(most likely) and after recovery we can wean him off the meds.\nI hope this might help some of you suffering from severe depression and just let you know that it is a normal part of a serious illness. Also, don't hesitate to get extra help if you need it because we have been in the counseling w/o results. I know that my husband and I feel somewhat relieved to find this out and know that it is temporary. We are hoping for good results from the meds...I'll keep you posted on his progress.\nBlessings,\nLynne",
	"So around once every two or three months i get a real bad pain when i drain. Either when i do my manual exchange or when i am doing the cycler, it hurts a lot, and only during the drain not the fill. Does anyone know why this may be, or how to stop it? Thanks in advance. Sean",
	"Hello Everybody,\n\n I had just noticed yesterday that my Antiperspirant had a warning label on it. It read, If you have kidney disease consult your physician before using this product. One of the ingredients that most Antiperspirants contain is Aluminum Zirconium which I assume is the problem for kidney patients. I dont know if it is aimed more for people that are in kidney failure and on dialysis or is it a problem for anyone with ESRD? From what I have seen, deodorant doesn't seem to have this ingredient. However, deodorant and I are not a mix because it irritates my skin. I guess I could go without deodorant or Antiperspirant but my family and coworkers would have to suffer the consequences. So if there is anyone with any info on this or even know of any alternative Antiperspirant that doesn't contain the ingredient Aluminum I would greatly appreciate it. Also, I have an appt. with my nephrologist on April 30th so I can ask him as well and I will post the info. on this website.\nThanks",
	"HELP, I have a question: I'm 40 yoa and my GFR was at 25 about 5 yrs ago and it's slowly went down and is now 22. I THOUGHT my doctor had told us before that dialysis starts when at 15 and transplant can happen at 19. I go to doctor every 2 to 3 months for labs and etc. Anyway, she's been telling me last couple visits to start making plans on types of dialysis I would want and if I want transplant and to make an appt at the Pre ESRD class to get educated. She said transplant would be great for me and to start thinkiing of that route also. Anyway, yesterday at my appt, she was asking if I decided on transplant yet and I said well I hadn't given much thought cause I wasn't at that number yet and she said yes I was and have been. That at 25 they start talking about it, which yeah we have been talking, but now I'm at 22 I can definately do it. She made me a Pre-Transplant appt with a transplant Dr which will basically let me know if I am a good candidate for the transplant and then if I am he will schedule me for transplant workup, then start getting family tested and get transplant. Whoa, I'm overwhelmed... I wasn't thinking I could even get one or start getting worked up until my GFR was 19. Guess I heard wrong. Can anyone tell me, is this normal? AND how long between pre-transplant appt does things get started if no problems?????????? Are we talking weeks, months or years????\n\n\nCharli",
	"Does anyone know how long you are in hospital with a transplant or out of work afterwords or how much meds you take after????? I guess Im ready for a preemptive transplant and I'm totally shellshocked.........My doctor called it a preemptive transplant. That basically if I wanted a transplant, it was time to go ahead and get qualified, and so forth. I was so shocked. I didn't think they would do anything till you were at 19, but she said it depends, that at my GFR of 22% and the way I feel, I can definately get the preemptive transplant. I'm trying to wrap my mind around this soon now, I'm not sure what to think, cause I was thinking I had at least 2 - 3 years before this.......... ugg............................\n\nCharli",
	"Okay i have hunted and hunted on the internet for hopefully some answers and really haven't found anything so I was hoping that someone here could help me. I first had my biopsy on Feb 15, 2008 and I still haven't gotten the final results, ugh. Anyway the pre-liminary report showed IgA I remember the nephrologist saying something about I have focal and segemental glomerular sclorisis and when I went back yesterday he now says that it is just thin basement membrane nephropathy but he said he couldn't understand why I was still putting out protein because most patients with tbmn don't have protein in their urine. I am a little confused. He started me on bp medicine and fish oil but that's it so far. Plus he said that if at my next visit I was putting out more protein than I am now he would want to do another biopsy. Considering that it has been 2 months since i had this biopsy and I still don't have the final results from it...kinda makes me wonder why I should have another one done.",
	"I'm considering a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Dubrovnik and several towns and cities in Italy with layovers in Amsterdam and Germany. The pilgrimage will be for 19 days. I have asked the travel agent about the food served at these locations regarding sodium and potassium, but he was unable to tell me too much about the food preparation. He did say they serve lots of meat and potatoes in Medjugorje & Dubrovnik and pasta in Italy.\n\nI'm wondering whether anyone on this forum have traveled in these areas and if you would share your experiences in keeping to a renal diet.\n\nI'm at stage 2 CKD and have been holding steady at a GFR of 60 after being at 48 for several months. So needless to say the diet is working. I would really like to take this trip but certainly don't want to ruin all my hard work.\n\nThanks in advance for any help you can provide.",
	"I have had kidney problems most of my life. My creatine level has not been below 5 for 8 years. But, I was always feeling great, and no issues. Then in 2004 I got some type of viral infection that caused my creatine to shoot up to 10, but by the time I was out of the hospital, it was down to 7. Now, this past February, I got very sick with pneumonia, which of course, effected my kidneys.\n\nI have been doing Hemo dialysis now for 2 months. My last blood report came back, and once again, everything was perfect, so they took me off another drug. So far, here is what I was taking pre-hospital stay:\n\ncalcium 3x day\nRenagel - 3x day\ncalcitrol - 3x a week\nSodium Bicarbonate - 2x week\n\nNow the only thing I am taking is the calcitrol. I am at dialysis on Tues, Thurs and Sat, but to tell you the truth, I don't feel any different now them I did before I got pneumonia, which is basically, I feel great, except for right after dialysis, when I am usually a little tired.\n\nSo, why am I on dialysis!?!?!\n\nI am going to my neph in a couple of weeks, so I am going to talk to him about it..\n\nwhats everyone else opinions/experiences?\n\nthanks!!",
	"I have been on hemodialysis for two months now, and it has worked good for me; if not for hemodialysis I should be now in my dying bed.\n\nJust the same I like to switch to peritoneal dialysis because I have read about its advantages over hemodialysis, in particular the time and location and expense and DIY pluses.\n\nI am 70 years old, postmenopausal female, gave birth in my late thirties to two kids now grown up by cesarean section, had double bypass heart surgery, had angioplasty, had mastectomy, had cataract operation for both eyes.\n\nMy kidneys got to ESRD owing to my doctors not being able to control my hypertension and diabetes, or they controlled these two diseases but my genes finally won over to destroy my kidneys.\n\n\nI have read about the advantages of peritoneal over hemodialysis, but doctors or researchers seem to be reluctant to come out openly and recommend peritoneal dialysis.\n\nWhat's holding them back? Are they afraid that the medical establishment will not make as much money with peritoneal than they are now making with hemodialysis?\n\nI wish I can find some really good experienced dialysis doctors who can tell me, if they can, that peritoneal dialysis is as good and even better than hemodialysis, to keep me alive and active better and longer years, if I of course observe all the care that medical science can provide me in peritoneal dialysis.\n\n\nSo, do we have any knowledgeable, experienced, successful dialysis doctors who can come out and say: Peritoneal dialysis is better than hemodialysis, period.\n\n\nIn my country there seems to be a conspiracy to keep people away from peritoneal and into hemodailysis almost exclusively.\n\n\nMy husband thinks that peritoneal dialysis, from his reading, is better than hemodialysis, but he is not a doctor.\n\nHe even entertains the idea of setting up a center for peritoneal dialysis patients, to obtain equipment and materials and medicines for peritoneal dialysis, and where such patients can get together with doctors for mutual concerns.\n\n\nWhat do you guys here say, specially the dialysis doctors?\n\n\n\ngonza",
	"Hi,\nI have a few \"issues\" with one nurse at my dialysis unit.\nI have been trying to get a hold of the unit manager and will try and catch her on monday (did not see her friday, went by her office).\n\nBut last wednesday I was at the dialysis unit and there is one nurse, she is always grumpy towards everyone.\nI had 1 hour left in my treatment and wanted one of the settings on my machine changed (to make my weight less).\nI tried for 1 hour to get this nurses attention and first she tells me she is busy and will come back when she has time.\nSo, I see she is free 15 minutes later and try to catch her attention.\nShe was working right across from me, she looks over and then walks to another area.\nIt seemed like she was purposely ignoring me and I find it really wrong that she did not even ask what I needed help with.\n\nWhat if I had very bad muscle cramps, or breathing problems? then what I would be suffering for that whole hour because she was purposely ignoring me.\n\nIn the end I did manage to pull the machine over a bit and use a pen to change the setting myself- but I am not supposed to do that and do not like doing that myself.\n\nThere was no other nurse around where I was or I surely would have gotten help from someone else.\n\nJust wondering what exactly I should do about this situation.\nI did mention it to another nurse, but not the name of who it was. Just that a nurse the last time I was there did this and the nurse that was assigned to me on Friday said the manager would stop by and speak to me, but she did not come by.\n\nI will try and catch the unit manager on Monday, if not follow up by phone.\nShould I also write to patient services?\nI'm really afraid of having this nurse again, because what if I don't feel well? I won't be able to get much help.\n-last time I was at the unit I had breathing problems and needed some oxygen..but if it was the other nurse then what??\n\nJust wondering if anyone has any additional suggestions.",
	"Hi,\nI guess I have another question.\nThe people at my unit- they almost never talk to each other as they always have the curtains drawn around them, so I never get to speak to many people there. (well exept for a few of the older people that come in when I leave and they say hi and bye to me that is).\n\nMy question is.....is anyone itchy after they leave the dialysis unit?\nI think I am allergic to some of the chemicals they use. I know I was worse before they changed the filter and some other things they were using, it helped a bit.\nBut I'm still very itchy every time I leave.\n\nI was sent to an allergy specialist and they told me I was allergic to some of the chemicals and the only thing I could do was take benadryl while there and afterwards.\nI'm usually quite itchy till the next day about.\n\nAlso, it seems the chemicals in the gauze they use- it turns my skin red wherever it touches..\n\nJust wondering if anyone else has any similar problems?",
	"I bought a new Treadmill machine to loss my weight, any of you feel comfortable with that?",
	"Anybody have to go through this? I was called by the UMMC Transplant Program Office to verify my insurance regarding the testing for the eval. The woman said I would be called by the Office prior to my eval. appointment to go over what is expected of the eval., what to wear to the eval. and how long the eval would take. So far, I haven't received a phone call from the Transplant Office and my appointment is tomorrow morning. Now, I'm starting to get nervous as to whether this hospital has their crap together.\n\nAnybody else here have issues during their initial evaluation appointment?",
	"Hi everyone, its good to be able to talk to someone about ckd, I have stage 4 and a GFR of 15. I was wondering does everyone get uti's all the time? Let's start again! I never heard of GFR til I looked at your site and than I went and looked at my medical record. First I had Interstitial cystitis and had my bladder removed, was in th hospital for 5 months straight. I now have a urostomy bag and get infections all the time, which make my back hurt. Sometimes it just hurts with no infection. My urologist said I had a small kidney from a child which is now not functioning. No one told me to quit salt or be on a diet. I have headaches all the time, I'm sure from my high blood pressure( I take 3 meds for that) I also have high acid in my blood. Just went to the nero. and he said looks good, see you in 5 months.\n\nWhat I'm getting at is that I appreciate all the info this group has, been looking at it the last couple of days.\n\nThank you",
	"I am new to hemodialysis and find that I often get a headache during or right after dialysis which stays with me at a low level until the next treatment. As a result I seem to have an ongoing headache. Anyone else out there experience this and if so have you found a solution?\n\nm m",
	"Hi! I just saw my Nephrologist today and my creatinine was high. She asked me about OTC pain relievers of which I do take for every pain. She told me about how bad OTCs are for kidneys and I fully understand. What about caffiene? I know it is bad for me in general, how bad is it for our kidneys? I have PKD, my cysts are not infected. So many questions.\n\nM",
	"My grandmother has a rash that we think is associated to an antibiotic she was on that she stopped taking two days ago due to a bacterial infection. Is there any type of cream that anyone knows about that we could use over the counter? Thank you all for your help.",
	"i'm looking for answers if anyone can help, we found out my grandma had esrd last dec. we also found out that she had been in stage 5 for a couple of years she is on home dialysis she was doing good but now she has no energy, her creatine level is 5.3 she is swelling at the ankles and is ganing weight, blood presure is up and down the nephrolligist has taken her off the b/p ,renal gels, and having her do orange juice, also not as much is coming off during dialysis , she lives with my parents in another state my mother is her only care provider i'm running out of postive thoughts to keep my mothers sprit up, i i'm hoping this might be normal stuff that happens and will get better but if not i would really like to know",
	"Hi guys:\n\nMy transplant eval went pretty well yesterday. I'm happy with the choice of hospital should I get a kidney. The sad part is that UNOS has updated the wait time for cadavear kidneys. I was told at my eval that the wait time originally was 2 years. UNOS has changed the wait time to 5/7 years as kidney disease is now an epidemic. I did have some fine ladies apply to be my live donors, but they were rejected. And so, I get my testing done as soon as I can so I can get evaluated quickly. I only have four more tests to complete and submit all my information. Then wait.\n\nIt was a long day...but just have to hope and pray a kidney pops up before then. I think I will go crazy if I have to wait 5/7 years...ugh...",
	"Actually, my donor and I are. The News Herald came to our dialysis center to interview patients about the newly pained mural. My nurse suggested I be one of the patients interviewed, but I'm on PD, not hemo, so I didn't even see the mural. lol. So the interviewer was confused as to why they sent me out to be interviewed. Then the social worker explained about me getting a transplant and April being Donate Life month, so she interviewed me afterall. We will be in this weekend's paper (our pics and everything). I will scan it and post it, if I can.  I'm so excited! Oh, and she's doing a follow-up on us after the transplant.",
	"I wanted to share a rebate program I use called The Caregivers Marketplace. Anyone can do the rebates, but the products are geared toward caregivers (like depends, ensure, glucerna, huggies, vitamins, etc.) You just go to the webs ite www.caregiversmarketplace.com and get the form. It's pretty simple but very helpful. Every dollar back helps out me and my family. Kmart has the forms too. But you can get the products anywhere. Hope this tip helps someone. Does anyone know of other ways to save money on caregiving products? We are a very frugal family!\n\nAndie",
	"I just wanted to let anyone in Nebraska know that one of the best nurses in our Bloomington MN unit, Rose, is moving to Omaha Nebraska. Today was her last day. She is staying within the Davita system, so I just wanted pass this inform along.\n\nI'm really sorry to see her go. She was one who would take the time to talk to you and remember from time to time what was discussed. She has a great sense of humor but also knows her stuff.\n\nEven though our schedules didn't coincide alot, she was my favorite. It was really hard for me to say goodby. We hugged and cried together!\n\nIf you get to see her, tell her Ellen from Bloomington says HI.\n\nDogmom",
	"My mother was on dialysis for 4 years. She passed away Monday morning April 14th , 4 days after her 56th wedding anniversary. She was 74. It was very sudden and unexpected. She was one of the spryest patients at her dialysis center. The other patients there came to her viewing and so did her nurses. Thet were one big happy family there.",
	"For those of you thinking about trying out home dialysis and need more information. Join us today for an opportunity to participate for a Live Web Conference...",
	"I live in Florida and I've always wanted to visit NY. The time of year is inportant cause of weather, don't want it too cold or too hot so were were thinking of April, May or October. I'm at Stage 4, GFR 22 and have an appt for preemptive kidney transplant eval next month. If I got a transplant it would be approx. 7 months to a year. My question is I'm fatigued alot now, but have started getting Iron Inj and I think they have helped somewhat. Should I go ahead and go on my trip in May or wait till October. I know it's a gamble if I will feel better or worse by October. A lot of people are saying go now, any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks\n\nCharli",
	"Could anyone tell me what the different will be (to me!) when I have to switch from my School employee paid Blue Cross to Medicare? I understand that BC will become my secondary but now I will have to pay the extra cost of Medicare too? Am I just conplainting or is this unfair? If I had Medi/Medi then Medi/cal would pay for the new Medicare.\nI am really bummed out over this... Any help out there?",
	"Hi everyone. I'm on the NXStage and Pure Flow SL. I've been doing home dialysis for 2 years now. I have had different opinions on how high you can run the blood flow rate. I use 15 gauge needles. I run at no more than 450, but heard you can go to 500 without worry.\nIs this true????",
	"I'm on the nxstage and have a technical question for any nurses who might be reading this. I use 20 liters of dialysate and a filtration fraction of 38%\nMy nurse change it to 35 % and 18 liters, She thinks this will help my KT/V.\n\n3 nurses have given me 3 different opinions on this. Which helps clearance more???",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nI just got my paperwork back regarding my transplant eval. My blood work came back with a creat. level of 3.96 (up from a 3.5) and so my dietitian wants me to only eat 2 grams of protein a day. I find this absolutely ridiculous! My number can spike for any type of reason and so they base their findings on ONE blood test? How in the world does one survive - muscle and tissue related if you're only consuming 2 grams of protein a day? Does anyone else have a diet like this? \n\nI'm already down to 137 lbs - I can't imagine losing anymore weight if I can't eat normal food (a 4 ounce steak?).",
	"Hi guys - just one question - as I'm using the Davita Meal Plan now, where do you purchase an OUNCE SCALE - they measure their meals in OUNCES and I have no idea what 2 ounces of shrimp or 5 ounces of pasta would be off the top of my head.\n\nIf anyone can direct me to a website where I can purchase a good scale, please let me know. Thanks.",
	"Has anyone seen this? There is a link to it on the DaVita home page. I realize many of you are already involved with a particular type of dialysis, but for those of you who may still be considering the type of dialysis you would like to do, this is a pretty neat tool to help you decide.\n\nJust click on the Treatment Matcher link on the home page, and take a brief quiz to help you determine what type of dialysis may be right for you! My results reflected what I would like to pick if I have a choice. Kind of interesting...",
	"Hello -- I dont know where to start. My 87 yrs old mom started dialysis last February. My 90 yr old dad has dementia. I am self employed. I have 4 other siblings who have their own family and is working for corporate america. My mom lives with me and is the primary care giver. I need someone to talk to regarding all my frustrations. There's a lot. My family think that I am strong (emotionally and phiscally) and that I dont need any help. I know I do. I tried to look online for support groups and you guys are the first one I stumble upon. I live in Renton WA - 10 mins from Seattle. Not sure if this is the right location, but I dont know where else to go. I have anger, frustrations, fear and other feelings in me that I dont know how to release much less dont know how to talk about it without babbling. Thanks for listening. :",
	"I have created 2 recipes for turkey sausage. Is there a link that will evaluate a recipe?",
	"Hello.\nI have a question to ask.\nHope I can get answers from those ever who can answer this question.\nIt has to be acurate.\n\nThere's a Peritoneal Dialysis patient that I know.\nShe has to change the liquid every 4 hours at home.\nShe's planning to travel outside the country (meaning to other forein country).\nShe's planning to stay for about 2 months.\nIf this is the case, what does she have to do during the flight?\n(It takes about 14 ~ 15 hours to get to that foreign country.)\nShe'll not be able to change it during the flight and it'll not be easy either while\nshe's in that foreign country. Is there any solution to this?\nAgain, an answer has to be acurate!!!\n\nHope to hear from anyone of you as soon as possible.\nThank you.",
	"I went for a haircut today and the person cutting my hair told me I was getting real thin in two places. I told her I was on dialysis and she said I was probably losing protein from the treatments and the medications.\n\nHas anyone else experianced this or am I attributing this to dialysis and CKD by mistake?\n\nThanks for the help.\n\ndogmom",
	"Hi All, In my last visit to my neph. she said she saw some drainage at my site (I do PD) and she was worried that it could lead to a tunnel infection. She put me on Levaquin 250 MG (1 a day) and I am keeping my fingers crossed. She also said very abruptly, well if it is a tunnel infection, we'll just pull the catheter. I freaked inside. I have 2 failed fistulas so I guess that means I'd have to have a catheter put in my neck? Also, how would I be able to keep my job? Maybe I shouldn't worry too much about the future, but it would be a drastic life change for me to go from PD to HD. Has anyone out there had a drainage problem that didn't lead to a tunnel infection?\n\nthanks, Joanne",
	"My father has been on continuous cycler assisted peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) for the past 5 years (with great success) in his own home, living independently. His health conditions have seriously changed and after almost 4 weeks in the hospital, he needs to find a skilled nursing facility. Due to low blood pressure, he is not a candidate for hemo dialysis. After checking, I have found zero skilled nursing homes in Richmond Virginia that will take CCPD or CAPD. They all mandate In-center hemo away from the facility. Does anyone know of a dialysis center that will take CCPD? Or a nursing home that will allow CCPD or CAPD? 24-hour in home nursing care was considered, yet his many doctors are strongly recommending against it. I am in a panic because the hospital/doctors are ready to release him. Any thoughts or recommendations are welcome.",
	"Every time I go to this site, I get a popup from my Spyware Blocker saying that it has blocked a malacious website (ads.addynamix.com). I don't get this on any other sites.",
	"Hello All !\n\nI am new to this site even though I have been a kidney patient for about 9 years. I have been on dialysis which I like to call \"treatment\" for a little over a year and half. In Nov of 07 I ended the Hemo..thank you lord!! I couldn't do it anymore it was just too too much for me. I have been through almost everything as many of you have Im sure. My kidneys failed because I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus in 06. By that time it was too late so here I am...some days are great other days are really bad. But Im doign wayyyyy better than when I was receiving hemo treatments. I had too many complications weight gain, weight gain, poor appetite, severe nausea, weakness, shortness of breath and not to mention I suffer from panic attacks and bad headaches. I remember one time something happened after treatment I went home and I remember being really hungry but then started shaking like if I were really cold my vision blurred and I couldnt see one bit I was screaming and crying. My mom fed me and then I blacked out for about 3 hours and woke up with a really bad headache. I told my doc and he said it was either a seizure or my blood sugar dropped but Im not diabetic. It was scary...this happened a year ago but I am better now. I would recommend PD to anyone that can do it. It is less stressful and you have all day to yourself. I am 27 and go to school full time so if anyone needs someone to talk to Im here vice versa.\n\nAnywho just wanted to say hello to you all and say to stay strong and positive.",
	"I am wondering why there are not more people doing PD with cyclers. We had no one to talk to when we started this and am still confused why more patients are not using cyclers for PD. There are less than 40 in our area.\n\nMy husband are not happy that we have to do dialysis but doing PD wih the Baxter Cycler has not really complicated our lives. We have been doing this since January and have settled in to the routine and work the dialysis into our lives.\n\nWe would not even consider doing hemo now. Just believing that everything continues to go well for us.",
	"The National Kidney Foundation has been my primary and favorite source for education and assistance for dialysis related concerns and I think you should take part in the petition to improve the future of dialysis! Sign the petition today by visiting this webpage\nhttp://www.capitolconnect.com/kidneycare/default.aspx\n\nFor more details about this petition please read below or visit the petition webpage...\n\n\nThanks!\n\n\n\n\n\nSign Petition to Improve Dialysis Care\nDear NKF Take Action volunteers:\n\nThe members of the Kidney Care Partners (KCP) coalition, including the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), believe that there may be an opportunity in the near future for the U.S. Congress to pass a bill to improve the quality of care for people on dialysis. However, since this is an election year, we only have a short time frame to reach lawmakers on Capitol Hill. As someone touched by chronic kidney disease, you can raise awareness and ask your representatives to take action this year by signing KCP's electronic petition to Congress. If you are interested in learning more, please go to http://www.capitolconnect.com/kidneycare/default.aspx to review the petition. Be sure to choose NKF as the organization referring you when you sign the petition at the bottom of the registration box.\n\nFor more information about the Kidney Care Quality and Education Act, the basis for improvements listed in the petition, click here to view our factsheet . We will be sending updates and actions in the coming weeks as this issue progresses.\n\nThe NKF is working with KCP to draw attention to an electronic petition calling on Congress to pass improvements for dialysis care in the upcoming Medicare bill. The petition is being coordinated by KCP, but names and contact information will only be utilized in association with this petition; the petition organizers will not share, sell, or rent information about individuals who sign the petition.\n\nThank you for your interest and support. We look forward to working with you to build a stronger voice for kidney patients in Congress.\n\nJohn Davis, CEO\nNational Kidney Foundation",
	"Hello all!! I am a 21year old dialysis patient who was directed to this site by my Dr. It is supposed to help me with my diet which i'm sure all of you know is extremely difficult to follow. but i really think it is going to do so much more for me. i have spent some time looking at some of the postings on this website and i feel connected to you in some way. i really don't even know how to describe it. it's just nice to know that there are people out there who actually know what you are going thru. i mean even tho i go to a center with other people i don't really feel a connection to them maybe because when we get together @ treatment we don't really talk about treatment. but i'm really thinking that having something of a support group will be of some benefit to me. I also appreciate the annonymity...i have gone thru and read some of the postings that have been made and had tears well up in my eyes because they are some of the same experience that i have had myself over my years with ESRD....\nI was diagnosed with kidney disease when i was only 11 years old, not long after i had started the 6th grade. not even a year later i was deteriorated into ESRD and had to begin treatment. it wasn't a slow progression by the time they told me i was going to be put on dialysis it was a week and half before i was having a catheter placed and begining my first treatment. I remember it like it was yesterday. i couldn't even bring myself to look at the machine. i did about three years of hemo and a year or so of PD then went back to hemo for a few months. then i recieved a kidney transplant which i have since lost and have been back on hemo for over a year now. it has taken a lot of adjusting but i am doing pretty well i suppose. but i appreciate you listening to me ramble and to whom it may concern....thanx for allowing such a forum to exist.",
	"Hello everyone, This is the place I have been looking for. Each of you has good advice and tips to remain healthy and eat well. I am going to write for some Papa dash today, thanks Chefnancy and flip. I did not understand how to post and Cassie helped me with this just today. Big thanks to you, Cassie. I will introduce myself. I am Nancy but using the sign-on Nanny. I am not on DY yet and hope to avoid it as long as possible by eating right and exercising. I have had diabetes for over 20 years and while I do not use lots of carbs and deserts, I have eaten way too much of both thru the years. I am a BC survivor for 7 years (going on 8). I am in awe of everyone here for the knowledge they have stored and the attitude toward treatment. I used to think that DY destroyed the quality of life totaly and now I know that is untrue. Nan",
	"Hello All!!\n\nI may be going to a conference in Orlando in a few weeks. I was looking up what centers are close by, and there are a number of them within 10 miles of Disney (yep.. the conference is at Disney). Has anyone used any of these, and what was your experience with them. Here are the ones I am considering:\n\nCelebration Dialysis\n1154 Celebration Blvd\nCelebration FL 34747-4605\n\nOrlando Dialysis\n14050 Town Loop Blvd Ste 104-a\nOrlando FL 32837-6130\n\nThese are the ones that are close. I don't mind driving 20 to 30 miles, since that is what I currently drive when I do dialysis.\n\nThanks for any input!!\n\nMichael",
	"Hello, My name is Christine and this is not only my first time here, it's my first time ever discussing anything online. Desperation is what got me here and I am hoping for any advice I can get. Here's the scenario...My 80 year old father (I only mention his age because I noticed the majority here do so) has been on home dialysis and living independently for many years. A few months back he fell trying to pick something up and fractured his ribs. While he lived only a mile from me, caring for my husband, 11year old son, two beagles, a bunny, and a 4000 sq ft home was wearing me out. So I convinced him that it would be best for all of us if he could simple move in with us. Everything was great, his lifestyle became 100 percent until he began falling again. We put in safety bars got him canes,a walker, even a special power lift laz-y-boy. Once I convinced him to downshift his gears and drive slower it helped. He is now more careful. He hasn't had a beer in over a month which is saying a lot since he is a retired sailor that's been in three wars. I have just now seen his ankle bone for the first time in many years of them being so swollen I thought the skin was going to burst. We are both partners in his healthcare. He is very clean and does what he can to pick up after himself which is sweet until last night. Apparently he got up to go to the bathroom when his tubing that was stuck in his power chair when it closed causing him to be pulled down to the floor. The time it took for him to realize that he had to open the chair via the remote added to the actual time it took for the chair to open full enough to release the tubing was not enough time for him to be able to control his bowels. Needless to say it was a mess but I didn't find any of this out until this morning since it wasn't until he was coming out of the bathroom and entering his room. At that time I asked if everything was alright or if he needed any help to which he replied rather rudely,\"Everything is fine, Just leave me alone! I want to left alone!\" . He wouldn't let me in past the door so I gave him his space out of respect and went back to bed. When he wasn't up and getting ready for a neurologist's appointment I began to worry so I peeked in on him and saw the mess. He was sound asleep but I wanted him to know that he shouldn't worry about anything that I will call and cancel his appointment. That's when he moaned in excruciating pain and told me fell. He doesn't tolerate pain nor the pain meds they've prescribed( Percocet,Valium etc..) But he was begging for relief today. I checked his ribs and nothing was broken but he was clearly banged up. He requested the Ben-Gay as if that was going to do the trick. Hydrocodone was prescribed to him in the past so I gave him one and he slept comfortably. He's up now taking care of paperwork and feels much better. In the past I have always been able to handle his health issues until today. Feelings of uselessness at the same time of hostility overwhelmed me today.Not knowing what am I in for is scaring me and I just want to know what to expect next and if there is a way to deal with it better than I did today. My father fought in three wars for this country and has dual insurance yet Davita who knows his case best can't prescribe even a walker for him. We finally got one free from the salvation army. What can I do? Where can I go? We are in Las Vegas,Nevada and the summer heat will be here any day...Thank~you for being here, Sincerely, Christine.",
	"Checkout this intresting article on CNN Health, Empowered Patient, a regular feature from CNN Medical News correspondent Elizabeth Cohen, helps put you in the driver's seat when it comes to health care.\n\n\nTips When you Stay at the Hospital",
	"I wanted to let you know that we have stopped my husband's dialysis as of today. He developed a blood clot in his leg and the ischemetic colitis is still bleeding so they can't treat it. They can't treat the colitis because he won't be able to go through the surgery. I met with all his medical team and they advised me the best thing would be pallitive care because there is no more that can be done for him. I agreed with this. He has had many problems and fought a good fight for 14 months, but the last 4 months have just been beyond endurance. Hospice is coming to help me and I have a good network of friends. As you may recall, we have no family at all.\n\nYou all have helped me so much on this journey and I want to thank you.\n\nSusan - Stan's Wife",
	"I've been a lot of problems with my dialysis treatment lately and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on something to try.\n\nFor the past few weeks especially I have been leaving the dialysis unit with very red arms and legs and feeling extremely itchy.\nI had to take some antibiotics for ear problems and that may be what made me worse- not too sure.\n\nBut right now my lower legs rom the calf down os really blotchy and read and also looks almost bruised- even though it is not.\nI also noticed that for the past week my arms were extremely itchy and my right arm (more than my left) has quite a few redish/purple spots.\n\nI'm pretty sure it would be an allergic reaction, but not entirely sure as I have to wait almost 1 year for just basic tests.\n\nDoes anyone have any ideas on what I could try to be less itchy or at least so I can tolerate this better?Right now I can't seem to be able to do anything as it is very bothersome.\nAs well, I think I'm starting to get anxiety and breathing problems just from this situation.\n\nI also have had to finish 1 hour early twice this week as I really am not able to sit when I feel that horrible.\n\nI know that I am probably expecting a response of teeling me to see the doctor- but unfortunately I have not been able to get a hold of one and the one I saw 2 weeks ago told me she would come back and see me in half an hour just never showed up.\nSo now I'm hoping to catch a doctor which seems hard to do as they change everyday\n\nI really hope that this does not seem like too much complaining, but I really don't know who I could actually ask for advice for this.\nHopefully my post makes some sense as I'm also having an extremely hard time trying to type or getting anything done feeling like this.\n\n(also wanted to add that I did take some Benadryl and it helped a little, but barely).",
	"Dear friends, my husband passed away peacefully this morning at 10:46 pm. I was just sitting and talking to him and he just stopped breathing and was gone. We were married for 36 years and I will miss him dreadfully, but his death was a blessing for him because he had so many problems and was in so much pain.\n\nI'll probably look in from time to time to see how my DaVita friends are doing.\n\nShay, I hope your transplant goes well and your recovery is speedy.\n\nSusan - Stan's Wife",
	"I just read the post from Stans wife about his death and thought about not posting this question. It seemed wrong to worry about myself at this time, but I know we just carry on.\n\nWhen we start a session, the techs take our temps. I usually run 96-97 degrees. By the end of the session, they take it again and I've been running 98.8-99.2 degrees. I feel okay, but my face is flushed and feels warm.\n\nI'm still having all the GI problems, and when I asked the nurse about it on Friday, she said we'll watch it, but she didn't know what it could be.\n\nAnyone else have this happen or have any ideas?\n\nI appreciate your help.\n\nDogmom",
	"My Mom will begin having dialysis soon. We are waiting on the fistula to heal. She was told 2 weeks ago that her kidney function was down to 11%. We don't have another appt. until 2 weeks from today. It seems to me that she is deteriorating. Her urine output has decreased substantially, she sleeps about 18 hours a day (another considerable increase), and her confusion is also becoming much more evident. I feel like she needs to probably check in with the doctor. She insists on waiting until the next appt. My question is when and how do I know if I should call the doctor. I have read so much on the internet...very good info., but also sometimes scary. I don't want to over react, but I do want to be proactive. Any help here will be most greatly appreciated.",
	"I have been on dialysis for one week so everything in new to me. I am anxious to see what my diet prescription will be so I can use the web site. Do you have to follow every menu on the web or can you use your own?\n\nI will be checking in often,\nlindash",
	"have trouble finding how to start a new thread. Nan",
	"The clinic my father attends for hemo does not allow the use of Sure-Seal bandages. He frequently has a problem stopping the bleeding. I heard about those bandages, told him about them, and he asked the clinic about them. They told him \"no way\" and that they're not allowed in the clinic.\n\nThis is not a DaVita clinic, by the way. A tech in the clinic told him a Sure-Seal could cause him problems because he has a graft. I think the main problem is the cost. If that's the case, I'll be happy to buy them for him.\n\nSo I'm wondering if anybody knows anything about what kind of problems Sure-Seals might cause. Thanks in advance.\n\nPat",
	"Hi, My name is Dawn. I am a dialysis social worker and my clinic is going to be starting a nocturnal program soon. I was hoping to get some feedback from those of you that are involved in the program so I can share the information with my patients. Thanks!",
	"Hi everyone, Has anyone ordered from the Dairy Delicious site ? I am thinking of ordering the cheese sauce to try it. I am doing a good job on my kidney diet but I sure do miss cheese. I have used a tiny amount of colby block cheese in my salads but mostly just to trick my brain when I see it in the lettuce....If you have ordered, which products did you try and how did they taste....I find myself thinking about kidney's and food all the time....I need to get a better grip !",
	"Well I am on my way! I am not going to follow the menus as they are but I have figured out how to enter what I do eat and so far so good. I will be ordering the Papa Dash and getting a few other different things at the store but I feel okay about all of this change is my life.\n\nI am glad that this forum is here!\n\nLindash",
	"I'm currently in stage 3 CKD (just recently found out). I realize it varies but how much time do I have before I start dialysis? I'm meeting with a dietitian soon. Is there an average amount of time before one reaches dialysis? I'm 34 y/o with toddlers.\n\nAlso, what is the average life span while on dialysis?\n\nThanks in advance!",
	"I was wondering why my creatine has been going from 1.8 to 2.2 for about 4 months now. As it was stable for about 3 years and now it is doing this.",
	"Hello ...\n\nI am new here been dealing with kidney failure for a little over a 1 year and a half. I went into the last stage in Nov 06 and nearly died in my house. I was working full time and going to college at night full time. Everything took a toll on my body and I eventually quit my job, not to mention I drove nearly 60 miles everyday. In the hospital I had to adjust to all the butchering and surgeries needed for me to get access for dialysis. I was soooooo depressed and so severely anemic that I lost about 1/2 of my weight. I think I lost about 40 pounds in a month. I was diagnosed at 19 when I was in my first year of college I was so lost and my parents were in denial of my illness. At one point they thought I was doing drugs I was so distant and reserved. It wasn't until I met this amazing man 13 years older than me, I am now 27. I thought I would never meet someone so caring, so understanding and loving. He truly cared for me to the core of my soul. Since I quit my job I had no insurance anymore to go to the doctor. So we went to those pay for visits places in Los Angeles the kind of place you see poor people go to or people that cant afford insurance. TO me it mattered but I was so desperate to get answers. I felt horrible for 2 months before I went to the emergency room. I had severe arthritis I could barely walk and keep my balance, I felt like my body was so heavy. I just felt really ill. Not to mention I slept on a inflatable bed for a year popped in the middle of the night while my sister slept comfortably on her bed. I had finally had it with that air bed I purchased a futon. That futon became my bed for the next year even when I started getting really sick. I didnt have my own room because I was kicked out of my house. My dad and I use to not get a long at all. I grew up in a domestic violence situation and saw everything all the arguments the hitting the insults etc. I hate that my own father treated my mother this way and us. So that made my disease even harder to deal with. When I went with my friend Joe the guy that saved me to the doc he paid almost 300 dollarr in tests. They told me I had anemia and gave me fiber and some iron pills thats it! I got fed up with the place that I was starting to feel even worse. So my friend took me to his friend who was a real doc paid 65 dollars for the consultation with tests. They told me to wait a few days that if they called it was not good. I got the call that everyone dreads and never imagines. \" This is the medical assistant from doc Mendos office,\" we got your results and you need to go to the emergency room urgently, YOU HAVE KIDNEY FAILURE you need dialysis\". I said ok...and hung up. It took me almost a weeek to muster the courage to go with my friend. I went and they ran tests and found out I was severely anemic, creatinine levels were so high, potassium high, etc. My kidneys were gone in a matter of minutes. I laid there in my bed waiting for my friend to call my parents. My concern how are my parents going to take the news. I remember every little detail. My parents didnt know who Joe was but I knew something changed in my father when he came to see me. He hugged me , shook Joes hand and told me everything will be alright. Laying in that bed crying like a little girl Joe stood there holding my right hand and my dad holding me on the left. My first day on treatment was so hard I became numb all over and I had to have nurses take care of me. Show me how to walk again not to mention my speech was slurred and I started stuttering. I went through so much in the hospital..I had to receive a blood transfusion that wasnt even an exact match. I had a team of 5-6 doctors the best of the best. They were suppose to start me on chemo to see if they can save the kidneys but it was too late. Then another diagnosis, I had SLE Lupus the way they confirmed it is they lay me on my bed with local anesthesis DRILLED me in with a 7-8 inch metal into my hip bone extracted tissue from my bone. I never screamed so loud in my entire life or cried. The doc that performed it was probably a new doc and her first time doing this procedure. She wasnt so strong that she drilled me 3 times in and out. Ever since that incident I dont trust anyone poking me especially touching me. It was by far the worst pain ever!! But I was relieved that after almost 10 years of my adult life I finally knew what was wrong with me. Unfortunately for me it was too late the damage was done. I was so depressed and when I was well enough to go home I felt so damaged alone lost and most of all scared. I tried killing myself 3 times. I couldnt sleep and I had always suffered from panic attacks. So I locked myself in the bathroom and called 911 they came with 4 cop cars drawing their guns. When I opened the door I didnt fight or nothing they took me in peace to the hospital. I cried and cried I was sorry to my parents. It was the first time I saw my parents cry because I knew I finally hit a core with them. I got them to see how painful it was what I was going through. TO me that was like they finally understood they felt badly. After doing that I have never tried doing that again. I think about when my mom took pills and almost died if I hadnt walked in on her. i thought how much I would miss her if she was gone. SO now I just think about positive things as much as it hurts or how bad my day gets. I cry when I want to get my feelings out I dont hold them in anymore. One way I deal with my illnesses are my faith in god and my family and friends. I think those 3 things are the most universal things that help anyone and love of course. But also that I am continuing my education. I go to college and hope to become a teacher one day and help others. I have learned to accept myself as I am and never be ashamed of who I am. I may be sick but I keep going on and fighting, I guess I get that strength from my wonderful mother. Talking, hugging, kissing each person I love makes me a better person. I dont want to wait until something bad happens to say my I love yous again....",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nJust checking in to say that since I started cutting back on the protein, I have so much more energy. I am eating salad and fruit for lunch now. Keeping my protein to 5 ounces for dinner. Cereral and rice milk for breakfast with fruit of some sort.\n\nAlso, some good news - I have only two more tests to complete for my pre-transplant eval. My dental check when through with flying colors yesterday. I hope to get all this done by the end of May.\n\nStill feeling good and hopefully delaying dialysis for another couple of months.",
	"Hi everyone,\nI have written a few posts about my son, Evan, he is in stage 4 CKF and has been stable at 25GFR for a few months now. But the past 2 weeks I noticed his face looked swollen at night; he got on the scales and discovered he has gained an amazing 14lbs(he is very thin, so I didnt notice until recently because he actually looked better, at first). I am pretty sure it's from water weight, the jump is too high to fast to be any other reason. Plus, he has begun complaining about ringing in his ears and has a slight fever. We are calling the doctor today...he was supposed to go in on the 14th anyway. Can some of you that are past this stage give me an idea of what I should expect w/ these symptoms? I am bracing for the possibility that he has begun a quick downhill slide and may need the transplant sooner than we thought(end of summer). Anyone had these symptoms; have any advice or thoughts?\nBlessings,\nLynne",
	"Hello,\nThis is all so new to me, I started hemodialsys last Friday. I have had 4 sessions. Each time, my blood pressure drops and I can't even stand up after. Yesterday, I finished at 11:00 a.m. and it was 1:00 before I could even stand long enough to have my BP taken, and then they had to give me saline. Today I feel pretty good, I was just wondering if anyone else has had similar problems. All I hear is that my body has to get used to dialysis. How long does that take? Thanks for the help.",
	"I wanted to know if you have a creatine of 2.0 could you have any symptoms?",
	"I was just wondering how hard (or easy) it was to go to your dialysis unit if you were short of breath on the weekend?\nI'm in Canada and I was/am feeling quite short of breath today.\nSo, I call my unit and no one answers.\nI then called the emergency dept and was told that I have to go through there first, be seen by a doctor there, who then has to find a dialysis doctor and then see if they have any spots available or if I have to wait until my regular time.\n\nWhen I was at my unit on Friday I was just told to call and told I would not have a problem coming in.\nWell, now I find out that I actually have to wait up to 8 hours in emergency, be seen by the doctor there, then dialysis doctor is called, then they decide if I should just come back or go to the dialysis unit.\n\nTo me that sounds almost a bit riduculous if you already know what the problem you have is.\n\nSo, is it the same running through hoops in the US and other parts of Canada?\nI've never had to go in for anything dialysis related, so never thought it would be that bad here.\n\nI wanted to go into my unit today, but I do not think that I can stand mentally to wait over 6 hours.\nRight now I'm short of breath, but also starting to get anxiety problems from not sleeping well.\nWell, maybe I will try and take a warm bath and that might help a little or at least calm my nerves a bit.\n\nIt's 10am here now- that just means I have to get through until 7 am Monday morning without becoming a \"basket case\".",
	"Hi! I'm new here. I haven't really read through a lot of the threads here yet, but it seems a lot of you exercise. My dad is 67 years old and thinks that he can't exercise because he feels so crappy all the time. He has kidney failure and is on dialysis 3 days a week for 5 hours at a time. He's always been a strong man, but he has become so weak. He can't even bend over to pick something up off the floor that he has dropped. I feel like it's because he doesn't exercise that he is like this, OR can it be that he is he like this because of the dialysis? I feel like he should at least take walks or something to build up strength in his legs, but he tells us that we don't know how he feels. That is true. I don't really know how he feels. I just want him to do all he can to help himself. But, if it's the dialysis that is making him weak, and he can't exercise, I will accept that.\n\nDoes anyone have any advice or thoughts on this for me?\n\nThanks!\nCrystal.",
	"hi everyone, my story is , ever since i was 2yr old i had been a sickly child, my mom is convinced that it started when they took out my tonsels at the age. for many years mom has had to deal w/ my having many illnessess, ex ear inf.sinuse problem, rhuematic fever , shingles, arthiritist, you name it i've had it , the dr just didnt know what to do. i spent most of my child in hospital frm nyc , to ma. and now in fl. due to my mom unconditional love and devotion she new there was something wrong ,,they thought she was crazy , at 18 i developed a cyst on left eye that md insisted it was pink eye , and that is how he treated it after neumours visits for entire yr (senior yr h.s ) i dealt w/ chronic headaches, oder frm nose ,mouth, couldnt see wright, ended up again in er where md on call save my life, turn out to be a cyst that needed er surgery or i would die due to it growing into my brain , from then luckly my mom insisted that there was something wrong w/ my immune system, and thyroids,,finaly a pedi immunologist ran some test, dx came back that i had been born with what is rare and called COMMON VARIALBLE IMMUNO DEFIECENCY(cvid) -( LOW IGG/ IGM) CELL which part of ur immune system (in lamens term) when body has an infection , bacteria it goes to work to creat antibodies to fight it but in doing so it can't reconise the good from bad antibodies and start to attack me, and the good cell , at 18 is when i finaly found out way i was always sick, from then , came other problems , thyroids, reumaticc fever, shingle, neumours infections sinuse ear infection , arthiritis from neck down,not being able to walk for mnth at a time 3mnth , rehab, etc. when dx w/ cvid- i have had to take monthly infusion of gammagobulin ,w/ seem to work and i still got sick but i would go thru period of remission and not get sick for 6ms to a yr , stress seem to be big trigger , then came dx of all the other that i mention plus more, and now after allmost 3yrs of no hospitalization im dx w/ lupus and kidney failure stage 4. i thought at one time that i new my body and had always been able to know when i was about to have a flare up / or would be hospitalized, many yr about 20 yrs ago i was dx with borderline lupus, the most i would get was the rash, or joint pain to point that i could not move any thing frm neck down, about 1-2 yrs ago all test came positive and im no longer boarder line , im full blown lupus and kidney disease. kidney disease stage4 dx is newest dx in feb o8, as you can imagen i feel like i keep fight a loosing battle , have been nothing but a burden to my mom , i love her like no one can imagen and shes not even my biological mom which has never mattered to me. if it werent for her i know i should have been dead a long time ago . i was able by gods mericle i was able to have 1 healthy child ( i was suppose to not be able to carry full term due to my many illness) for that reason i never tryed for another, which sometime i still yearn for another ) but shes now 15 / freshman in H.S) and now having to deal with my lupus and kidney disease, for years iv been able to hide and only my imdiate family new , my work history is poor due to illnesses, but as long as i could hide it i would push on . especialy when i had my daughter, she gave me a reason to want to live and fight, but now im scared that i have little time . and its the most important part of my daughters life, there is still soo much she has to learn , due to how immune system is (low) kidney disease which treatment is to lower my immune ,but the medicine to treat the cvid is to increase my immune , my md not only is this situation new to them , but my choises of meds are limited, not elegable for transplants,and there not sure i would be able to do diaylisis , i;ve had 2 1/2 mths to absorb this new dx, and my many changes over night and in 3 mth beeen hospitalized 3 time for up 3 wks. im angry, fustrated, confused im trying to keep it together for my daughters sake , this has me stress because this is effect every aspect of her life especial grade, her real father is not in picture and it has always been just the 2 of us. yes i have family but its not the same, ive been with my fiance for 5 1/2 years and this is the first time he sees my sick , i tryed to scare him away in the begining of our relationship /like i ve done with every other , but he insist on staying around, he too has been a blessing , hes wonderful, he has custody of his 2 children , provides ,hard worker, can do it all , cook,clean, etc. i feel so fustrated and cant stand not having control of life, not knowing what is going to happen but my biggest worry is wanting to be able to see my daughter graduate frm hs, and now i want more , i want to see her marry, i want to be a granma, etc ..i thank god every day and have always thank him for giving me another day, but i feel like every time i move forward i feel like god thinks it funny and pull me back, (when and if i get to heaven i have a few things to say to him and he may not let me in) i guess after rambling on like this i just needed to vent, i need help to cope, to keep it together , especial w/my daughter that along with her having to deal w/ all of this , were having teen issues, lying , not beeing honest, grades, boys,etc.and i need to learn more about what i should now about this disease, foods,etc. and dont want to continue beeing a burden to my family and friends which have been wonderful and are a praying for me.but they still cant ever fully understand all my worries. i welcome any advice",
	"Hello All:\n\nQuestion: Does it make a difference as to what type of dialysis you are on, as to whether they will consider you for a transplant? I heard from my BC/BS nurse today, that it is better to be on PD, as your antibodies get screwed up on hemo dialysis. Once your antibodies are screwed up, the transplant team may overlook you for a kidney. Anybody hear of such a thing?",
	"I have a few doctors who are following my care.\n\nI have stage 3 CKD, and 34 y/o.\n\nNephrologist suspects membranous nephropathy.\n\nOB/GYN suspects Lupus Nephritis\n\nI'm looking for a new internist.\n\nI have protein and blood in my urine. And low-grade fever for several months now.\n\nWhat does Anachoice SCR w/RFL Titer means? It showed positive on my lab results.\nAnd what is ANA, IFA, it showed above average at 1.80.\n\nMy biopsy hasn't been scheduled yet but will soon be and I know I'm jumping the gun, but I wanted a heads up first. Can anyone shed some light?",
	"Thanks to those who replied. At our doc appt. the neph told us that these were symptoms of his new med(mood stabilizer). She decreased the dose and we are already weaning him off of that med.\nHis kidney function did go down, however, to 23GFR. I am somewhat concerned that the head surgeon said he will not schedule him for the transplant surgery until he is down to 20GFR, but it can take 1-2 months to get a surgery date, so I am worried that he'll crash during that time and get really sick....anyone else have any thoughts? The doc is pretty firm on this due to insurance regs, but it's hard for me to believe that he's supposed to hang on from 1-3 months at 20% function w/o some harsh effects or having to do emergency dialysis. His doc did not want him to do any dialysis before the transplant...that will make it harder for his body to take the new kidney(according to neph).\nthanks for your support,\nLynne",
	"Hi everyone!\n\nThe doc today says I need to get darling hubby a protein supplement powder she says that the dietician at the hospital recomends promod. After extensive internet searching I discovered that I can only get this abbot product in Norway. (apparently).\n\nI see that DaVita recommends procel in a lot of their recipes.\n\nAnyone know were to buy it locally since the doc wants to retest in 2 weeks?\n\nOr\n\nWhich one do you use and were do you get it?\n\nthanks as always in advance you guys are the best\n\nAnnie\n\n \n\nI love these smiley faces",
	"hey I started on dec 4th with my 1st perma cath, now in may i'm on #4 has anyone had trouble with shortness of breath when being power flushed? Help I'm losing my mind with the cath flushing it hurts I cant breath. any ideas\n\nthanks",
	"My wonderful friend and ex boyfriend (right now) the man who saved my from myself and has allowed for me to see the world in a different way and not be so angry.\n\nThese excerpts were taken from some self help books I received when I was really ill in the hospital precisely after my blood transfusion....\n\n\"Dear Brenda..Through some difficult nights and terrible pains, you are still here. Always adapting , resurrected and new again.Today will be the first day of the rest of your life. I give you this book only as a reminder. It is filled with ideas we already own, but we often forget them. Im here to remind you that are are extraordinarily strong and kind. Let this book rekindle those inner fires that can dim in the midst of a storm. And of course this confusing time has helped us to see the goodness in our hearts. I Thank you for the opportunity to help you, it is a blessing to help you. It is why we are here, no ? To learn and to share. You are an angel and soon you'll be flying high again.\n\nSincerely, One who Understands\n\nPS...After you read this, can you send me one of those brilliant precious shots of love, you call a smile ? Please...Have a Beautiful Day\".\n\nI would read some of my most initimate details written by him to nurses at night when I couldnt sleep I was so sad. I remember meeting some amazing nurses especially one name Shirley..i will always remember that doll of a lady....so kind so genuine......the one who prayed for me and with me.....",
	"Hi, I am 61 yrs old and 7 yrs. ago had a kidney removed with renal cell cancer. I have learned from my PCP that my Bunn and Creatinine level is elevated, so off to a Neph.\nAt my first visit I was told that I have lost 50% kidney function. Next week I go for an\nultrasound and more blood work. The kidney I have left has a cyst in it and I have been getting more pain in it lately, is that normal? I have read some of your posts and have learned things from them..Can anyone tell me what stage I am in? Thanks so much\nfor you help.",
	"My mother in law just started PD. She gets nausea only during the fill period. Sometimes she vomits but not all the time. They keep telling her it has nothing to do with the dialysis but it only seems to happen during the fill. Any thoughts?",
	"Hi - I can't see any recipe section on this site - where is it???? Thanks",
	"Please over look my spellling!!\n\nHi this is my 1st post. My name is Ella I am 34 yrs old. I have to daughter ages 5 and 20 months. (Thanks God for them!! They keep me going!) We live in the Northern part of South Georgia. 15 yrs ago I got sock with a bad case of Pancreatitus. That sent me in to complete renal failure resulting in to 2 months of Dyalais . That is also when I was Dx with Diabetes. Thanks Goodness my kidneys started back. I have a lot of other health problems too. It was not until I was carrying my youngest daughter that I found out I had sever anemia causing me to be transfused weekly. With Testing Leukemia was ruled out and I was Dx with Lupus and Stage 4 CKD.. My Kidneys were shutting down so fast that my Dr had to deliver my daughter 61/2 weeks early. 20 months later. I am taking a bunch of Meds and I get bi- weekly Procrit200 shots .I may have ot have my right leg taken off soon and I stay tired all the time I am having a Fistula put in my left arm (hopefully at the wrist) on Wednesday.\n\n I am worried about how being on dialysis is going to affect my girls and it really scares me to think about all the what ifs. My Dr doubts that I will ever be able to be transplanted since I have had a post surgery wound on my foot for 2 yrs that has not healed completely.\n\nSo what should I expect??? What do I need to know??\n I have read that they really butcher your arm up putting in a Fistula. My Dr is not a lot of help. I have tried finding another Dr but I have not had any luck..\n\nThanks Ella",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nWell, I was doing fine regarding all my tests for my transplant eval. However, I got a monkey wrench thrown at me today. My stress test came back abnormal. So, my question is: Do I have to redo all my testing or do I simply pick up where I left off once I am fixed with this problem? Thanks for any info. Not happy.....as my vacation is coming up in just under two weeks.",
	"My grandmother has a perm cath in that was put in about two months ago and she has not really had any problems with it but we do have a question. She is complaining of it being sore our neph ordered a culture around the area cause it was a red color. She has not had fever or chills and no sign of infection so far. Now she does sleep on the side where her cathetar is and when we are in the car the seatbelt rubs the area where it is. My question is could the pressure of her laying on that side make it sore or red around the area? Thank you for your response's I look forward to hearing from you all.",
	"I go for my Transplant Evaluation this week. This is my first visit and I am a little nervous, because I don't know what this eval will consist of. Also, I have a big question that might change my outcome of whether I will be accepted as a transplant candidate or not ----- I can't swallow pills. Never have been able to. My dad can't either. I take approximately 8 pills a day now, but a chew each and every one of them up. So see, I'm concerned. I don't think you can chew up transplant drugs (some are time released) and chewing up that many a day probably upsets the stomach. I wonder if there is any type of injections of meds you can get or something like that/???????\n\nCharli",
	"My son is in stage 4 CKF and his vomiting has returned( it was better after a while on Prilosec). This morning he tried to eat breakfast, but it immediately came back up along w/ an orange substance. I thought this may be bile...but after researching, it seems that bile is either yellow or green.....could it turn orange if mixed with blood? This has me concerned...any advice? I have called his neph, just wanted an opinion in the meantime.\nBlessings,\nLynne",
	"Increasingly I am loggin on getting a time and start a message, most often a reply. Between the start and the finish the system posts a logoff and when I hit the submit button it says I am not logged on and the msg is gone.",
	"Hi there! My name is Melissa. I am 34 years old and only have one kidney, which they tell me is only functioning around 10%. I have not started dialysis yet, but my doctor has started to recommend it based on my latest bloodwork. Scared stiff. I don't feel bad or run down, but am confused and don't really know what to do.",
	"My husband has his PD catheter put in next week. I am disabled and he is our only income and that makes me nervous as he will only get 60% of his normal pay until he can go back to work. What if he can't go back to work? We had a visit with PD nurses who talked a little bit about after surgery care and what all is involved with PD. It's a lot to remember to mask and clean and clean and clean. I am so afraid I'll forget to clean something and he'll get an infection. I am feeling so overwhelmed right now. He is also a diabetic and has been having a lot of low blood sugars and he is mean when that happens. Thanks for listening, I just needed to vent. I am feeling so stressed right now.",
	"Today we found out that hubby's afternoon fill can be stopped and PD is done only at night. Tests were done last week and we got the results today. Now he can start his PD when he gets ready for bed and it will be over in less than 8 hours.\n\n This as such a good surprise. We had adjusted to the late afternoon fill and then bedtime hook up. It had become our way of life. Hubby's feels he has a new lease on life.\n\nWe are so happy with our DaVita Clinic and the personal there. All of them are so supportive and encouraging.\n\nI hope our good news gives someone else encouragment..",
	"I am very new to this and was wondering how long does it usually take to progress from stage 3 to needing dialysis if you stay on diet, loose weight, exercise and do everything possible to keep your kidney healthy?",
	"Hello everyone,\n\nMy daddy is on dialysis and I would love to get him a gift that is related to dialysis. Can you please let me know which online store would you recommend? And also what kind of a gift would an 60 year old man enjoy at dialysis.?\n\nThank you",
	"I am on dialysis, allergic to latex and trying to train for home home hemo, but I think I will lose my mind....I'm sick after treatment I just don't know how to have a life anymore...I'm sick of fighting...I know people have done this much longer then me and I have great respect for them.....I just don't know if I can do this",
	"I am 43 and have worked all my life now they tell me that i need dialysis and i dont have any pain at all..just that my number are so high and they are not working like they should me...but my question is are there anyone out that that can do dialysis and still work a factory job ..the kind they did before they went on dialysis ..i sure could use some help thanks..",
	"My question is are there anyone out there drawing full disabiliy on dialysis..why i am asking is i am only 43 and they want me to start dialysis now because my is creatinine is at 11..please help",
	"AMedicineTime.com is offering a free printout of the medicine to take, the dosage and the time of day. The program also note when the drugs run out. It handles daily and non daily dosages.\nThis was in \"The Pilot\" today, a Pinehurst newspaper.\nIt seems to me that it is a valuable asset, I AM NOT ADVERTISING FOR THEM.\nI'm going to try to use it for the patients at my center who do not have access to a computer.",
	"After a renal scan for high blood pressure, my cardiologist found out that I only had one kidney. Today I received my lab results and found out that my GFR is 56. Stage 3.\nMy family doctor is referring me to a nephrologist. Will my levels get worse faster because of my solitary kidney? I run 4 miles a day and am not over-weight. I don't know what else I can do to help with my lifestyle. Will I eventually have to have dialysis or a transplant? Do all people with this have to with kidney disease or is there any hope to remain at stage 3 forever? I am only 41 and don't know what to think about all this.\nMy blood pressure with meds. are still high... We are working on that.",
	"Hi, I'm wondering if anyone out there has this burping thing.......... I have had the slight nauseo (not enough to throw up or anything), just uncomfortable and a whole lot of burping for a while now. It's getting worse... It seems like I have this everyday, sometimes several times a day and I have it every single night...............or whenever my stomach is empty (food helps) or doing the tsp of baking soda in water helps somewhat... Doc said I do have this acidosis thing where the acid builds up cause of kidney and that probably causes it, but I haven't heard of anyone having this???? Any help or any suggestions from someone who has it??????????\n\nCharli",
	"Hi! 27 days ago my mom stopped dialysis. Three months prior she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, it has spread to her liver and possibly her stomach. The dr's didn't think she would survive 3 weeks, but she's still with us. We do have her in Hospice care and they have said that the longest anyone has survived w/o dialysis is 6 weeks. She really isn't having much edema, she is getting more irritable and is sleeping more. I live in Iowa and she is in Pennsylvania......so this is extremely hard on both of us.\n\nI'm not sure what I'm really asking here, and I just cannot seem to get my words together right now.....but I was wondering if anyone can give me insight as to what to expect, etc.\n\nThanks....",
	"This is the second time I am trying to post. Last time I did not even get on the board. I am a member here and I think I should get posted. I have ckd stage4 I get sick and tired every day, some days are worse then others. My last creatinine was 3.1 and my gfr was 20, is that normal thing to happen with those kind of readings. Just wondering thanks.",
	"I wanted to share this last night but the forum wouldn't let me post. It often tells me I may not make a new thread or post to existing ones even though I am logged in. LOL! But tonight it let me. LOL!\n\nLast week the dialysis clinic told me to come in only on Tuesdays and Saturdays, skipping the Thursday treatment. I had hoped the doctor would stop me all together as the nurse practitioner had thought he might, but I decided I'd just have to be patient a while longer. Well...yesterday I received a call from the dialysis clinic. The nephrologist had been into the clinic, reviewed my last blood tests again and told them to tell me not to come in Saturday! My last dialysis was Tuesday; they want me to come in next Tuesday for treatment and do more blood tests. Then the doc wants to see how my blood tests are after not having had dialysis for a week. Hopefully by next Thursday I will get a call telling me I can stop dialysis completely! I'm praying and believing! The doc had previously told me that my kidney function was coming back. My blood tests show that my blood is twice as clean as they want dialysis to clean it! LOL! I thank God for healing my kidneys! And my other 'parts' as well! Whoo-Hoo! God is good! He IS in the miracle business!",
	"My partner's mother is diabetic and in (non-dialysis) renal failure. The information I can get from them on what she can eat is spotty at best (the typical reply when I ask is \"almost nothing\"), although I am aware that potassium is Enemy Number One.\n\nAnyway, I'm a feeder. And I would like to be able to cook for her without killing her. In an ideal world anyway.\n\nThe recipes on here are a start, but I'm not clear about what the guidelines they give mean. So the apple squares for example have a sugar/Splenda option and list nutritional information with a certain amount of potassium etc at the bottom. So I made them (they were even reasonably good) and then realised that (apparently) sugar substitutes have potassium, and I'm not clear whether the values listed on the recipe included the Splenda or the sugar, (they have a note about sugar content, but not about potassium?). And how critical this difference is.\n\nAnd are all sugar substitutes created equal, or is one better than another?\n\nAlso I see lists of \"high potassium\" vs \"low potassium\" foods which sometimes overlap depending on the source, but with no guidelines on how they're defining High vs low.\n\nThis is all monumentally confusing. So any clarification would be appreciated.",
	"My husband got his new PD catheter on Friday. He has his first dressing change is tomorrow. He is really sore and the site is draining some but he seems to be doing ok. The surgeon said they checked the catheter after they put it in and it drains ok so I guess that is a good sign.",
	"I have been running 4 miles a day for over 3 months now...Last week my doctor reported my lab results. I was recently diagnosed with a solitary kidney and have had blood pressure for the last year and a half. I am only 40. My GFR was 56 stage 3. It was 65 in November 2007. My family physician is scheduling an appt with a nephrologist.\n\nUntil this time,,he has taken me off my dieturic (sp) because he said this can change the results of my gfr rate. That was last Wednesday! On Friday when I started to run, it felt like my lower legs were so tight they would explode. I thought it was just a fluke.. But ever since that time, my lower half of my legs get so tight that it is uncomfortable to run. I try to run through it like today, yet 2 hours after my ONLY 1 MILE RUN my legs are still heavy.\nI do not want to give up running....Has anyone had the same thing happen? What could it be?\n.\nI am currently on 300mg of Wellbutrin XL and Bystolic 5mg. I am not overweight and run twice a day.\n\nPlease help!",
	"IM new to this messaging so here goes i do dialysis at home and it has giving me strength to do other things and also you have to go out and have some fun. you have to let your family be there.",
	"My husband just got his PD catheter on Friday. They won't actually use it for 2 weeks but it is causing him tremendous pain where the cather is inside. Has anyone else had this much pain inside? They tell him it is normal and will go away once the fluid is inside and the catheter has something to float in but that is more than a week away. They flushed it yesterday and said it worked just fine. The pain was so great today he went to the ER and they did a cat scan and said the catheter looks fine.",
	"Hello all, new to forum,\n\nA little history - I'm 51, when I 19, after a biopsy, a doctor told me I had nephritis from strep thoart but I didn't remember ever having strep but did have a severe case of Scarlet Fever when I was two. Always had traces of blood and protein in urine test. Over the last few years, blood and protein loss has increased and creatine level is now at 2.95, with HBP and high cololesteral, I'm figure my GFR is 23 or 24, stage 4.\n\nMy doctor doesn't seem to concerned because I'm not anemic? Does this sound right? I feel like I've been hit by a train, just want to sleep, sick to my stomach in the morning and evenings, achy joints, headaches, edema in my legs and totally out of breath with little exsertion.\n\nI can't locate the original test results and new doctor doesn't what to do biopsy, he said it may cause more harm than good. He also says he's not sure what type of glomerile nephritis I have but he'll just treat the symptoms?\n\nAm I over reacting? Just a little scared and need some advice.\n\nThanks, Confused",
	"Hi, this is my first post. This might be long, but I have a long history. I am 36 years old and suffer from Chronic Kidney Failure, with only having one kidney. I am in stage 5 functioning at 11%. My doc just advised me that I will be starting dialysis soon. I had an AV Fistula put in about 3 months ago because I was pregnant. Unfortunatly, I lost my baby at the end of being 5 months pregnant. During that time I had to have a blood transfusion. I did have a donor lined up but now that I have had the transfusion it has put everything on hold for 3 months.\n\nAnyway, the reason I am writing is because I do not know what to expect out of hemodialysis. I am actually quite scared to start. I try to find things on the net to read on hemodialysis but it really don't help. I am afraid of the unknown. And about dying.\n\nJust if somebody that is on or has been on hemodialysis please write to me with some reassurance would be great.\n\nThanks in advance to anyone that replies.!!!!",
	"I am fairly new to PD and me and my wife have discussion about swiming. While I know that pools and lakes are of limuits I was told that ocean is OK to go into. My wife is woried about infection. Anybody with any expirience or knowledge please help",
	"My creatine is around 3, protein lost is 3gms however I not anemic? Does this sound correct, I done a lot of reading, seems like I should be anemic? I feel very tried, painful joints, trouble sleeping, edema, frequent urination (tons of foam), headaches, severe shortness of breath, HPD, high colesteral and if I lay down - I don't feel like moving or getting up.\n\nMy question, isn't it common to be anemic with CKD or with some types of CKD you don't see anemic results until ESRD?\n\nThanks",
	"Our cycler went off the other night and hubby had to call and find out what to do to get things corrected. No problem. The guy was so nice and in no time things were going again.\n\nHubby was told that Baxter was coming out with a new cycler after the first of the year. Smaller and better. How exciting. The one we have is great but the idea of something even small is wonderful. Has anyone heard about this? If so what do you know? I guess I should do some checking with Baxter.\n\nIsn't it great that there are new developments going on with dialysis!!",
	"Hi Everyone,\n\nThere is always a sad story with everyone involved around a kidney donation. I want to avoid that and just give a situation and my question.\n\nMy girlfriend has lupus (a disease that attacks your organs and in her case, her kidneys). It has destroyed both kidneys at this point. She also was diagnosed with cancer a few months back. She is going through Chemo but b/c her kidneys have failed she has to go through dialysis. Her problem is the dialysis filters out the chemo and it pretty much makes it useless, allowing the cancer to go unchecked. She needs a direct donation so that she can get a kidney so that the chemo can stay in her system. She can not go on a donor list b/c of her cancer. She has been dealt a very tough card here and I was wondering if anyone can offer advice about direct donations.\n\nHer immediate family cirlce has produced no positive results in regards to a direct donation. Are there groups out there that help people in her situation? Does anyone have advise about asking friends to get tested? Is it rude to ask someone for a donation that isn't a relative? I would love to hear any advice you could give, no matter how small. Thanks for reading...\n\nCraig",
	"My husband hasn't even started actual dialysis yet and already has an infection at his exit site. They noticed it when they flushed his catheter and I asked them to change the bandage because it didn't look right to me. Glad I caught it when I did but it is so stressful. They gave him an antibiotic but until the culture comes back they don't know if it is the right one for the infection.",
	"Hi!...My brother in law is pretty new to dialysis...I would like them to come to visit us..Since he is a Davita member does that mean he can only go to Davita centers? There is not one anywhere near our area...",
	"Please share your experiences re Stage 4. I know the symptoms and Stage 4 is my diagnosis. I am sooooo tired all the time-no energy, mentally get very tired also. I am 67 Years old. All the symptoms of being at Stage 4 describe me, but is it all CKF or my age or a combination of both. I am trying to come to peace about this. I had a right nephrectomy July 07 and then found out the left kidney does not function properly. My GFR is at 25, 1- points higher than eligibility for dialysis.\nThank you for sharing with me!!!!\nSusan",
	"Hello All\n\nI need help...I have been having numbness in my right hand on and off for a couple days....today I was in the shower and all of a sudden as I was shaving my legs I became reallllllly dizzy the most I ever experienced.....I was so dizzy I screamed and cried and couldnt get my balance...I shut off the water and was screaming for my mom. I eventually got out with a town and walked to my moms room the door was open and she finally heard me....I told her I was so dizzy...everything spinned it lasted for like 8 minutes....I walked back with her to my room naked with a towel and she told me to lay down...she covered me with another towel and good thing I have a bp machine so she checked it. It was 189/98..im usually good about taking my meds so I took them and then it dropped to about 148/89. However I took a nap (i was scared still) and when I woke up it was high again....I take a lot of meds....atenolol, clonidine, procardia...cellcept , plaquenil, aspirin, folic acid, renovite..phoslo and sensipar..i read the side effects for cellcept and it states it gives you high bp....I hadnt taken it in a while so last night i took cellcept..can anyone tell me what could be the cause ?? also my protein is low/borderline normal but my blood count is low...could that be the cause? everything else is normal range?? i eat things im not suppose to eat esp with salt....and a couple days ago my legs were soooo swollen ....any advice is welcomed....thank you",
	"hello I AM NEW TO DIALYSIS IT WAS SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING FOR ME AND IT HAS BEEN A RIDE I HAVE FAINTED MY BP HAS DROPED AND IFEEL SO BAD AFTER A TREATMENT. I AM TOLD IT WILL GET BETTER IN TIME .MY BIG PROBLEM IS NOW I ALSO GET A VERY UP SET STOMACH DURING THE LAST HOUR OF TREATMENT .WHAT CAN I DO FOR IT AND DO ANY BODY OTHER THAN ME HAVE THIS PROBLEMhttp://www.davita.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif",
	"If anyone out there can help me to understand my lab results, it would be greatly appreciated!! I have been feeling ill for several years now, and just last week my Doc did some more blood tests.\n\nPotassium 3.5 low\nCO2 31 high\nTotal Protein 4.2 low\nGlobulin 0.1 low\nA/G ratio 41.0 high\nAST 53 high\nALT 71 high\nCreatinine 1.1 normal (range is .6 - 1.1)\n\nGFR 59\n\nI've never had a GFR calculated before, but was scared when I saw that 59 indicates stage 3 kidney failure. Some of my symptoms are nausea, dizziness, extremely fatigued all the time, retain water like crazy, up several times a night to use the restroom and very forgetful. My blood pressure today was 150/91! It usually runs high, around 135/85. I am not on any blood pressure meds. My doc finally sent me to an Endocrinologist and he thinks I have an issue with my pituitary gland and is concerned about my kidneys, too. My primary care doc called me today to come back into her office to talk to me some more about what's going on. Has anyone else experience anything like this - and is the GFR really pretty accurate?\n\nHelp, Please!!!\nAndidel",
	"Hi,\n\nAbout a week ago I visited my brother in the hospital in Atlanta. We had not seen each other for years, and his appearance was ravaged, and he near death.\n\nKnowing that he has type 2 diabetes, which I know is the basis for all of his problems, including bone infection in toe due to neuropathy, retinopathy in one eye, high blood pressure, irritable bowel symdrome, diabetic blister on foot, could not even walk, etc. etc., and according to his doctor's he was in stage 3 renal disease. However, this week he said that the doctor's have since said that he does not have renal disease and his diabetes is in control. In fact, the reason that he is in the hospital is that he had a heat stroke. He is in true denial about his disease and it is difficult to find out information,as it seems that everyone that we speak with is foreign and the difficulty in understanding their accent is unbelievable. Virtually all of the doctor's, and much of the staff are not natural born American citizens, and may not even be citizens.\n\nMy question to anyone is that if he was diagnosed with stage 3 renal disease is it possible for this to be reversed? My understanding of kidney disease is that once damage is done, it is done, and one hopes and tries to have it not worsen. I do not believe what he has told me about not having kidney disease.\n\nThanks for any input.",
	"Does anyone know anywhere to find out what foods have what levels of things like Phosphorus or Potassium, it always seems to take forever to find anything. like right now I needed to find out if Limes have high phosphorus levels or not, but my searches keep coming up with soil testings.... HELP!!!",
	"hello, i will be starting home dialysis on june 25. my gfr is 6 , my creatine 7.3 i have no symptoms but my labs are very poor, the dr. has been after me to start dialysis for a long time , i did agree to have a fistula placed last year, that shut the dr, up for a while, but at the last visit he tild me he was afraid that i was going to get sick if i didnt start dialysis he got on me pretty bad so i have agreed to get a date to do home dialysis training,i am not diabetic, my husband has a harley i am his riding buddy, i dont want to change my life . please help me sort this out!",
	"I really like potatoes, but do have the energy to peal, slice, dice, soak, drain, soak again, drain again, then boil, drain again, mash.\n\nI wonder if the dried, instant potatoes is lower is potassium and phospherous?",
	"I finally got clear of the c-Difficil and after 4 cancellations am now day 5 of post transplant and ready.. God willing... to go home tomorrow. I had it done st RVH in Montreal Quebec .My nurses and after care team have been awesome and I feel as tho' I could paint the building altho must say steroids do most of it. It was relatively painless compared to other surgeries I have had and my creatinin is down from 800 to 94 ( Canadian numbers used). My donor was my husband and he has had a more diffficult time relating not so much to the kidney as some rare things that happend. He had some tissue breakdown where they had him on his side which of course sent his CK flying and they worried about HIS other kidney. Then he found out he was allergic to a combination of the tape and the antiseptic together so has big blisters on his belly. Although kind of swollen from all the fluids they have been pumping into him he is much better and also coming home tomorro. He told me altho lots was unexpected.. he's never been even a little sick.. he would do it again because I look so well. Isn't that great. To all of you on the forum who have helped with your advice and support this last year and a half thank you. I'll stay in touch.\nMarilyn 1947",
	"Why I despise dialysis -I'm tired of:\n\n\n\n\nThe way it deforms my body -I used to be a decent looking woman; but since I've been on dialysis, every day my body looks more and more like an old woman -and I'm only 50\n\n\n\nThe way it took my social life from me\n\n\n\nThe embarrassingly ridiculous amount of trash it generates\n\n\n\nThe way it cleans your blood, but washes you out and never actually makes you feel good\n\n\n\nThe weight it made me lose -I have little in the way of good muscle mass anymore, but dialysis leaves me with little or no energy to exercise\n\n\n\nThe way it takes up half a day every day\n\n\n\nThe way the doctors and nurses gang up on you to try and scare you into buying and taking more and more pills\n\n\n\nThe way the doctors and nurses treat you like a cash cow who's just a pair of kidneys they need to gather data on so that they can get the Medicare reimbursement for their clinic\n\n\n\nThe way the doctors and nurses really couldn't care less about you as a human being\n\n\n\nHow uncomfortable it is\n\n\n\nHow nasty some of the medicine tastes\n\n\n\nThe diet -you're not allowed to eat anything with any true nutrition in it\n\n\n\nThe way the doctors and nurses demonize dairy just because they themselves don't believe in consuming milk and cheese\n\n\n\nThe way the doctors and nurses couldn't care less about your quality of life\n\n\n\nHow the doctors and nurses suggest that you'll have to wear pants with retarded elastic bands and big fat shirts, which is disconcerting when you're still a relatively young woman and don't feel like spending thousands on a new wardrobe or dressing like you're 82 years old\n\n\n\nLack of appetite\n\n\n\nHow doctors and the clinics are so greedy that they shamelessly game the Medicare system, often favoring cutting quality of patient services just to increase their profits\n\nAnd these are just a few reasons I despise dialysis",
	"I had a transplant on March 4 and they took it back on March 7. My shoulder has been hurting since the surgeries. Has anyone else experienced this and if so what did you do about it?",
	"I am a patient currently on peritoneal dialyses.\n\nMy problems is that when I am on peritoneal dialyses, my albumin is lower and lower between blood samples. (It started off at 3.6, three weeks later it was down to 3.4. Three week later it was was 3.2 and now it's only 2.9)\n\nI am eating well, lots of protein and additional I take a 60 gram protein (Protel, 3 satchels each) shake each day.\n\nHow else can I improve my albumin level? I will be thankful for your response.\n\nHans H Nahme",
	"Hello, I Start Dialysis On Thursday26th, Is There Something Special I Need To Know, Do I Eat Before I Go , My Training For Homehemo Will Start At 12 Noon, I Am Not Diabetic. How Much Should I Drink Before I Go. I Had A Question Posted On This Site Last Week, With Some Excellent Comments, My Gfr Is 6 , I Have No Other Medical Problems, But I Am Scared,",
	"I have a garden which i grow vegetables. I had enough vegetable in my garden that i didn't have to go to the store. I have people that live in the community that help me out. Twice a year, a pre-school class visit the garden. They come and looked at my summer and winter garden. In my city they want me to talk about organic garden. I don't have snail or worms in my food. I make my own remedies.\nConvince my doctor to let me work twice a week for 4 hours a week. I wanted to exercise my brain and feet. I walk 1/4 miles twice a week.\nI love the sing Karaoke with my friend, Ben. Ben and I cook and sing Karaoke. We both like to get into Karaoke contest. I have won many prizes and a grand prize of a trip for two to Mexico for one week. They flew us to Mexico and we stay at the Holiday Inn\nBen and I like to cook and go fishing, It's easy for me to get bore. That why I have so many hobbies.\nI'm working on going to Los Angeles, CA. to the garment dist. Maybe take a tour bus!\nI will always have some going on in my life. I really try to stay HIGH SPRIT. I love to have fun!",
	"I haven't posted here in a while, so I thought I'd give an update on my dialysis situation. I have been doing NxStage for a year, but I'm having progressively worse problems with my access. I'm also moving, and I'm going to be living alone. So on June 6th, I had a PD catheter placed, and I've just started training. It's going really well, and I've been reluctantly accepting it. I did my first PD \"treatment\" today, which was a 1L fill, 30min dwell and drain. The only thing I'm not going to like is the abdominal cramping during the drain, but I'll get used to it. Since I've actually physically done it now, I'm seeing just how easy it really is, and I think I may like it even more than home hemo. I may not be able to post here regularly for a while because of so much going on right now, but I'll try to \"stop in\" every now and then to see how things are going.\n\nAdam",
	"I have been off and on dialysis for almost 20 years and even though sometimes I feel like I just cant keep this up family and friend and a hopelessly optimistic attitude keep me going. I have had 2 transplants and I am on call for number 3 right now. I am a 39 year old mom of 1 great 13 year old boy and married to my true soul mate for over 20 years. I am truly blessed because I am still alive and able to help so many others adjust to this huge change of life. I have been the whole gommet with dialysis. CAPD, CCPD, grafts everywhere, IJ's Sub Clavicles, and now one of the last sites available a leg graft. I volunteer everywhere, sit and enjoy the moment and love to geocache with family and friends. I would love to talk to anyone needing some info or pick me up!",
	"help, i just came from trainingat my first day of dialysis. today was the first day i have used my fistula, all went as expected. but when the nurse took the needle out there is a large hard bruise the nurse said it was because i didnt hold pressure hard enough is this true? she said. and the blood backed up , but i want to know if maybe the needle infiltered i dont see how holding pressure could have caused it to be so big and hard and is now brusing",
	"Hey there...... I am a 25 yr old whose mom has recently started dialysis. We were warned that it was coming, but I don't think I ever really sat and thought about it till it happened. She developed kidney disease and blindness through the diabetes that she developed while pregnant with me. I know that its not my fault but yet I can't help but feel guilt for the fact that I caused all of this. I am sure no one ever takes it lightly but everytime I talk to her and she is sick or just too tired to wanna get out of bed, my heart breaks. I don't have anyone to really talk to that understands this so I was hoping to just get advice from someone who does. My mom has always been the strongest lady I know, and to watch her being weak and telling me she can't do this, is something very hard and painful to me. Maybe the support from you guys can help us through this... I don't know but its worth a try.... Thanks to all",
	"Hello. I am new to the forum and also new to dialysis--started 2 months ago.\n\nI have a fistula that is also relatively new. It was created about 6 weeks ago and because I have such good veins (who knew that would be an advantage one day??), I began using it only after 3 weeks instead of the usual 6 - 8 weeks. It obviously has to mature, and it works pretty well right now, although I often have to combine fistula (one needle) with the catheter.\n\nMy question is about spasms in fistula. The other day, when my nurse put extra tape on the fistula, it immediately began \"buzzing\". The technician ignored it and said it would be okay but it continued 4 or 5 times. I told him it wasn't okay. I knew buzzing (spasms) was a problem because it happened once before and the technician at that point was a little upset about it and immediately took that needle out. She then used fistula/catheter combo.\n\nLast week, when it began buzzing again it took me calling for the nurse for technician to change the needle. He was quite willing to let me spend the next 3 1/2 hours with this awful sensation. I wasn't.\n\nDoes anyone know what causes the spasms with the needle during fistula access? What it's all about? Any advice or experience with this? Will it continue once the fistula matures?\n\nThank you for your help.",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nThought I would bring you up-to-date on my eval. I went and had a re-eval. on my mammogram. It came back negative. Then I went to see the transplant cardiologist to review my stress test. They did an EKG, did an exam and he said he would submit his Letter of Cardiology to the chief of the transplant center. Passed that one too! I think I am done.\n\nI emailed my transplant coordinator, but have not heard back from her. Waiting to see if they happen to pull another test out of their hat that I have to pass. And, of course, there is the 2 month wait to find out if I even get on the \"list\". Wait...wait...wait.\n\nThat's the news so far.",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nI am sort of trying to decide still which dialysis type I would prefer when my time comes. Can you all give me some feedback here as to what is good or bad in the way of each? I have heard stories that PD is better, but you can gain weight from the fluid packs, etc. Hemo sounds like it's a bugger when it comes to getting a fistula to work and you're more restricted as to diet.\n\nI also would like to do my dialysis at home and would like an idea as to how long it takes to do PD versus Home Hemo at home.\n\nThanks again all. I hope soon I can get my mind made up as to what is better for me individually.",
	"Just thought I would let everyone know that my husband is doing very well on PD. He hasn't been on it quite a month yet but he says he feels so much better. He finally got to go back to work. They wouldn't let him do his old job though because he is on a 10 pound weight restriction for 6 weeks after surgery so they found him something else he could do. If he can't lift up to 50 pounds soon, he will never be able to go back to his old job but they said they would find something he could do. He's a machinist by trade and it has been really hard on him not working. We are blessed that he has such a great company he works for. They are very family oriented. He somehow managed 3 weeks after surgery to get 2 different infections. One in his catheter area and one in the Peritoneal cavity. They still don't know how he managed it but he just finished his antibiotic and is feeling great.",
	"Hi, Im Kim and have been married to my husband for 17 years. I have always known that he had polycystic kidney disease but he has always acted like no big deal. 2 of our 3 girls have the disease also...I should have done my homework, but I love him and my girls with all my heart and could not imagine my life without them. Long story short, my husband has entered stage 4 kidney failure. I dont even know what that means and he has been asked to pick out a dialysis method and get on the transplant list. The man still acts like this is no big deal and I am sick to my stomach and acraed to death. We visted the Davita place near our house for information. Now Im even more scared. Any advice? Is it as acary as it looks? Our house stays a mess. I am a full time teacher and my husband is a manager and our girls, well they are teenagers. How sterile does things have to be? Is the machine loud? Just any advice will be great and information.",
	"Hi,\nI was just told by a doctor this week that my fistula has an aneurism and I might have to have surgery sometime- like in October.\n\nWhat can happen if you have an aneurism too long?\nI know a man that had one for a few years and he is fine- but then someone else told me you can bleed to death?\n\nSo now I'm really confused because it is a different doctor almost every day, the doctors almost never communicate with each other also\n\nI was told I should probably haev surgery before october- but they have to do more tests.\nAlso, I just had some extremely bad allergic reactions to some medications 3 weeks ago and am trying to get over that first.\n\nI don't think I could handle surgery while still being sick from other things and then not having anyone at all to help me here.\nI have family in another city and they always say they are going to help me out and then never do and think $20 is going to fix the situation....so that kind of sucks.\n\nIf anyone has any info that would be really helpful thanks!",
	"Can anyone tell me how they clean a clot out. i have a fistula.",
	"Hello\n\nI just joined a gym and I am on PD for about 7 months now. But before that I did hemo for a year. I am a full time student studying speech and language pathology. My question is what kind of exercise if ok for someone with LUPUS Nephritis ? I also have arthritis at age 27 was only diagnosed in 06. Im tryn to get in great shape and eat more organic and healthy food so that my father can finally donate his kid to me. I use to be an avid jogger, bike runner , skater, dancer and played softball for years. I like to be active but it is hard when Im not feeling so well or when Im swollen all over. Anyone with lupus or know anyone please let me know....I want to find the best exercise and if its ok to jog etc ? My pd nurse had suggested I take out the pd water when exercising like doing pilates?",
	"I'm a single mother of 4 kids and have recently moved in with my mother due to her health problems. She has Polycystic Kidney Disease and is in 5th Stage of Renal Failure. My problem is trying to deal and take care of her.\n\nMy mother is fairly young, 58 years old, and appears that she can no longer do anything for herself. I have become a mother to my mother. Heres the deal: She lays on the couch 24 hours a day, complains she is bored and need to entertain her (retired a year ago and wont volunteer for anything), wont clean ANYTHING, and starts fights with my kids like a 2 year old and calls them names.\n\nIts driving me NUTS!! This week, we ended up in the hospital 3 times. Two times was because she was so sick and refused to eat. The 3rd time was because she overdosed on Ambien because she couldnt sleep!! Now, not only do I have to work full-time, raise 4 kids, raise my mother, but now have to monitor her medications in between doing laundry, cleaning the house, cooking, etc etc. I'm honestly exhausted and overwhelmed. And whenever I say anything, she just sits there and smiles. Yes, SMILES!! I think she finds great joy in watching everyone do everything while she watches TV. I have even thrown up my hands and refused to do anything...but that didn't work either...I just had more things to clean. My children help me, but they are kids and need to be kids.\n\nHow can I change things at home? I have tired everything from talking, yelling, and just plain pissy, but she refuses to change. I have thought about moving out, but there is no way she can live on her own anymore.\n\nAny ideas anyone??\n\nMelissa\n\nP.S. I have also been diagnosed with PKD and my grandmother died from it in 1995.",
	"Hi Everyone,\n\nI am am new to PD, just started about two weeks ago. So far I have gained 15 pounds, it seems to be more than just the water weight. With dextrose bags having such high caloric content I worry how much weight I will continue to gain. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with this. Maybe I should switch to hemo?\n\nI am 32 years old, diagnosed with Lupus Nephrites.",
	"yesterday was the second time I came close to a cadaver transplant. The first time I was second on the list and the second time the blood type was fine but the I had the wrong antibody. I had my bags packed and was ready to go when I got the second call. Today I am trying to deal with everything but it's really hard.\n\nHas anyone out there had a similar experience? It seems like the transplants I hear about are from live donors.",
	"For the last 2 weeks I have been nauseated and burping alot. 2 separate days about a week apart I was violently throwing up for 6 hrs ea. I am in stage 3, and I was wondering if this throwing up is normal or do you think I may have another problem? Thanks for any information.\nCindy 105",
	"Hi everyone. I am in need of help dealing with my Mom who is 79 and has been on dialysis for six years. She now has dementia, and is exceeding fluid levels almost daily. She can't remember that she already drank some water, she gets angry if you ask her to write down her fulid intake and always insist that she has not drank anything. She is consistently needing oxygen by her dialysis day. I work, so I cannot control what she does during the day, and I can't convince her that not controlling fluids is harmful to her. She seems to forget immediately. Where can I find help resolving or dealing with this problem. I'm glad to be a part of this site, I thank you in advance and hope I can return the kindness.",
	"Its frustrating when they dont even try to help theirself get better..",
	"Hello there my name is Kathy and I would like to know a few things about dialysis. Number one how high does your creatinine go before they put you on dialysis. and does your skin itch until it drives you crazy. and why do you get sick to your stomach all the time and when will I start to feel better. Will some of this stop when dialysis start's. Please tell me what you think\n Your Dialysis Friend\n Kathy",
	"I am Stage Five Kidney failure, at 4 percent on my kidneys, and I am on hemodialysis. Me and my family want to travel to Chicago for four days and I am going to miss two days of dialysis treatment, Wen. Fri, and Mon. My normal diaysis days are usually Mon. Wen, and Fri. but I'm away from my orginal dialysis center, what would I do..\" I was thinking of doing it the Tues. before, and The Thurs after.",
	"Hello\n\nJust thought I would share this info anyone . I just purchased a FABULOUS book, it is called The Practical Encyclopedia of Whole Foods with Health and Healing Recipes By Nicola Graimes. It is filled with vegetarian and vegan friendly recipes. A little about the book:\n\nFruits\nVeggies\nHerbs\nSprouted Seeds, Pulses and Grains\nSea Veggies\nCereal Grains\nLegumes\nDairy Foods and Alternatives\nThe Pantry\n\nRecipes:\nBreakfasts and Brunches\nSoups and Light Meals\nMain Dishes\nTarts, Pies, and Pizzas\nSalads\nSide Dishes\nDesserts\nCakes and Breads\nthe only thing I didnt like was that they didnt give calorie info etc for the recipes and all that other renal info..sugars..carbs...protein...and no beverage recipes. But other thant that a excellent book. It is hard cover purchases at Ross for 8 bucks only!",
	"Just wondering how hard is it to get full disability when you start dialysis ..i am fixing to have to be on PD ..Going to have a Port put in on July22 and wondering if anyone has had troube with SOCIAL SECURITY getting disability..please let me know..thanks",
	"Hi,\nI'm really baffled by some symptoms and problems I've had in the past month.\nYes I have gone to emegency, the doctors ect and am waiting to hear back, I think.\n\nA few weeks ago I went to emergency as I had started taking some antibiotics for my ears and had a weird pain in my calf and purple bruising all down the backs of my legs.\nIt was extremely painful.\nI also had breathing problems.\nSo, went to emergency and they did a chest xray and then told me they would do a leg ultrasound- but then they didn't.\nThen was sent to dialysis.\n\nThe next day a doctor there gets a note saying my ultrasound was fine.\nFunny thing is I never had one done and the doctor did not beleive me as he had seen someone's results.\nBut no way it could have been mine as I did not do that test and also was not even at the hospital at the time it said I had it done.\n\nSo, then finally I had a leg ultrasound done at another hospital and they did not find me anything.\n\nI still have/had strange purple bruising on the back of my legs and so went to a medical clinic and was told it might be just inflamation.\nI didn't think the doctor there was right and so I asked for s ome antibiotics for my sinuses (I really did need them though),\nand the next day seemed to be somewhat better.\n\nNow a month later my legs are no longer purple, just looks like a bad sunburn.\nBut if I touch my leg it really hurts and feels bruised.\n\nAnyone ever hear of something like this?\nI was reffered to Internal Medecine at another hospital, but am still waiting for my apt and follow up.\n\nI've tried looking up info online, but haven't really found anything yet.\nI did have vasculitis on one leg 2 or 3 years ago from an insect bite, but it did not look anything like this.,\n\nI know I'm probably going to hear \"ask your doctor\" and I guess that is good advice.\nBut I'm really baffled and wondering if anyone had any additional info to add?",
	"We have had good news this past week. My husband was in stage 4 kidney disease with an 18% GFR and is now at 34%, which puts him in stage 3. We don't know if this will stay, improve or deteriorate in the future. We try to stick to a pretty strict diet, but otherwise don't know why the improvement, which we are very thankful for. Has anyone else had this experience and, if so, please let me know how things progressed for you.\nThank you.",
	"Help!! Having trouble on the intake. Catheter seems ok. Takes nearly 2 hours to do an exchange. Draining is fine. Just the intake. Does anyone have suggestions? I have been on peritoneal dialysis for 4 years and just recently it has started doing this.",
	"I have been on PD for 1 year, I really like it and I sleep like a baby with my cycler. But my problem is it has been a long time since I slept with my husband. Does anyone have aany suggestions for hiding my PD Access?",
	"I do four PD exchanges daily but recently can only get about 700 to 1000 cc intake. I am always able to drain okay. Any suggestions - something changing?",
	"I've been on dialysis for 8 months and I have suddenly been afflicted by headaches. My doctor calls them \"cluster headaches\". They come on late in my treatment time--usually within the last hour--and they are dibilitating. I have no idea what to do. My blood pressure was high for a time, but with additional meds, that is under control, yet my headaches persist. I have been training for mountain bike race and ride roughly 130 miles per week. Am I dehydrated? I defintely don't drink as I should b/c I'm supposed to keep my fluid intake at around 32 oz per day. My doctor tells me dialysis does not cause headaches, but how can this be so when I have no headache before dialysis?",
	"Hello,\nI hope everyone is doing fine... I am currently doing the hemodialysis through a catheter in my chest. My kt/v numbers are not so good. I tried doing the reuse and they can't seem to get my dialyzer to clear so I am on dry pack. I recently overheard a couple of the nurses talking and they seemed to think that I should have a larger dialyzer cartridge but for what ever reason, the head nurse won't order any. I am confused. So, I guess my question is, does the size of the dialyzer affect how well a person dialyzes? I was just wondering. I am a rather large person and have just recently started this, I am having a catheter placed for P.D. on the 18th so I will be dialyzing everyday and am hoping that my numbers will get better. But if larger people need larger dialyzer then I want to do my part to make sure that this is happening. If that is the case that a I might need to have a larger dialyzer for better dialysis, then I have some questions for my local center....thanks for the help",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI am new to this site. In fact, this is the first time I have ever been to a support group in any way.\n\nA quick summary, my husband developed renal failure when he was 20 years old and I was 18. He is now almost 32 and I am 30.\n\nOver the years we have dealt with Hemo dialysis, PD dialysis, a transplant, a rejection, and now he is back on Hemo and currently trying to get back on a transplant list. He is having great difficulty but I won't get into that now.\n\nIn the course of this time he has been in and out of the hospital so many times I have lost count. In fact, he has been in the hospital more than he hasn't - or at least that is how it feels sometimes.\n\nCurrently he is on disability through his work - where he wasn't at for very long before his transplanted kidney rejected.\n\nThings, obviously, are very rough which is why I thought I would come here. I feel so worn out and lost. He doesn't seem to be getting any better or even staying the same, it seems his health deteriorates every year, there is hardly any money, and I am so stressed that I just don't see myself doing this for very much longer. I then of course feel guilty that I feel that way.\n\nThere are other factors involved too, such as his attitude and behavior (which he had before he became ill so who knows what the situation would be like now anyway), the fact that we have an eight year old daughter who needs to be looked after and since I work full-time and sometimes part-time I feel overburdened.\n\nIn any case, I am not really looking for anything specific here but I guess if I can find someone going through similar issues like me, maybe it will help me in dealing with them.\n\nI think that's all for now. Please feel free to reply and tell me anything you like...",
	"Hello all,\n\nMy name is Dave, and I've been doing dialysis for 9 months now. I've been meaning to post here for some time. But I've never really come terms with my disease and really never wanted to deal with anything but the dialysis. My wife is all over me for not researching,reading,talking,studing the renal life. I'm 37 years old from So. Cali. I got sick last year with Iga. It's been a nightmare from the beginning. The hardest thing is not being able to live my old life of Mtn Biking, 4x4ing, camping, running around with my little girl. Oh, I miss swimming with her too. Well hopefully this will get better since I got the news my wife and I have been waiting for. I found a match!!! I had 7 donors set-up for me. Some got the boot and some dropped out of the program for personal reasons. The perfect match is my wife!! I have a surgery date for the 26th of August. I'm getting my transplant done at the world famous Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Hills/Los Angeles. I still look forward to understanding and accepting my disease, because I will always have Iga. Now the real work begins. Good luck to you all.",
	"I see on the label of creamer that it contains disodium phosphate....I can't imagine that can be good for renal insufficiency, and I haven't been able to get my phosphate levels down, even with binders. Could this be the culprit? I drink a few cups of coffee a day with creamer...",
	"Was wondering when do you start dyalasis? My Neph doctor says that you have to be at 10% kidney function or less. In the past three years I have had a creatine of 1.8. In the last 6 months it has gone to 2.0 -2.2. I havent' been feeling well latley and my creatine is 3.0. Why is my creatine doing this. My neph doctor doesn't seem to be concerned. Any advice?",
	"I am currently on APD but now that my urine output is minimal I don't think that I am getting such good dialysis and have problems with my blood pressure even though I take a multitude of BP meds. I am considering asking to go on daily overnight home haemo, and just wondered if anyone else has had experience of both APD and daily overnight home haemo? I have heard good things about it, but does it really make you feel a lot better than on APD? Also, did it help blood pressure and phosphate control? I am trying to find out as much as I can before I make an appointment to discuss it with the dialysis nurse.",
	"My mom's kidney stopped working last January. She 68 yrs old and was extremly independant. For some reasons which the dr don't understand, she lost 70% of her body use on her left side.They can't tell us how or why, just that she had to have dialysis in hopes they would start working again. Well this last Tuesday they told her they were not going to start again. I've tried to listen and encourge her to go to the crazy kidney support group in our area the last 7 months. She won't go, and she been depressed since going to the dr last Tuesday. Now I understand she is grieving a loss, but I don't know what else to do. I take her 3 days a week to dialysis, and she's has good days and bad days. But i'm tried to keep a positive additude when i'm around her. But since she got this news she taking off my head every time I see her. it's not my fault. I've tried to learn as much as I can about this CKF and incourage her to learn also.\n Mom did have a fisula put in about 10 weeks ago and they are testing it to see if will work. Anyone have any suggetion how to get her to try the group. Ii know if she doesn't want to go there is nothing I can do. It just it really bothers me that she told me she doesn't want to do this anymore since talking with her dr last Tuesday. It'd like she's given up.",
	"Hi i been on dialysi since 1976 and had have 4 transplant in those times i just went back on dialysis last year due to a triple a adomel anyrus that repurpt and i lost my transplant kidney when they repair it that transplant was from 91.\nterry",
	"i have been on dialysis 8 days . 2 button holes were formed. one of the button has turned into psedonas anyurism. dialysis was stopped several days for area to go down in size, i also had a fistula gram to see if any problems inside the fistula. report states inside fistula working well, dr, told me to go back to dialysis today , but i would need another button hole, the other button in good location, i am learning home dialysis, dr. told me i would need make the button hole below or above the anyrusim,.i was on dialysis 8 days but i have stopped per dr. orders to give arm a rest.it has been10 days with no dialysis .do i start all over today. or has fistula enlargedto have 16 needles . i know i started out with 17. thanks i need information quickly jeanettea",
	"Hi guys:\n\nJust wanted to update you all on my news. I got \"listed\" as of yesterday (7/21/08). Now the wait game.\n\nThe thing that irritated me was that the transplant center never called me to tell me the news. I had to continuously call my transplant coordinator who then finally emailed me at 5:30 p.m. the previous day to tell me the news. I didn't know until I came into work this morning to read my emails.\n\nI went back to my nephrologist last week. So far he isn't going to intervene just yet with dialysis as my creat is only 3.63 (May's results) and I don't have fluid retention and still have good energy levels. I'm waiting for my blood results that were taken last week to see where I am now.\n\nAnyway, that 's the story guys. I really hope I don't have to wait no 5-7 years for a kidney. I'm going to go crazy by then.",
	"I was wondering if anybody has experienced what I am dealing with in my dialysis center.\n\nI usually occupy my time by watching movies on my DVD player ar listening to music on my MP3 player, sometimes I even try to sleep if I had a particularly tiring day.\n\nThe problem I am experiencing is the excessive noise levels in my unit. There are MANY times that i cannot listen to what I am trying to hear through my headsets due to the UNNECESSARY noise generated by the techs.\n\nI understand there are noises that are NECESSARY, alarms going off on the machines and things of that sort, unavoidable.There should be a time limit however, on how long those alarms are allowed to go off. After all, they ARE alarms.\n\nBut in my unit, the techs are yelling across the room to ask other techs things such as, \" What are you going to have for dinner\", \" What did you do last night\" and other assorted nonsense that could be discussed face to face rather than communicated across the room.\n\nOn more than a few occasions, I have seen patients in a sound sleep be jolted awak by one of these many \" outbursts \". I, myself, have experienced this type of \" awakening\" on the rare occasions I attempt to catch a nap. And I can tell you, I was not a happy camper.\n\nI have addressed this issue with everyone up the chain of command and told them that there is a lack of respect in that unit for the charge nurse because she allows this to go on. I told them since we have to go there at least 3 times a week and sit there for 3 or more hours each time, it should be a peaceful experience. I suggested they update their periodic training to include a refresher course on \" customer service\" . The younger techs seem to be the biggest violators of the peace.\n\nAfter I made my feelings known, thhings got better....for about a week.\n\nI explained that when I go to get my dialysis, I ask 2 simple things happen. One is- don't kill me and the second thing is- give me peace and quiet.\n\nI think, if there are many of you out there that share the same concerns as I do, we should let Davita know they should institute a company wide training program to initiate some regulations pertaining to this issue.\n\nLet me know, Thanks and have a good day.",
	"Have any of you been told that drinking 'mangosteen' juice can help you to remove toxins from your system? It's supposed to be an asian fruit known for it's anti-oxidant properties and it's loaded w/ xanthones. My friend is getting monthly shipments and wants to give me a bottle to try on my son, who is in Stage 4 CKF and bouncing back and forth w/ his creatinine. His transplant has been postponed now twice because his creatinine bounced back down( at his age/weight he has to be at 4.0 or higher for insurance to pay out; his test last week showed him going from 3.8 to 3.4). My husband has already passed the screening process and is just waiting for the date. Actually, his test results can't be more than 6 months old...they expire in Sept. and we'll have to start over(bummer...but at least my son has the luxury of having the donor ready and waiting\n\nOK, back to the juice....my neph has made me afraid to try anything like this w/ my son. She says that even too much of a good thing can poison his system. Any comments about whether or not a concentrated juice could be bad for him? I've heard that it's a home remedy for kidney stones.....but I am a little concerned about his kidneys ending up filtering out what he doesn't need and putting extra strain on them.\n\nI appreciate your comments....\nBlessings,\nLynne",
	"Hi, I am a 60 yr old white female with a GFR of 41. I have insurance coverage through Kaiser Permanente and since my elevated creatinine levels were discovered in mid- 2006 I have received no information from them as far as how to live my life with CKD. I was sent to see a Nephrologist once. Instead of explaining CKD, he wanted to know if I knew what caused fibromyalgia, which I have. MY QUESTION: Does everything I have read online pertain to me with a GFR of 41. Should I be following the kidney diet, etc? My levels continue to slowly go up, I need to know the facts now. Thanks for any answers you can give me.",
	"Hi,\nI have a very unfortunate situation.\nMy heart function is not very good and I doubt I'll qualify for another kidney.\nNow I just read about this heart surgery online where they use your own blood to make stem cells and then put them in your heart to strengthen its function.\nMost of the people that have had this surgery seem to have had at least a 10-20% improvement in heart function and at this moment anything would be better for me than how I am now.\n\nThe only problem is that they do not have this treatment in the US and you have to go to Thailand for it or Asia.\nBut it is done by doctors that can practise in the US.\n\nSo, what would you do. Would you attempt this surgery if it was the only option to have a better life and maybe qualify for a transplant again?\nOr would you just not bother and just continue with your current medical treatments here- which means just dialysis......and that for me just means my health will most likely get worse if I do not do something, then I'll probably end up dead.\n\nAlso,how would I be able to raise money for this?\nI'm trying to figure that out at the moment.\nI really don't have much hope with my health situation at the moment and do not know what else to do.\nI haven't told many people about my having low heart function just because I don't want people to worry about me too much.\nBut now I'm figuring that won't improve my life in any way so I'm trying to see what I can do to have some quality of life.\n\nAnyway, just wondering what people here would do.\nAnd I don't need to hear that I should \"wait and get better\" because that has not been happening and I know that will not happen by itself.\n\nI forgot to include the link for the company doing this surgery. I'm not worried about having surgery in another country as I've been to other \"poor\" countries already like the caribean and healthcare was very clean...way better than in Canada anyways.\nhttp://www.vescell.com/",
	"My creatinine is at around 2.9 and GFR goes up and down between 21 - 25. I've had the slight nausua, burping and restless leg that started about 3 years ago,which I always took tums for, sometimes helped a little and sometimes didn't, the the doc started me on baking soda which helped a little better, but still not a cure and I don't like having to do so much baking soda, cause it makes me more bloated, but when your sick who cares (I'd down a bunch if it helped) . Lately all three symptoms have started getting worse the last 3-4 months and I'm up to baking soda everyday, sometimes twice a day and it doesn't help as good as it used to. I seem to get all of the symptoms everyday now instead of just frequently and it's more severe than it used to be. Can anyone tell me, is this normal, any suggestions on what migh help and will I have to live like this forever and does it get worse??????? I've heard when you get transplant or dialysis, they might go away, but until I get to that point, do I have to live with these horrible side effects of CKD?????\n\nCharli",
	"I'm stage 4 (creatinine 2.9ish and GFR 22ish). I gave up working full-time awhile ago, just couldn't do it, it's not that I couldn't do it, but when I did I was always so wiped out and getting sick all the time. So, I've been working part-time for at least 6 years now and I feel lucky to have a part-time job with my CKD. When I started I figured I'd work here for a long long time, but lately my symptoms have gotten worse. I was so fatiged and started getting iron inj which helped the fatigue somewhat, but the stomach stuff has gotten worse and I have it almost every day and night. The restless leg, the burping and nausua is getting pretty bad. My anxiety and slight depression has kicked in also. I take lots of meds for the CKD and I do take meds for these symptoms, but lately with the nausua I'm not able to really take some of meds like I'm supposed to. My parents have tried to get me to get on disablitly for years, but I didn't feel I 100% needed to or I guess I just wanted to wait till (I couldn't get out of bed) able to work, but I have to admit I've thought a lot more lately of trying to get on the disability. I realized it's not (can't get out of bed like a broken bone) able to work, it's the everyday energy, side effects and symptoms of the CKD (not able to work) that is taking it's toll and making it very hard to continue to get work even part-time..... Can anyone tell me who qualifies, how hard is it to get on it, how do you go about starting the process and how long does it take?\n\n\n\nThanks,\n\n\nCharli",
	"Hi All:\n\nI have heard some real strange stories lately and would like to know whether if this depends on your nephrologist or the hospital he/she is associated with. First, I went for an office visit last week, just a montly check up with the nephrologist - in the waiting room was a woman who had an AV fistula put in just about a week ago. She had 17 staples in her arm!!! I heard this was an out-patient surgery and the surgery was rather MINOR. Should I be looking for another hospital to do this surgery?\n\nSecond, my nephrologist has not talked preparations for dialysis yet. My creatinine is at a 3.75. I have heard on several occasions that some of his patients have just \"ended up in the hospital\". Should I be looking for another nephrologist as well? Or is perhaps my creatinine just not at a level to worry just yet?\n\nI'm sure every place is different regarding how your nephrologist handles each situation, but I found this a bit disturbing.",
	"I have type 5 pieces and they got lost. I'm checking first",
	"I don't know about you all, but after reading alot of \"Ottowagirls\" posts and having lengthy discussions with a good friend of mine who is from Great Britain, we Americans need to think long and hard about any kind of nationalized healthcare proposals.\n\nSounds like Canada's system is in a shambles and Britains sound as bad if not worse.\n\nThe good part is , yeah, you are covered. But it sounds like if you have anything chronic....you die waiting. Literally.\n\nMy friends Dad died after having a heart attack while he was waiting to have an angiogram.\n\nSo far I haven't heard much good about \" socialized\" medical care..",
	"It's hard getting on line. I've have tried five times.\n Two weeks ago, I met Jan who's in a wheelchair. Jan said that she rides Paratransit three times a week when they take her to Dialysis.I told her that they will take her anywhere within reason.. She didn't know that. Last weekend, for the first time, she went to Walmart and out to eat. \"No more staring out the window\" Now, Jan has a new out look on life",
	"Hello! I’m looking for other people who have lost kidney function due to the use of Fleet products or other similar circumstances. Since using the Fleet Phosphate product to clean out for a routine colonoscopy in June 2004 I have been left with about 25% kidney function. I am looking for others who share my condition so we can compare notes and treatments, share what seems to work and what doesn’t, and learn about each other’s prognosis. I’ve attached a link to the article that helped me learn what had happened to me.\n\nhttp://www.medpagetoday.com/Nephrolo...rology/tb/1960\n\nPlease respond to my post if you share this condition. I believe we can share some valuable information. Thank you!!!",
	"I am a homecare nurse. I have a patient who has a peritoneal catheter which is not\nworking. Her MD wants her to get it removed, but she thinks that it can be used if it\nis flushed correctly, but she has been unable to find any MD who is willing to do this\nfor her.\nIf she has it removed, she may not be able to have abdominal surgery again to\nplace a new catheter. She does not feel well at all on hemodialysis and does\nnot want to continue with it.\nDoes anyone know about a trick to get peritoneal dialysis catheters to work?\nThank you.",
	"Hi everyone I'm mew to here but have been taking dialysis for quiet a few years 7 and a half to be exact. I have really enjoyed reading the information that you have posted on this site. I took peritineol dialysis for 5 years before I had a bad expireince with an affection and lost my catheter. Since then I have been back on the hemo. I just made my call to the home hemo center today to try and get things going for the nextstage home hemo. I am a full time student in college and it is getting harder and harder to get the classes with 4 hrs of dialysis at the clinic 3x a week. I really miss the freedom of the peritoneal dialysis and I hope I can regain that with the home hemo.I will keep you posted on my progress. I go the beginning of this week to get the staples out of my arm from my fistula surgery two weeks ago. My veins was small and very deep so this has been a very long process of about 4 months to let the vein gain some size and then the repositioning of the vein for easy access.\nShannon Doyle",
	"My father-in-law whom is in End Stage Renal Failure is on hemodialysis 3x's a week. They had him hooked up for 4 1/2 hrs. per treatment. They cut him back to 4 hrs. per treatment after a nephrologist visit yesterday. Could this be a positive sign that he's getting better. He's 81 and has been near death at least twice since he started his treatments. His hemoglobin, phosporous, albumin and PTH levels are very low. The doctor has increased some type of medication that they give him at the end of his treatments to bring the hemoglobin levels up.",
	"So long, goodbye.\nThanks some of you, but I feel it's time to move on to other pastures...\nWhen the time comes, I will return.\n\n.................................................. ................",
	"Hi everyone I was just wondering if anyone on here has had a transplant with Lupus I have been called 18 times three of those where matches but whe harvested the kidneys suffered damage. I am just patiently waiting but would like to hear of some other expierences if any out there.\n Shannon",
	"Hi all, I just want to share this recent news about someone who deserves to be mentioned here. His actions and words speak for themselves and am sure you will learn from this. Though its not kidney related it fits perfectly the description of anyone trying to live day by day with chronic or terminal illnesses. Just click link below\n\nClick here to watch Lecture",
	"Interesting article about Diabetes Management and Second Life.....\n\n\"Brave New Worlds: How Virtual Environments Can Augment Traditional Care in the Management of Diabetes\"\n\nJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology, Volume 2, Issue 4, July 2008\n\nAbstract\nNew technologies, such as online networking tools, offer innovative ways to engage patients in their diabetes\ncare. Second Life (SL) is one such virtual world that allows patients to interact in a 3D environment with peers\nand healthcare providers. This article presents a framework that demonstrates how applications within SL can\nbe constructed to meet the needs of patients with diabetes, allowing them to attend group visits, learn more\nabout lifestyle changes, and foster a sense of support and emotional well-being. This experiential approach to\neducation may prove more engaging, and therefore successful, than existing strategies. Addressing concerns\nrelating to privacy and liability is a necessary first step to engage providers in this new approach to patient\ncare.\n\nFull article can be found at http://www.journalofdst.org/\n\n\n\nGus",
	"I found out last year that I was in stage 3 kidney dissease. Last week I found out that I am in stage 4 GFR 26. I also have 2 masses on my one kidney that are being watched. I am just beyond myself and don't know what to do. It is ok until I keep thinking and wondering what will happen and what and when to expect dialysis. Please if anyone can help me I would appreciate it.",
	"I have been at upper stage 4 for awhile and now I am on the lower state 4. My bones have been hurting alot latley. Why?",
	"Hi All:\n\nRunning a website, I hate dealing with spammers and I hope I am not seen as one.\n\nI just came on this site to share some interesting findings about a new invention from UCLA. I am not trying to promote the article but to find ways to get the news out. I was not sure where to send it and a friend of mine who is on dialysis suggested this site.\n\nThere seems to be a new wearable kidney in the works that could help millions of people.\n\nIf you find the information interesting, please feel free to share it.\n\nThanks for letting me post and share this news,\n\nMichelle",
	"I've noticed a change in my hair over the last year. It seems my hair is coming out. Not a lot, but everytime I wash my hair the tub has my hair all in it. I've never never had this problem before. I'm not terribly concerned cause I do have very thick hair, but I'm curious if this might have something to do with my CKD. I'm stage 4, GFR goes up and down 22-25 and creatinine is 2.8.\n\nCharli",
	"I'm curious..... My slight nausea and burping has gotten worse from sometimes at night to everyday (day or night). I don't eat much protein at all... .It's worse or acts up when my stomach is empty (every single time) . . As I've said before, I drink a tsp of baking soda water which does help, only helps for a couple hours until I start to get hungry again. Doing the BS once or twice a day kinda makes you bloated. My question is at stage 4, with GFR ranging from 22-25 and creatinine at 2.8, is the uremia or acidosis symptoms like I have normal? How can you tell if it's acidosis or uremia?? and from this point on, is that burping and nausea feeling a here to stay thing? Will I have to take the baking soda from here on out??\n\nCharli",
	"Hi, everyone. Ever since I started dialysis, I have had several things pop up on my skin--my face in particular. I know skin usually reflects issues with the liver (detoxing, etc.) but these are things I never had before and usually don't have problems with my skin. Firstly, I got a bunch of pimples along my nose and mouth. They have now disappeared. The biggest issue, however, are MOLES. Several freckles I had along my lower jag began to become raised and started to form into moles. Other moles have suddenly appeared too. I'm not suer what to do. I have an appointment with a dermatologist tomorrow but wondered in the meantime if anyone else has had similar problems. I definitely think it's related to dialysis as it only happened after I started treatment and as I say, have never had this issue before. Thank you!",
	"Always wondered about this.\n\nCan some medications make your phosphates levels higher?\nLike what if I was taking tylenol w codeine phosphate for 2 weeks before some blood tests?\nOr if you happen to take calcium phosphate- I don't but have seen that kind of calcium in a store before (it was a liquid).\n\nI will have to remember this question for when I go to the pharmacy tommorow. I always forget to ask.",
	"Help, I'm confused and don't know what to do.........I myself am at stage 4, GFR varies 22-25 and creatinine is 2.8. I do have the little side effects such as nausea and burping constantly, slight hair loss, RLS, no energy and tired all the time. I had my transplant eval about 1 1/2 months ago and doc says I'm a good candidate for a live donar transplant(since I have lots of family being tested). I'm not even on dialysis yet. I'm very torn....... Do I go ahead and get the transplant when I can or wait for dialysis??? I could have a good 2-3 years before I would end up on dialysis, then again it could progress quicker. My BIG concern is this: I cannot and never have been able to SWALLOW PILLS. I've known for a long time this was going to be a problem when the time came, becaue you absolutely have to take anti-rejection drugs and most of them are big and you have to take them every single day for the rest of your life.............. I mentioned this at my transplant evaluation and the doc didn't take me seriously at all. He basically kinda chuckled and said I'm a good candidate and it would be a shame to not get a transplant cause of that and that he knew I could just learn....... I've tried my whole life and have never been able to. I have a terrible terrible gag reflex and I just can't do it. I've thought of trying a hypmotist, but I really feel deep down it won't work......... So as far as the transplant goes, I just don't know.....Would I rather get the transplant and be on meds and even if I learned to swallow pills but had a hard time, to have to take tons every day from here on out or just be on dialysis ( I have no clue). I do know that dialysis is not a cure but a treatment and involves uncomfortable needles and when the time comes for that you are way sick and it helps a little, but not a cure, but at the same time all the side effects of the transplant scare me to death and the pill thing is a major problem......... I actually may not have a choice, because if I can't learn to swallow pills then I won't be able to do it, so I don't know............ By the way, what is Moon Face?????????\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"We did.\n\nHad dialysis Friday night, hit the road EARLY Saturday morning to drive to Vegas..baby. 5 1/2 hour drive.\n\nBeen planning on renewing our vows for our 30th anniversary since last November. My wife thought we were just going to Vegas to see a show at the Mirage.\n\nWe got to the Mirage and went out front but instead of going in to see the show, I put her in a limo that was waithing out front.\n\nThe limo took us up the \"Strip\" to the \" Little Chapel of the Flowers\" where we got married 30 years ago when she was only 17 and I was 18 ( and she had a bun in the oven). This marriage was doomed to fail.\n\nAnyhow, we got to the chapel, and our whole family was there to greet us when we got out of the limo. She started bawling like a baby, and pretty much didn't stop until we got to the reception( which was a blast, loud music, all kinds of food, went on until 3:30 in the morning) The ceremony was really nice. I will post pictures on my profile later.After the reception we hit the town and did a little gambling. I didn't sleep at all Sunday.Who says dialysis patients can't have no fun?\n\nAll the kids helped me plan this whole thing and keep it a secret from their mom, and it worked.The was a few times the cat almost got out of the bag.\n\nSo we had a good weekend, got home last night, too late to make my dialysis time but I feel great and am only 1.2kg over my dry weight so I'll be good.\n\nHope you all had a good weekend.\n\nGo out and have fun as often as you can. Especially you married ones, plan something fun and make it a surprise for the one that takes care of you and stands by you on your bad days.It's good for both of you!!!!\n\nI needed to do something special for the woman who has been my biggest base of support through ALL of my health problems over the past 30+ years",
	"I am not on dialysis yet, but am preparing to be so. In February I had my fistula created in the lower part of my arm (near my wrists)\n\nToday my wife and I noticed that it is a bit swollen and black and blue. I dont recall hitting it, it is not sore and its still buzzing like crazy.\n\nI called the Kidney Doctor and she wants the surgeon to look at it. Money is a bit tight and a doctors visit right now to say all is ok, just isnt in the budget.\n\nShould we be concerned?",
	"Hi everyone you have educated me alot Im wanting to know all I can about dialysis Im stage 4 creat 2.7 gfris 26% Seen doc yesterday he took me off of lasix that was reason I went into office I was swelling last week he said I was drying my kidneys up Have you heard of this is this the right thing to do Im affraid I will swell up About Prilosec I haave been taking for 1year for indigestion I have Diabetis for 34 years Have reasently got on insulin pump it works great . Ive had multiple surgeryus on neck and back Accident so I have alot to deal with You folks are very informative THANK YOU I have learnt more from your experiences than any Doc could make me realize\n\n\n\n Thank you again you are alot of good people",
	"Hello,\n\nOur medical communications firm is conducting a study and is interested in conducting confidential telephone interviews with chronic kidney disease patients. Specifically, we are looking for patients:\n\n With Stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease who have not yet started a renal replacement therapy.\n\n With Stage 5 chronic kidney disease whose access to care began urgently via the hospital emergency room.\n\n Or patients currently transplanted who are at risk for transplant failure.\n\nWe are offering a $50 American Express Gift Card to compensate you for 30 to 45 minutes of your time.\n\nIf you do not meet these requirements but know someone who does, please feel free to pass on our information.\n\nWe are conducting interviews Wednesday July 30th through Tuesday August 5th. If interested, please send an email to paula_moniz@millet.com with two dates/times (including time zone) when you could speak with us. Please include a phone number where we can reach you.\n\nWe will confirm a date and time shortly after hearing from you. Many thanks for your consideration.\n\nKind regards,\n\n\nPaula Moniz\n\nBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE | L E H M A N M I L L E T\n800 634 5315 | 617 722 6099 FAX | 617 678 8642 MOBILE\nlehmanmillet.com | Two Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110",
	"My Husband is on dialsys, he has been since November. His problem that he has been having is gas! It seems like every night after his dinner pills he gets it real bad, we thought maybe it was the zemplar they were giving him at treatment, so the Doctor switched him to something different and he still has this problem, and sometimes real bad. Does anyone else have this problem? Could this be associated with dialysis? Is this due to his kidneys? We are at our wits end trying to figure this out.\n\nPlease let us know and Thank You.",
	"I am hoping to see a KTV Calculator added to the tools section. One that works with In-Center, Daily-Short, and Nocturnal ....would be very helpful.\n\n\nEDIT: Thanks for adding the KTV Calculator!",
	"Hello there my name is Kathy and I need to know what these test numbers mean My creatinine was 3.1 and the BUN was 51 and my GRF was 16, can someone tell me how bad is this. Last month my creatinine was 3.3 and my BUN was 21 and my GRF was 20. If someone could help me with the answer It would be great.\n Your Dailysis Friend\n Kathy",
	"Im reading with a fistula you have to exercise it by squeezing a ball how long do you have to do this just when it sis new or as long as you have it another question on my mind can you go from hemo to perit vice versa with medicare or can you do both hope these arnt to stupid of questions but have been wondering",
	"I'm a little confused. I am endstage with my renal disease and my dr. had me taking tums 3 times a day because I thought my phosphurus was low.\n\nAfter my last labs he sent me a prescription for phosphurus medication, because honestly I hadn't been very faithful with the tums. Once I got my act straight and started taking the tums like I was supposed to I noticed a difference. Most especially with itching. For a couple of weeks I had been itching like crazy and now it has stopped.",
	"Looking at all the threads, I think I am \" talking\" too much. I think I'll take a time out and listen for a bit. I am tired of seeing \"Pancho 3\" all over the place",
	"Hello all, I am new to this forum. I have been diagnosed with Stage one chronic kidney disease with protienura and with medullary sponge kindeys. I have a Biopsy set up for Aug 19, and I'm a little afraid of it. Can anyone provide me with experiences or advice? Thanks!",
	"When I first knew about my kidney problems was only about a year ago. My kidneys never showed any signs of having any problems until my doctor began to notice extra protein in my urine. She sent me to my nerologist and he said I was already in stage 3 kidney diease. What scared me was that when I was up at my technical school, i was feeling fine at the beginning and then i began to have a high fever throughout the day, i couldn't sit down, and i threw up a few times. I ended up going home that day. A week later I ended up in the hospital, because i couldn't eat anything, and also with an urinary tract infection. I spent a week in the hospital only to find out I had to start diaysis because I was in kidney failure. They inserted a fistula into my right arm a few months before, and the doctor said it looked great. The first day they inserted my needles, they went in fine, the second time however was that the first needle went in, the second needle did not, so my fistula started to bleed, and the nurse had to clot off my arm. That killed my fisulta, so i ended up with a Capitar in my chest, and i have been on diaysis for 4 months now, for 3 times a week in the center. My mom is planning on being a donor, to give me a kidney. I'm hoping my blood tissue matches hers.",
	"I was just curious to know if anyone else is in stage one ckd or started out at stage one ckd. I would like to hear stories on how you found out you were in stage one and then learned about progression. It's great to have this forum and can relate to all of you with similar issues. I have been reading a lot of your stories and you all are very strong and seem educated on issues with the kidneys.",
	"Hi I am finding here lately that I am in almost constant stomack pain and some times nasuas\nIs this normal for ckd 4th stage. I would appreciate someone commenting on this . Thank you very much.",
	"Ive been reading about the needles used in hemo and cant imagine sticking it in arm at the size I have in my mind how do you get over that feeling I have been researching hemo pert and diet ive learnt alot but cant seem to get over feeling I have I know if I have to I can but Im really scared right now Im a diabetes been on shots for 34 years but it was smalll needled now on pump great best ever can anyone help make fears alittle better I appreciate any response given. Im not on dialysis just staage 4 right now just researching the uses right now",
	"My husband has been on dialysis for about 6 weeks. He has complained of a potent medicine taste since he started. Due to that, he does not eat very much at all. The only meds he takes is phoslo, heparin at the clinic and the saline. Has anyone had this before? If so, what caused it?\nThank you in advance!",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nI had a meeting with my nephrologist yesterday. It appears that my anemia is getting worse and he wants me to start these shots. Any pros/cons regarding these?\n\nThis is what I don't understand so correct me, if I'm wrong. I was told a while back by my doc that when starting dialysis, it's a number game. He stated that not only should your GFR be low, but your other items should be all \"messed up\" as well. There are only three items on my blood work that are lagging - Creatinine at a 3.76, O2 which is low and my hemoglobin which is down to 29 (GFR is at 13). Everything else is normal. I also do not feel all that bad and am still working 40 hours a week, exercising 3 days a week and taking care of two elder parents.\n\nIs it normal for a doc to wait until you start to get sickly before they start dialysis?",
	"Hi everyone. I've been reading this forum for a month or two, but my husband and I have only been doing home hemodialysis for about a month. I am the caregiver, and have been having a bit of trouble with the venous buttonhole, and so have been thinking about how to go about establishing a new buttonhole. I know this can be done with a sharp needle, but don't have a clue where or how to start. Our DaVita training center is quite a distance away, and neither of us wants to be going in there for 5 or 6 days to have someone else do this. I do plan to get the nurse's advice on this, but meantime can anyone tell me of their experiences making new buttonholes?",
	"yesterday they called me again with news they had a kidney (the third time in a few months) and it was a no-go. One kidney was too small and the other had a cut in the main artery. I also was told that I need to loose some weight.\n\ncan anyone give me any advice on how to loose weight while on PD? I have gained about 25lbs. since I started. I am a stress eater and love candy so now I have sworn off all candy and am trying to go for a walk if I feel stressed.",
	"If you are on HD do you HAVE to have a helper or can you do this by yourself I really need to know because im trying to get my ducks in a row as the old saying is also is the AV way or the buttonhole the best and why Thank you for helping\nIm sure others that are researching will have probably same questions",
	"Hi, my kidney functions are pretty low but by miracle (to my doctors' surprise) I live like other people and have recently begun an alternative medical method with a renowned Tibetan doctor, crossing my fingers so I can avoid dialysis for the rest of my life.\n\nI'm a food and cooking expert to begin with (though not by profession), and have been racking my head as to what to make (to eat) in the conditions I have...and here is the greatest invention I have ever done with food. It's PARSLEY PESTO. I'm sure there are many fans of pesto sauce as it's a very yummy thing, and this one I created originally as an alternative to the real one made with basil, but it's just as delicious and even cheaper! In my case I love it now because it's as yummy as most kidney-benefical !\nHere's the list of Ingredients:\n\n1 bunch of parsley (regurlar or Italian, either)- finely chopped\n1 large clove of garlic\n1 to 2 tbsp of dried basil - chopped\n2 tbsp of unsalted pumpkin seeds (preferred roasted)\n4 tbsp olive oil\n2 tbsp or less parmesan cheese\n1/8 tsp sea salt\n\nPut the pumpkin seeds first into a food processor. After grinding it as fine as you can, add parsley, garlic, and mix them well until smooth and somewhat creamy. Scrape off and add any remnants stuck on the side of the processor. Add chess and salt at the end and blend once more until smooth and creamy.\n\nParsley in place of basil, pumpkin seeds in place for pine nuts. Both are super kidney-benefectors. They work excellently in this recipe. Garlic, of course, is another kidney supporter, so you are free to use more of it as you wish.\n\nI love this sauce with my made-from-scratch light gnocchis. It's just heavenly! You can try with any of your favorite pasta.",
	"Hello everyone,\n\n This is my first post although I have been visiting this site for four months now, since my mother started in-center hemo dialysis at a center here in Orange County, CA in March. This site has been very helpful to me as a caregiver and has in fact answered a lot of my questions about kidney disease and how to care for a loved one with this condition. My mother has been a diabetic for almost 20 years now (she's turning 70 this November) and was diagnosed with CKD only 2 years ago. Our dad suddenly falling ill (he also had kidney failure and a heart attack) and eventually passing away aggravated my mom's condition to the point that her kidneys failed as well.\n\n Like the experiences of almost everyone here on in-center hemo, my mom went through a rough time adjusting in the first couple of months as her fistula access wasn't mature enough yet to be used. She was being dialyzed through a chest catheter, and most of the time she was too tired or too dizzy to do anything other than collapse in bed after every treatment. But in the last few weeks she started feeling better and little by little, she is going back to her routine of cooking our meals and going for light exercise in the mornings. It was also around this time when the nurses started testing her fistula for the dialysis, as they said the treatment is far more efficient using this access.\n\n I have a lot of questions still but the most pressing one is this: Is it normal for a dialysis patient's blood pressure to swing wildly from being way too low (like 85/45) to being dangerously high (180/100) at any given day? In my mom's case her blood pressure is very low in the morning but would rise abruptly in the afternoon. Does the hot weather have something to do with it as well? It's been very hot here lately and as soon as the temperature hits the high 80s and 90s, her blood pressure starts to shoot up. Also, my mom is not on any phosphorus binders yet because her neph thinks she doesn't need any at this point. Anyway, she's very compliant with her diet and her recent lab reports are proof of it. I was just under the impression that once you start on dialysis, you need to take binders as well. Any suggestions or advice coming my way are most welcome and greatly appreciated. I thank all of you for being so generous with your time and knowledge, and for making us, kidney patients and caregivers alike, feel welcome and very much at ease.\n\nPollyanna",
	"Well after a long awaited wait I finally started PD training.. It all went well and the cath is working fine.. It's just in a really a bad spot and I need to make some clothing changes..lol I have had the cath in for 1 month and a half and it is hard not to catch it on something..  I talked to the PD nurse and she told me about NxStage System and that it will be available in a month or two by us.. Has anyone had any experience with it?",
	"Hi all - just wanted a survey as to how long it took you NxStage users to starting feeling better once starting dialysis with the home system. I am looking at going with NxStage home hemo when my time comes, but am concerned it's going to take too long to get back on my feet in order to get back to work within a sufficient timeframe. I am afraid of losing my job.\n\nI would appreciate your comments as to how well you all did with the NxStage System One. Thanks.",
	"Did you know that people on dialysis or soon to start dialysis can now ask questions to a renal dietician online? \"Dialysis Patient Citizens\" is now offering this feature on their website. If you find their service helpful please consider becoming a member. Now lets go to their \"Ask a Dietician\" webpage! Just click on the link below!\n\nASK A DIETICIAN",
	"I've heard you have to not be working to get disability. I really should not be working at all, but I do work part-time. I've just made myself stick at it, but lately it's harder and harder to keep working. I don't want to quit unless I know for sure I'm going to get the disability so I force myself to continue to work. Is it true I have to actually quit my job to apply and then I could even get turned down and then I'd be messed up not only sick and mentally, but with dr bills and money.......\n\nCharli",
	"I can't decide when the time comes which way to go: Dialysis or Transplant.\n\nI heard you can live on Dialysis forever and with the PD and Home, it's much easier? Everyone and doc says if you have a shot at transplant to go for it. I have family members that are being tested and my evaluation the doc said I''m a good candidate, BUT, I cannot swallow pills. So needless to say, the transplant thing isn't in the bag (as they say), cause If I can't swallow all those pills after then what's the use. That's why Dialysis is still such a big decision for me.\n\nIt stinks to have to make a decision like this and not have a clue which way to go. Luckily I don't have to make the decision at the moment, but sooner or later I will being I am stage 4....\n\nSome others sides and opinions will be so helpful..\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"I was wondering if anyone could tell me aliitle about fistulas? My doctor has been thinking on starting one soon. As my kidney function is going quick. 6 months ago I was at 32% kidney function and now I am anywhere between 18 and 21%. I go any see him in 3 weeks and he will check my creatine and then decide. How low where some of your kidney percents anyone, when you had yours put in?\n\nHeartly",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nI'm in the process of talking with my doc to get the ball rolling to start dialysis. I think it's time. My GFR is down to 13% and I'm really starting to feel crappy - tired/run down and I'm simply not being able to sleep. Do you think I'm starting too early?\n\nMy current blood work only had three things wrong - creatinine was at a 3.76, hemoglobin was at a 29 and my CO2 was something like a 16. All other numbers were normal which includes sodium, potassium and my phosphorus and cholesteral.\n\nI would like all of your opinions regarding this. Am I starting too early - should I hold off and wait until my creatinine is lower? Is it better to be prepared and ready to go?",
	"I am a 58 year young active married female. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in 1981. Including that time I have had 3 flare-ups, One of which gave me a temporary kidney problem (which cleared up with medication, plasmapheresis& diet), the third flare in ’91 left me with a damaged aortic valve which I then had to have replaced with a metal valve in ’95. We were able to control the Lupus with a minimum of medrol (4mg), and for 10 years all was well with the world, no flares, no major problems, lots of meds, etc.\n\nIn August 2005 I was struck with salmonella poisoning which settled in my gall bladder and was in hospital for 2 months, mostly in intensive care. My systems started shutting down, maybe from high fevers and I almost didn’t make it. I left the hospital with congestive heart failure and CKD, BUT I LEFT THE HOSPITAL (many thanks to my retired hubby who rode the train from Bklyn to Manhattan every single day of the 2 months). Since then, the congestive heart failure has improved, probably due to exercise & meds, my creatinine level was pretty steady around 2.3, and my potass & phos were well within the range, hemoglobin staying up with an occasional shot of Aranesp, so once again all seemed well with the world. I did see a neph during this time who told me to lower my protein intake and prescribed 1 Renagel 3x a day. Once again, all seemed well with the world.\n\nThen about a month ago, possibly because I dehydrated myself, my creatinine rose to 3.5, phos high, possibly too much protein in urine (waiting for latest 24 hr urine results). They took me off cozaar and put me on hydralazine which is not really controlling my BP too well, but now my creatinine has come down to 2.5, phos is 3.8, potass is 4.0 and serum protein is a little low at 5.7. I consider this a major wake-up call and want to make whatever changes I can to prolong my kidney function. I am waiting to speak to the neph about the results of my latest tests (he may want to change some of my meds) and I do plan on seeing a dietitian when I know where I stand, but in the meantime I have been reading many of your forum threads, which I find very helpful, cooking some of the Davita recipes (all good so far) as I love to cook because it occupies my mind (sometimes a mind is just a terrible thing) and I have started kidney school. Some of my minor questions are:\n\n1.When in stage 4 and potassium & phosphorus are within the normal range is it still a good idea to follow a lower potass & phos diet, if for no other reason than preparation for stage 5? Can potass & phos fall too low doing this if not needed?\n2.If I have low serum protein, is a low protein diet still called for?\n3.If so, what amount of protein for 137 lb person? Is there a chart somewhere?\n4.Could a person with systemic lupus be eligible for a transplant?\n\nI have about a thousand other questions, both minor & major, but I will save them for another day.\n\nSorry this is so long, but I wrote this partly for therapy as I am still trying to deal with it all. I think I am very slowly coming to terms with reality. I still have many teary “why me” moments, but hopefully they will become fewer as time goes on. (When I was in hospital in ’05, I actually chased a young, new kidney Dr out of my room because he told me that dialysis was inevitable and at the time I thought nothing was inevitable, now I am starting to realize that he possibly was right, but his manner could have been a little more gentle and there is a time & place for everything). My best support is my DH who will help me get through this one too.\n\nYou have all helped me so much already, and hopefully you can help me out a little more on these items.",
	"Question - just how much larger are dialysis needles compared to the needles they stick you for taking blood? I don't have any issues with needles - in fact they don't bother me at all when I have to go the lab. Just curious as to what I will have to deal with when I start dialysis.",
	"Hi Everybody:\n\nI'm new to all this and need some help.\n\nI had an IVP test last week and got a call from the internist's office today that I have a 2 cm defect on my left kidney, which was visible from varying angle on the IVP. I asked what \"defect\" meant--a tumor, a cyst, or what? The nurse was vague. She mentioned it might be something I've had since birth, but when I asked if that meant it definitely wasn't a cyst or a tumor, she basically said there was no use speculating until I have a renal ultra-sound (scheduled next Thursday).\n\nThe reason why I was tested began at 4 am three weeks ago, when I awoke to terrible backpain. Equal on both sides. I had stomach pain too, but mostly the back. It came in waves. I went to the ER. They thought it was my gallbladder, but wasn't. They did an endoscope to rule out ulcers and that came back OK. So, they were thinking it was a kidney stone. Tests showed blood in my urine. I mentioned that back in 2003, when I had my C-section, I had blood in my urine too. At the time, the doctor was concerned she nicked my bladder during the surgery, but tests revealed she didn't. No follow-up was done to figure out why I had blood in my urine. In the end, they guessed it was a kidney stone.\n\nAnyway, I'm 39 years old. I've had hypertension and high cholesterol since my early twenties, but I contribute that to being overweight. I'm not overly tired and feel fine most of the time. Though I do get dull pain on the left side every now and then. But, it's no big deal. One weird thing though, and I've had it for years and years, is on my back, below my ribcage, I cannot stand to be poked there. It is always extremely tender on both sides. But, I don't notice it unless I'm poked. This is why I don't like back massages -- because it sends me through the roof.\n\nNow that I've told you more than you care to know, my questions are these . . .\n\nAfter my ultra-sound, when I go see the doctor, what kind of questions should I ask? Also, has anybody else had most of the symptoms I've mentioned here. What are some conditions I should look into? I'd like to be prepared to ask pertinent questions when I go into the doctors office.\n\nMy experience with doctors is they tend to blow me off, and act as if it pains them to hear the patient say anything other than \"Yes, doctor. Whatever you say, doctor.\" The more prepared I am, the less likely I'll let them get out of the room without giving me satisfactory answers.\n\nI'd appreciate some advice, additonal insight, or anything you have to offer. Thanks ahead of time.",
	"Hi, all. I just discovered the DaVita site while surfing a couple of nights ago, and after discovering all the great info, I decided to join in on the forum.\nI am 32 years old, a wife of 13 years and a mother to a beautiful, little angel - girl named Erin. I was dx in 1995 with IgA neuropothy (sp?) and have flucuated from bad to good during this time. My biopsy was in 1996 and confirmed doc's dx. So, anyway, just a quick ?- I just discovered the area of Stages (my doc has never told me this, just percentages). So, what stage does 55% function fit into? After my daughter was born, I went down to 35%, but since then, have improved to 55% at my last appt. Does this put me back in Stage 2?\nThanks for any info, and for welcoming me (if you have) into your group.",
	"I went to Diabetes dr and got new script for Neuropathy on my feet Darvocet I am stage 4 cfd does anyone take this or is it bad for kidneys I didnt ask and havent called neph dr My neph had me on Tramadol it is to strong what is your input on this matter",
	"I ask this, because since I had an IVP test done last week, I don't wake up in the middle of the night having to pee anymore. Normally, I get up once in the night to go. Only a few weeks ago, I'd always get up because I was promted to do so by a full bladder. Now, when I get up, I still sit on the pot out of habit, but there seems to be less urine than there used to be.\n\nIs this reason for concern or am I just being paranoid?",
	"I've had a really terrible today today.\nI was at dialysis earlier and when I finished and the nurse took one needle out my arm would not stop bleeding for over 3 or 4 minutes.\nI'm very worried about this as all they did was kept on changing the gauze and eventually my arm stopped bleeding.\n\nI think the nurse might have been holding on the wrong spot as I mentioned to her that I could not feel her pressing on my arm and she tells me you never have to press hard. While I have always had to press quite hard to stop any bleeding (that includes papercuts too, lol).\n\nWhat else do they normally do to people if this happens?\nNow I'm afraid I'm going to die? or something.\nI did lose quite a lot of blood it seemed (maybe 400ml? as a guess as my weight was 600 less that what it was supposed to be).\nI am still in a lot of shock from this. I really don't know what to do.\n\nI think I might just start going to dialysis 2 times a week as I can not handle all this stress and events. I used to go 2x a week last year during the summer and was fine. No changes to my bloodwork at all either (was actually told then my bloodwork was better)..\nI'm trying to think positive today and it just does not seem to be working.",
	"Hi all, for those of you seeking a kidney transplant but cannot decide whether this option is for you here's a video that you can use for learning and research. I hope you find this video helpful...\n\nKIDNEY TRANSPLANT: RISKS AND OUTCOMES",
	"Many End Stage Renal Disease patients needing a kidney transplant may find themselves having to deal with Hepatitis C but that cannot stop you from still getting a kidney transplant. In this video series below you can learn and research more about kidney transplantation and Hepatitis C.\n\nKidney Transplant: Hepatitis C and Steroid Sparing",
	"Has anyone good advice for travel by air with the NxStage home hemodialysis machine? Anything you could tell me would be appreciated. I am interested in how anyone lifted the machine to pack it in the first place, what you did with the IV pole, and if the airlines were cooperative.",
	"Hello,\n\nI am in end stage kidney failure. My kidney doctor said I needed to get a fistula, but when I seen the surgeon he said my veins were to small. So I have to get a graft. He also talked to me about pd dialysis. Can anyone tell me about there experiences with a graft and also pd dialysis? I have to decide between the two rather soon.",
	"Hi,\n\n I'm asking this question for my mom, who just started on in-center hemo dialysis 5 months ago. She's 69 years old, turning 70 this November, has been diabetic for 20 years, but was diagnosed with CKD in 2005. At first my mom was against the idea of a transplant if that would mean getting it from any one of her children. She said since the disease seems to run in the family then we needed to keep ours for ourselves. But then again she's having a difficult time adjusting to the dialysis, so when we told her the kidney can come from someone else she said she's willing to consider that.\n\n However, when I asked her neph about it he immediately shot down the idea. He said with the host of complications my mom is suffering from, plus her age, it's close to impossible to get approval for transplantation. He said it would take a year or 2 just to get on the list, and a wait of 5 years or more to get a transplant, if at all. By then my mom would be too old for a transplant. He said the only way my mom could get one sooner is if any one of her relatives would donate a kidney. Is this true? Thanks for any info sent my way.\n\nPollyanna",
	"Hello,\nI am about to begin dialysis, I think I will be doing in center dialysis. Our family is planning a cruise for next summer. Will I be able to go? Can I miss a day or two or do the cruise ship have dialysis?",
	"Read this today:\n\nhttp://www.arcamax.com/technology/s-390370-914878\n\nEnd of transplant drugs may be near\nKIEL, Germany (UPI) -- German scientists say they've created a technique that might avoid the necessity of transplant patients taking anti-rejection drugs the rest of their lives.\n\nThe researchers -- led by Professor Fred Fandrich at the University of Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel, Germany -- said their technique involves taking infection-fighting white cells from a transplant patient's blood and subjecting them to a highly complex procedure involving cells taken from the living or deceased donor. The tailor-made cells are then administered back to the patient.\n\n\"Until now the only option for transplant patients has been to take a ****tail of drugs for the rest of their lives\" said Dr. James Hutchinson, the study's lead author. \"These drugs can cause severe side effects and cannot always prevent the slow destructive process of chronic rejection which often leads to the failure of the transplanted organ.\n\n\"That is why our use of transplant acceptance-inducing cells in kidney transplant patients is such an exciting development, as it could eventually offer patients who have had transplant surgery a much higher quality of life, free from complex drug regimes.\"\n\nThe procedure is reported in the August issue of the journal Transplant International.\n\nCopyright 2008 by United Press International",
	"91.7 WVXU in Cincinnati will air a story on home hemodialysis featuring my family this Sunday between 7:00-8:00 am on a show called Cincinnati Edition. It will be streamed live that morning on wvxu.org, or you can listen to the archived version on Monday at wvxu.org click Programs then Cincinnati Edition.\n\nThe reporter came to my house for my hook up, spoke with my wife and daughter, and then went to the DaVita White Oak home training center to talk with my training nurse.",
	"Hello all, I am kind of new to the forum I have posted a few already and some of you may remember me. Anyway, I am having a Kidney Biopsy on this coming TUES. I am wondering if any of you know how specific the biopsy results can be. I did a few drugs a long long time ago, back in high school (marijuana and such) and was wondering if they will be able to tell this from the biopsy? And if the results can, can they show how long ago I had done the drugs? I am in the military so they will know my results and I just want to make sure if the biopsy reveals this then it will show it was not done since my career in the military. Any advice would be much appreciated. I could not find anything searching on line.",
	"Hi everyone, I need some input about problems I a am having My GFR is 26 and creat is 2.7 that was 3 months ago My neph has took me off lasix he said I was drying my kidneys my problem is now I am swelling , legs,ankles,feet,hands . I havent called and told him yet but am scared of his answer to me I dont see him till 4 more weeks. Im itching at times he has me going to a vascular dr im to doo test on my legs which is another problem Im also diabetic I know I need to call Dr but scared.to. my question is am I getting close to dialysis or can I do something to prevent or prolong treatment",
	"Just a quickie.\n\nTook my laptop to dialysis for the first time since they got wireless and went to listen to my Sirius satellite site but was restricted by DaVita's web settings so I was bummed.\n\nE-mailed their Chief Web Engineer the next day and he told me it was a restrcted site due to the fact it is a \"Streaming Audio\" site and uses too much bandwidth and that it could interfere with the staff computers' capabilities and speed.\n\nHe e-mailed me back and asked what time I go in and I told him I am usually there from 4:45 PM to 7:45 PM and he said that he might be able to allow this site.\n\ntried it last nite and got to listen to my satellite radio site all night.\n\nI just thought it was cool of him to go above and beyond to make one simple person a little happier on dialysis.",
	"Please respond to this query if you are a fistula dialysis patient and also have pulmonary hypertension.\nI do and wonder if there is a connection.\nI'll keep you apprised of the results.",
	"My brother has had ckd since a young child. He went on dialysis at the age of 19 and had a transplant from my father at about 21. He lost that kidney within a year and has been on dialysis since. He is now 30. His health has deteriorated slowly and he has to my knowledge done what he can to be as healthy as possible. Recently he has had his second parathyroidectomy which took all of it. He now can not get enough calcium and takes shots of hormones to replace what was taken out. He regrets going along with the doctors advice since he now has the risk of seizures and horrible muscle tightening. He really is miserable with this disease and it affects his every moment. He goes through periods of depression and suicidal thoughts because 'his life sucks\" and his body is slowly dying. Now he has had this condition and been on dialysis all of his adult life. I don't wish his life on anyone. He feels he can not get any decent job, girlfriend or have any foreseeable future. He is not a positive person. He gets this from my dad, be it hereditary or environmental. I just wish he could look at things like many others on this forum do...positively. I know his disease sucks but there is nothing that will magically make his life different. I feel bad that he deals with issues like death at his age. I don't own a magic wand though. I keep waiting for the day when he will \"grow up\" and realize self pity and negativeness is counterproductive. Does anyone have any advice or experience with these issues? I am wondering why the posts I have read all seem to paint dialysis life as rosy. No one seems to complain about how life on dialysis affects their bodies. I suppose that is not what everyone needs to read about either. I can say I have heard it too many times myself from my brother.",
	"Hello,\n\nI was wondering how long are you able to keep urinating after you start hemo dialysis?",
	"Any one from Arkansas on P D disability..please tell us how hard it is to get it started and what you have to do or does someone do it for you..thanks mejay1",
	"Hi all does anyone know of a computer program to keep your PD STATS ?\n(blood pressure, Temp,volume and all that)..The paper form I received from my PD nurse is to small, I mean the box's to put the stats in are to small for the info for my printing..",
	"Hi,\nI know it seems I probably post a lot of silly questions.\nBut I have had some either odd or pretty unbeleivable situations at my unit and really have no one to ask or compare this with.\n\nHas anyone actually been refused saline? like when you weren't feeling well? or has muscle cramps?\n\nApparently since my last visit this week I know have a \"standing order\" whatever that means to not be given any saline at any time.\nNow the nurse that was assigned to me on Friday, she said this was a new order that was written because one doctor thought I got too much saline.\n\nI only ask for saline if/when I have muscle cramps and that was quite often in the month before because my weight was 1.5kg too low...so kept on getting ill and getting bad muscle cramps.\nMost of the nurses here are nice and actually do listen to the patients, so usually do not have any issues.\n-also that we now have a resident doctor here now and he does not want to change anyones orders as he does not know them (silly really...).\n\nSo, now I'm just curious if anyone at any other units have had anything like this happen.\nThe last time I was at my unit I was feeling like my blood pressure was low, quite unwell and ended up having to finish early as I was not feeling well and refused saline.\nI guess I forgot to mention that last time I was there, the nurse entered my weight wrong in the computer and did not listen to me- even though I told her the correct weight (she was off by .800 so almost 1kg).\n\nWell, hopefully I'll have better luck next week!",
	"Im not sure this question is in the right place.. but a friend of mine has been on dialysis now about 3 months 3 times a week.... she didnt use the bathroom to pee... but she did for the other... but latley... she has no control of the other one.. so she is wearing diapers now and she didnt have this before plus she dont even know it comes out is this a Bad sign..... plus., all this time she has not urinated and then today she pee'd her diapers 3 times..\nwht does this mean... does it mean her kidneys are healing or not...?or is she losing control of her bowels?",
	"Okay guys - need the transplant people here who did hemo dialysis prior to transplant.\n\nWhat do you guys do with your fistula once you have been transplanted? Do you keep it for life or does it get \"disconnected\" somewhere down the line?",
	"Hello Friends,\nI am using the Davita diet menus for pre dialysis kidney disease (stage three). In the breakfast menus, most call for 4 ounces of coffee at breakfast. Do you think coffee is hard on kidneys when following the pre dialysis diet? I know fluid must be carefully watched while on dialysis. I drink 4 ounces of cranberry juice each morning but also drink two or three coffees during the early morning hours. Is this important to cut back on my coffee drinking? Thanks, Nan",
	"Coming up soon next week will be a free Webinar presented by the people at Medical Education Institute\n\n\n\nSpecial guest is Dr. Stuart Sprague, from Northwestern University, who will be talking renal bone disease. This special free educational webinar will take place Tuesday, August 26, at 8:50pm EST ..its a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn about bone disease in dialysis population.\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\nFree Webinar Starts on these time zones:\n\n1:50am (Wednesday) GMT/London\n6:00pm (Tuesday) US Pacific time\n7:00pm (Tuesday)US Mountain time\n8:00pm (Tuesday)US Central time\n9:00pm (Tuesday)US Eastern time\n11:00am (THURSDAY) Australia (Geelong) time\n6:20am (Thursday) Mumbai, India\n\nFore more information on other free webinars visit HOME DIALYSIS CENTRAL",
	"I just read something on medicare , question is, does hemo dialysis do you use bags of blood to dialysisize it said something about medicare wouldnt pay for bllod in home dialysis does anyone know what I am talking about hope I said it right",
	"I am now to this . hope its ok to post here ? I have pkd and crohns . My ckd is now going in to stage 4 . I have know that I had pkd sens I was 15 it just never went past stage 2 other than when I was pregnet. Almost 22 years a go .Now in just a shourt time it moved up . I have ben dilling with the crohns for 20 + year's . So now that you know moor than you probly wonted to about me .Here is my queston the diet for ckd is the comeplet opeset as the diet for the crohns is there others out there with the same probolum as me? I have seen a renol Diatshon. It helpt some but can alwas us moor . thanks for lisning ! CB",
	"Hi All - just would like someone's opinion with regards to my situation - Chefnancy, chime in as well.\n\nIn as much as I have read the posts of everybody here, I am a bit confused regarding CKD. I have heard much to my surprise as to how someone with just a creatinine of 3.0 can be so sickly and yet there are others out there with creatinine as high as 6 with no symptoms. My story gets more and more wierd every time I have a blood test.\n\nMy creatinine is at a 3.76. GFR is at a 13 and my doc says I have anemia. So, he stated he wanted to take blood work with regard to my iron and hemoglobin AGAIN and AGAIN to see if I should start Procrit shots. Now, like I have said, all along for the two years or so, my other numbers regarding my potassium, sodium, phosphorus have been normal - go figure. Now, I get my blood work back and now my hemoglobin is back to normal. Iron is just fine as well. Hemoglobin was at a 29 - now it's back to a 35. If I'm going through kidney failure, why am I fluctuating so much?\n\nSo I'm a bit confused. If I'm at a GFR of 13, shouldn't my kidneys be going wacko with regards to other items (sodium, potassium, etc.) on my blood work? Also, and I doubt if anyone would know this, if I have something other than kidney disease - let's say something that is masking it, would my body have issues with starting dialysis if it was in fact, not CKD? (No, I'm not in denial, just confused)\n\nI think my nephrologist is more confused than I and he never did call me back two weeks ago when the blood work went to his office. I simply get frustrated that he wants to push dialysis and yet there is very little wrong with my blood work now as Creatinine seems to be the only issue.",
	"Hello,\n\nI had my graft surgery yesterday. Not at all what I expected. Quit painful. The surgery itself was done with a twilight sleep anesthia. I could actually feel part of the surgery! Afterwards when the numbing worn off I had a pain level of about 7. They gave me vicodine for pain,but it upsets my stomach so I have been taking tylenone. It helps but have to take it every 4 to 6 hours. It hurts to have my arm hanging down, have to keep it propped up or slightly bended when walking. I have two incision on my upper left arm, they both bled alot, and the bandges are covered with a large plastic rectagular shaped tape. It is real tight on my arm and feels like something is pulling on my skin.Hopefully by tomorrow this will feel alot better.",
	"Our apologies if you receive multiple copies of this Call for Papers\n\n================================================== =================\n Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering (JBiSE)\n CALL FOR PAPERS\nhttp://www.srpublishing.org/scirp/Jo...x?JournalID=30\nISSN 1937-6871 (Print), 1937-688X (Online)\n================================================== =================\n\n JBISE is an international refereed journal dedicated to the latest\nadvancement of biomedical sciences and engineering. The goal of this\njournal is to keep a record of the state-of-the-art research and\npromote the research work in these fast moving areas.\n\n You are invited to submit papers presenting a high-quality original\nresearch related to biomedical sciences and engineering.\nFor more information about this journal,please visit\nhttp://www.srpublishing.org/scirp/Jo...x?JournalID=30\nor contact jbise@srpulishing.org for any questions.",
	"My husband has gone through one week on the PD cycler. After two or three mishaps on connecting, we are finally getting the hang of it. What has been disappointing to me is that he is feeling no better. The edema is much better, but he is still really tired and he feels bloated and slightly nausiated all the time and he has no appetite. Our PD team has told us that he should feel much better, but so far he does not. Am I expecting too much to quickly? I am feeling really discouraged. My husband is dealing better than I. Any insight?",
	"Hi, I am new to the forum and PD. I have been on in-center hemo since Feb. I have a fistula in my left arm that they have been having problems with. Part of it is growing deep and they have problems getting the 2nd line going good. It has been worked on a couple of times but needs more surgery to raise it up for a good access. Hemo has been working out pretty good but a couple hours after I am usually wiped out and need a nap. I have had some problems with cramps and drop of BP during the session.\n\nBut thankfully I have found PD (I think  ) I had my catheder placement about 3 weeks ago and start training next week. The surgery was on a Tues and I used the pain pills for a few days but by the weekend I no longer used them. All in all I had very little pain to deal with.\n\nI have had 2 fills and flushes with no disconfort, in fact I didn't feel anything. Of couse the fluid wasn't in very long.\n\nWe are looking forward to getting our day time back and NO NEEDLES  Also traveling again, we have a motorhome but with the price of gas I am not sure how we will be going. Some of it may be by car \n\nThe big thing right now is figuring out where we are going to put all the \"Stuff\" but I think we got it worked out. I guess we will find out on delivery day \n\nI have been watching these forums for a few months but haven't posted, this is really great for getting info and for people to share their experiences.\n\nTake Care All",
	"hi everyone. my name is april, my husband eric is on dialysis, and has been for 5 mos.\nwe were truck drivers before he had to start treatment. we knew he had kidney disease, but it seemed like BAM our lives changed. it's just a little difficult driving 48 states and getting dialysis 3 times a week. but we are coping, and life is good. i am the rock, and humor that makes us look forward to waking up in the morning. eric gets discouraged because he can't work yet and financially we are just scraping by. but after living on a truck for 5 yrs we have learned to live simple, uncomplicated lives.\nhe started testing for a transplant yesterday and we have three friends that want to try to be donors so,see, life IS good.\nanyway we are here and i would love to talk to others about this new way of life, either as a relative of a dialysis patient or our experiences so far...eric is a little shy, or introverted and as soul partners i am not lol. hope ya'll have a good weekend, down here in fort lauderdale since Tropical storm Fay is north of here our weather is almost normal( it only rains once a day now) so we will probably work in the yard and then bar-b-que ...LIFE!!! IS GOOD!!!!take care everyone and like i tell my kids, take care of each other!",
	"last night my machine alarmed at ever drain and fill so I didn't sleep very much. Also it ran much longer so it didn't finish until 7:30. I have to be at school (starting Sept. 2nd) at 7:45 so I am worried that I won't be able to make it if it happens again.\nI pulled off 650 ML with a 1.5 bag and a 2.5 bag. Does anyone think that if I go to 2 1.5 bags this would help?\nthis is a new problem, I have been doing PD now for 10 months and have not had it happen before. Sometimes it doesn't drain fast enough but that's all.\n\nOh well, guess I just have to put up with it and hope it straigtens out.",
	"Hi Guys - been reading a lot around here about Fistulas, but have a question:\n\nWhat happens if your fistula is infiltrated? Do they simply clot it and stick the needle in another area of the fistula or are you done for the day?",
	"I Am 31 An Going Thru Alot With My Kidneys I Am Still Lucky Enough To Have Both Of Them But I Have Been Dealing With Ckd For The Last 13 Yrs Myself But Had Kidney Problems Since I Was Born But My Question Is I Am At 23-26% Function Between Both An All I Keep Getting Is I Am Fine I Am Just Real Concerned About This All My Blood Test Are Thru The Roof My Creatinine Was A 2.9 - 3.0 In July Should I Really Be Worried About This",
	"Hi. I was wondering if anyone knows if dialysis patients can do tae kwon do, play volleyball, and soccer? These sports are being offered at my YMCA and I want to know if I could play. If you have any information please let me know. Thanks!",
	"CKD. Unfortunately, my doctor says I'm at Stage 3. Is it usual to be diagnosed at this stage, or do people usually find out earlier? Needless to say, I'm concerned about the future, and a bit overwhelmed right now with all the information that I've been reading online. Does anyone have \"must know\" information for me and places where I can find this?",
	"Wanted to update everyone on my graft surgery. I had the surgery on tuesday the 19th. I suffered quite a bit of pain afterwards, but today 5 days later I feel much better. I still feel tightness around the incisions and pain when I move my arm a certain way. I called the surgeon on friday cause I could not feel the \"thrill\" anymore. He had me come in to the office but said he could feel it. I still can't feel it which has me a little concerned. Mainly cause I could feel it and now I can't. How can I tell if something is wrong? anyway all and all everthing is slowly getting back to normal.",
	"Help, I have always always been one to sleep throughout the night. I could get up to use the bathroom or get a drink and always fall back sound to sleep instantly. My only problems with sleeping was I have RLS and take requip for this and I also have sleep apnea which I went and got a CPAP machine about 6 months ago. Both are great and have helped those symptoms, BUT I got this new symptom of not being able to get back to sleep once I get up to use batheroom. Ever since I got the cpap I wake up every night around 3:00 (like normal) to use the bathroom, but only difference is I am wide awake and can't get back to sleep for nothing (it takes me hours). It is so weird, cause I honestly never ever had that problem and now it's terrible. I've gotten to where when I wake up and need to go to the bathroom, I hold and hold it as long as I can cause once I get up I know I won't be able to get back to sleep. It's like my mind is full and I can't shut it down..... Do you think this is kidney related or CPAP related or Requip related?????\n\n\nCharli",
	"Hello All!\n\nAs most of you now I have been on here before regarding my grandmother. She has had a perm cath in since March and has been infection free since May. We were able to take a few vacations this summer. Anyway it is time for her to have a new access placed in her arm. This time around we are hoping to have better luck. Our neph has sent us to a more advanced hospital and a new surgeon. The new surgeon ran a test and found out she could have an AV fistula (our former surgeon never did this he just looked at her arm and said she could not). The surgery is scheduled for this Friday. Since this type of access is new to us, does anyone have any suggestions regarding a fistula. Are there certain types of things I should be looking for infection or clot wise, or is it basically the same as a graft. I am somewhat educated on the fistulas but still do not know all there is to them. Thank you all!",
	"Good evening to all. I just wanted to come on board to share. Everyone that I have seen post so far (have lurked for a few days) seems wonderful here. I am a caregiver not a dialysis patient. My mother is 72 and lives with my husband and me. It can be very difficult at times. I have a sister who lives in another state and would be here in a minute if I asked, one brother who has no clue what living our lives means and another brother who recently got it. I would never choose to not be there for my Mom. She raised 4 kids by herself and never looked back. With that said it is difficult. I worked 40+ hours a week, thankfully for a wonderful boss who will allow me to adjust my schedule as needed to be there for my mom. It has just been so overwhelming these past few weeks. The treatments, the dietary changes, etc...\n\nI thank God for the fact that we have not had some of the problems that some have noted on here. The resources I have utilized on this site so far have been very useful. My husband and I are trying hard to adjust to the new diet. A lot of the recipes help me as well as I have type 2 diabetes. I feel for my husband who does not have these problems but eats right along with us. He has been really wonderful trying to learn the correct things for my mom. He prepares her breakfast at least 5 days per week as well as lunch and drives me nuts trying to design new dinner options He has pretty much become a house husband to two women, poor guy Fortunately, he is self employeed and can adjust his schedule accordingly.\n\nAnyway, I have rambled along here. Thank you for being on here and offering kind words and support to each other. I look forward to 'talking' with you all.",
	"Hi,\nJust a quick update from Rob your forum administrator. I've taken over this role from David who is no longer with DaVita and he is greatly missed.\n\nWe'll be working closely with our forum moderators to make sure we all can act as quickly as possible to delete as well as ban users who continually post spam to our forums. We're working very hard to keep this place clean for you.\n\nIn the meantime if you have any issues, please reach out to our forum moderators and you're welcome to reach me too.\n\nToday we gave our forums a maintenance update. This should help cut down on some of the spamming that has been occurring. Included in this update is a security update to make sure our users have secure passwords. Too many users had passwords that were easily 'guessable' by other people and forum bots that attempt to hack accounts. You may have even received an email that your account needs to have an updated password.\n\nHere is a place with some great tips to password security. If you haven't done so, you should consider updating your password today.\n\nhttp://www.securitystats.com/tools/password.php\n\n- Rob",
	"My name is yolanda 37 years old, I am a single mother of three children and I work 4 12 hour shifts. Im always asked how I do it and all I can say is I just take it one day at a time. I've been doing hemo since 2005. Currently I am doing in center hemo for 3 hours, 3 days a week. Luckily my job gives me three days off Tues, Thurs & Sat. So really I dont have any days off. I work 6am to 6 pm and do dialysis @ 6 am then Im so wiped out after wards its hard to spend time with my family. I was told that PD would probably be a good choice for me but I need some input. Is it good? Does it help? If I do overnight PD will I still have to do an exchange during the day? Please I really want to know about the CONS more than the PROS. Thank you in advance!!",
	"Hi, I'm new to this and my husband has been on dialysis for about 4 months now. He hates it and is very weak afterwards. His disposition was never optimistic (even before dialysis-somewhat of a \"sour-puss\") but now he seems to be very depressed and basically just wanting to not wake up. He's in his early 50's and I try to cheer him up and remain positive but sometimes it wears on me. I find myself listless and feeling worn out just from trying to lift his mood. We both work and all of our children are out of the house and work also. I would need to be the caregiver if and when a kidney becomes available but I feel guilty about not donating my kidney. Help point me in the morally right direction. The irony is that I have been a registered donor (not a living donor) for over 15 years! I think he and I need to talk about this in detail because I think he believes I just don't want to make that sacrifice. I don't know how to approach him without making a bad situation worst.",
	"What happens in your center when a patient dies? How do you find out about it? Is there any expression of sorrow? Is there in comfort to the departed's family/friend?\nAt our facility most often you find out about it when you read the obituary. Does not seem right. So I hope I die on the floor and at least some will know it quickly>",
	"Hi guys:\n\nJust wondering on this one. I was told by my doc that I need to drink a lot of water during the day. I am not on dialysis, yet am at stage 5. I can understand drinking water to keep yourself hydrated, but he mentioned that I need to drink between 5-7 bottles of water a day. Why so much water?",
	"Question? I have low blood calcium. I take my binders as directed but can't get the 10 Tums a day in. My unit has said something to me about going to the higher calcium Dialysate but seems reluctant. I am and have been VERY honest with them about my Tums consumption and dislike of it!!! Any info on the different calcium levels in the solution?",
	"hi everyone! wednesday davita changed eric's dialysis time to 6:00 in the morning. he actually had a choice of 6:00 or 9:00 . to be there at 6 we have to get up at 4:30 so i can make breakfast and pack eric's lunch but then he's done by 10 and we have the whole day to rest and play. so i convinced him to go at 6 and now we are home and it's still early so who knows, maybe we'll go swimming or something... is swimming ok? swimming and horseplay i gotta put a smile on this man's facei hope everyone has a good loooong weekend take care of each other and always know that LIFE IS GOOOOD!!!!",
	"I was wondering if it is normal for me to be extremlly tired i sleep most of the day thank god my hubby is here for me i sleep allday till about 12 then i am only up for like 3hrs then i am falling asleep agian i go bk to my neph on tues but i was wondering about this for two days now",
	"Hi, I just joined the group, but am not new to NxStage. I've been using NxStage since February 2006. Although I'm a home dialysis veteran, that doesn't mean I want to dialyze alone. Because of that, I am a co-moderator at NxStage_Users.\n\nWe are the most active location on the web for patient to patient support. We have all sorts of users — from the very second person ever on NxStage to those in training. We here to support each other and advocate for each other. Why don't you join our 'family' by clicking on the link above. We only require you answer a few questions.",
	"My brother is living with me and is on dialysis. I had to take him to ER because of hallucinations and yesterday when I went to see him and get some information the charge nurse told me his BUN was 47 and Greatening 9. After dialing the numbers down to to 7 and 3 but no where near the \"normal\" range. An associate of my brothers doctor was on duty and told me you don't hallucinate with toxins in your body or have any of the other symptoms he had like headache, vomiting and tiredness. He also said that my brothers dialysis was very effective and was working.\n\nSorry, I am really trying to make this short Now, to me that does not sound like an effective treatment or that his dialysing are working properly. We know the doctor isn't taking all the test that need to be taken because of other problems that could have been caught before hospitalization How do I get some answers for my brother? And to make sure he is getting proper treatment?\n\nOr am I wrong in my thinking that his treatments aren't working fine because I thought dialysis was to take the place of the kidneys and pull out the toxins. Or do I have that wrong too?\n\nI sure would appreciate any answers in helping him and other in this situations\n\nthank you.",
	"Hello there everyone. Well it looks like it's that time I will be starting dialysis on Tuesday. I was told to bring a blanket and pillow so I will be comfortable, and the nurse said that it is cold in that room. I'm a baby, I asked the nurse if she could show me the size of the needle and it looks really big, I just hope that after they get it in it won't continue to hurt. Well wish me luck.\n Your Dialysis Friend\n Kathy",
	"Hello there my name is Kathy and I just want all of you to know that I live in N.C. and my Doctor is very good to me and I'm so glad that I found such a caring Doctor because I know that sometimes you can get a Doctor that seems that he could care less. This doctor gave me his cell-phone number so I can reach him day or night and to tell you the truth I've never had a Doctor that would care for his patients that much I feel very lucky to have found a Doctor like him right off the bat. I called my Doctor at seven o-clock one morning because I had gout and with-in the hour my husband had gone to Wal-greens and picked up my medicine",
	"Can anyone tell me why in stage 4 you are sick to your stomach alot??? I vary between GFR of 22% and 25% and creatinine of 2.6 - 2.9. I think it's food related alot, but can't be sure. If I eat something bad or too much I so pay for it for days..I have read that if you follow your renal diet it helps, so why is that? What does it do when you don't that causes you to be nausus?\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"I have RLS and PLMD and have been told it's from the CKD. Does anyone know what it is about CKD that causes someone to have these symptoms??\n\nCharli",
	"Hi guys:\n\nJust an update on my situation. I was dragging two weeks back. Could not sleep and I think because my disease is progressing, insomnia is getting worse. I spoke to my GP about getting a small dosage of Ambien to make me sleep. WOW, you have no idea how much better I feel. No more fatigue - I actually feel more normal, if that makes sense. Two weeks ago, I was nodding off at my desk - now I have so much more energy. Even staying up later to watch movies...\n\nDoes insomnia go along with dialysis? Just would like to know because if it does, I want to stay on the Ambien.",
	"Howdy all,\n\ncheckout this video on this brave young gal who does dialysis in the woods!! Yes, you heard right....where all the wolves and bears hang out!!\n\nDIALYSIS IN THE WOODS",
	"Okay i'm a newbie on this forum, however i've been on dialysis for exactly a year now today. Right before i found out i had end stage kidney failure, i had just started a job and then had to quit it after a month for treatment and readjustment to tons of appointments,surgeries,etc. Its been a year having to adjust to everything and i've just taken on a new part time job to keep busy and feel normal again. However, because i didn't have health insurance before getting sick i only had medicare and medicaid as insurance. Now I only work part time about 7-10 hours a week on minimum wage. Sorry this is so long but my question is I called to report this to SSA and Medicaid and medicaid basically told me i should start saving money cause i'm gonna need it for medical bills after she asked me if i go to medical appointments alot. This was after i told her i was on hemodialysis and see a nephrologist regularly. She said something like I make too much, which is bs although i do receive SSDI. I'm panicking because i know i can't afford my prescriptions especially my phophate binders that run $400 and i usually take about 2 different kinds (qty is 9 for one and 6 for other) and this doesn't include the other meds i take. I just want to know from anyone what i should do, I called someone else with DSHS who knew my case personally but she has not responded so i am awaiting anxiously. Has anyone had this problem? Should i have not gotten a job even though it pays little and i barely work sufficient hours? I don't like to leach off the government, applying for SSI/SSDI was hard enough for me to do, i felt like i was taking advantage of someone and i don't like handouts. If someone can give me advice i appreciate it please!",
	"When I log in to my account and try to calculate my GFR, I only get the basic version and cannot seem to get to my stored calculations, or store this new one.\n\nWhat am I doing wrong?",
	"Hi\nI was wondering how do you really know when you need one and when is the best time? I am at 18% to 22% kidney function. My doctor tells me don't worry about it as we can do that at anytime,. What is that supose to mean?",
	"last night was a nightmare! My transplant surgeon called and said he had a kidney from a 66 year old man who had hypertension but it was controlled through medication. He said it was \"my call\" as to if I wanted it. The last three times I was called he never mentioned age, so I thought that was significant. I am 55. After much soul searching and talking it through with my husband I called the Dr. back and said I was going to wait.\n I know I made the right choice given the circumstances (PD has been going well, I am at the top of the list) and the Dr. said it would not influence my status on the list, BUT I m still crying about it all.\n what do you think?",
	"Hello everyone, my name is Carson, I do Ultrasounds and in the past i've evaluated many patients for Dialysis access,never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being on the other side.I was told about my kidney failure some time ago and with medication thought my kidneys wouldn't get worse. Well after visiting two Dialysis Centers, two days ago my Nephrologist told me to make a decision by the 15th which treatment i'll have. I want to write more but right now my head is throbbing.",
	"My past lab results (2007) showed my GFR at >60 and my most recent lab work GFR is at 59 and there is protien in my urine. I have been extremely tired lately and have leg cramps and a numbness on the left tip of my tongue. My creatinine has steadily increased since last year.\n\nMy doctor insists my kidneys are fine, but I'm convinced I just entered Stage 3 of CKD.\n\nMy doctor says I have a panic disorder, but I believe the lab tests speak louder than a doctor's guesses! I pay very close attention to what my body is telling me. I don't run to the doctor for just anything.\n\nShould I just wait and see if things progress in the next few years or should I insist on a referral to a nephrologist? I am doing a lot of research and learning so that I can begin eating better, but everything I've read says early detection is important.\n\nI have read a lot of the posts here and obviously a lot of people found out their condition after it was already advanced, but their doctors knew earlier.\n\n59 is just the start of Stage 3, so should I wait?",
	"I am my son's caregiver while on hemodialysis. He has been experiencing low grade fevers (99.3) an hour or later after his treatments. He does not take tylenol and after a couple of hours they disappear. He does not get these low grade fevers on non-dialysis days. I thought his procrit shots may have been the cause of the fevers so I am going to give him Aranesp shots at home. I read that procrit - epo can cause fevers. I also know that heparin can also cause fevers. Has anyone experienced low grade fevers after a treatment. His temperature before and at end of treatment are not an issue. Very frustrating for my son. He has a donor on board but we can't seem to resolve low grade fever issue.",
	"Hi,\n My name is Silvia and i'm 21 years old. I was diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease 6 months ago. I had some symptoms but I did not know they were symptoms of CKD. I went to my university's health center and they did a urine test and determined that I had a lot of protein in my urine. I was then referred to a nephrologist who put me in the hospital for one week and did blood tests, a urinalysis and a kidney biopsy. That was where the doctor determined that I had stage 3 CKD. I had high blood pressure as well. So I was put on blood pressure medication and told to go on a low protein, potassium and sodium diet.\n\nI went to see another nephrologist and he told me the same thing the first doctor had told me. The problem is that I don't feel they're doing enough for me or they don't care about my situation. I have followed the diet, seen a nutritionist and my blood tests show that my disease has not progressed. But my blood tests show that my hemoglobin and my red blood cell count was low. I looked this stuff up online and these low counts indicate anemia. Both the doctors i've seen say that I don't have anemia and that it's not a concern.\n\n I feel pretty good though, symptom wise. I don't get tired easily and my appetite isn't too bad, i just get full easily so i eat small portions. Since last year I noticed that i started losing weight and i've lost a total of 20 lbs unintentionally. As for the weight loss the doctors haven't said anything either. I don't know what else the doctors could be doing but I don't feel informed about my disease by them. I have done a lot of research on my own and that is how I have learned a lot about CKD.\n\nDoes anyone know any good nephrologists in the Irvine or San Diego area? Are there support groups with people for CKD in these areas? Thanks.",
	"Well I have my 1st week in on PD and I must say I feel much better than on Hemo. It is so nice to have my time back again even though I have to make a exchange during the day but I am not locked into a time and can adjust when I do it.\n\nI found I can sleep on about any side except while draining, I can't sleep on my left side when I drain but I don't worry about it if I happen to get on my left side the alarm will let me know  and I just roll over to another side and off we go.\n\nThe midday exchange is with 4.25 and I feel a bit bloated with it and sometimes it is worse than others but it usually don't last too long. The 1.5 and 2.5 doesn't bother me at all.\n\nSo far PD is GREAT!!!!!",
	"I've been getting extreme back aches lately (low/mid back) and I really have no idea why. It's a constant everyday thing and I don't know if it's bone or muscle pain. I'm in the lower stage 4, could this be related to the CKD? Everything else I have seems to be from the kidney thing, so I figured that does to and if it is related what can I do to stop this?\n\nThanks,\n\n\nCharli",
	"I am in stage 4 and I love milk (always have). I used to drink about 5 glasses a day easily, but have been told to cut down to like 1/2 glass a day. It's very hard for me to do and I don't do the 5 or more glasses anymore or even close, but I tend to drink at least 2 glasses of milk and everytime I do I pay, my stomach gets horrible and uncomfortable. Why? What is it about milk and CKD that does this?\n\nMary",
	"Hoping to lift someone's spirit I thought I might post a couple things I've written. Some of my writings are poems, some fiction short stories, some true stories. I hope the couple I've chosen are not offensive to anyone. If so, let me know and I will delete them. But I really hope they give you a laugh, at least make you smile. Samson's mom made me think of one when she told about her squishy shoes. LOL!\n\nThe McCoys Reap Their End Results\n\nThelma Lou snuck up behind the Hatfield’s cabin window. “Mmmm, the cimynon in that\nthar apple pie shur smells good!” She took the sides of her apron in her hands, quickly\ngrabbed the pie and took off, her hair and skirt trailing behind.\n\n“You come back here with ma pie, you thievin’ polecat! Harmon! That Thelma Lou\nMcCoy done stole yer pie agin!”\n\n“Clara Mae, why da ya hafta keep puttin’ dem sweets on da winder sill? Ya knows\nshe’s agonna try ta snatch it.”\n\n“I’ll fix her, Harmon, jest ya wait an’ see. When I git done with her, that worm’ll not be\nstealin’ any more of ma sweets,” Clara Mae promised, with eyes squinted and one\neyebrow raised.\n\n******\n“Whad ya git this time, Thelma Lou?” Chester asked, his sloppy grin baring his\ntoothless gums.\n\n“It’s an apple pie with lots of cimynon. Smell,” she said, holding it under his nose. “Now\ngit me some wood an’ kindlin in here an’ I’ll start supper.”\n\nThelma Lou pumped water into a big pot and started throwing vegetables into it. She\ndidn’t bother with washing or peeling them. “A little dirt ne’er did hurt nobody,” she said\nto herself. “Whar’s that wood, Chester?”\n\nChester dashed back into the cabin, waving his tattered hat in the air, greasy hair\nplastered to his head. “Them Hatfield mongrels has done stole the whole blasted wood\npile!”\n\n“Well don’t jest stand thar with yer mouth flappin’ in the breeze, Chester. Go git it\nback!”\n\nNow Chester was thirsty and in no hurry to tangle with Harmon Hatfield, so he took the\nlong way... past his still. “Hafta check on things now and agin,” he reasoned. After\ntasting, uh... checking the still’s progress, and finding it doing quite nicely, Chester fell\nasleep on his pile of shelled corncobs. It was nigh dark when he woke up. “Mercy,”\nChester grumbled to himself, “I don’ wannna meet up with ol’ Harmon, but I kin’t face\nThelma Lou empty handed!”\n\nHe hurried over to the Hatfield’s, and there by the shed sat his pile of wood. “Shoot, it’s\njest too dark ta mess with that wood tonight.” Wondering what to do, something else\ncaught his eye. “Oh, looky what’s sittin’ in that winder.” Snickering, he grabbed the\nchocolate cake and raced for home.\n\n“Whar in the world have ya been, Chester?” Thelma Lou growled. “I be’n awaitin’ fer\nhours. Ya kin ferget ‘bout supper!”\n\n“Now, Honey Bunch, looky what I done got. A big chocolaty cake! We’ll jest have pie\nand cake and coffee, okay?” he pleaded, hoping to persuade her.\n\nThelma Lou conceded, put the coffee on and they sat down to eat. “This here pie’s not\nas tasty as it smelled, Chester. Tastes like rocks. Let’s try the cake.” And they began\ngulping it down.\n\n“Mmmm,” Chester smacked his lips, “now this here’s good cake! Shur is chocolaty,\nhuh? Slides down right easy.” They both savored it.\n\nThelma Lou ran her tongue over her four teeth. “Well that’s the end of that cake, we\ndone et the whole thing.” Thelma Lou drained her coffee cup. “Shur was tasty.”\n\n“Shur was. I did good, didn’t I, Thelma Lou?”\n\nShe patted his grimy, gnarled hand and answered, “Yeh, Chester, real good. I kin still\ntaste the sweetness.”\n\n“Sweets fer the sweet,” he tittered. With bellies chock-full of cake and coffee, the\nMcCoys fell asleep in their chairs.\n\nThelma Lou was the first to wake up. “Oohh, Chester, ma belly hurts. I gotta go out\nback.” She jumped up, grabbed her stomach and exploded out the door.\n\n“Wait! Me too, Thelma Lou. I gits it first.”\n\nWell, Thelma Lou beat Chester, but she was flabbergasted at what she found. “Eek!\nChester! All the catylogs are gone! Them Hatfield vermin. Go git some of yer\ncorncobs. Oohh! Hurry!”\n\nChester sped for the corncob pile, but he got a shock there too. He ran back, hollering,\n“Ooo, Thelma Lou, the cobs are all gone! Those snivelin’ good-for-nuttin’ Hatfield’s...\nOh, ma belly!”\n\n******\n“Harmon, are ya shur ya got all dem catylogs an’ all dem corncobs too?” asked Clara\nMae Hatfield.\n\n“Yep, Clara Mae, ever’ last one of ‘em. Jest how much o’ that thar stuff did ya put inta\nthat chocolaty cake?”\n\n“Enough, Harmon. Enough to put an end to those McCoys astealin’ ma sweets!”\n\nCassie Memmer © 02/18/06\n\n\nFeudin' Baptism\n\n“Harmon, I think it’s time we be babtized. We’re gettin’ older and we need to be goin’ to\nchurch. Make amends.”\n\n“Church? Make amends? Even with them thievin’ McCoys?”\n\n“Yes, Harmon. Even them ol’ coots.”\n\n“WhooHoo, Clara Mae, thet’s some idea ya’ got thar.” He knocked the pipe he’d stolen\noff the McCoys’ porch onto the tabletop, spilling tobacco ashes. “Stop the feudin’ with\nthe McCoys?”\n\n“Not jest stoppin’, Harmon, but endin’ the feud. The circuit preacher’ll be ‘round next\nweek. Ya’ want to make things right with the Lord, don’t ya’?” She threw kindling in the\nstove to start supper.\n\n“I guess you’re right. Do I have to take a bath? Wear anything special?”\n\n“No, Harmon, we’re gettin’ babtized in the river. You’ll get yer bath. Jest be sure ya’\nwear your longjohns under yer overalls.”\n\n******\n“Chester, today at the general store, I heard the Hatfields is gettin’ baptytized Sunday\ndown at Tug Fork River. They’s turnin’ a new leaf.”\n\n“Yer joshin’, Thelma Lou! That ol’ Hatfield cain’t never change his ways. He’s evil\nthrough and through and his woman’s worse than him.”\n\nChester’s better half tasted the rabbit stew she was stirring for their dinner. “Yum. This\ntame rabbit you stole from the McCoys shure is tasty.”\n\n“If’n Hatfield gets religion, he cain’t come after me any more for taking ‘em either,” he\nlaughed. “I think we should go and watch come Sunday. You know, kinda egg ‘em...”\nhe cleared his throat, “I mean, spur ‘em on.”\n\n******\nSunday morning both the Hatfields and the McCoys entered the church’s door for the\nfirst time. They sat on opposite sides eyeing each other. “What’s the McCoys doin’\nhere?” hissed Harmon. “Them rascals have never been here afore.” Clara Mae patted\nhis hand. He settled down, determined to listen to the preacher.\n\nPreacher Finley finished his dandy sermon. “Well, folks, now we’ll all go down to the\nTug Fork. We got us a baptism service to perform.”\n\nEveryone left the pews and walked the short distance to the river’s edge. As they\ngathered around, the preacher announced, “Hatfields come on down to the river.” The\ncrowd gasped and whispered to each other as they watched Clara Mae and Harmon\nmake their way.\n\nThe McCoys also walked to the river’s edge, grinning, displaying their mostly bare\ngums. “Hey, Hatfields. You gonna stop feudin’ with us?”\n\n”Yes,” said Harmon, scowling.\n\nPreacher Finley tugged on Harmon’s sleeve. “Come on, Harmon. Don’t pay them no\nattention. Let’s get the Lord’s work done.”\n\nSo Harmon and Clara Mae stepped into the river along with the preacher and they\nwaded out to waist deep water. The preacher dunked Clara Mae first. She came up\nwith arms flailing, coughing and sputterng. Finley then laid his hands on Harmon and\njust as he was about to dunk the sinner, Chester McCoy bellered. “Hatfield, that pig I\ngot off your place last week was sure delicious.”\n\n“Ignore him, Harmon,” encouraged the preacher.\n\nHarmon’s hands became fists. If he’d had teeth he could have snapped a nail in two.\nBut he said nothing\n\nChester continued. “Yeah, and the rabbit too! What you feed ‘em? Sure makes good\nstew.”\n\n“Shut up, McCoy!” Harmon seethed.\n\n“Now, now,” cooed the preacher.\n\n“Hatfield, no more makin’ or sellin’ moonshine,” Chester whooped. “Can I have your\nstill?” He slapped his leg, laughing.\n\nHarmon shook himself loose from the preacher and scrambled through the water to get\nto Chester McCoy.\n\n“Wait, wait, Harmon, ya ain’t baptized yet!” the preacher pleaded.\n\nBut the man who made his living by making moonshine had forgotten the baptism. He\nonly wanted to get his hands around McCoy’s skinny neck and throttle the sniveling\nbuzzard.\n\nThe preacher, not wanting to lose his one opportunity to get the Hatfield household\nbaptized, grabbed up a hand full of water and threw it at the top of Harmon’s head. It\nran into his eyes as he chased after Chester.\n\n“Come back here, you scoundrel,” Harmon screeched at McCoy.\n\n“You can’t chase me, Harmon. The feud’s over for your side, remember. You got\nbaptytized!”\n\n“No, I didn’t get dunked.”\n\n“But you got sprinkled! It’s all the same.”\n\n“Is not!”\n\n“Sure enough is, Harmon,” he hollered behind him. \"You're baptytized whether you like it\nor not!”\n\nSo was Harmon really baptized? It all depends on who you ask. Harmon says no. The\nMcCoys say yes. Dunking or sprinkling? Which is right? And so the feud continues\ntoday.\n\nCassie Memmer © 10/25/07\n\nI hope you enjoyed them. C",
	"HI EVERYONE! we just got back from dialysis,and just wanted to say, of course , LIFE IS GOOOOD!!!! i like to go to the discussion forum to just kinda jump around, read what people have to talk about....laugh a little ,cry alittle applaude, and pray. but it seems the thing that i notice is where everyone is from....it's the truck driver in me. indiana,kentucky, california maryland .etc. i love them all! we really miss the driving. i told my kids when they were grown that i wanted to travel, but i never thought it be driving a truck.\nso when you go on line just think there's someone out here that loves where you come from.take care and take care of each other",
	"Well lets start off my step dad that is more my dad than my bio one, was just diagniosed with CKD July 19th of this year when he went in the ER they told him that he is in stage 5(He had no systoms) up until that time it was like he was having a heart attack(which he did, we found that out 1 month later) his creatine level when he went in was 6.1, that was a Saturday, they stated Dialysis on Monday and Wednesday evening he was down to a 3.4 so they sent him home. he has been doing dialysis 3 times a week and it seemed to be doing better but for the last 3 weeks he has been going down hill over this past weekend my mom and him took a brake and went to the lake fishing(this is the type of guy that when the sun comes up he is out there until the sun goes down) he could only do it for an hour and went to the camp site and stayed there the rest of the weekend by Sunday night he could barely walk and when by the time my mom took him to dialysis on Monday she thought that she would have to take him in a wheel chair, because he could barley walk... when they went to the center his creatine was 8.7. We are not getting any answers, like what is the highest it could be and what exactlly are the numbers(meaning) we are getting the run around. He has dialysis tonight and the nurse prat is going to be there. This time I am going to find out some questions at least I hope. Does anybody know about Cearitine levels? I am just wanting to know what can we expect. All I am on here because find friends and support..Thanks, Michelle",
	"I have a quick question on my fistula, they have had a bit of a problem with my veinous pressure going up for the last 3 treatments and I asked them to check the flow with that gadget they use to do that and the volume has dropped about 50%. they are going to check it again sometime within the next week but i think I may have developed some kind of blockage or something.What are the other possibilities and how do they fix bad plumbing like that?\n\nCassie says she misses me, I think she has a crush(hee-hee)....can't say i blame her though.I have a crush on me too.",
	"Just a quick note from your forum admin on the subject of Other Education where these posts are. We've received quite a few complaints about users who are posting / spamming information about online education. This is not the place to be asking for information about obtaining an online degree from various programs. While your question may be valid, it unfortunately opens up the possibility for some to spam this forum with unwanted posts.\n\nPlease make sure that your posts about education, whether it be online or another form like printed, radio, television, CD / DVD or more be first and foremost about dialysis in some manner.\n\nWe will delete posts and entire threads if users are complaining or suspect of spam.",
	"Hi Guys - I've been reading the posts lately and am really starting to get worked up over dialysis. My creatinine is still at a 3.76 - everything else is fine. I have no swelling or any other symptoms. And I really want to do home hemo, if at all possible.\n\nHowever, I hear so much negativity here that I'm scared to death.\nChefnancy - you stated that a fistula fails 90% of the time - gee that makes me feel warm and fuzzy about getting one.\nThe new person who's father is suffering terribly from doing dialysis - she stated he looked like \"the walking dead\".\n\nHow does anyone know how they are going to fair once you start dialysis? I am so afraid I'm going to end up a vegetable for the rest of my life.",
	"Im not on dialysis yet but trying to prepare myself for it . ? is everything has to be so clean does that mean I cant have my birds I have three and really love them but if I have to get rid of them I need to find new home for them . also have a dog . I think Im going to do home hemo when time comes. How harsh is your diet I have been to website on diet but really cant comprehend all I am reading I dont mean to seem so dumb but I hear alll of you talking about how hard it is to eat. I am going to seee my neph next tue. and am going to see about a dietician to see. I am at 25% gfr and 2.6 creat.I had test this week ill get results Tues Anyone who can answer 1st ? I would greatly appreciate input. I get on Davita every day I am addicted to site I have learned so much from you THANKS",
	"I am new here and having an anxiety attack! My husband is scheduled to have open chest, off pump, heart bypass surgery in four days.... He is on peritoneal dialysis and is still producing some urine. he also has diabetes. Has anyone else been through a bypass surgery while on dialysis?",
	"I am from Europe and I am willing to become a kidney donor. My blood group is B+. Please contact me, preferibly in english, if you know someone who needs kidney or if you know organisation or website I can refer to. Thanks Jana eiblova.j@seznam.cz",
	"Hi all, I hope I am in the right spot for some support. I have CKD Stage 3. I feel like I am starting to decline and I am feeling somewhat depressed. I am getting so frustrated with the medications, the diet and the waiting. My Nephrologist told me my kidney function was now at 45% and I have no underlying diseases that would explain my reason for CKD. As far as I know no one else in the family has kidney problems. I have had 2 kidney biopsy's both were non conclussive. I was told last month when I had the last biopsy that it was non conclussive due to scare tissue. They took me off the steriods due to me not having any underlying diseases that may be causing this i.e. Lupus, Hep. etc. I am consistantly losing large amounts of protein in my 24 hr. collects. At one point I was losing up to 9000 mg. in a 24 hr. collect but now it's around 2500 to 3000 mg. or 2.5 - 3.0 grams. So now I am on Diovan, Lipitor, a diuretic and Zestril. So at least I am only on those meds. now. I was on many more but they took me off of them due to the steriods not doing me any good since I did not have any underlying disease. I do not have high BP they are just putting me on these meds. to ensure it does not get high and also to protect the kidneys with the ACE inhibitor. I also am not diabetic. I feel like a pin cushion and a drug addict. I am constantly on this for a while then on that, etc. I am starting to get really down, as they say the waiting is the hardest part. I do not know what to expect or what to do besides try to control my diet, exercise and take more pills. Am I the only one that feels this way? I got a call from my Dr. on Friday and I am now Anemic and am going to have to start Procrit injections. I am not sure if they will make me feel better or not but I am hoping so, I am so tired and I am not sure if it's because I am depressed from dealing with this and what might be next which is scarey to me or if it's really from the Anemia or both? Anyhow if anyone has any advice please feel free to be in contact. Sorry for going on and on, just needing to vent to someone that will hopefully understand.",
	"I'm back.. I just had my labs done. I'm a stage 4. I went from GFR 22 to 26, to 24 and now it's 21, with creatine of 2.58. It seems like all my numbers are higher (the highest so far).\nGFR - 21\nCreatine - 2.58\nProtein - much higher than it was\nCholesteral - high Trig - 580, total 450\nGlucose - 113\nthese last three stump me and I don't know why they are high\nALT\nAST\nFerritin are all high (that is liver stuff isn't it?)\n\nCan anyone explain these to me?\nI guess all this could explain why my back is always sore and why I'm always uncomfortable and nauseus every single day now and tired all the time....????\n\nCharli",
	"Can anyone tell me which are more important?\n\nThe GFR, the Creatinine or the Bun???? I know they kinda are together, but which one is of more importance when it comes to CKD?\n\nCharli",
	"I have been referred to a nephrologist just today, so haven't seen one yet. But my PCP has detected blood in urine for 2 months now. He also did a myoglobin test and said it came back higher than normal. What stage could this be? I am terrified.",
	"Well the time has come to get my catheter placed. I will call the Surgeon in a day or two to schedule my appointment.\n\n I've read a few posts regarding the pain and believe me it's hard getting mentally prepared for that. But i'm tired of being tired, and part of me can't wait to start my Dialysis.\n\nQuestion how long does the procedure take, will I be in the hospital for any length\nof time?",
	"And does a normal/basic urine test done by PCP always test for protein in urine? Can CKD be present without high blood pressure?",
	"If anti-inflammatorys are unsafe, is aspirin safe to take if you have CKD?",
	"HI\n I know that you probably been ask this a million times. But I have been itching really bad latley. My doctor put my on a binder 4 times a day. It has helped some. But I am still itching bad. Why isn't the medicine helping me. I even took some benadryl. I scratch all over to the point of blood.\n\nHeartly",
	"Hi,\nI've had a very annoying situation for the past few weeks and am unsure about how to go about it.\nNow, you know at most hospital units there is usually someone sitting right beside you and across from you as well.\n\nNow for some reason? (who knows) this lady thinks it is ok to talk about me when I might point out something to my nurse or am just checking something as I can't see the screen.\nI guess I shouldn't really say talking behind my back, but this lady seems tot hink it is ok to make innapropriate comments in French.\n-Now I guess that lady obviously does not know that I am French as one of my last names is English (and my parents were French teachers.\n\nNow the last time I was there one of the nurses took my temperature and I mentioned I did not want it taken as it rarely works for me- I have a very low temperature (anywhere from 33-35.5 degrees. it's always been that and not kidney related).\nI didn't bother to remember her entire comment, just something along the lines I was eggsagerating or whatnot.\n\nBefore that, I had some problems with nurses needling me in the wrong spots- so someone (unit manager maybe?) whote a detailed note on my chart and told me I had to make sure every one read that every time I was here.\nIt's not simple instructions I could explain well, so that is why the note is there partly.\nSo, on Friday as the new nurse if she read the note on my chart as it looked like she was about to needle me somwhere else.\nThe nurse then realized she had not read it and got someone to explain it to her.\nAll the long as this is happening the lady acros from me is rolling her eyes, sighing loud and telling the patient beside her I always have one problem or another.\n\nI know this post is kind of long, I at least wanted people to sort of know about this situation.\n\nSo far I am thinking about speaking to the unit manager and seeing if I can be moved to a different part of the unit .\nI also thought of casually dropping in the converasion how I can write and speak French.\n\nHopefully this post is not too hard to read U feel like falling asleep on my keyboard.",
	"I just watched the video on the home page about the guy doing the home hemo. I just wondered how much that equipment costs? Does he rent it? It didn't mention anything about how to afford it, only the space/plumbing in your home needing adjustments.",
	"After starting dialysis for sometime have you ever noticed strands of hair falling out and your skin looking not so so nice or even get bruised easily? If so, read this article that will help you learn why this may be happening.\n\nSkin and Hair Problems on Dialysis",
	"Hi everyone, I wentt to neph yesterday My GFR was 26 now Im 24% other blood work is somewhat better it seems . I asked for a renal diatition but he said I didnt need one Does this sound right with my % going down,. He told me to keep on low protein low salt. I try to stay off any potassium and salt but they are in everything I eat dont rrelly know what to afoid I read the ingredients . I really thought a diatition would help Sorry for rambling but dont know whst I need to do Im confused",
	"At our dialysis center they need to recalibrate there scales.this is a problem.\nI have asked them to have them checked and nothing is being done so where can i get help .I went to another dialysis center when the hurricane hit and my weight was way off ..my dry weight is 108 but when i came to the other center,it was like 106.I have scales at home which are new and it says that i weight 107 when theres is 109 thats 2 off.So when i go by there scales i end up cramping .Maybe the kidney fondation can do something",
	"Tonight is my first night on the machine and I had the alarms beeping..LOW DRAIN VOL.. I called the hot line and after a lengthy wait the tech walked me thru to an alarm bypass!  I hope this is not an omen of things to come.. Now while sitting here typing the alarm came on to check patient line but moved the line around and it went off.. back to filling...uuumm",
	"Hi, I'm new here to the forums and I would like to say I find it very helpful to me since I will be starting dialysis soon. I had alot of questions in my mind and after a few days reading some post I got the answers I was searching for. I have polisystic desease and found out about 2 years ago. I was told to keep my highblood pressure down and that I would not need dialysis for maybe another 10 years. Well that was not the case I rapidy got worse and now I'm getting ready to start the pd class on monday. I've had three surgery within 4 months, the first one was the fistula it failed said my veins were to thin, then they put the graph in my arm which is doing very well but I wanted to do the pd so just had that put in a few weeks ago. I feel I'm ready to tackle dialysis now, I've read alot on the ups and downs and what can be done to fix problems and situations that I feel confident that I can do this. And I know now that I'm not alone in this battle. I feel that sometimes the best support system is to have people that are in the same situation as you are to help eachother get through the rough days. I look forward in posting here and getting to know you. I do have one question though, How do some of you warm your solution? or whats the best warmer to buy for home or travel?\n\nThanks alot in advance\n\nMelina",
	"Is it normal to have to wait that long for a neph. appt.?? So, I guess I'll have at least another month of not knowing where I am and what my diagnosis is. I hate this waiting because I am constantly worrying about what stage I am in.",
	"I am new to this site and need a lot of encouragement and help. I am the caretaker. My husband is the one with late stages of renal problems but is not on dialysis. I am working very hard to feed him properly so that we can avoid dialysis as long as possible. He has been very depressed for six months, since learning of his condition. But now, since he seems to feel better his mental condition is better. He is now doing home exercises, walking for about 30 minutes a day and eating better. Weight loss has been a real problem and he is now working very hard at gaining back some weight. He has started playing golf again, only nine holes but the fact that he goes is wonderful. Will write again with questions, hoping for answers, as they come up\n\nenchy23@aol.com",
	"something does not seem right need help here is my test results\nCL-108\nGLU-128\nBUN-50\nCreat-2.3\nALB-3.3\nPTH-21\nRBC-3.61\nMCV-33.5\nMCH-34.5\nMCHC37.7\nSome of these I havent a clue to what they are doc says im 24 GFR he dosent seem to be worried about these tests but they are either high or low on my paperwork can some one help me understand what these mean",
	"I want to use the same e-mail address, but change user name. How can I do this?",
	"My husband has a 62 yr old Uncle that has complete renal failure, depression and I am at my witt's end on taking care of him. I quit my job to take care of him a few months ago, because I was the only one that was able to give him 24hr care. He has a son and daughter that live 1 1/2hr away and all that my husband and I have asked was for them to take turns on Saturday's to take him to Dialysis. Well now it is nothing but excusses as to why they can't. I take my husband's uncle to dialysis 2x a week and the day's he does not have dialysis i take him to his dr. appts. He has diabetes, bad ulcer on bottom of foot, heart problems, and prostate problems. 5 days a week I drive him 29 miles to all of this. I have 2 children, a mother-in-law that needs help and I have put them on the back burner, to take care of my husband uncle. He refuses to keep some very important dr.s appt., he only takes bath's when he want's too, that's about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks inbetween baths. That is unbearable due to the lack of bathing. He has medication he has to take and only takes it when he want's to that is pretty much once a week(will not take his depression medicine either, he thinks he doesn't need it). He will not keep is diabetes under controll at all. He will not get up and walk around in his house, refuses physical threapy or do anything for his self, only by wheelchair, he poops on his self and only cleans up by wash cloth. Will not wash hands at all, around finger nails is disgusting, and when something is said to him he totally upset with me. He still is of sound mind. WE LOVE HIM TO DEATH BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO FOR HIM ANYMORE. Someone please lead us in the right direction.",
	"I posted here a few months ago about being frustrated with DHs doctor and our failure to get a diagnosis. Well, DHs pain is getting so unbearable that he is losing his ability to do anything but work. So he went to the GP who gave him a referral to a urologist. Urologist says, you should be seeing a nephrologist, but let's do a 24 hour urine test. He calls today and the urine test showed nothing. Rx is to follow up in a month.\n\nMeanwhile, my husband's pee is the color of cheetos, he's in excruciating pain, has a large simple cyst on his left kidney, and a bunch of kidney stones in varying sizes in both kidneys. Oh, let's not forget the itchy rashes breaking out all over his body, the insomnia, night sweats, fatigue, and acute flank pain.\n\nBut, hey. He must not have anything wrong with him.\n\nOkay, so here is my dilemma as a caregiver. My husband also smokes 2 packs a day, drinks every day, consumes spicy pork rinds every night of his life (which might be causing the orange pee) and must think that water is a rare commodity that must be consumed infrequently. Thus far, he is unwilling to make any of the lifestyle changes that would help the situation.\n\nSo, do I get mad at DH? Do I feel bad for him? Are the doctors pissed off and not helping him because he is unwilling to help himself?\n\nI don't know. All I know is that it is VERY upsetting to see my husband in agony 24/7. I am torn between a \"this is what you get\" attitude and a \"we need to find out what is wrong with you\" attitude.\n\nAdvice? A shoulder to cry on?",
	"Hello,\nI had my first day of hemo dialysis yesterday. Was not to bad. The tech was going to stick me without numbing meds before I stopped him. He said I was suppose to bring my own, but did borrow someones for me. The nurse called in some lidocaine cream for me. Was going to get the spray but my insurance did not cover that. I only had two hours yesterday, they said they would start me slow and increase by a half hour each time, until I get up to four hours. Felt ok after I left, but did get a little tired later. Also tech told me not to remove bandages until the next morning, but I took them off last night and one of the sites did start to bleed, so I guess I will wait next time. Is that normal to keep the bandages on that long?",
	"From the first day, my husband Frank has started his PD dialysis, every one has been great his PD nurse is the best. So understanding and patient. But now that he is on Hemo dialysis, he has been very sick. and the nurses to his dietitian. they all have been more helpful to us then our own family. They know that our cash flow is not too good, they call around to find medicine that we can afford, to getting us sample of drinks for my husband, because he doesn't eat good any more. I love them. They are our family. I am very grateful that the Apple Valley, CA. Davita has Doris, Kelly, Julie, Bill and Dr. Singh.",
	"Had dialysis Friday nite, got out about 8:00 PM, after my tech forgot to clamp off my veinous line when taking me off and got blood all over my pants.\n\nGot in my car to drive home, after a few blocks I noticed something wasn't right and I stopped at an intersection and apparently passed out behind the wheel.\n\nNext thing I remember there is a man with his head stuck in my window asking me if I knew what day it was or where I am at, I could not respond.Then he yelled at me to get out of the car and all I could think to do was I need to put the car in park so i started reaching for the gear shifter.I guess this man( turned out to be a police officer) was pulling me out of the car and put me in a \"wrist lock\" using my left arm( access arm) and grabbed my arm where my fisstula was all bandaged up.Forced me around the back of my car and slammed my butt down on the sidewalk.\n\nNext thing I remember is being loaded into an ambulance and being taken to the hospital, the paramedic grabbed my left arm to do a finger stick and the pain from my left arm was extreme.My blood sugar was \"Low\" on their meter which meant is was below 20.\n\nBy the time I got to the hospital emergency room, the dextrose was kicking in and I called my wife to meet me at the hospital.I was going to AMA out and just go home because I can handle the blood sugar thing but went ahead and went in the E-Room because I knew there was a problem with my left arm.The police officer was there and very interested because he said the wrist lock was not working the way it should have and he heard a loud \"pop\" from my arm.\n\nAfter the x-rays were done, the doc came in and told me I have a severely sprained wrist with a fracture.Now I'm in a splint and it hurts like hell.\n\nMoral: Don't drive without KNOWING where your blood sugar is, especially if you have hypoglycemic unawareness ( not feeling low blood sugar)",
	"Since I have like another MONTH to get in to see the darn dr. I'd just like to get an IDEA of where my CKD is. If anyone else has had a myoglobin test, I'm thinking this might give me a better idea of where I am. From what I've read on the internet about myoglobin tests, anything above zero indicates a serious condition.",
	"Hi and thank you for reading my post \n\n\nI am just beside myself and need some advice from people who may know...\n\nMy Dad is 81. In July he fell and we opted for him to have a kyphoplasty to strengthen his back. He just never recovered from that surgery, and until last Thursday was living in a Nursing home, and not walking.\n\nHe was telling me he was nauseous a few weeks ago, and I've seen his appetite go down considerably. They did labs on him in the Home, & sent him to the hospital on 9/18. They told me he was in renal failure. I had his PCP and a renal specialist see him...\n\nHis last BUN was 88 and creatinine was 8.6. They said it was ESRD. They offered dialysis, but he declined. He decided he didn't want to be kept alive that way- he wants to just be allowed to \"go\" in peace.\n\nThey have him on hospice, and told me he would not survive 2 weeks ... this is very hard to deal with! Especially since he is awake, alert and fully aware of everything going on! It might sound mean, but if he was in a coma, it might be easier for me to comprehend.\n\nDoes anyone know what I should expect? I've noticed that he has alot of back pain (they give him dilaudid shots for that), his eyes burn frequently, he is always itchy, he seems to injure fast and not heal (he scratched his ear a few weeks ago and it still has not healed), he has MRSA in his nostril (?), he coughs alot, is always tired, and has a really good appetite... he eats like a cow! (and they let him have whatever he wants).\n\nI just visit him every day, keep him comfortable, surround him with things he loves, and bring him ice cream (his favorite).\n\nShould I expect him to - all of a sudden - be \"sick\". Is this something that will be slow and steady? His Dr's seem to think he wont live that long. They have him on a short term hospice (which they tell me is 2 weeks). The hospital told me I had to make alternative plans for him IF he survives past that time ...\n\nI am just besides myself!! On one hand, I'm being told that he will die soon ... on the other hand, he looks just fine for an old guy!\n\nAll and any information and advice will be greatly appreciated.\nGod Bless you all",
	"My Mom is 77 and she just started Dialysis. This is new to her and also the family. Is it normal for Dialysis to make someone very sick? When she was in the hospital, she had 3 or 4 Dialysis treatments, and although it made her very tired, she was not sick. She was realeased from the hospital and began getting Dialysis at a clinic. Each time she is sick to her stomach, throws up for hours and sleeps for hours and hours. On Friday, she started throwing up during the treatment and they had to stop about half way through it. She said she felt like she was going to die. She said she heard the technicians (sorry, I don't want they are called) say something about maybe we took to much fluid out of her.\n\nShe is supposed to go back tomorrow (monday) and is terrified. She doesn't want to go back. We are going to call her Doctor in the morning. But in the meantime, I am wondering if anyone can shed some light on this. Like I said, this is all new to us and we don't know if it's normal, or what. I would appreciate any insight anyone can offer.",
	"Hi everyone. I would like to know from you all what to expect if I decide to stop dialysis.\n\nWhat happens and how soon after I stop will I die?\n\nThis is something I've thought about ever since I started. I just need the information to make an informed choice.\n\nThanks.",
	"Hello all I am a first time poster and I know this question is going to sound weird but here goes nothing.\n\nAbout three months ago I changed to the large 14 gauge needles and they, of course, are more painful than the 15's. I find myself getting anxious before the stick and then afterwards I feel a sense of rush from the adrenaline. For anywhere from half an hour to an hour I am riding high on the adrenaline and that is why I think I may be getting addict to the stick. My body seems to be craving the rush I guess.\n\nAnyone else have these feelings?\n\nNelson",
	"Hello,\n\nHow can you tell if your graft or fistula has been infiltratrated? Today at dialysis I had my fourth diderent tech since I started. This is my fourth day. She positioned the needle down unstead of up like everyone else had done. It hurted immediatly, and I felt pain thourghout the treatment. She also had to keep checking the position of the needle cause the alarm kept going off. Now at home my arm is sore. Did not feel like this after other treatments.",
	"Hi, I'm back... I had my transplant evaluation which doc said I was a great candidate. I'm 41 yoa, stage 4, GFR 21, creatinine 2.6 and I have a lot of family members getting tested.. Doc sent my evaluation papers and my family donor list to hospital and they have contacted me letting me know they have recieved my papers and have already verified my BCBS and were in the process of checking to see if I qualify for Medicaid or Medicare (whichever one it is). She said it would not take long at all for that, so my question is, about how long from here before I get the call to come up for appt and they start calling family to be tested. AND once family is tested and they find a good match, how long before I wait for transplant - is there a waiting criteria if you have living family donor that matches or do my numbers have to be a certain number before they do a live family donor transplant???\n\nThanks,\n\n\nCharli (:",
	"Hi cant spell very well but any way I was born with polyasistic kidneys over the years managed to not have many problems but last few days they are catching up with me one of my sisst busted sending me to hospital for 2 days well I found I have 24% function left between both kidneys The doctor said when I get down to 20% I will need further treatment he put me on some medications one to help protect my kidneys The part I cantstop thinking about I only need to loose 4% more he could not tell me how long that might last can anyone share anything they know about this\nhistory my mom passed away from this her mom my uncle and 2 aunts Alot of this is my fought for not staying on my high blood pressure meds over the years and have been under alot of stress.",
	"At the center I go to, they are starting this new technique called 'button hole' there the needle is flat and is suppose to enter the skin like when you insert an earring into pierced ears. Tomorrow will be my first day with the button hole technique. I've been on dialysis for 1-1/2 years. I'm not afraid or anything, just want to get a response from others regarding this.\n\nDo you prefer this technique?\n\nThanks",
	"From my PCP's urine test, they said it didn't detect protein but blood in the urine. But when I pee, there are definetly bubbles in the toilet, so that must mean I am spilling protein too right? I read that somewhere.",
	"I just got off the phone with my transplant team and there may be a kidney for me! It seems that someone just decided that they were going to give a kidney to someone and be a live donor. They had a psychiatric evaluation and tests over an eighth month time period, so they seem pretty solid. So far my tissue match is OK but I won't know the results of the cross-match until Friday. If all goes well, the surgery is scheduled for Oct. 20th. Can anyone tell me what a cross match is?\n\nI am really hoping that this happens, keep your fingers crossed for me.\n\nJoanne",
	"I was wondering if anyone else keeps getting woken up every night 3-4 times because the machine keeps beeping. It either says \"low drain volume, check patient line, or last night it said \"heater\" and it always beeps when it goes from 1 drain to the next. Is this normal?",
	"Hi, I'm new here and I found this website searching for answers for kidney disease stage 3 since my husband has been diagnosed with it. I am very concerned and I'd like to have some advice regarding this condition...although the last urologist that saw him said...stage 3?? is not even a disease... and I said you kidding me? I read it is...so can anybody help me please...My husband is not doing too bad, but he'll have a scan for his kidneys tomorrow all we'll see, but he feels tired most of the time and tonight when it was still hot (75 degrees)...he needed a blanket and I was using a fan...I'm scared...\nThe doctor said he doesn't need to see a nephrologists yet...what do you think??",
	"you are able to do the home hemo? I'm asking this because it only lists 3 of those in my state, non of which are located very close.",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI am just joining the forums here although I have been using the wonder that is DaVita for a little bit now. I am grateful for the tool!\n\nI am in the early stages of a relationship with a gentleman who is severely diabetic, has complete renal failure, is doing hemo 3 days a week, has lost a partial leg, and is more or less wheelchair bound. Nobody can seem to figure out how I am quickly managing to fall for him, but nevertheless, I seem to be.\n\nI've been around for nearly 3 months helping him out, cooking for him, taking care of things around his house, helping with dry skin, circulation, the knots in his back, and various other health related things. We just got through a 2 week hospital stay thanks to pnuemonia, which was really scary, but luckily is just about over now.\n\nI can already tell I am not as deeply involved as many of you, and the situation is not at a crisis point for which I am grateful, but I know I am in for an emotional roller coaster as I involve myself more in his care and at the same time become more emotionally attached to him, so here I am to find support and advice when I need it.\n\nThanks, all.",
	"Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) has partnered with Shire Pharmaceuticals to develop a new education portal—the DPC Classroom. A first of its kind resource, this portal is easy to understand and navigate. The DPC Classroom provides patients with education to help them better manage their disease. Patients who arm themselves with education and take an active role in their care are likely to have superior outcomes. The first Classroom will feature information on nutrition for dialysis patients. From how to read food labels, eating and cooking a kidney-friendly diet, to how to properly take phosphate binders, the DPC Classroom on Nutrition provides the answers to many of the questions facing dialysis and kidney patients.\n\nIn the coming months, the DPC Classroom will include additional classes in its course catalogue, including education on vascular access and home dialysis. DPC is proud to provide the DPC Classroom thanks in part to an educational grant from Shire.\n\nCLICK IMAGE TO VISIT DPC CLASSROOM",
	"I just got a new presciption for Attivan or Lorazepan and have noticed that it seems to blur my vision a little bit.\nAlso that sometimes it seems like some objects are moving a little..even though I know they really aren't.\nI haven't brought this up with a doctor yet as I doubt they would represcribe me the same thing and I really do need to take something after I leave the unit as my heart is always racing and I am still not physically able to handle my treatments well.\n\nToday I did not take anything at all, and it was horrible trying to get home. I had to stop walking about every 50 feet to catch my breath and was barely able to.catch my breath.\nI'm supposed to take the city bus, but with having to walk another 5km total (inc walk from bus stops to home ect- I'd probbly feel like I was having a heart attach!",
	"I was wondering about the length of time from when MOST find out they have CKD and when they need to start dialysis? I realize it depends on what stage you are in when it is identified.",
	"I am in the end stages of renal failure and am considering PD. My doctor sent me for an educational class to learn the difference between Hemo and PD. It looks like PD is the way to go. I have many questions: 1) how soon before treatment is to start do I get the catheter installed? 2) Should I get a fistula just incase I need Hemo someday? I do NOT want them to have to draw from my neck. 3) How do you know when it is time to start PD.\nPlease, any advise will be appreciated.\nThank you all\nBob",
	"I know this is gonna sound like a stupid question, but for people on hemo dialysis, I understand that most people have very, very, very restricted fluid restrictions. I've heard many people suck on frozen grapes. Is there a reason why some have not suggested chewing gum? (sugar free that is).",
	"In the Diet Helper there seems to be a section to add foods from a Personal Database. I've been unable to find any info on how to add this personal database. Is this something still in the works or I'm I not doing something right? I'd like to add info regarding foods that are not in the databse that is incuded.",
	"I have been going to different sites tonight trying to see if salt in the diet has any adverse affect for non dialysis other than blood pressure levels. If someone has very good blood pressure control and does not retain a lot of fluid, is salt still something that is closely monitored? I do watch salt in my diet and keep it below 2000 grams but do you know of any other reason to monitor salt consumption? Nan",
	"Back in april of 2008 I went in and had some blood work done including creatinine serum level it came back at 1.59 my doctor re ran the test again again and again each time it has increased today it is at 3.02. Im scared because I dont know at what level it starts getting serious. Im getting a urine and more blood tests tommarow and a abdominal ultrasound. Im very scared Im only 30 years old and Im starting to feel alone.. If you could tell me at what level for creatinine serum it gets serious it would mean the world to me.\n\nThank you,\nJason84528",
	"I'm only 16 now and I found out 3 years ago that I have a kidney disease. Lately, I have been feeling very alone with it. I have been have some intense pain in my back and throughout my stomach, I'm starting to show signs of a different kind of stomach cancer/ or disease, so I'm quite scared.\n\nI have joined this forum so I could actually talk to people who go through the same stuff as I do. Of course, I have friends, but when they say stuff like, \"I understand.\" They really don't.\n\n\nSo I'm just looking for people who actually know what it is like to go through such a painful experience.",
	"If a person has a \"normal\" range of creatinine and BUN, can there still be CKD present?",
	"Hello all, I recently started PD for the second time since my transplanted kidney rejected. It is definitely harder the second time around. I am less optimistic and more depressed. I thought I had beat it, but I was wrong. I decided to join this forum so I may talk to those who understand. I hated hemo and would never want to do that. I am on the cycler at night only. I never knew that some people had to do day exchanges as well. Why is that?",
	"I have stage 3 kidney disease and I am scheduled for a ct scan with dye next week\nis it safe to do the dye?? and has anyone done it before ?? what to expect..please inform me if possible",
	"Where is everybody??? Can someone tell me if they have done a ct scan with dye and is it safe?\nI am supposed to have it done this coming wednesday , they want to check a suspicious find on my left kidney....they need to insert me with dye to see if its a cyst or something else....needless to say I am very worried about the dye and of course what they are going to find\nI have stage 3 kidney disease, creatinin 1.1.\nAny information would be greatly appreciated",
	"I am only 4th stage but I have noticed my brush has alot of hair in it after washing it . Does this have anything to do with CKD. I used to not have to clean my brush of hair probably every tree months (really) now it gets cleaned every time I wash it . Lots of hair Im amazed I even have any after all that comes out. I still have not got balding but hair is thin to begin with. Can someone tell me does it have anything to do with CKD>",
	"I'm back.. I'm stage 4, GFR 21 and creatinine 2.58.. It seems like I am headachy and back achy all the time now day and night...Not terrible, but definately there. I was always a little back achy, but I've had this borderline headache/achy feeling for 3 weeks now. Meds help, but always comes back... Is this a side effect of CKD and can anyone tell me what might help and make it go away or does it just kinda stay around and I have to just deal??\n\nCharli",
	"Hi everyone. I was wondering what is \"better\" a dry pack kidney or a reuse? I have a dry pack and my kt/v is fairly steady at 2.58 - give or take. Any comments? Thank you.",
	"I too am new to posting on DaVita. I've used the site, though, for its many resources and information.\n\nMy husband is quickly approaching dialysis. His GFR is falling at such a rate that dialysis will occur before year-end and maybe even by Thanksgiving. Luckily, he does not have diabetes or other health issues, right now, which will complicate helping with his care.\n\nAll the DaVita forums are full of information and are inspiring, especially to a newbie like myself.\n\nThanks to you all for the encouragement and understanding you give.",
	"Hard to know where to start.\n\nMy name is John. I am 52 years old and have had diabetes (type 2) for over 22 years. Unfortunately, most of that 22 years I have had poor control over my diabetes. Which has resulted in many eye problems and apparently, severe kidney function. I have been told and have read so many different things by so many different people, sorting it all out is truly a challenge. What do you do when experts disagree, and your life depends on it?\n\nFour years ago, my doctor at Kaiser told me my creatinine was .9 and that my kidney function was great. Three years ago, it was up to 1.4 - 2 1/2 years ago it rose to 1.5. One year ago, it was 2.0 and in July of this year, it was 3.0. I have had gout in my ankles several times over the past decade. This past summer, the gout returned in my left ankle, and, for the first time, in my left knee. A painful experience to say the least.\n\nThe Kaiser doctor told me my creatinine was 3.0, and I was in Stage 4 of CKD and my GFR was only 23, and he referred me to a nephrologist.\n\nI was shocked.\n\nImmediately upon learning that my kidney disease was so advanced, I started on an extreme way of eating based upon my knowledge of two books.\n\nThe first book is \"Coping with Kidney Disease\" by Walser, and \"The Diabetes Solution\" by Dr. Bernstein. Both books advocate very different types of diets. Dr. Walser reccommends a very low protein diet supplimented with amino acids, but high in carbs. Dr. Bernstein's diet is basically an Atkins diet -- High protein, low carbs. The two books have little overlap. But, since I believe deeply in both philosophies, I chose the only way of eating that both doctors advocated. My diet has consisted of only certain vegetables, olive oil, and diluted heavy whipping cream. I started the diet on July 11th. Eight days later, another blood test was done, and my creatinine level went down from 3.0 to 2.9. So I'm thinking to myself, yay! I'm headed in the right direction! I actually thought it was possible to reverse kidney disease even at this late stage - or at least I thought this was my best shot of maintaining what little kidney function I had left.\n\nThen came my meeting with the Nephrologist. A lovely woman, she was. (I'm being facetious :P)\n\nA week before the appointment on August 15th, my blood was drawn and to my extreme dismay and shock, my creatinine level had risen to 3.4. My Kaiser doctor called me on the phone to ask me how much fluids I was drinking. I told him very little, because I thought people with Severe CKD had to drastically limit their fluid intake. He said that this was not true in my case, and immediately told me to start drinking a lot more.\n\nOne week later, right before my appointment with the Nephrologist, my creatinine level was down to 3.1.\n\nThe meeting with the Nephrologist was pretty depressing to say the least. The walls of the room had not one single item on them. I felt like I was in a morgue. Even a doctor's office has a diagram of the human body here and there, right?\n\nThe Nephrologist simply sat across from me, and said, \"Do you know why you're here?\"\n\nI said, \"Yes, I know I have severe CKD, and I am trying to figure out ways to delay or prevent dialysis.\"\n\nShe simply shook her head and told me, \"You have 24 months, period.\" She said, \"It is too late for any dietary therapy to help you,\" and that \"the horse is already out of the barn.\"\n\nI tried to explain to her that my research on the internet suggested there might be nutritional therapies that could help me delay the time before I would have to go on dialysis. She shook her head again and told me that it was pretty much useless to even try anything, and she insisted that I should start taking classes immediately to learn about is dialysis.\n\nAt the end of the meeting, I asked her if I should see a dietician, and she just shrugged her shoulders and said that it's up to me - it wouldn't make any difference. A very short and somber meeting thus ended.\n\nI went home totally depressed, but determined that I would say on my own bizarre diet of only vegetables and some fats. The logic in eating vegetables only is that they are very low protein, and they allow you to keep your blood sugar in a normal range all the time with a minimal amount of medication. As the weeks went by, I was able to discontinue insulin and now only use a tiny fraction of oral medication. I do take the amino acid supplements reccommended by Dr. Walser three times a day though they are expensive.\n\nI have faithfully stuck to this diet for almost 90 days now and have not fudged at all. I have lost 25 pounds, I walk 30 minutes a day, and I am feeling a LOT better! I am used to the diet and have even found a fantastic salt substitute that tastes just like salt and does not have any potassium or sodium. My doctor ordered another blood test a few days ago. I was terrified of what the results would be. I was sure that my creatinine had risen to 4 or 5, despite all of my dietary efforts and I told myself that if my creatinine level was 3.1 or 3.2, I would be ecstatic because that would mean I was maintaining my kidney function, and it was only getting worse very slowly.\nMy doctor called me yesterday, and pretty much floored with me when he told me my creatinine level was 1.7.\n\n1.7.\n\nHe said he was sure it was a lab error, because he has never seen creatinine fall that much once it had risen so high and that I should not get optimistic about that number. He ordered an immediate retest.\n\nSo this morning, I had my blood drawn again. My doctor called me this afternoon and told me my creatinine was 1.8. He was pretty much at a loss of words to explain what is going on. He said he has never seen creatinine fall to this level once it had risen so high. He knows I have been on this radical diet and his only advice to me is to keep doing what I'm doing. He told me he wanted to order a 24-hr urine test because that was the \"gold standard\" to determine GFR. Yet, in Walser's book, he says most hospitals and clinics have abandoned the 24 hour urine test because it is so inaccurate. Not sure what to make of this, quite frankly.\n\nMy doctor said I should be very pleased with these results and that was the end of that conversation.\n\nAs you can imagine, so many questions arise in my mind from this roller coaster ride. What is going on with me!? Obviously, I do have severe CKD because of the gout and my long history of not controlling diabetes. But is it even remotely possible that I am turning things around? I have studied this a lot on the internet and have not found anybody who has been able to turn things around once you reach stage 4. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the long post,\n\nJohn",
	"Two months ago my kidney function was at 18 and my red blood count at 11. Since then I have been having a period every 3 weeks. The PMS is really really bad and is causing some trouble at home and work. I am also really tired. I see my doctor in 3 weeks to discuss this but I wanted to know if anyone else has had this same problem. My husband and son are understanding, but I don't know how much more they can take before they tie me up outside. Any assistance will be appreciated.",
	"Can you do it only at night while sleeping? Also, how long is the catheter tubing that sticks out of your stomach? I've read \"kidneyschool\" but it says only a few inches, but others here have mentioned a foot long tube.",
	"Here's what my nephrologist said. If your kidney function is severe, like mine, the GFR calculator is pretty much spot on but the better your kidneys are functioning the less accurate it is. My creatinine was 3.4 in August and by following an extreme diet and keeping blood sugar and blood pressure under control it is now 1.7. Does that really mean my GFR was 23 in August and is now up to 43 (the numbers I get when I use the GFR calculator) That seems unlikely. Any thought? tx, John",
	"I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this question but here goes..... I am a care giver for my brother who is on dialysis and right now his treatments are not effective. I know that the kidneys and liver are the main detoxifies in our body. So, if the kidneys are not functioning, how do you strengthen and detox the liver a safe way? It seems that most of the foods allowed on the dialysis diet are full of chemicals.\n\nHe is also on coumdin. any suggestion\n\nThank you\nSarah]",
	"Hi all,\n\nI am usually posting to answer questions but now I have a question of my own. Has anyone had a parent, close friend, etc. who has atypical tuberculosis? My understanding is that it is not contagious to people with no health problems but that people with a compromised immune system or who have emphazyma (?) are are risk to come down with it also. I was transplanted 3 years ago and my mother was recently diagnosed with it. She has not been told that my dad and I are at risk because it would destroy her. She is 84 and I must see her, I would have it no other way. How susceptible are we? Any experience here would be helpful.\n\nLinda",
	"My husband began dialysis in June. Prior he had high blood pressure and was monitoring blood sugar (controlling with diet).\n\nHis kidney failure looks like it was drug (prescribed) induced.\n\nWhen he began dialysis, his blood pressure was normal or low and his blood sugar was always within normal range.\n\nWe have had our share of cramps, including full body which ended with an er visit during a hurricane evacuation - that was wonderful, to say the least!\n\nFor the past 1 1/2 weeks, his blood pressure is up again and he is getting excuriating headaches. The nurse believes that it could be a sign that he could have had some kidney function, but it could be completely failing.\n\nI have not seen any labs since the hurricane, life is still a bit crazy around here, but will be getting some tomorrow.\n\nAfter all that, my question - is it normal for blood pressure to rise again after starting dialysis. It seems like just when your body gets used to one thing, another complication arises.\n\nI don't call the dialysis center often, I'm trying to understand what is going on without them thinking I'm over reacting. I called a week ago because he was having symptoms of too much fluid being taken off and his dr. asked if he was having anxiety and was going to prescribe some meds for him.\n\nDoes anyone know of a book that would explain the different things that happen during the first year of dialysis?\n\nThank you!",
	"Help please I need to know if your hair is supposed to fall out during 4th stage CKD. Every time I take shower and wash hair my brush has an awful lot of hair , my pony tail is already thinner than a month ago.. Should I be concerned about this or is this normal. Is there anything I can take or do about this.",
	"Nightmare on Elm Street!!! God I have a really bad week on this machine.. First the ting was over filling me, Then my last fills were short and I was getting a lost dwell time.. I received a different machine.. It works much better BUT! I am still getting a lost dwell and filling short on the last fill.. While I was on Manual I told the PD nurse I felt that it was taking me a long time to drain..\n\n So after a few times of telling them that they sent me for an x-ray.. they said the x-ray showed a little crimp at the end of the cath but that it was nothing..Well taking there word for it continued on the machine that's when I knew there was really something wrong with the drain I was getting 50 min drain times on the machine!",
	"Hi. Does anyone know if yoga is okay to take up again while on dialysis? I ask this because there are several moves where the full body weight is on my hands (up dog/down dog/wheelbarrow, etc.) My doctor says it's okay to do yoga but after I considered his response I realized he doesn't know much about it or how there can be pressure on certain parts of the body. I thought I should check here in the hopes someone in the forum does yoga. Do you think it can harm my fistula in any way. (By the way, I think I may have posted this before....if so, can't find it. Sorry for the repetition.) Thanks. p.s. I haven't done yoga in many months. Since being diagnosed. FYI only.",
	"Hi guys/gals: Anybody heard from Pancho3 lately since his accident? Just wondering if he's doing okay and how his arm is healing.\n\nWhat's everyone doing for the weekend? Weather here in Maryland is supposed to be in the 80's - I'll be digging the motorbike out of the garage and cruising the backroads...grilling on Sunday only to watch the Ravens get slaughtered by the Colts.\n\nWhat's in your weekend?",
	"I've noticed I have definite frequent ( awakened from sleep) nighttime urination. Of course I am making certain NOT to drink anything before bedtime. But this is so disruptive and exhausting. Is there anything that can be done to diminish this? Also, WHAT causes this?",
	"I have a question which may sound stupid\nI have not asked my nephrologist yet , I am supposed to see him the end of october\n\nAre there any safe laxatives to use when you have kidney disease.?\nI have had a problem with constipation for many years, I have used regular and herbal laxatives but they dont seem to work very well . Does anyone know if there are any safe ones that I can use?? does kidney disease causes constipation???\n\nIts kind of embarassing but I had to ask\nAny advice or information on that would be greatly appreciated",
	"I need to know something-- I had test done 25 days ago my GFR was 24 creat 2.7 Bun 50 Now -I did test yesterday now it shows me at GFR 21-creat 2.48 BUN 37 How can my tests be this diffrent just 25 days later I am eating about the same. When should I consider a fistula. Am I jumping the gun by thinking it should be soon",
	"For someone with stage 4 kidney disease is it ok to take Metamucil or is it hard on the kidneys. I read it can reduce potassium levels which for me would be good and it would also help with constipation. tx, John",
	"[B][not sure that I am posting correctly, but read on] Hello, I am 36 years old and living the ckd. At the moment I am stage 4 and very afraid of what lays ahead. My family is very supportive of me, but regardless of that, I have fallen into a big depression (I think) and spend a lot of time thinking about my death rather than taking better care of my health. I skip taking my medicine often, gained weight and hardly exercise. I guess my question would be where do I find inspiration to continue fighting this disease? I know what you are going to say, but the love that I have for my children and my family does not seem to inspire me enough to want to fight this and it seems that the depression that I have allowed to set in is more damaging than my ckd. If you have any words that can help me or if you have been in this situation, please pass on a word of encouragement, I have to get better.",
	"Any input is appreciated. I take a 16 oz. carton of heavy whipping cream and put it in a gallon of purified water. The whole jug then has 16 servings at 8 oz. each. I drink a couple of glasses a day of this. My cholesterol was 138 when the last labs were done. It appears to me that when the cream is drank this way that it is low in potassium, phosphorus and sodium. I've gotten used to it and use it not just for drinking but for soups and other things. What do you think?",
	"Well here is a update to my 1 Week on PD \n\nIt is 1 month now that I have been on PD and I sure am glad I switched!!! It has been going GREAT. All my numbers are much better now than they were on Hemo. I haven't had to have anymore epoetin shots, other than one of 3000 units they gave me a week ago just for good measure. I was getting 15000 units a week on hemo.\n\nMy potassium is a little low and my doc wanted me to take a horse pill but I am going to try a baked potatoe instead \n\nI was doing a 4.25 for a mid day exchange and eather a 1.5 and a 2.5 or 2 2.5's at night but it ended up my BP getting to low (below 100) so they want me to stay off the 4.25's until my BP gets back up. It is about 110 now. I am off all BP meds except for 1 and it has been reduced. (I was on 3)\n\nMy cycler is programed to do 4 exchanges during the night and it lasts about 9 hours. I can sleep on eather side or my back ok except I don't drain well on my left side so sometimes the alarm goes off and I roll over \n\nOh and I had the excitement of hurrican Ike with 8 days of power and water outage. Lucky we had a motorhome with a generator that I used for the 1st day and it stopped during the 2nd night. My stepson brought his down and got us going again. We were lucky again that we found one to buy at a reasonable price to keep us going. Since then I think I have the one in the motorhome fixed so now we have it and a backup.",
	"What types of vitamins are recommended for folks on strict diets that are pre-dialyis? I know the vitamin pill should not have added phosphates or potassium and I'm also thinking it shouldn't be a vitamin with \"megadoses\" of vitamins and minerals because the kidney have to excrets that. Any input would be appreciated! John",
	"Hello, everyone\n\nMy father just started the HD on last Friday. He has been a diabetic for 20+ years prior to the HD. Since protein is critical to the HD patient, can anyone kindly recommend some\nnon-prescription protein products (my father is not in US) to my father. I read some posts and someone recommended AMWAY Nutrilute Protein powder. However, it's a soy based protein and isn't the soy product associated with high phosphorous or potassium? Thanks in advance.",
	"It computes based only on creatinine, age, & race so is this fairly accurate?",
	"I talked to my neph nurse ( she was trying to be helpful)s to make short, My GFR has dropped from 24 to 21 creat 2.3 to 2.48, and BUN from 50 to 37 in 25 days. Yes I know that the BUN looks better but what about the other two Doc seems to think It looks better by BUN I feel if my GFR has dropped that much something needs to happen . I ?think maybe new ?Doc. I told nurse I demand a dietician she said would discuss with 'Doc and get order to shut me up I think Im on medicare and have to get referrals to go to Doc how do I do this with another Neph. I guess I can talk to Davita clinic near home .",
	"Finally got my PD Catheter placed today. I was terrifided up to the moment they put me to sleep. Then two hours later I was awaken with this dull lower abdominal pain. I had anticipated the worst, but it's really not to bad. It is hard walking bent over, but manageable. Seven hours later and I haven't taken any pain pills.\n\nNow if I can stay away from an infection.",
	"Hello\n\n\nI am trying to find a mutivitamin for my father who just start Hemodialysis from diabetes last week. Since he is not in the US and I need to find everything over the counter. I did some search and here is the info I got from this forum.\n\n1. Nephrocaps is a prescriped multivitamin (Renal is the generic version) for dialysis patients, but I don't think I can get it without the prescription.\n\nFor dialysis patients, we need to find some multivitamin WITHNOUT minerals and yesterday when I asked the pharmacist in CVS, the only NON mineral mutivitamin he can think of are those children's chewable mutivitamin, but it has sugar in it. Someone on this forum mentioned Nature's Bounty Brand Multi-Day. I looked at its supplement facts and did not find any minerals, but the supplement facts is different from Nephrocaps such as Multi-Day contains Vitamin A and D which Nephrocaps does not.\n\n\n2. Someone on this board has Floradix Irox+Herb for iron supplement which you can get it from GNC\n\n3. I am not sure whether Hemodialysis patient can have GARLIC OIL AND FISH OIL. If so, is there any OTC product you can recommend?\n\n4. What about calcium, looks like dialysis patients need some calcium with Vitamin D3 supplement, any recommendations?\n\nAny input about multivitamin, fish oil, garlic oil and iron will be highly appreciated.\n\nSallypooh",
	"My Dialysis nurse told me to expect some blood and fluids on the gauze covering my catheter site. I was told if the gauze is saturated with blood to call them. (I assume saturated is dripping with blood) I have a 3\" gauze pad that is mostly covered with blood, and wondered if that's ok. I want to call them but hate calling them for every little thing.\n\nAnd is it normal to go 4 days without a dressing change? I'll change this thing every 15 minutes (just kidding)\nI guess my paranoia comes from too many years in the Medical field.",
	"long do most spend on the waiting list?",
	"clearance test?",
	"is Kitchen Bouquet comparable to Gravy Master? How about \"Spike\" seasonings? Many have no salt. Can they be used instead or in additio to Mrs. Dash?",
	"Hi everybody, I just wanted to tell you about home hemo(this is not PD). I have been in Dialysis for 2 years, Within the two years i have had 1 Quinton Catheter and 2 Tesio Catheter. For the part of the two years I was against the Fistula. I finally decided to get it 2 months ago,so far the Dialysis center had managed to infiltrate it three times.........I was so tired of dealing with other people mistakes, so i decided to try Home Hemo. At first i was very skeptical because the way home hemo work's. First of all you have to do it 6 days a week appose to 3 days a week and second, you have to stick your self if you have a Fistula. I decided to try it out, I mean whats the worst that can happen. Well I've been training for 3 weeks already and it's great, you are you're own nurse and because they build a button hole on your arm so infiltration is a lot less to happen. I'm still having small problems, i think is due to the vein not fully developing or the infiltration's that happen in the in center but thank god i didn't take my catheter out when they told me.The advantage of this is that you do dialysis on your own time. So if you want to go back to work you can. Well if you have any question let me know i will give you an honest answer after all nobody understands dialysis more than people on dialysis.",
	"Does actual \"volume\" of urine that a person produces in this test evaluated or does it not really matter? tx, John",
	"Hi Guys - please educate someone who isn't on dialysis. My question is - when you go on dialysis, this means you cannot eat meat - you have to get your protein from powders or shakes? Sorry to sound stupid, but I get the impression from the boards, that once you start dialysis, you cannot eat real meat - no filet mignon? No fish or pork? Can you eat any normal food (minus sodium, potassium, phosphorus)?",
	"www.FavorGoods.com\nsupply brand shoes (air max, jordan fusions,nike shox,adidas, af1, bape, dunk, ice cream, puma, timberland, Nike,Jordan,Air force 1 sneaker etc), bags, jeans, shirts, hoodies and so on, over 10,000 items to choose from.\n\nWe offer Dropshipping ,website: http://www.FavorGoods.com",
	"What are the safest pain killers , we can use?? I have stage 3 kidney disease\n\nMy doctor says tylenol would be the best and not use Ibupropen or advil etc\nI had degenerative disease on my back and now the back of my neck so I need some pain relief but I am afraid to take it every day ....I have been taking tylenol PM ( 500 mil) at night for the last week and that helps with the headache and pain in the back as well as put me to sleep for about 6 hours straight.\nAny suggestions? and how long can you keep taking tylenol ........... I take one every night for the last week or so",
	"I am latex allergic and have not been able to travel due to this, facility will not take me as a pt on vacation due to this. I was told today that all Davita will be going latex free ya I can go on a vacation with my family I have a bit of freedom soon",
	"who helps me I can't answer that, everyone my friend Shelly who has been at this way longer then me, my husband who just takes it day by day my great children and my two days during to week when I;m not hooked up, This is not an easy road, and I always look back and say someone has it worse, Do I quit work to enjoy those days off I don;t know\nMy crazy brother is getting hes house repoed and of course I signed for it,,,,good days bad days just like everyone else, I have had 4 fistula surgeries 7 cath changes now they want to put a piece of cow vein in me ,,,,,I don;t know",
	"Hi guys...question - can a doc put a fistula in your leg?\nDoes anyone on this board have one?",
	"could my ckd cause major hair lose i have noticed lately that my hair has been falling out in large amounts",
	"calculator put me at Stage 2 when my creatinine was .99? I don't understand this.",
	"Ok I have my results from my 24 hour urine creatinine clearance test but I am looking for a table or something that can tell me what stage of kidney disease the #'s put me in. They also did a serum creatinine at the same time. Anybody know where to find one? I have googled it. Lots of info but I can't find a table. The serum creatinine was 1.8 and the urine creatine was 41.",
	"My name is Becky and I am a 42 year old homeschooling mom to 2 little boys ages 6 and 8. I have PKD which has progressed faster than I was expecting. My mom, who is 61 has been on dialysis for 15 months - I was hoping I had till my 60's to start but that is not the case. I have a fistula consult on the 4th of Nov.\n\nI know I will eligible for Medicare when I began dialysis but quite frankly, other expenses are adding up now such as lab work, doctors, and soon the fistula surgery. I hate asking for help but it looks like I will have to. If you have any financial aid resources to share, I would appreciate it.\n\nI have a fear of not being able to get the care I need because I can't pay for it.",
	"My mom was in end stage renal failure and the plan was always to start PD when it was necessary to start..... in the meantime she got MRSA (a bad pneumonia) for the 3rd time this year and had to be hospitalized and her breathing was so bad and she had so much extra weight (25 pounds) that they decided to do dialysis.... initially in the leg for about a week then through the neck for about the past 3 weeks. They are concerned that PD will not work for her because of her COPD and the extra weight (can anyone tell me how much this fluid you put in actually weighs and how much inches you gain), because of her breathing problems (she is VERY labored in her breathing). But right now I don't see a game plan, her arm had been mapped for a fistula and the surgeon said her veins where not good, hence why they started discussing PD. They had told her she would need to do 4 exchanges a day but I hear a lot about people doing over night.... when you do it over night do you have fluid in you during the day or is it in there just at night, because if that was the case the extra weight would only be at night and not during the day. ALSO, my mom has been having high sugar, they thought it was due to high doses of predinsone, but they are not sure until she gets off the meds..... can people with high sugar levels do PD? Because from what I understand PD solution has sugar in it? I know there are other sites you can read but I just wanted to talk to real people who actually do this every day.\n\nThank you!!!",
	"If you are say stage 3, what do most drs/dietician tell you to limit phosphorus daily to? And HOW do you keep a count since most foods do not even list it??",
	"my feelings of unfair teatment,i am a diabetic and i sometimes feel hungry while on the mechine and i take me a snack to eat but a new director took over and decided no food is allowed no gum or candy theaten us with she will not put us on the mechine for our treatment.My sugar sometimes gose low i am not comfortable with this decison.we also are not allowed to drink anything,as a asmatic person who some times chokes and needs something to drink i say this is unfair...and want to fight this along with my paients ,and friends.I feel we are not being treated like people and do not have any say so like adults.please some one help us..:lucinda in Dallas",
	"Hello my name is Kesha and I am 35 yrs old. I hvae a 9yr and 11yr old. I have had CKD since 10/2000 and it has been progressing slowly. Now, I have just been told by my Dr. that my creatine is 4.7. I am on BP meds. but don't I don't know what to expect. I have visited a dialysis center and made an appt. for the transplant center. What comes next",
	"The one item I miss at lunchtime is yogurt. As pre-dialysis, I was told not to eat it because of the phosphorus (dairy stuff not good). So, I get a magazine called Eating Well - it mentioned Soy Yogurt. Does anyone know if soy yogurt is okay to eat or would it be on the same level as regular yogurt?\n\nThe only ingredient I saw on the package that might spur me from not eating it was Tricalcium Phosphate. Sodium was low at 20 mgs.\n\nShould I try it or forget it? Anybody have any feedback in this area?",
	"Is there a place to buy low protein bread, etc. or do you have to make it yourself? If so, where do you find low phosphorus baking products or low phosphorus oatmeal?",
	"Hi guys - well, my choice of access is coming up soon. I would like to know from the people who have done PD:\n\n1. Did you gain a significant amount of weight from the solution?\n2. Did you have to purchase new clothes because of the swelling?\n3. How did you do your exchanges and could you do them at work?\n4. How do you sleep with the solution in your abdomen if you're not doing nocturnal?\n5. Was it difficult getting used to having that solution in your belly?\n6. Were you able to exercise?\n\nI am looking into PD, but I need to know some specifics. Thanks.",
	"I was just reading where frying vegetables in olive oil is not good because of \"free radicals\". Any advice or input on this? tx, John",
	"I did not know anyone to ask so I am turning to davita's forum. We found out today our social worker was fired because in our state of NC a law was passed that for a social worker to work in the county they must have a Master's degree. Our social worker only has a Bachelor's, we are so sad she has not only been our social worker but she has become a dear friend. What I am wanting to know is if anyone has heard of this law being passed before and if anyone knows who I could talk to about this. This seems so unfair it should not matter what education background a social worker has, but that they are qualified and have compassion for the patients. Any knowledge on this subject would help. Thank you all for your time!",
	"miss work and do this at home or refrigerate your pee at work and hope somebody didn't drink it?!!",
	"Okay, now I have been very blessed in my life. I have a beautiful daughter and two awesome step children who live with me half time. My husband is my dream man and up until my daughter was born the plan was two more kids. Then he changed his mind and doesn't want another. Now his kidneys are failing (GFR 18) and he really doesn't want one. I can't get -as we call it - the fourth child out of my head, my heart or soul. I just can't get past it. Its like every two weeks I'm faced with either my period or my body urging me to be pregnant. Life wasn't suppose to be like this. He shouldn't be this sick. I shouldn't have to give up my life long dream. I'm just so sad right now. I can't imagine accepting the fact that my little girl will grow up alone or well, end up alone. She's so much fun and I love her so dearly that I just want to do it all over again. Has anyone on here been in this situation or have been pregnant/gotten pregnant while living with dialysis or a transplant? Thank you for any help! Janet",
	"Okay guys - I know I sound like I'm crazy, but I have intentions of having one last meal when I go to start dialysis. Does this sound crazy? I am dying for pizza. I haven't had a slice in 3 years (swear on the Bible). So, if you guys had to do it all over again, would you dine your last meal before dialysis or simply follow the rules up until that time?\n\nSalad again today with an apple...sounds exciting doesn't it? I am going nuts on this renal diet.\n\nAnyway, call me crazy, but just wanted someone's opinion on the idea.\n\nTootles......",
	"HI,\n\nMy name is Antonio acevedo and I live in Puerto Rico.\nI've been on dialysis for a couple of years now. I spent several years\nin PD and I am now in Hemo. I read about the NxStage system and it seems like an excellent alternative for some one like me who has a full time job and has to go to a center\nto get dialysis for 4 1/2 hours.\n\nI tried communicating with NxStage through the phone number they poseted on their web page and through an e-mail they have and have not been able to get a response.\n\nDoes anyone know a way I can contact an NxStage representative?\n\nWe do not have Davita clinics in Puerto Rico.",
	"I finally had appt. with the nephrologist yesterday who after MANY questions and a physical exam, decided to refer me to a urologist. He thinks my blood problem is not from the kidneys and thinks I need to get that cystoscope thing done by a urologist. Boy, can't wait for that one! Having a tube stuck up my uretha sounds like my idea of a good time. My creatinine was still at .9 and the BUN was at 10 mg/dl. So, guess I'm off to chase more drs. down.....ugh this is getting old.",
	"lab results such as creatinine & BUN fell within the normal level. When I looked up protein levels in urine for labs, anything above 150 mg is not \"normal\". But when I saw the nephrologist on Tuesday he said he didn't think the problem was with the kidneys and referred me to a urologist. Is he just passing the buck and should I try to find another nephrologist? Should I keep the appointment with the urologist who I'm sure will want to do the cystoscopy. Should I be watching my diet with the protein, phosphorus, & potassuim levels? I am so confused and so tired of worrying about all this.",
	"My husband is a bypass patient with heart problems, a diabetic, and now a stage 4 renal patient. I'v spent the last 6 years trying to learn all I could and cook a low fat,low cholesterol, low carb diet for him. I'm very confused now because what I think is a good diet for renal problems seems to have too many carbs and very few fruits and vegetables in it,as well as, very little protein in it. I am new at this but frankly now I don't know what to cook for him. I always had to watch his fats,starches,sweets, and keep him on a low calorie diet. It seems the ones I thought were healthy for his heart and diabetes go against the renal diet. Do you agree or am I way off base? I really am confused and don't know how to help him. I can tell already he will not eat the suggessted menus on this site. Where am I going wrong? Thanks in advance.\n\nJackie",
	"Hi! everybody I stay in Malaysia Penang, age 57, in order to widen my know how on my surrounding I use note book with wireless broadband to internet searching in the centre here, helping patients to search for the answer and the solutions while in 4 hrs of dialysis.... emailing reading, reading, religions, internet banking etc... my email address kokwah12@gmail.com As I'm a Chinese school education I also searching Chinese website....  Positive Thinking.... Positive Living....",
	"lab results such as creatinine & BUN fell within the normal level. When I looked up protein levels in urine for labs, anything above 150 mg is not \"normal\". But when I saw the nephrologist on Tuesday he said he didn't think the problem was with the kidneys and referred me to a urologist. Is he just passing the buck and should I try to find another nephrologist? Should I keep the appointment with the urologist who I'm sure will want to do the cystoscopy. Should I be watching my diet with the protein, phosphorus, & potassuim levels? I am so confused and so tired of worrying about all this.",
	"I am feeling fine. I was shocked to find out that I have kidney disease and it is almost to the stage of dialysis. I am scared and confused. I have no idea what to expect. There is discussion for dialysis here but it is full and I have not been able to access it. Not many doctors in this field here either. The one I have is the head of the hospital renal unit so I know he is knowledgeable. However, it is like pulling teeth to find out things.\nWhat should I expect with this needle biopsy that is scheduled on Monday?(today is Friday)\nWhat is dialysis like? We are newly retired and planned to travel now that we have the funds and the time. We scrimped and saved all our married life for this. (45 years) Are my options for travel being eliminated when I start dialysis? Can anyone help this confused old broad?",
	"Hello All,\n\nI had a few questions that I guess sound silly to just come out and ask my Neph. I have an appt for vein mapping, what does that consist of? Does it hurt? How soon afterwards will I get a Fistula? And will that hurt? Is it a day surgery or what? My Neph told me my potassium and choresterol are both high my iron is low and my creat is at 4.7? I don't hardly eat anymore because I'm afraid of what foods may be affecting my kidneys and I 'm constantly itching like crazy. I am tired all the time and very tired with this whole situation. I have glumerulnephritis and the Docs still can't tell me how I got it. I am so sorry for venting but I have noone else to talk to.",
	"As soon as I found out I a gfr of 41, I did some reaseach on my kidneys. Found out everything I did not want to know So I went on The low protein diet. Sucks!! Guess I won't be drinking those 2 or 3 16 ozs of milk a day or eating the pb out of the jar watching TV anymore. On my 2nd batch of tests 5 wks later(i take blood thinner) my gfr was 40\nbut mu bun was down from 26 to 17. Good! everything is very good. Next set is 11-7. If it increases again and my gfr goes down it is off to a Nepholist(sp)\n\nAt first it was hard to get my cal count up to even 1200 , but I have worked it out. I've lost 10 # but I need to lose 30 more.\n\nMy biggest is I'm a why girl. I read the pb label and in moderation can I still have it etc. I am hoping for these answers when I see the dietician.\n\nI am thrilled to find this gruop to ask and someday be an old soul to answer someone other scared persons questions.:",
	"I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy on the 1st of december , my last one was exactly 10 years ago.\n\nI asked the gastrologist what do they give to kidney patients for the preparation of the colonoscopy , I know and have heard that those fleet liquids are not to be given to patients with kidney disease. He said he will give me something else that is in liquid form and should be fine for my kidneys.\nHas anyone done a colonoscopy and what were you given instead of the fleet solution.....please advice . I still have time to research and I plan to call my nephrologist and ask but he is not the kind of doctor that you can really talk or ask too many questions....., he seems impatient and not very caring. (Yes I will try and find someone else soon)..............\nThanks again",
	"June of this year I was blessed with a new kidney....The 28th will be 4 months. I've been readmitted in the hospital 3 times and the last time they did a biopsy. Thankfully, the kidney is not rejecting. But I still have several problems. We are having a hard time adjusting my meds....I go for blood work 2-3 times a week. Every time I go there is a problem with my counts. Either my white cells are low or my red cells are low. I have to take shots for anemia once a week. Most ALL my blood counts are low.....My new kidney is only functioning at 27 %, and my creatine is anywhere from 1.9 to 2.3. I am also retaining fluid in my right leg and ankle. My Doctor has tried adjusting my blood pressure meds. (I'm on 3) yet the swelling still remains. Now I am on a lasix 20mg once a day. It's been 2 - 3 weeks and the lasix has done nothing. My concern with this med is that I'm afraid it isn't good for my new kidney that doesn't seem to function properly. Thankfully my Doctors are on a very close watch over ALL my meds.\nYET I AM STILL CONCERNED........",
	"I mean what prompted him/her to order that test, such as a certain (one time ) creatinine or BUN level or just what?",
	"Hey! =D\nHmm... I'm 18, and I just learned the other day I have PKD. **sigh** Not exactly what I had planned for the rest of my life, but it's not the end of the world. lol. It's something my family and myself have been expecting for awhile now, beings as my dad has it. He had a transplant more than ten years ago, and it worked out really well for him - hence my lack of extreme depression. I know I'll be able to lead my life just as I would have without PKD, if not with more attention to my health.\nMy reason for posting is this: Like I said, my dad has PKD, which is how I got it, but there are still several things I'm unsure about, and I don't like asking him these questions just yet, because he feels it's his fault, and gets upset. Beyond that, when we found out my dad has PKD, it was pretty far gone. He didn't have any remaining kidney function, and was immediately put on dialysis. So my family isn't as familiar with the life preserving processes of early PKD. Therefore, I have come here for the combined wisdom of all you that have experienced kidney disease yourselves! =]\nI haven't had my first neph. appointment yet (we only have one in the valley, making his schedule pretty intense), and I'm sure a lot of my questions will be answered at that point in time, but I would really like to know as soon as possible, if I could. So here they are:\nExactly how is this going to impact my diet? My mom said a couple things along lowered protein intake, minimal caffeine, and tomatos? Will my back always hurt like this, or will it be better at times? Are there certain things I should know before my appointment? Should I be more careful about the stuff I do, like weight lifting and the such? Are there little things I can do to preserve the life span of my kidneys? Is it entirely guarenteed that I'll have to have a transplant?\nOnce again, any responses I can get would be awesome! Thanks!",
	"I have a question. I'm at stage 4. I have one kidney with GFR of 21 and Creatinine 2.8. My question is: I am sick all the time, I get colds all the time, if I just look at someone that has a cold, I get it and it always takes me 3 times longer to get rid of. It seems my immune system just stinks. I just am always tired and always sick and I miss work alot because of it. I know I can't go on dissability until dialylsis, but the way it's looking I might be getting transplant instead. Transplant even worries me cause my immune system is so bad, that it transplant might not go good. My iron levels were good last time we check, but it doesn't matter, I'm still always tired and always sick.... It's just so hard to keep working cause no energy and the getting sick all the time makes me miss alot of work. I've always been this way, but much more so than it used to be. I can just get worn down or not get enough rest and I get a cold which always turns into a worse cold in the lungs and takes weeks and weeks to get rid of... I hate this. I hate being sick. I hate being tired. Is this normal with CKD?\n\nCharli",
	"If on the low protein diet but taking amino acid supplements, will hair still thin?",
	"I am new to this discussion forum. My dad has been on dialysis for 2 1/2 years. I am having such a hard time seeing him not be able to do the things he used to do. My dad is going in on Friday to get his catheder removed. He now has a fistula and the cathader in his chest is no longer needed. I am afraid of what effect this will have on his body. Has anyone had this done and if so was it a positive experince? I am in need of support right now and am very overwheled.",
	"I'd like to rack your brains\na bit of history:\n38\nFamily history of CKD\nI'm a live donor 9 years ago\nGFR 48 (low) recently diagnosed stage 3 CKD\nCreatinine only at 1.24 (a bit high)\nWestern ESR 38 (high)\nPhosphurus 2.6 (a bit low)\nSp. gravity 1.005 ( a little low)\ncurrent Ultra Sound showed a small cyst/lession/or mass...they aren't sure. also enlarged but i'm sure that is to compensate for only having 1.\n\n Does that raise any red flags to anyone or does it seem ok. I can't find any information on what is norm for someone with 1 kidney. I'll be repeating labs and the ultrasound in 2 months. In the mean time I've taken it upon myself to reduce my protein and sodium. Chosing not to worry; chosing to educate and treat my body well.",
	"i just got my PD cath, and i am still doing hemo should they decrease my time while i am training..... ?",
	"I just received my lastest lab report and my creatinine was 1.7. For two years it stayed between 1.1 and 1.3 and I wasn't too worried.But this year it was been going up every three months.\nMy first question is ; My nephrologist (sp?) says that my gfr is 38 but when I look it up on line it is 33. When I asked her ,she said it was just an estimate and the hint was I shouldn't worry. What is the correct computation of my gfr? I am a 58 year old white female.\n\nMy second question is should I be worried or is this just a little glitch. When does it become a pattern?",
	"My son Evan is 15 and has stage 4 CKF....he is currently at 3.7 creatinine(22% according to calculator) and will transplant when he gets to 20%(my husband will be the donor). Ever since he's dropped below 25% he's been very tired and fatigued. At his recent neph appt. I asked the doc if there was something we could do about it. He comes home from school and takes a 3-4 hour 'nap', then sometimes has trouble going to bed early for school. But alot of times he still can sleep the full night. He just seems exhausted after a school day. His doc says since he isn't extremely anemic, the fatigue is not related to kidney function...but rather to his 'teen body changes'.....????? What!\nI realize that I am not a doctor, but it makes no sense to me to say that my son has lost almost 80% function in his kidneys and that's not going to make him fatigued at all. It sounds like common sense to me.\nCan I hear back from some of you....what are your experiences with fatigue at this stage in the disease. Am I wrong for blaiming it on his CKF? And....is there any treatment for it all if his iron is pretty close to normal?",
	"My PD solution was delivered yesterday, and I'll get my Cycler on Monday, with Monday night being my first night on PD.\n\n All the nervousness has left and i'm excited, to finally feel better.\nThe training was overwhelming at first butt my PD nurses are the best, and really worked with me.",
	"In the 2 1/2 years I have been on dialysis, I've known 6 good people at my dialysis center who passsed away. I understand that we are already in a compromised state of health with chronic klidney disease, but it still hurts. We have become like family and when one person is not there, it makes a difference. Most people don't like to talk about death, but it is a reality for all of us.\n\nMy question is: How does a person handle his/her grief when yoiu find out 2 weeks after the funeral that your friend has died? It feels like you never had a chance to say good-bye or to mourn.\n\nNo one at the center can talk about it because of HIPA ((Federal Privacy Act). Sometimes a family member thinks to post a memoral notice on the bulletin board, sometimes not. How are other people out there handling this?",
	"I'm afraid to ask this, but my 85 yr old mominlaw with diabetes & alzheimers has been on dialysis for 3 years. What will be the signs that the end is near or will there be any? Will dialysis quit working and will she suffer? Or do you not die from kidney failure as long as you're on dialysis?",
	"I'm very worried about my future life. I don't know much about kidney disease or dialysis, eventhough I've researched alot to find an answer to my question.\nWhen I was young, my doctor told my mom that because of my weird or unusual type of blood (that i cannot remember, all i know is that is - type) if I ever had children (I am a woman) my children would have to go on dialisys. And also, it would be dangerous for me to have children.\nIs that true? or how is that??  why would that happen?\nwhere can i get information about that?",
	"HI! I'm back again, I'm now in dialysis center doing my regular Mon, Wed & Friday regular 4 hours hemodialysis. We do blood test every 3 months, after the blood test report\ncome out, that's what I do, I check from Internet all the tested result names in the report\neither normal(within the range), low or high and use excel spread sheet to make a record and comparison, haha ! I'll know what I have had regulate and control of my lift style and diets. I'm Malaysian Chinese born locally, have to go to Chinese School but this also help me a lot too.. (my English is not so good, only studied till secondary Chinese school), It make the advantage to me also, I can surf the Chinese Websites, compare the East & West latest medical points of view. Sometime I also looking forward to the progress of Stem Cell technology, when there's a hope there's a way.... Wish you all the very good Luck and be Happy in your life.... In the same Hemodialysis Center here I have few senior patients for one of him is dialyzes nearly 25 years, I learn a lots from him.... sharing ideas either mentally or physically......",
	"I have been on PD for about 1 year now and I recently went to 4 exchanges (at night on a cycler) because my BP was too high. I have been trying to cut down my dwell time from 2 hrs. to 1hr. 30 mins. and wonder if this is enough time for the dialysis to be effective. Even with the dwell time I have now I have to hook up at 8:00 at night to be able to get up on time for work the next morning.\nAlso, any ideas for getting more protein in my diet are welcome.\nThanks.",
	"My dad is really wiped out on his dialysis days. He also complains of being dizzy all the time. I worry because he is not eating like he should. He is afraid that he will gain weight and when he weighs in for dialysis they will take it off as liquid. Does everyone on dialysis feel like this or is it something else? I have been trying to find different foods that he can eat being on a renal diet. Does anyone have any suggestions. I try to help out as much as I can so that it makes things a little easier on my mom. I am constantly worrying about my dad.",
	"i have been on dialysis for a year using a chest cath. I had a fistula put in at the begining but it never developed. My arm looks as if a butcher did the operation and it itches constanly. My doctors are tying to talk me into getting a fistula or graft put in my right arm and I am leary about it. I do still work full time and do alot of 10 key and typing at my job. i guess what i'm looking for is some experiences and some feedback if anyone else has had multiple access for hemodialysis.",
	"Hello,\nI am not sure if this is the right spot to post this question but I could use some suggestions.\n\nMy mother attends the Deland DaVita Centre and needs transportation to and from her treatments. I live in Canada and other siblings are a distant away as well. We desperately need information on some sort of service that helps seniors/ elderly/disabled get to necessary doctor's appointments, dialysis etc.\n\nIf there is anyone in Lake or Velousia Counties who can help me find some direction / government agency etc. who offers this service, please email me at kate984u@hotmail.com\n\nThanks.",
	"Does anyone know where to find dialysis diet handouts in Russian?",
	"I purchased a small cart for my Cycler and keep it in my bedroom closet out of sight (out of mind) the first night I forgot to start, and by the time I remembered to, my wife was sound asleep. \"No problem\" I figured i'll do it in the morning. Well I forgot to consider the length of time an exchange would take. I started at 7:30am and didn't finish until 5pm! I'll never forget again.\n\nMy second exchange was last night, and I had difficulty sleeping because my abdomen\nwas so distended I coudn't relax, and tossed and turned until about 3am. It seems when i did my exchange sitting i'm much more comfortable, has anyone else experienced this?\n\nI good thing is this morning I felt so much better, getting out of bed bed with so much energy. I can't wait until I do another exchange knowing how much better it'll make me feel afterward.\n\nFirst time in Three months I actually have an appetite, bu I know I can't return to my old eating habits.",
	"Hi ! im new 2 dialysis(8th trtmnt) and since the 6th one ive been really a mess..staggering & fuzzy headed - i was certain was bcuz tech took too much too fast..any suggestions\non how i can combat this @ home ?(the staggering/fuzziness) will be watching my techs from now on .. cant go job hunting like this!",
	"I received a notice from Flip's family that he passed away a week ago Sunday from an apparent sudden heart attack. I am sure we will all miss him.",
	"Hey,\nI've been on Sensipar for about 6 weeks now. My PTH number lowered at first and now it's right back to where I started. I'm asking my doctor about increasing the dose - take 30 mg once a day now.\n\nWhat are others' experiences with Sensipar. How long did it take to work? Did anyones PTH go down, and then back up? Did anyone feel better after being on Sensipar for awhile?",
	"I am in need of a few words of encouragement. My dad has been on dialysis for over two years and I've been there for he and my mom. I go to all of the appointments and help out as much as possible with any insurance or other important paper work. Some days I feel so sad thinking that my dad is going to die and my mom will be on her own. It's so hard to see my dad so tired. He still is active and continues to do what his body allows him to do. I know there are many other caregivers out there that are going through the same situation. I have better days than others but today is just a sad day for me. Some days out of the blue I feel sad thinking and worrying about my mom and dad. Does anyone have any advice on how I can start taking care of myself as well as my dad. I'm sorry if I sound like I'm complaining or whining. The only other health problems besides being on dialysis is that he has high blood pressure. Sometimes I worry so much about my dad that it starts to really take over my emotions. Has this happened to any one else? Does anyone have any advice for me.",
	"I have very mixed emotions just now about death and dialysis. It has been in the back of my mind for some time and the notice of Flip's passing coincided with the Obit of Mr. C., one of my peers at dialysis.\nAs most of you know, none of us will die due to dialysis, we live because of it. But in our facility we have 40 chairs and most are filled on M/W/F, my time also. We are a group in the south and thus have a lot of middle to old age victims of high blood pressure, and diabetes. We have bad diets and uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure. Our death rate is high and because we have a newspaper three times a week as is the case with Mr. C., the service is often been held prior to or on the same day the paper is delivered. Thus no time to get to the service and pay your last respects.\nThey don't die, they just disappear. The staff won't tell you because of privacy rights and you don't even know when they are in the hospital.\nIt seems so unfair as these are the people we have the most in common with and are very definitely friends and almost, if not really family.\nIt just seems so unfair not to be able to pay last respects.\nDon't really know what I wanted to say, but needed to say something.",
	"Well, everyone I got the results of my blood tests today, which were taken Tuesday. Tuesday I had been on the very low protein diet for 3 weeks. That's no meat, eggs, dairy, beans, etc., anything with high protein. The truth is I have eaten cheese about once a week and my daughter cooked pinto beans once and I ate a small amount of them. But I normally eat about 21 grams of protein per day and take essential amino acids. Found I didn't care for the powder with fiber or the gummy-type bites of the amino acids. But the drink powders which have no fiber are good and it's no problem to drink them.\n\nSo here are my results after just 3 weeks.\n\nCreatinine dropped from 3.1 to 2.1\nBUN dropped from 54 to 17\nSerum Albumin went up from 3.1 to 3.4 (the lowest normal) even though I've missed a few doses of the amino acids and the book says that it might take 2 months for this to raise.\nGFR went from 14.75 to 24 \n\nBut unfortunately my potassium was 5.8 (should be no higher than 5.1) because I've been eating potatoes nearly every day to fill out a hot meal. So I have to do something different there. Not sure what.\n\nMy neph wants me to bring the book with the diet next time I see him and he wants me to go talk to his nutritionist to tell her what I'm doing. I think he was impressed at my results! I have been seeing him monthly sometimes more often and now I get to go 2 months without seeing him.\n\nI thank God and praise Him for these results. I first saw this book mentioned on here, ordered it, and I can't begin to tell you how much better I feel! It's night and day.\n\nFor those on dialysis the book also says the diet improves serum albumin even when on dialysis and also lowers phosphorus (mine was normal today at 4.4 though it has been high for a year and taking 3 binders every time I eat have not lowered it to normal--last month it was 5.13).\n\nI'm wondering now if my tests will improve even more after being on the diet longer. I'll have to wait a whole month to find out!  But it doesn't matter. I will stay on it because of how I feel and others are telling me they can see a difference in me! Praise God!",
	"how rapidly does the protein spillage into urine increase if kidney damage is from prescription drug use?",
	"It finally happened! I got my transplant. I was watching TV with my husband and the phone rang. The caller ID just said \"O\" and a number so I turned to him and said, I'm not going to answer it, it's a telemarketer! Then for some reason I did answer and it was \"the call\". Since I have had 5 close calls I was wary this time until she said that the cross match was good.\n\nRight now my creatinine has gone from 5.0 to 1.8, so it looks like it is working well. It was a little touch and go during the surgery because the surgeon had to reconstruct the artery on the donated kidney. He told me that some of his hair turned gray over that.\n\nI am 6 days post opt. and am trying to learn about all the drugs and precautions to keep my kidney safe. I guess I didn't realize that it would take time to learn everything.\n\n Anyway, thanks to everyone who gave me support and told me not to give up. It is going to be a wonderful reason for Thanksgiving this year.\n\nJoanne",
	"Hello, I'm new on this site and I was wondering if anyone could give me some helpful advice?\n\nMy uncle suffers from high potassium levels and has been hospitalised several times in the last couple of months because of this...he was given dialisis 4 times on his last hospital visit but hasnt received any since (I'm assuming that it's because of his age - he's 81 - that theyre not continuing this treatment).\n\nThe other thing is, is that he also suffers from diabetes.\n\nThis is where my problem begins & ends...you see I am responsible for buying his food and feel that its possibly been the foods that I have been buying that have caused him to be hospitalised possibly more than he needed to be.\n\nHe lives on his own and likes easy meals...ie...ready made meals from the supermarket, but i would prefer if he made his own because at least he knows then exactly what he is eating & whats being added.\n\nThe other thing is that the foods that he is allowed for the high potassium, hes not allowed fot the diabetes.\n\nIm really sorry for dragging this out....but can anyone advise me what foods I can buy taking into account both conditions that would be for his own good?\n\nThank you sooooo much for your help \n\nJacqui",
	"I'm sure the question has been asked before, but since it popped into my mind this second, I thought I would ask. I am not on dialysis, nor do I hope to end up on disability as a result of dialysis. However, we all get those nice little SS notices in the mail as to how much our annual income is and the amount of disability we \"expect\" to receive should we file for disability benefits.\n\nThe question - how accurate is the SS form? If I really do end up on full disability, will I get the \"entire\" amount shown on the form, or do they calculate sums/averages and you get an average of the amount shown?\n\nNot that I hope to ever get there, but it would be nice to know the info. should the SH*T hit the fan later in life. Thanks.",
	"I guess I'm just writing to get things off my chest. I always make sure to make time for both of my parents every week. Since my dad has been on dialysis ,family has been a really good way to lift his spirits. I feel so bad when I have to call and tell him that I won't be out to see him. I guess I'm afraid that something will happen to him before I see him again. I know this sounds selfish on my part. I just feel so guilty when I can't get over to see him. My dad always says don't worry about it you have a life of your own. My mom has the same response. Has anyone else experienced these feelings? If so how do you deal with them. I hope I'm not making this sound like it's all about me. I know my dad understands that I do have my own life. I just wish I didn't feel so guilty. Thanks for letting me get this off of my chest.",
	"I got my results from my tests which were better in some aspects but there is one I really dont know about My BUN went from 37 to 38 Creat-from 2.48 to 2.2 which GFR from 21 to 24 % BUT my pth from 121 to 148 what does this mean and creatinine ALb/Creat Ratio -1831 mean this shows high Help me figure this out",
	"I attended a DaVita class this afternoon at the Woodbridge site where I got to meet Kathy, Jodi and Sandy (nutritionist). I learned a little more about CKD and quite a bit about dialysis. I even got to see the machines, the facility was very clean and user friendly. Not so scary, but inspiration enough to try to stay at stage 3 for as long as I can. My questions about insurance, cost and full-time employment vs. dialysis were answered. I also found out that there are centers that are open until late at night and there are machines to use at home, but, I don't know about that just yet. I do want to return to work and have a peace of mind that I can do both full-time employment and dialysis and with DaVita it appears that I can!  I am glad I took this class! \n\nViva DaVita!",
	"Hello, just joined here. I have been a in center dialysis for 7 years now. I did the first 6 years with a cathader in my chest. just recently went to a graft in my arm. Still trying to get used to getting stuck. My health is okay except my potassium stays high. does anyone have any suggestions on that? i eat only rice and green beans and drink water because i have been fussed at enough that i just want to quit eating all togeher and give up. i think some of the meds. i take may be making it go up but what do i know! i would like to hear from anyone that has any ideas about my problem.",
	"Hi guys - just an update on my situation. Saw the doc yesterday. Going to have my access put in my arm in January. More than likely dialysis to start sometime after that. I'm still holding on.\n\nOkay - I would like to know from all NxStage users using daily short hemo, how long it took for your training? I will be starting from \"scratch\" - no prior center dialysis. I will be starting right at the home dialysis center. My boss has given me three months - just curious to know if I could get back to work within that time frame with the training.\n\nI have no swelling - no loss of appetite - still am working 40 hours and going to school part-time in the evenings. GFR is still at 13%.\n\nAny info. would be appreciated. Thanks. (getting a little edgy here.)",
	"I don't understand this protein measurement thing. The 1st neph. that I saw said I had a \"trace\" of protein....429 mg and that 150 or less was normal. I got a 2nd opinion from another neph. because the 1st one so promptly dismissed me. The 2nd neph. said I have more than a trace of protein at 116 mg when 30 is normal. Can somebody please explain this?",
	"I received a letter from the hospital I am listed here in Baltimore. I would like everyone to comment on what you think is the real story here...cause I really think this is simply a ploy to get me into research, not an early transplant. Here's an example of the letter I got:\n\nDear Ms. Bikerchick:\n\nWe are sending you this letter since there is a good chance that you will have your kidney transplant within the next 12 months and you may qualify to participate in a research study for patients who will be undergoing kidney transplantation. The purpose of this research study is to better understand sugar diabetes that occurs after kidney transplantation. If you participate in the study, you will be compensated.\n\nMy question to some of you is, does this sound like a ploy to get me into a research program that in fact will not change my number on the waiting list? How can they say that I'm gonna get a kidney within 12 months - I'm O+ - I was told it was a 5/7 year wait.\n\nAnyway, need your opinion guys as to whether I should jump at this or simply tell them I'm not interested.",
	"The extensive number of forms required by Medicare are, in my opinion, not only repetitive but in most cases of no value. Additionally, they are invasive to the max.\n\n Can anyone tell my why what I usually eat for breakfast, what people I am supportive of, and how well I sleep have to do with my care?\n\nI am no longer content to simply fill in the blanks. I have come to feel that the multitude of unrelated questions border on harrassment.\n\nAnyone else have a problem with the multitude of questions and repetitions?",
	"Hello, my husband has membranous glomerulonephritis. Anybody else on here with that? GFR is 12. We stopped the 3rd chemo treatment this Thursday and the Doctor said dialysis is in order. We will begin Monday searching for a dialysis that will accept him as cash patient. Insurance co's have told me long ago that the Membranous is a 'permenent terminal illness' and of course no one would insure him. We have plenty of money and are willing to pay but I understand being a cash patient might be a problem. Anybody a cash patient? He has never been on dialysis. Thanks.",
	"My name is Linda Manrique, I am a 27 years old Hispanic female, and I am in search of compatible kidney donor. My blood type is O+.\nI have been receiving dialysis three times a week for over two years. This treatment has been extremely rigorous to my body. Currently I am on the waiting list for a compatible kidney donor but the wait each day becomes much longer and harder. I have high hopes in God and someone like you to help me have a normal life.\nI am a resident of Virginia.\nPlease if you or anyone you know can help me contact me at: lindamanrique@gmail.com",
	"Just a quick background...I had my first physical since high school at the beginning of October. In the two tests that I've gotten the results for thus far, I've had elevated Microalbumin in my urine. I can't give any direct levels, as the doctor hasn't provided them to me yet. I took my 3rd test this past week, and am awaiting results. According to my PCP, if it shows positive on this 3rd time, I am going to a nephrologist to try and sort things out. More than likely I will have a 24 hour urine test with him/her as soon as I am referred over there.\n\nI'm 25 years old, no diabetes or hypertension. I have always been one of those people that constantly drink a large amount of fluids due to always being thirsty. Urination seems like it could be consistent with intake.\n\nWhat else could it be that would be causing problems with my kidneys? None of my family has a history with kidney disease. Why do the doctors have me doing urine test after urine test instead of something more conclusive like an ultrasound? I haven't slept very well at all since all of this started, and am looking for some peace of mind. Thanks.",
	"Ive been told by my doctor not to eat meat at all. I have been doing this for about a year now with no real diet plan. (I have Nephrotic Syndrome) So is there any way to get a menu layout without meat? Its not really an option to introduce meat back into my diet at this point.",
	"My dad was told that when he started dialysis that he eventually could stop urinating all together. Its been about 2 1/2 years and lately my dad has been urinating more. Has anyone else had this experience? We were under the impression that his urine output would decrease over time.",
	"I just finished cooking my fresh turkey for Thursday. I had extra stock so I made the Davita recipe for Chicken Noodle soup but substituted turkey for the chicken. I would like to substitute rice for the egg noodles. How much rice and what type should I substitute? Also, any other vegetables to add or subtract?",
	"Now I can't talk for my hubby he is the stickee...but I have a come a Loooooong way baby on being the the sticker!!! bout this time last year I was a wreck! and I wasn't the one sick either!\n\nOh I have been giving shots to about anything that moves...for a long time (vet tech, farm hand, pulling hubby thru hep therapy) but WHOA baby sticking 15 g needles into your beloved and trying to learn that bleeping machine and hoping/praying you don't kill him by accident!\n\nAnyhow we had a big party Halloween to celebrate not only 25 years together but our first year of home hemo! HOORAY!!!\n\nYup its scary to start with even if you have needle experience and medical experience (I can't even imagine what its like for someone with no experience in the medical field at all)\n\nAll I can say is if you got a buddy/partner whatever willing to train with you...(AND YOU as the PATIENT should LEARN as much as you can too) I SAY HOME HEMO is the ultimate!!!!\n\nYour own schedule! Your own HOME!!!\n\nWorst part is adjust and adapting BEST PART is seeing the good bloodwork, the overall improvement of your parnters LIFE....\n\nI used to have nightmares and now I just act like is routine (oh there are days LOL--wouldn't be human if there weren't)\n\nI must also add Hubby has a series of strokes and big guy that is couldn't stick hisself if he tried and Teddybear cannot handle pain at all.....tried the no lado and NO way was I going to do that again to him....he hurt bad and I am very gentile sticker...\n\nanyhow rambled enough tonight....\n\nMomT signing out",
	"Wondering how long it take before you hear anything for SS ..Any help will be nice..I been on PD for 3 month now and have not heard any thing just wondering...",
	"Ottawa ----- Dont know if you still visit or not but would like to know if your hair is still vey thin you said on another thread you have very thin hair now that you are on dialysis. My question to anyone who can answer Im 24% gfr I have been loosing my to the point it is very thin Im not on dialysis yet Is it going to all fall out or will it stop?",
	"My son Evan is in 4th stage CKF w/ 3.6 creatinine....down a bit from 3.8, but he has two new symptoms. First, he started throwing up once in the middle of the night and then, in this mornings case, it was followed by what I will call a 'panic attack'. He is on anti-depression meds already and sees a counselor, but has been doing just fine(emotionally)..so not sure if it's related to a physical or emotional problem. I find it strange that the attack was immediately following an episode of vomiting. He became very unsettled and said he felt as though he was \"freaking out for absolutely no reason\". I need to know if any of you have experienced this type of symptom and what it was caused by. He has experienced this before and it is usually when the vomiting starts up again.We called his doc....closed for holidays. I at least want to know of there is something we should do to help him.\n\nThanks and Happy Thanksgiving\nLynne",
	"So, tell me how the h$ll is that supposed to cheer me up?",
	"moved topic to other experiences, sorry for double post",
	"Has anyone been able to get any information on this therapy?\n\nI've emailed them twice and got no responses...\n\nSupposedly they have been able to cure CKD with a low powered radio wave.\n\nWhile it sounds too good to be true I always follow up on such things, was wondering if anyone had any experience with this group ?\n\nhttp://www.gemm-therapy.com\n\nhere is the youtube link of the woman who was cured by it\n\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai8fLiXeuJQ\n\nTheyre located in Europe with no plans to come to the US, so you'd have to travel etc.",
	"My diabetic husband just had his vein mapping done and will see the surgeon next week for his AV access to prepare for dialysis but in the mean time I have noticed that lately he suddenly seems to be chilly all of the time. We live in Florida and while the temps have fallen a little he normally is always too warm. Here lately the opposite seems to be true. Is this part of CKD?",
	"My phosophrous and calcium are normal and good. Dietitian could not\ngive me an answer, but suggested I take medications. I refused.\nWhat are some of the reasons why my Pth jumped to over 1200?",
	"Hi All,\n\nWe recently learned that the Love of My Life is to begin the transplant list process. It's not a surprise, as My Hubby told me that he would need a kidney transplant within 5 years,...,that was 15 years ago when we first moved from best friends to lovers. He was injured during his military service in the early 70's; though at the time it was worthy of a \"5% disability\" designation. He has focal sclerosis.\n\nContrary to what one might think, it's easy to avoid acknowledging the big white elephant in the room with you when you are dealing with every day life issues. It blind sighted us; though it shouldn't have. Following the brief pity-party and the rapidly processing stages of grief; we are doing lots of research to be informed in all aspects of the transplant process. We were briefly stymied by interpreting the laws that state that we can't request a family member/friend to donate. In our family dynamics; we are the ones that everyone goes to for strength & answers. Fortunately, we have many offers for a possible donor for transplant. Frankly, we're so use to caring for everyone else, it's been overwhelming.\n\nWe want to make certain that a potential donor suffers no quality of life issues. We haven't read much on the financial aspects that could impact a donor. It's a concern as we wouldn't want anyone to be significantly impacted; particularly those with limited or all-together lacking healthcare coverage. Can anyone provide insight into this?\n\nWe're also concerned with the first year care and the continued follow-up care; including the types of long-term prescriptions. Approximately 11 years ago, my Hubby was on Prednisone (for 1 year) and he was absolutely miserable. It's always been our measure of success in that we said that we survived his year of prednisone; we could survive anything. I'm hoping the prescription requirements are different.\n\nWe expect a call from the Mayo Clinic any day now to start the transplant process. We don't know if my Sweetie will have to do dialysis before transplant.\n\nThere is little written here, or elsewhere, on the financial aspects of a transplant and the follow-up care and the immunosuppressant medication costs. Are there things we can do to protect our retirement assets and ourselves?\n\nWe recently paid to file for bankruptcy for my Sister who survived Breast Cancer. The costs made it prohibitive, on her salary and as a single parent, to pay for all the services provided/medications necessary, even with health insurance. As a single Mom, there was no way to get out from underneath the accumulated debt and still provide for her son.\n\nWe have so many questions and concerns that it's impossible to include them all in this brief posting. We hope to hear form the Transplant Team soon from the Mayo Clinic. But right now we are relying upon those who have experienced a transplant first hand.\n\nI wrote much more than I intended; I would appreciate any insight/resources we can get.\n\nThanks for taking the time to read this long post!\n\nMo",
	"I was told that peeling of skin is common in ckd I have been peeling at finger tips I just noticed my toes are even peeling can someone refresh me on WHY this happens. I forget. thanks",
	"When I take needles out my bottom 15 ga needle stops in 2 to 3 min.My top 15 ga takes from 15 to 20 every time. Does anyone have this problem? Bill",
	"Results from my 24 hr. clearance tests show protein spilling at 420 milligrams, and creatinine at .94. Dr. is starting me on Diovan to try to slow the protein spillage and control my b.p. I was told the protein is coming from the tubes? So, tubular proteinuria was the term used. Anybody know anything about this?",
	"Hi,\nI was wondering how long people use a line for- like the chest ones.\nThe last time I had one was 5 years ago and only for 3 weeks.\n\nNow I was told by one doctor my fistula was ok and then the next week am told it is not ok by someone who did not even do any tests.\n\nI had to be in the hospital for 1 week for a lung problem...not dialysis related and was also told that I could not use my fistula at the hospital because someone wrote a note on my chart- even though all my bloodwork was \"normal\" a few days before.\n\nSo, now I'm stuck with a line and am very miserable with it.\nI can't seem to do anything I used to do before like pick up or lift anything without pain and bathing is quite the hassle now...\n\nHow long do people usually have lines for?\n\nI was also told 2 days ago that I could get a graft as my fistula has too many needles at the same places and my skin is too thin...which makes more sense than saying \"my fistula is not working when it really is...\"\n\nSo, I went to see the surgeon yesterday and was told that firstly they should just take out mu fistula then do a graft a few months later?\nThen in the same apt was also told I could possibly get a graft at the same time as my one surgery.\n\nThen was also told it is better if I just use a line for the rest of the time I do dialysis.\nNow I don't know how long I'll be on dialysis as I do not know how long \"forever\" is and can not predict that.\nBut I do not see myself enjoying my life with a line as I have not been able to do anything I enjoy in the past month.\n\nI haven't been able to do much as it seems to take me so long to get ready to go anywhere. Esp that it takes so long to wash my hair and then have to take a separate bath, then try and recover from pain where my line is.\nBy that time I'm not up to going anywhere.\n\nAlso when you get a new graft or fistula aren't they supposed to do some tests before and not just schedule a day surgery?\nI'm very confused now, even though I should not be as I've been doing this long enough.\n\nSo does anyone have any advice on living with a line?\nor maybe some positive words for me. I'm trying to be more cheerful but it is not working.",
	"Hi I'm new to this discussion my name is lloyd. Is the Da Vita food helper safe for people on dialysis.\n\nThanks lloyd",
	"I have the autoimmune disease scleroderma and experienced kidney complications, among other things, in a 2001 \"flare.\" Currently the \"crisis\" that can occur, malignant BP with eventual kidney failure, is under control with ACE inhibitors, but my GFR still indicates Stage 3 CKD. I've seen lots of info about how I should be maximizing what I've got left by diet and lifestyle but have not had ANY suggestion/instruction from any of the docs involved in my case! Is the idea of prolonging Stage 3 with diet and lifestyle changes a new idea that docs aren't generally aware of? Should I talk to my doc about being referred to a nutritionist or just try to make the changes myself?",
	"I have been diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Failure. There are certainly a lot of questions, but it is much more to this disease,emotions, anger, etc.. You will find yourself saying \"what am I going to do and \"How do I handle these changes?",
	"Hi. My name is Irene, and I have been on dialysis for only a week and a half. These past two weeks have been a life changing event for meI went into the emergency room two weeks ago because of shortness of breath and a very high heart rate. After some bloodwork, they determined that I needed to get a blood transfusion. My red blood count was at a 4, where normal was about 12 to 14. It was early Sunday afternoon, and they told me that it would take about 8 hours to get 2 pints of the blood transfusion, but then I would be able to go home.\n\nThey moved me to a more comfortable room in the hospital, and when it was close for me to leave, the emergency room doctor came to speak to me, telling me that I needed to stay overnight, because of a very hich creatine count in my blood. I ended up staying over night, getting two more pints of blood, and getting more bloodwork done on me in the morning. A kidney doctor came to the hospital and told me that I have end stage kidney failure, and that my kidney was functioning at only 8%. Needless to say, I was shocked with the news, and the fact that I had to go on dialysis to continue living.\n\nIt has been an emotional two weeks. Where before, I was living a normal, busy life with my husband and daughter, now I have medical problems to contend with. I filled out the necessary paperwork for a transplant, and my husband is being very optimistic that he will be the one to donate his kindey. Sometimes I feel like I am living in a bad dream, and that I will wake up 'normal' again. I am considering going on PD dialysis, but I want to weigh all my options before I decide what to do. This is all very scary for me.\n\nI see, though, that that are many, brave and courageous people that are going through what I am going through, (after reading many posts here), and I am thankful to find this site and others. My goal is to get a new kidney, but I know that will take time and alot of patience. I am thankful for a loving family and friends that are helping and praying me through this. I am just getting use to the idea that I have to depend on a machine to help me live. I do have to admit, that after being on dialysis, I feel so much better and have so much energy. I didn't realize how sick I was before. I thought I was just out of shape, because I was always tired. I have gone back to work, and my days are pretty normal, with the 3 days of dialysis. Luckily for me, I only have to dialysize 3 hours a day, and I have no other medical conditions. My blood pressure is under control, and my doctor says I am a great candidate for a transplant.\n\nI've written alot, thanks so much for reading, and I look forward to meeting people and encouraging each other on their journey through this disease. God bless you all, Irene",
	"Where can I find companies that will insure me under medicare in Southern California.\nDid not get much positive feedback today",
	"take a look around, make yourself at home... Good day,ladies and gentleman,take a break here, www.ncashoes.com ,one of the best-selling shoes E-shops,Ncashoes for Christmas sale now,all production on sale,bargain price,shipping free!!hope we do you save time and money.",
	"take a look around, make yourself at home... Good day,ladies and gentleman,take a break here, www.ncashoes.com ,one of the best-selling shoes E-shops,Ncashoes for Christmas sale now,all production on sale,bargain price,shipping free!!hope we do you save time and money.",
	"Hello Everyone! I am New to Dialysis only 3rd time of actual dialysis, sick at at times not always feeling great ,my arm looks horrible black and blue , I have graft, and finding out not alot of my friends are sticking around, they can't handle mysickness! so I do get lonesome and need to chat with others who understand what I am going through. so Hello and nice to meet all of you.",
	"My husband, I believe is depressed, he has not been eating, he is confused and sits around all day sleeping. I have contacted the center and explained what is going on with him and they did some blood cultures, which have come back normal. I informed them that I believe he is depressed and they agree with me. I asked if they could admit him to the hospital since he has lost 10K in the last few weeks and their reply was that he would have to see his family doctor that this was not a dialysis issue. Indeed it is a dialysis problem, if he was not doing hemo he would not be depressed!",
	"Hi guys - I'm not on dialysis yet, but would like to ask a question from the people who are doing PD - how do you work full-time while doing PD?\n\nI hope to do hemodialysis with NxStage - have a consult with a vascular surgeon in January. But as I don't know if this will be my path just yet, I have questions for the PD people.\n\nFirst was above - how do you work full-time doing PD?\nSecond - how are the dietary restrictions?\nThird - do you have issues with the extra weight from carrying the extra fluid (back strain, flat feet)?\n\nI know I probably asked these questions before, but I'm sitting here reading the forums and thought I would pop in. Thanks all.",
	"I'm new to this forum and apologize if this is a bit long.\nMy 42 year old son lives in Virginia, has polycystic kidney disease and has been on dialysis about a year and a half. He is in very bad financial condition, has no other health insurance except Medicare, so he sees only the clinic physician. Recently, he was passing a lot of blood in his urine and having a lot of back pain. He more or less was told to \"wait and see\" about the blood, which, after more than a week, finally subsided. As to the pain, the doctor finally agreed to giving him hydromorphone, but said if the pain recurs, he will not give him anything more, but instead will refer him to a pain management specialist. This, now is stressing my son out tremendously (in addition to his financial situation) and he has even made comments to me that he \"cannot live a life of pain.\" He is also having terrible itching, which the doctor says is from a high phosphorus level, but my son says he's had itching like this before even when his levels are good. He tells me he takes his meds and is trying to stick to a good diet.\nUnfortunately, he is single and does not have much family or friends as a support network, and there seems to be so much going on with him, he's sounding desperate. And, even though I try to be supportive, I really don't know what to say or do. Any thoughts or advice would help greatly.",
	"So how is your high serum potassium being treated. SPS has been prescribed for my husband but he is hesitating taking it. (Not on dialysis yet. Potassium is 6.5, GFR 14, createnine 4.63. We started the low protein diet last week, struggling to keep it under 30 g a day, shooting for 20 g, usually it is 30-40 g a day.) He would rather try sodium bicarbonate instead but the Dr says no. (He never calls himself, his nurse does so that ends all 'discussion', can't get a reason why.) I have done heavy research and think it is worth a try. We would have to take it at least 2 hrs from other medications, I believe the ACE and ohhh, the other kind of blood pressure med, can't remember acronym for it but he is taking both; I think both of them are bothered by sodium bicarbonate if taken close together. I know these raise potassium.\n\nSo, what has been your experience with potassium treatment? I realize every patient is different and Dr's advice should be followed. We are meeting with a new Dr next Thursday but feel we should get the potassium down now.\n\nThanks for advice/related experiences.",
	"Next month will be a year since we started PD. Last week our PD nurse came out to visit and check our setup. Boy was I scared. I knew we had not had any major problems but the thought of the professional coming into our home looking at everythin bothered me.\n\nI should not have worried. Our nurse told me that our set up was the best she had seen.(About 40 PD patients in our area.). Boy did that made me feel good. Then she talked to us about what we were feeling a year ago and how we felt now. It is like day and night. We are so happy with the PD.\n\nMonday of this week the PD nurse called to tell hubby that he needed to cut back on a shot he was taking. Before I turned the phone over to him she asked me if he had told me the good news. I replied, \" apparently not\". Hubby is the top PD patient they have. He is NUMBER ONE.. This news made me feel so good because I have pushed him and fussed at him about things. Made him learn everyting from A-Z. He hated it. Told me I was not being nice to him. I told him to \"get over\" it. I was only helping him and he was not going to be a invalid. He had too much to live for.\n\nWe got a call late yesterday afternoon cancelling our docotor's appointment for this morning. After checking his labs and numbers the doctor said he didn't need to see us today.\n\nA few weeks ago we took off to Panama City Beach, Fl for a whole week,.. How nice. A friend let us use her home at the beach.\n\nI am wiriting this to encourage any of you who are on PD or thinking about PD. Your life is not over. You are really blessed that you have the opportunity to do your dialysis this way. You can have a full, productive life. You can enjoy your family, your friends. There will be bad days but they are so out numbered by the good.\n\nRight now we only do between 7-8 hours of PD a night. We have been told this is the shortest time of all PD patients. We don't know what tomorrow will hold for us but together we can face it. We do have a strong family support system.\n\nIf you are about to start PD and have any question about how we have handled it please e-mail me at diannewholland@msn.com with your telephone number and we will work out a time that I can call you. I just want to show you the positive side of PD.",
	"I have a question. Last Thursday I was feeling good and decided to try 6 steamed dumplings from a Chinese restaurant, I did not use the brown sauce because of the high sodium. The following Friday night I had terrible back pain, which hit me around 9:30pm and lasted till about 3:00am Saturday morning, I was in so much pain that I considered going to the emergency room, but the only reason, why I didn't was because, I did not want to be put on dialysis. I continued to feel bad Saturday, and as the weekend progressed I felt better and then Tuesday, felt really fatigued, I am assuming because of the waste build-up in the blood. (I am pre-dialysis)\n\nI did some research this afternoon and found out that when proteins are broken down, one of the by-products is ammonia, which is then eliminated from the body through the kidneys, resulting in urea. My question is did I experience uremic poisoning? The second part of the question is how come I can down a lot of pasta which has protein and not feel back pain, but if I over do 'real' protein just a little, I find myself wishing for death, because of the back pain.",
	"My dad just recently had his dialysis time change to 3 1/2 hours 3 days a week. I'm worried because my dad says he feels more and more tired everyday. He will nap different times during the day but gets up at 1 or 2 in the morning and can't get back to sleep. I hate to see him so tired. What questions should he be asking the nurses when he goes to dialysis? I know he has low iron but he just seems so tired and it makes me worry. Are there any other tests that my dad should have to see what is making him so tired? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.",
	"According to my dr., I am 68% GFR and currently spilling 420 mg of protein in urine. When I asked dr. about restricting protein, he was concerned with mal-nutrition. He didn't mention sending me to a renal dietitican. I want to do everything I can to slow the progress of course and wondering when I need to start restricting protein?? I am told I am Stage 2, but am dealing with symptom of frequent nightime urination. THe only thing I am restricting at this point is sodium. When do most start restricting protein?",
	"My dad just recently had his dialysis time change to 3 1/2 hours 3 days a week. In the beginning he was going 4 hours 3 times a week. After a year they dropped the time by 15 minutes and now another 15 minutes.What makes them change the dialysis time? I'm worried because my dad says he feels more and more tired everyday. He will nap different times during the day for an hour or so at a time, but gets up at 1 or 2 in the morning and can't get back to sleep. I hate to see him so tired. What questions should he be asking the nurses when he goes to dialysis? I know he has low iron but he just seems so tired and it makes me worry. Are there any other tests that my dad should have to see what is making him so tired? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.",
	"Hi guys - just wanted to share some good news with all of you. I got my blood results back after close to 7 months as the blood clinic kept screwing them up. I finally went to another blood clinic as I didn't know what I was walking around with.\n\nGot the results today - creatinine dropped from 3.7 to a 3.5 and all other numbers were NORMAL - everything was NORMAL !!! Can you believe this?!\n\nAnyway, I'll be having a real Merry Christmas !\n\nFistula consult in January and I still have time to enjoy life before being hooked to a machine.\n\nYou all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - I'll surely be celebrating !",
	"My Dr talked to me yesterday, and told Me My fistula is mature, and my creatine is at 5.5, He is leaving up to me as to when to start Dialysis. I have no energy Nauseas no appetite and itchy. Mt question to you who are on dialysis would you wait till you were very sick are start now if you had it to do over again. Tks I'm torn",
	"What is Narcolepsy?\n\nNarcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and intermittent, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep (“sleep attacks”). Three other symptoms are associated with narcolepsy: Cataplexy (sudden, temporary loss of muscle tone in the body during periods of extreme emotion), vivid, almost life-like dreams (while falling asleep or waking up), and sleep paralysis (while falling asleep or waking up).\ngood Luck",
	"Smoking Cessation Laser Therapy\n\nWithout using needles, low-level laser stimulates specific points on the ears, arms and legs to rid your body of toxic waste and increase endorphins. This helps prevent tobacco cravings and lessens the symptoms of withdrawal.\nWith a rate of effectiveness of about 95 percent, smoking cessation lasers work even better than needles in providing results.\nIf you are interested please write back !\nThanks....",
	"Laser Treatment for Weight Loss\n\nAs part of our center’s comprehensive weight loss program, patients are offered laser therapy for weight loss.\nResearch has shown that stimulating specific acupuncture points in the ear will suppress your appetite and cravings and enhance your current diet and exercise program. Laser weight loss treatment is safe and has an 85-94% success rate, although individual results may vary.",
	"I have been an insulin dependent type 1 diabetic for 32 years now. My doctor has told me I have the symtoms of onset of early kidney desease ( Protien in urine ). Before,I was taking only 150 mg per day of Losartan ( Cozaar). Now my doctor has changed my meds to 50 mg. of captopril per day ( 1 in morning and 1 in evening) along with 50 mg. of Losartan ( Cozaar) per day. Some people have told me Captopril has no benifit and Losartan does while others have told me captopril does and losartan doesn't. I'm confused. Since I'm now taking taking both, does this mix of the two meds sound O.K? Will this help me prevent advancement of kidney disease? Are the quantities appropriate? Your input would help me greatly.",
	"Will drinking coffee before a CCP test affect the results?\nThank you",
	"Hello to all,\nThursday was my first day of dialysis, it was appx. 4 hours, I was very week after\nmy session. Would someone else ley me know how they felt after their first visit?\nI was told since I am very tiny and don't have much muscle mass it is harder than someone\nwith more muscle mass.\nI had to come home and go straight to bed. My whole body felt like it was twitching, and I couldn't control the quivering.\nI would appreciate some other's experiences, please.\nthank you,\npuddles42",
	"My dad had dialysis yesterday and had to stay an hour past his dialysis time. The fistula sight would not stop bleeding. This has happend in the past but not for this long. He was more wiped out than normal and even said he hasn't felt this bad in a long time. When my dad started using the fistula they were using smaller needles and now they are using bigger needles. I wasn't aware that they have different sized needles to go into the fistula. Since the needles they are using on my dad are bigger could this be making him feel so bad. I was so sad for him because he and my mom were unable to atted a get together at my sisters house. This really bothered him. I think during the holidays my dad gets very sad. I know the holidays are supposed to be a joyous time but I think it is a sad time for my mom and dad.",
	"Hi all, I am set up where I am to receive from the FDA food recalls and this recall has populated my personal email and am passing this on to everyone.\n\n\"Cambrooke Foods is announcing a voluntary recall of all batches of the following products: Cheddar Wizard Low Protein Imitation Cream Cheese (SKU 10310; 8 oz. jar); Herb & Garlic Low Protein Imitation Cream Cheese (SKU 10308; 8 oz. jar); and Plain Low Protein Imitation Cream Cheese (SKU 10306; 8 oz. jar). Cambrooke Foods is undertaking this voluntary recall as a precaution because some of these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes\n\nTo be abundantly cautious and proactive, Cambrooke Foods® is also conducting a market withdrawal of all batches of:\n\nLow Protein Peanot Butter™ (SKU 10809; 16 oz. jar).\nThis product is being withdrawn because it is produced in the same facility and using the same machinery used to produce the Imitation Cream Cheese products. Testing has not confirmed Listeria contamination in any batch of Low Protein Peanot Butter™ nor have any adverse events been reported as a result of its consumption. No other Cambrooke Foods™ product is produced using this machinery.\"\n\nHere is the link:\n\nhttp://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls...ooke12_08.html\n\n\nI hope no one is using these products, please be safe.",
	"Hello,\n\nMy MOM is from India and I am currently residing in HOUSTON,TX\nShe is going to start her dialysis soon in India.\n\nI was planning to get her to US.She doesnt have her own social security no, hence cant get the insurance.\nHow can she get her dialysis done in the US without insurance.\nCan nayone guide me in the right direction please ?\nThanks",
	"My tests are in on my GFR 16% creat 3.1--Bun 48 I am switching neph today I have to to be able to go thro Davita center. My Nehp doesnt go through them. What iI need help with is How long will it be before dialysis do I have time to get fistula in place and matured or am I going to probably have neck cath Im really worried about gettting sicker. and having emergency cath or may I go up in % again It went in 2months from 24-21-24-now 16 % Im a yo yo. AM i doing right on changing neph I also will not go to his doc he will send me to for fistula dont like him or his girls in office already had confrontation. with girls . I am trying to take on my care sinse I have to live with consequences. Also how will I know if it is time for neck catheter if needed what wil my signs be for going on to dr or emerg r m I have a high tollerance for pain I think .Dont really like going to dr if dont have to. sorry so long but jotting mty thoughts down.",
	"Ketchup is not on the list of things my son can eat. I make porkipine meatballs occasonly and goulash. bothe call for tomato paste. I use it and add a little ketchup fo add flavor. If he only eats one or two once a week how adverse is it? I am very confused on some of the restrictions and worry about potassium levels. He has a very healthy appitite. I do not use salt in anything and use no salt canned veg or fresh ones. He takes phosphorus pills with meals. He has dialysis 3 times a week. Any comments will make me a little more comfortable with this.\n\\Thanks\ngranmacaro",
	"Hello,\n\nI have to have fistulagram tomorrow. One of the techs at my center thinks my graft may be narrowing. Most days it works fine. I think it depends on the tech. Has anyone had one and if so what can I expect? Is it painful?",
	"How impotant is exercise to a dialysis patient. As I dont get much myself. I am reading where some people are talking about exercise they are doing Does exercise have anything to do with your blood work? may seem silly to ask but need to know",
	"OK! MM's test results this week after 2 weeks on the very low protein diet:\n\nGFR 17 (up from 14) (!!!!!!!!! (Note: I tried to put more smileys in right here but the system would not let me. Just know that I am smiling really really big.)\nUrea Nitrogen 27 (down from 31)\nCreatinine 3.82 (down from 4.63)\n\nPotassium and Phosphorus are too high despite always consuming less than 1000 mg a day of both. Will address this with the new Neph Thursday.\n\nI am THRILLED. To say the least! \n\nWe are going try very hard to get to the 20 g a day on protein and we are sticking to it!!!",
	"I will be leaving to Hong Kong on Saturday and returning to Houston on January 7. I have asked all three of my doctors and they all say that I am clear to travel. However, I am worried! I do not know what I can do and what I cannot do while in Hong Kong. I am so afraid that I may get sick and do not know what kind of medicine I can take.\n\nPlease advise.\n\nP.S. Malibu - thanks for your list and I will take it with me so that I know what kind of food I can eat.",
	"My wife is getting ready to start dialysis. She is diabetic with pump, has congestive heart failure and early dementia. We're trying to decide on home or in-center dialysis. Her Dr. uses a DaVia clinic about 18miles from our home, but there is a Fresenius in-center about 2 miles from home. I know this is a DaVita forum, but would like input on anyone who has in-center experience with either DaVita or Fresenius.\nThanks,\nMichael",
	"I am sure I want fistula but am reading and am wondering which is better uper or lower access. I want to do in clinic at first then maybe later do home hemo. Which is easier to do I look at arm and try to imagine but really dont know where needles go inner outer or in middle. I need alittle more education on this . thanks for replys",
	"I just did GFR on Davita gfr and it says Im at 13% where my neph says 16% who is right . I thought Davita was right. but that would make my neph wrong that kinda worries me. I really dont know what I am. both are supposed to be right.Any input on this matter??????",
	"So, I am getting no support from Dr. office when asking for a renal dietician. Should I go out on my own and seek out my own dietician or listen to the dr.'s office? I'm at 68 GFR or stage 2.",
	"I would love to see a discussion forum specifically for those of us who are pre-dialysis. I am Stage 3 and would appreciate a forum to touch base with those not yet on dialysis. Thank you.",
	"In 1996 I started Hemo Dialysis, August of 97 I had a kidney transplant that lasted for 7 years.With this transplant I was able to work for a airline company. In 2005 my transplanted kidney rejected and I went back on hemo. Not able to work I decided to try PD. This able me to not only go back to work, but to travel to places like hawaii, Aruba, Las Vegas and etc. Being on PD I needed something better than tape and that belt. So I have design POCKET uNDIES for us dialysis patients (www.pocketundies.com). They are regular underwear with a pocket to secure the catheter. I have now move to NC for my job that I lost in August, and now I'm attending school two days a week. I feel like I have a testimony to the life you can live with hemo, a transplant, and peritoneal dialysis.",
	"Hello,\n\nMy name is Debbie. I am 44 years old and was diagnosed with stage 4 chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure in mid September of this year. I am not on dialysis, and am trying to control this with diet and high blood pressure medication. This seemed to come out of nowhere and hit me. One day I thought I was healthy, and the next day I had kidney disease. I had originally went to the doctor because I had a dry, persistent cough that was lasting more than 2 weeks and wasn't going away and I was feeling a bit fatigued - didn't seem to have as much energy as I normally did. After some blood tests and a 24 hour urine test, my doctor made an appointment for me to go see a kidney specialist who told me I had stage 4 chronic kidney disease and very high blood pressure. Maybe I was in shock because in the beginning I thought I was okay with this. Even thought I could beat it. But I'm not okay anymore. I am on such an emotional rollercoaster and all I seem to do is cry. I feel like my life is over. What kind of life am I now going to have with this and do I even want that kind of life? Being on this kidney friendly diet (horrible), the possibility of dialysis and/or a transplant, having my legs get tired very quickly from walking. All of that to me is not something I consider a normal life. I just get so sad. I'm 44...not 90! I would give anything to be my old self and have my old life back again. I'm very angry, hurt and scared and was wondering if anyone else has ever felt this way.",
	"As of 4/15/2008 it is required that the patient be informed of all possible modalities and where those modalities are offered.\n\nThere is an excellent article about this and the modalities and some of the pros and cons of at least some of them. This is in the December issue of Nephrology and also at http://nephronline.com/article.asp?IndexID=108.\n\nYou might also read http://nephronline.com/article.asp?IndexID=106, especially the article about HHD study in Turkey. Nocturnal 3x8 weekly produced a 80% reduced risk of death. Makes me think.",
	"This is my first post, I am scared to death, I am stage 3 almost stage 4 CKD. In Dec 2007 I had a colonoscopy. A month before this I had a normal blood test. Two weeks after my screening I had another blood test because I was so sick. I was in kidney failure, My GFR was 16. My kidney function has never come back to normal. In Oct My Kidney Dr said \"this might be as good as it gets.\" My GFR was 33, (It is now 30), my Bun and Creatin have also never come back to normal. In Nov I had an ultra sound to see if my kidneys were damaged. My Dr said the Glomerulus is damaged. I am not sure if all of it is damaged or just part of it, I did not ask enough questions. This was not my first colonoscopy, My Mother died from colon cancer, and this was my 3rd one. The first 2 I had a prescription for the prep, the 3rd one I had a different Dr who said to get an \"over the counter prep\". Not sure if I can say the brand name but it was \"phosphorus soda\". I did everything the Dr said to the letter, and even drank extra water trying to get the terrible taste out of my mouth. I am very upset and scared about this, I know this caused my kidney failure. How else can you explain a normal blood test and then kidney failure 5 weeks later. 2 weeks after a colonoscopy. I have read everything I can find about kidney failure and I am so scared about what is in my future. I am also MAD as you know what! I did not have any kidney disease before and to get this because I was trying to prevent getting colon cancer, how ironic is that!? I am 59 and feel like my life has now been cut short because of something that should not even be on the market. I have learned much about phosphorus soda and the fact that it has given lots of people kidney failure. The FDA finally told the maker it needed to put a black box warning on it's product warning about kidney damage. I just read that they voluntarily decided to make it a prescription. That makes me mad, because even though it won't be over the counter it can still be used. I wonder how many people have gotten kidney failure or kidney disease from this \"prep\"? How many people may have gotten their kidney disease from using this and never knew it untill they developed symptoms. At first I just thought I had the flu. If it had not been for me going for my yearly Thyroid checkup 2 weeks after my colonoscopy, I never would have know until I got bad. I constantly feel like I'm having a nightmare and I'm going to wake up. I am so depressed and cry all the time. Actually I'm in a panic all the time! I never even knew much about kidney disease before, it just doesn't seem to be talked about much. How do you deal with this? My Dr for months just kept saying \"I think you'll be fine\". I really believed my kidney levels would come back to normal. After one year now, I know it is not going to come back and now he says it won't. I am stage 3 almost 4. If a person starts to get kidney disease how long does it normally take to get to that stage? From what I have read it takes a long time, years. I got there right after a colonoscopy. Sorry for such a long post. I am just beside myself, depressed and in panic mode. I need someone to talk to, my husband is no help. I have tried to tell him I'm not going to get better, he just won't understand. I have not told my sons yet. How do people cope? What do I do? I stopped eating meat and am trying to eat all the \"right\" stuff. Thanks in advance for any help!",
	"where the progression has stopped completely? I just don't want to be counting on false hope. I just wonder how realistic this is? Does anybody know anyone where the the progression of CKD has stopped by meds?",
	"stay under 120/80 or whatever specs your dr. has for you? I've only been on Diovan for about 3 weeks now, but it seems to be jumping all over the place. The last couple of days I've had readings like 127 over 88 which bothers me when dr. wants it BELOW 120 and 80. Is it normal to have days when it is high while on b.p. meds?",
	"Hey everyone I'm not connected with this site, but it is a life saver for me! I'm stage 3 right now, so I haven't hit dialysis yet, trying to stay on a low K diet. (They gave me the nasty Kexelate stuff again today) Check out www.nutritiondata.com You can search for most foods and fast foods. If you have a recipe you can put in the ingredients (it's kind of a pain). And it will tell the nutritional facts including potassium. I used it on my phone to find out that Oscar Mayer Hotdogs that are the chicken and pork mix only have about 72.9mg of potassium versus the beef ones that had 300mgs per hotdog.\n\nOn a side note I was thinking about making spaghetti and meatballs using the red roasted pepper sauce recipe. Does anyone have a good meat ball recipe I didn't see one in the meat section. Ok back to lurking.",
	"Hello,\nWhen I first started reading this site someone had posted about lossing their hair when they started dialysis. At the time I had not started dialysis, but now I have been on for 3 months. I have started to lose alot of hair! What can I do, and is this normal?",
	"I was looking at Calwood Nutritionals amino bites and at almost 200mg per serving and taking the recommended 3 per day is 600 mg of sodium alone. Wow, I've been trying to keep sodium to a max of 1200 mg., so that really limits the rest of the foods that one could eat. And not to mention the price.....at $77 per 2 week supply. Wow, this certainly isn't pocket change on my budget.",
	"I have been struggling with how and when or even IF to tell my family about my CKD. The only person I've discussed this with is my husband. I'm not close to my siblings and they all live in other cities/states....so even wondering if I should tell them at all. I know if I tell my parents they will tell my sister and my brother. I've been struggling with acceptance of this and guess I just haven't been able to deal with all their questions yet. Am I strange for feeling this way?",
	"Hi. Happy Holidays.\nThank you so much for this forum! I need guidance, good advice and counseling.\nI am 46, type I diabetic, well controlled. BP 110/70, slim with muscles.\nI had been feeling ..awful... (lost weight, nauseated, tired) for months. So I got a bunch of tests done: my MD said\" Hmm, your pap smear is ok, pelvic ultrasound's ok and your kidneys are failing.\" Just like that. The other MD in the office said \"You should get your name on a Transplant list right away,\" with an inflection like \" Oh , you need to get a manicure appointment\".\nI am in shock, depressed and confused. The MD gave me a bottle of 'Tektura' ( new combination of ACEi and ARB ) and said \"Drink more\". He said that the damage is not reversible, but that the progression could be slowed.\nThe knowledge and compassion from all the posts that I have read have reassured me; your strength and courage are amazing.\nWhat do I do now? Where do I get more informed care? How come I feel ill at Stage 3 (GFR=45, last test). How do I make a diabetic-renal diet plan?\nWhat other questions do I need to ask?\nI am looking forward to hearing from you!",
	"I am still taking Yasmin and I fell like the neph. still has not addressed all my issues. When I looked up safety guidelines on this drug, it warns against taking if you have kidney disease. But my dr. has not told me to stop or maybe he forgot that I am on this. Does anyone have any feedback from their dr. on taking birth control pills? Probably not since this seems to be mostly an older persons disease.",
	"Hello to you all... I am new and need some help in anyway you could.\n\nMy boyfriends sister is in kidney failure and has many many problems, I am a bit confussed as to how to understand alot and how to help in anyway. I will try to sum things up as short as possible and maybe someone can advise me a bit. Please!!!\n\nThis is how I see and know... Sis is on dialysis 3 times a week 4 hours she is taken care of by mom and um whoever is at the house... she is not active other than going to treatments and maybe to shop a little.\n\nShe is in and out of hospital alot does not eat when at home and if she does it is not healthy. once in hosptal she eat and can hold it down fine however, she cheats and has family bring her taters and gravy with rolls etc. (i dont know what she can have or not) that is one of my questions.. what is a good diet i have read on the web sites but, i guess i need to find out what stages she is in correct? The family seems in the dark with alot of things.. my boyfriend is close to the sister but, she is kind of if you will \"out of it\" and he is the black sheep with the rest of the family... the doctors do talk to us so how and what kind of questions do we ask?\n\nMy other thing is... we found out that she has a infection around her heart and a blood clot in her heart at first they said it was at the end of her temp. port for dialysis (because the one they put in arm was not ready to be used yet.) . They gave her a treatment in the local hospital but it didnt work.. The Doctors came in and said she was real bad and the infection was basically killing her she has a 25-30% chance to live... then they ship her off to this long term place.. and the mom lets them we went to see her last night and this place is oh my nasty... she was hungery laying in a messy bed because they dont want her moving around for fear of that clot breaking up and moving so the mom said.. I dont know what to think..\n\n this to me is confussing and well I am one of those who has to and needs to know what the heck is up... not only that I love her and need to know if when someone is handing her a bowl of this or that is it going to make her worse? or if I go see her today is she going to be there or gone? ya know what I mean? I hope she is being giving the right kind of care...\n\nI am sorry for sounding stupid or rambling on not making sense but, maybe one of you can make head way of what i just wrote...\n\nThanks ahead of time and god bless",
	"Has anyone tried any kind of herbs, vitamins, etc, to help? I have read about kidney cleanses, but I am scared of them. Anyone tried these? I sure don't want to damage more of my kidneys. Also, is kidney disease always kidney damage? My Dr said my glomerulous in the cortex was damaged. Does this mean in all of the kidney or do you think part of it is still good? He did not tell me if all of the glomerulous was damaged or just part of it. I need to ask more questions. I wouldn't have even gotten that much info but I asked him straight out just what exacally the damage was, as all he had ever said was I had kidney damage. Will this continue to damage the rest of my kidneys if they are just partly damaged? Why don't Drs give you more info? I know this is getting long but why hasn't more been done to cure kidney disease? They can cure other things, why not kidneys? I am so mad and scared about all of this. My God it is almost 2009 and I feel more should have already been done about this disease, are they doing anything? You never hear anything about kidney disease like you do all the other diseases. I knew very little until this happened to me. See my first post below... kidney damage after colonoscopy. Thanks!",
	"it may be 30 yrs. before dailysis. I took that as his way of trying to make me feel better and not worry so much.",
	"Has anyone tried Dr. McDougall's vegetarian diet plan? Someone sent me links from his site concerning kidney disease. I had his books years ago, lent them to someone and never got them back.\n\nMcDougall's plan is a bit higher in protein than Walser's. I plan to stay on Walser's plan but thought I would post these links I was given to share with anyone wanting to try a lower protein diet.\n\nThere is also some good kidney information/education on these pages. And on the main site there is a forum including info and recipes.\n\nhttp://www.drmcdougall.com/med_kidney.html\n\nhttp://www.drmcdougall.com/med_hot_kidney_disease.html\n\nhttp://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/jun/kidneys.htm\n\nhttp://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/jul/kidney.htm\n\nhttp://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2004...inoverload.htm",
	"In november I was diagnosed with cancer in my right kidney and it was totally removed(the kidney) 2 months later i was told that my left kidney was in 3rd stage ckd with a function of 36%. I don't have high blood pressure or diabetes so i was pretty surprised. I am 36 and have 4 kids and a very supportive husband. Just how important is the renal diet? I am on enalipril to help with my kidney function. Can i improve my function with only 1 left?",
	"Currently my prescription on the machine is 6 days a week @ around 2:30 per day\n\n\nRecently i had problems getting my buttonholes in and it made my arm raw - subsuquent attempts basically had the same result - this was 5 days ago.\n\nI haven't done dialysis in 5 days now and feel fine, but i still pee quite a bit.\n\n\nShouldn't I feel like crap ? If my kidneys were getting any better, how would I know for sure?\n\nBlood tests I know - but what the heck am I even looking for - I definetly know that theyre still bad because I have high blood pressure, and dont want my hopes up but was just wondering....\n\nShouldn't 5 days without dialysis make you feel like crap ? \n\n\nI would have asked my nurse but I'm scared she would yell and take me out of the program.",
	"Hello everyone....\nI first want to thank everyone for this site it has been a great help to me... in understanding how to help my sister law however she does not want the help nor does the family... I dont think they all realize how serious her health is! I mean her kidneys are a walk in the park compaired to what I heard last night!\n\nShe is her own worse enemy right now... they doctor changed her diet to the Renal diet.. where she is at ... took her meat away and gave her chciken broth, noodles, and vegetables, and water, no seasonings and a bite or so of apple sause,. She was smoking mad....\n\nI have yet to learn the methods of the diets but, I will so I can explain to her or try to.. however, something tells me it wont make a bit of difference to her she is a country girl who is use to taters and gravy and gravy on well EVERYTHING.. lol and meat with everything.. anyway..\n\nThey told me last night today they are going to take fluid off her lungs and they have found yet another blood clot behind her heart, so now that makes it one in her heart the size of a golf ball and one behind her heart about the same size. They dont want her moving about for fear to dislodge it. I asked the family to get another opinion on this all and maybe think about moving her closer to us so we can see her more and a better area. They are as we speak working on that.\n\nAnyone every heard of these blood clots and this \"infection\" I dont know the name of it.\n\nI am scared for her very scared.\n\nThanks for letting me talk here seems like when I try to my boyfriend he just gets upset.",
	"About a month and a half ago my dad went to the ER due to having a hard time breathing. The diagnosis was fluid overload. Is this the same as CHF. This past Friday my dad had a hard time sleeping because he was so short of breath. When he had his dialysis on Saturday they took off 8 tenths of a liter of fluid and this seems to have helped. Every time my dad is short of breath does this mean he is going into CHF? My dad has lost weight so they haven't been taking any fluid off of him they have just been filtering his blood. My dad doesn't want to eat because he thinks if he gains weight they will take it all off as fluid. There are just days that seem so up and down. My dad seems to go through a real good streak then something happens and sets him back. Does everyone on dialysis have CHF or is it based on the individual? I guess I'm just having a bad day because I get so worried so I'm so glad I can come here to get things off my chest. What else could be causing my dad to be so short of breath?",
	"I am reading about limiting low protein , I am physically sick just reading aboout this . I have limited my protein today but am naesea now Can it be mental or am I sick because of toxic build up . Last test 2 wks ago was 16.97 GFR. I feel it is lower than that by the way I feel I may be wrong but I dont feel goood I even took 4 hr nap that is rare for me to nap in day time that long usually a couple hrs. Just ramblin I guess .",
	"This is fair warning: do not eat the same foods as your spouse with kidney disease. I was on the low protein/potassium/phosphorus diet with my hubby and I had dire consequences. My muscles seized up because of low potassium and I feel awful.\n\nSorry spouses with pre-dialysis kidney disease -- we still need our protein and other stuff.",
	"Another stupid question that the dr. SHOULD answer, but next appt. isn't for another 2 months. What if any vitamin supplements should pre-dialysis patients be taking??? Also if you potassium & phosphate levels are not high yet is it o.k. to eat potatoes, etc.?",
	"Hello everyone. I'm new to this list and new to dialysis as of this past September. Because of persistant bladder cancer, I have had both kidneys removed - the first 2 years ago and the second 4 months ago. As soon as dialysis began, I've had problems with low platelets sometimes plummeting as low as in the 20's. They have hovered between 40 and 80. I have had the heparin antibody test 3 times which came back negative. Even so, I am not receiving heparin during dialysis at all therefore dealing with clotted catheters and dialysis machines more than I wish. I've had my catheter replaced due to clotting twice. Soon my fistula will be ready to use in a couple of weeks.\n\nI have found a few rare mentions of low platelets associated with dialysis but nephrologists, nurses and the dialysis team say they are not familiar with it. Has anyone experienced the same thing? How was this problem resolved?\n\nThankyou!!",
	"Hello everyone. I'm new to this list and new to dialysis as of this past September. Because of persistant bladder cancer, I have had both kidneys removed - the first 2 years ago and the second 4 months ago. As soon as dialysis began, I've had problems with low platelets sometimes plummeting as low as in the 20's. They have hovered between 40 and 80. I have had the heparin antibody test 3 times which came back negative. Even so, I am not receiving heparin during dialysis at all therefore dealing with clotted catheters and dialysis machines more than I wish. I've had my catheter replaced due to clotting twice. Soon my fistula will be ready to use in a couple of weeks.\n\nI have found a few rare mentions of low platelets associated with dialysis but nephrologists, nurses and the dialysis team say they are not familiar with it. Has anyone experienced the same thing? How was this problem resolved?\n\nThankyou!!",
	"I live in the Seattle/Tacoma area and am looking for the best nephrologist for high-quality care and to establish a strong patient/doctor working relationship. I am very pro-active in my care and need a nephrologist who not only welcomes that but is willing to be a part of a team of specialists including a urologist, oncologist, hemotologist, vascular surgeon and naturopathic/oncologist.\n\nDo any of you have some good referrals? Thank you very much.",
	"I am reading you do more urination at night at 4and5 end stage. I am right the oppisite I go early in am more I hardly ever get up during nite I used to along time ago . I urinate alot in the am, Question is what is up with this. I am 16%ckd Is this good news or bad.",
	"Does anyone know any brand names of non-dairy creamers that don't contain phosphates? All of the ones I am finding do. Many of the renal diet recipes that we would like to try call for it.\nThanks!",
	"Happy New Year to all of you wonderful wonderful people!\n\nYes- you-: ddarling. TwinMom. wrwagner. swansey. bikerchick and everybody else, especially chefnancy who is so knowledgeable, and incredibly generous and articulate - I am so grateful that (to borrow a phrase) To the stars through difficulty I am getting to know a very courageous community of stars.\n\n BTW: the Walser diet, sucky as it is, REALLY works ( at least for me). I have been very symptomatic for months, just didn't know (until I was diagnosed) the cause. So an MD suggested Lovaza ( super fish oil), and I seemed a little better.Borrowed the Walser book from the Library last week, read it cover to cover, and began (with fear, befuddlement and resentment) to follow it, rigorously. Yesterday afternoon I realized: I FEEL BETTER!! I am not soooo exhausted, not nauseated, and guess what I don't have to pee twenty times a day....YAY!!! I had almost decided to just camp out in the bathroom, cos running there in my tired state was making me even more tired and depressed.\nO yeah- the DEPRESSION has lifted alot. I did not even realize how dark my world had gone until yesterday,\n All of a sudden...I ..just...wanted...to....LIVE.\nOk, it's really hard doing the diabetic-renal diet thing, but I am beginning to get the hang of it, and by remeasuring the food I usually eat, I have adjusted the portions to fit within the )*(&*#!! 21-23g protein limit. My sugars are good, my fingers are pincushions ( the arm thing does not work for me) my head swims with label reading and calculation etc etc\nBUT I FEEL BETTER. If it ain't broke, etc. I'm stickin to the damn diet. Working this hard keeps my mind off of WHY I have to work so hard ( oh sure.....)\n\nIt takes so much courage to change the things we can, and faith too I guess, but most of alll: the support and understanding and humor and strength you (yes, you) show in all your posts has helped this CKD person unbelievably. You (yes, you) have helped me to save my own life. Thank You is so not enough to express my gratitude.\n\nJust thought you might like to know....\nmore soon,\n\nnycbluekeys",
	"It sounds like this is a long process and then a waiting game if all I've read is correct. What is the point at which one should start the ball rolling to get on a transplant list??",
	"Hi Everyone,\n\nFor some reason, I'm really down this morning and have been crying over everything....my kidney disease, my finances and job situation, and I guess just fear of the unknown in general with all of this. I don't want this. I am so afraid of what a transplant and/or dialysis entail. Is it inevitable for all of us?\nWhy do I sometimes feel so overwhelmed and hopeless, like I can't handle or overcome this? I want to be healthy and happy again. I don't want to feel like some diseased or disabled person. Has anyone else felt like they were a strong person, only to be knocked on your *** by this (or something else)?\nI'm trying to draw strength and hope from God, and I am so ashamed to admit that its been hard lately because a big part of me keeps asking him why he let this happen in the first place if he loves me.\n\nThanks for the shoulder.\n\nDebbie",
	"I am traveling to Florida. I called the airlines but the were no help. I have read leaving on a Jet Plane. I am looking for any tips anyone might have for traveling.\n\nThanks",
	"Hello-\n\nMy mom was diagnosed with kidney disease this past summer and kidney cancer this fall. I am her primary caregiver although she is very functional and not on dialysis yet. She is not getting the information about her disease or the cancer that she needs. Right now, I am trying to find a renal dietitian for her in the Baltimore area. She has been seen by diabetes dietitians but my mother is not diabetic. She feels that the information those dietitians is not the type of information that a kidney disease patient should be getting.\n\nAnyone know of any renal dietitians in the Baltimore area? Someone who would see her BEFORE she needs dialysis (which I think we would want someone to avoid). Any help would be greatly appreciated.\n\nThank you,\nJulie",
	"I grew up with a bad case of nuphordic (sp?) syndrome when i was a kid..needless to say once i hit my immortal years (16-28) I never saw a doctor...never took my BP meds...well now im 33 with recently dig. w/ CKD my lil score thingy is 31...go figure...never saw that coming...lol My dr says that my neglect and pregnancy really damaged my kidneys. they are only the size of golf balls and what i have works at about 30%, he thinks they didn't grow from when i was really sick as a kid he says they prby didnt grew cuz my body was focused on healing and not growing (spent 1 year in the hospital when i was 4..pending a transplant...but i started getting better and my mom and i believe i was healed by the grace of God (however in that time we found my baby sister to be a match...she offered her kidney the day i found out I had CKD. (shes so sweet)\n\nAnyways, the diet seems to be easier for me than many others (according to their posts). However its breaking my bank account. Never knew how expensive eating right was. I grew up on the diet, never developed a taste for salt, I just had to stop eating out really. My problem is smoking 1 pack every 1-2 days...and drinking. I don't drink often or much when i do....maybe 2-3 times a month and maybe 2-3 drinks each time (whiskey, yager). Really how much damage is that gonna cause? Im very young, according to my doctor to have this disease. He says the my kidney will not hold out...by time in in my 40-50 I will be on dialysis or pending transplant. I don't wanna do all that, that early.\n\nI have a huge support system...in many ways Im very lucky, I just wanna be healthy enough to raise my son, to see and play with grandkids...though i have support I feel alone in this, just wanna make friends with people that really understand all this.",
	"Hi,\nI started dialysis about a month ago, doing PD on a cycler at home. Unfortunately, I experienced too much pain during the drain, and the idea of doing my exchanges at night on the cycler while I slept was never fulfilled. After a few rude awakenings and a couple of bad nights, I switched to CAPD. My PD nurse tried to modify the programming of the machine to ease the pain, which happened mainly near the end of the drain, but to no avail.\n\nMy problem is that I chose PD so that I could do it at home at night on the machine, and now I am stuck doing it in the daytime. I have no problem with it, but I still have pain at or near the end of the drain. Doing the PD manually, I can reduce the flow or stop altogether if need be so that helps, but this is not what I wanted or want now. My PD nurse thinks my only alternative is to get surgery again to relocate the part of the catheter that is in my abdomen. Xrays indicated to her that it is in the proper place, but surgery might help, she thinks. Everyone who has had a catheter installed knows what the surgery and recovery time is like...I don't want to go through that again, especially this soon after my initial surgery.\n\nAny advice or suggestions would be appreciated.",
	"Hi, this is my first posts on Davita, athough I'm on this site almost every day for the last 3 years.\nI have end stage renal failure and should be starting dialysis this week coming up.\nWhen I was diagnosed with stage 4 in 2005 I wasn't put on any kind of diet at all. I've noticed in a lot of posts that almost everyone is.\nI also have short gut syndrome so I don't retain a lot of the nutrients and vitamins that a normal person would. So I guess my question is, why didn't my doctor put me on any kind of diet?\nI really enjoy getting on this site and learning from all of you.",
	"Hello everyone. I'm new here and have read a lot of posts but am more confused than ever. I'm a 51 year old woman (post menopausal) and have been a Type 1 diabetic for 32 years. I've been on meds to help preserve my kidney function for many years. I had a quadruple bypass in 1999 and have been on disability since 2001 due to my heart problems. Several months ago, I began to feel rotten. Very fatigued, freezing all the time, all the classic symptoms of anemia along with severe edema in my hands, feet and legs. The labs showed that my Hemoglobin was at 9.9 and my hemocrit was at 29% and my GFR was down to 33. I am scheduled to see a hematologist/oncologist on Tuesday. I saw a nephrologist nearly two years ago and they said everything was \"okay for now\" so I wasn't very concerned. Now, it looks like I'm approaching Stage 4 CKD and I feel like I should have done something before now to stop its progression. Is it normal procedure to see a hematologist when diagnosed with anemia? I previously saw a hematologist when diagnosed with thrombocytopenia and that resulted in having IVIg treatments and then a splenectomy. What can I expect? Will I feel better anytime soon? I cannot live like this. I'm barely able to walk across a room without giving out of breath and energy.",
	"The Vegetarian Diet For Kidney Disease Treatment: Preserving Kidney Function With Plant Based Eating (Paperback)\nby Joan Brookhyser (Author)\n\nThis book is done by 25 years renal dietian",
	"Hello all.\n\nI am new to this forum. My husband had a kidney transplant 30 years ago which has done wonderfully. The function has been slowly declining over the the last 5 years and he seems to be approaching stage 4. He has recently developed some issues with gout and the process of new diet/medication regimes has started again. I am glad to have found this forum and am also looking for a mid-Michigan support group. Any contacts out there would be appreciated.",
	"Hi Guys:\n\nJust a refresher - I'm not on dialysis yet. However, as most people have said, don't wait until you \"tank out\" before starting dialysis. How does one know when they have hit the bottom of the tank?\n\nI have good days and bad days. I still exercise three days a week, but feel some days I have to push myself harder. I still have a great appetite - I want to eat everything.\nDo I wait until I can't eat? Do I wait until I can't walk? Or do I simply wait for the GFR to hit 10%?\n\nHow does one make the determination as to when to start dialysis?",
	"Before I moved to Nampa, Idaho, I lived in logan utah. There I had dialysis for one month. Dialysis in logan was done at a hospital. No davita there. Things for the most part went well. They didn't use button holes, there was 3 patients per nurse and the machines were top notch. In the month I had dialysis at logan no infections or rashes on my access arm. In nampa I went to davita clinic. Within the first month I contracted 2 infections. The put a rash on my are that will no longer go away. They started using button holes. This isn't the half of it. The logan hospital had equipment to locate the access if the nurse could not hear it. Davita has nothing. No dopler. When one day they could not find my access any more they scheduled me for surgery for another access without consulting with me. After I made a stink about that I was able to talk to the surgen, and it was a good thing too. The surgery he was going to do would have put my access out for 2 weeks. What was I supposed to do for dialysis in the mean time? The machines are outdated. There are 5 to 6 patients per technician and maybe if you are lucky 2 nurses on duty. If you are not lucky 1/2 of the staff on duty goes to break at the same time so if you need attention you will not likely get any soon. It's even worse, though. If you are not one of the well liked patients, you get treated like a 3rd class citizen. If you question anyone there you are not a liked patient. That means they will help you after all the favorites are taken care of. There is more horror to this story. Today they were trying to use a new access in my other arm. One of the needles infiltrated so the davita tech decided that one needle in each are was a good idea. NOT! They said because one was in my upper arm that it would be ok to move. Wrong again! I had to set there with two useless arms. That will never happen again. The list goes on and on. There is one tech that I will never let touch me again. She was putting in the needle and she kept hitting a nerve again and again and again. She kept saying the vein is right there. No it's not there that is my nerve you idiot! If you can stay away from davita, all they want to do is make money, they could care less about any kind of health care.",
	"I have the book \"Coping With Kidney Disease: A 12-step Treatment Program to Help You Avoid Dialysis (Paperback) if anyone is interested in it. I will pay for the shipping as well as long as it's not out of the USA. Book is by Mackenzie Walser and Betsy Thorpe.",
	"http://www.nutritiondata.com/foods-0...3000-14w.html?\n\nLists light beer, Michelob and Bud Light, as having 10-11 mg phosphorus and dark colas as low;nuts having aprox. 100 mg. I was told these items were HIGH in phosphorus.",
	"Hi everyone! I am brand new to this site and love it!!!\n\nI am a type 1 diabetic and in October I was hospitalized for severely high blood pressure and horrible swelling (I had been trying to get some medical help for 9 months). Well after a kidney biopsy, and massive meds to get the 25 plus lbs off fluid off my body I was introduced to the renal diet.\n\nI have been following what I was given religiously since then, and my last labs were better than great, I have zero swelling..... wearing socks and shoes has never felt so good. My dr's had me so convinced I was near failure.... and suddenly I'm way better....\n\nanyway my question is; I was told to only eat foods that are under 140mg of sdium per serving, and I notice lots of recipes on this page have more and sometimes triple that amount per serving.....can I eat those??? I'm having trouble getting exact answers from my doc.... she said I could lossen up my diet.... but what does that mean??\n\nany advice would be very helpful!\n\nThanks,\nBeth Brown",
	"Hi all. I have not been a caregiver for long. My husband started dialysis in July of '08. I need to hear from those of you who are also on dialysis. Is it really so debilatating that you can't even get up the energy to do everyday chores? My husband does things around here when he has a day that he's really motivated. But, most of the time, he doesn't feel like doing anything, or \"forgets\" to take out the trash for instance because he's so tired. He does have anemia, but is it really that hard to take out the trash when needed? Or do the dishes? I do everything else, including watching his son on visits and taking care of 5 dogs and running the household and working. I mean, I feel like I do everything.\nSo, Saturday, I came down with the flu and now I have pneumonia. But, I am having to get my mother to come and take care of me because my husband doesn't have the energy. Is this normal? Do you all have a caregiver that takes care of you and do you return the favor when they are sick? Or am I expecting too much? All I need from him is to take over some chores, take care of the animals, feed me when I'm too weak and drive me to the doctor. If this is asking for too much, please tell me. Cause I'm pretty angry over this, and let him know so, and now I feel guilty. I need some perspective. I just can't get my head around the fact that he can feel worse than I do right now.",
	"When it rains it pours. Just diagnosed a couple of months ago with Stage 2 CKD, 68% GFR. I have been with the same job for going on 10 yrs. Not many opportunities where I can move and keep my retirement/benefits, etc. My references tell me they have called and say I am top runner for the position. Is the additional stress going to sabatage my health if I take this job or should I take the chance for a promotion and get out of a not-so-great current job?????",
	"Hi all\n Been reading your posts for a couple of months now i feel better just knowing i am not on my own i am 24 and was diagonised with CKD stage 2 in august and went back for bloods and ceritine tests in december to be told i had dropped to stage 3 bit scared all happening a bit quick cant get my head round all of this,The one thing i have read a lot about is kidney friendly diets is this some thing i should be looking in to and is it normal to feel really tired all the time.\n\nAny feed back would be great.\n\nThanks Chell",
	"The migraine (sic) thread brought up an issue:\n\nThe nephrologist we have now (and the one before this one) for MM says we need to have a primary care physician. My question is WHY!?!?!?! A GP who doesn't give a hoot about kidney stuff and hasn't even said the word kidney since medical school 10 yrs ago isn't going to have a clue if a medicine will 'get along' with MM or not.\n\nMM has not been to a Dr in 10 years before this last December when he started experiencing kidney symptoms. I called one day to ask if he could take allergy medicine, the answer was ask your primary care physician. ....shrug....We felt the Neph should answer this and any other general questions we had. I realize a Neph cannot help with say heart issues or if foot surgery is needed but medication questions, and yes you can write the prescription too.\n\nWho on here has had issues with this? I would like to hear your stories. No doubt they will remind me of some of ours.",
	"he complains of itching all over but it is worse in the bend of his arms and legs. He says that even his eyes are itching and nothing we have done seems to help. We have brought all soughts of lotions and oatmeal soaps and pay close attention to his diest. Can anyone help PLEASE.",
	"What exactly is FSGS? There must be a difference between Chronic Kidney Disease and FSGS because I have read many things where people with FSGS go in to remission. That's not so with CKD. Much to my dismay and heartbreak, my doctor told me that my CKD is irreversible.",
	"I was formerly taking Imitrex and checking w/ my doctors, the neph. says don't take it but the primary care dr. says it's o.k. Neph. suggested a tri-phasil anti-depressant.....NO THANKS....was formerly on Cymbalta( the drug from hell) and went thru months of withdrawal feeling sick. So, if anyone else w/ CKD dealing with migraines and how do you handle this?",
	"Hello All!\n\nMy grandmother is on dialysis and has an infection of some kind that the doctors are treating with an antibiotic called vancamycin (1000 mg) per treatment. She has taken this before but this time when she starts taking it in the dialysis center she becomes sick to her stomach and once she finishes it she is fine. Has anyone ever had this problem? If so, what did they do? Thanks!",
	"Hi,\n\nMy mother is 89 years old and she needs dialysis. She is very scare and we want to be honest with her and explain to her how she would feel. We decided on PD. Could someone explain the experience? For example....\nAfter the catheter is inserted, how long will there be pain?\nWould the fluid inside her be uncomfortable?\nWill she feel better after each treatment? Thanks",
	"Has anyone tried Acupuncture to treat Membranous GN or any type of kidney disease? I am curious about your experience. We went to an Acupuncture person who said he can fix MM's problem.",
	"Hi there all.\nSaw that on a mug in a store window last week on a night when I wasn't feeling so great, the weather was miserable (freezing rain etc) and I was cold and wet.\n\nStopped me in my tracks.\nBeen thinking on it ever since, and I wanted to share it with you.\n\nMe, I would quit my job, go on tour, see the world.\nAnd you - what would you do?\n\n\nmuch love,\nnycbluekeys",
	"Hello, my mother is on home dialysis. She keeps getting infections in her stomach and being admitted to the hospital. Does anyone know what could be causing this, or has anyone experienced this at all. She does have 2 dogs, but they are kept downstairs. PLEASE HELP!!!!!",
	"Hi,\n\nYesterday was the first time on this forum. I must say that I am very happy that I found this site. The information that I received was very informative. I appreciate everyone’s support.\n\nMy situation is that my mother was told last month that she should begin dialysis. We are trying to delay this as long as possible. Her creatinine is 5.7 and her GFR is 7.1. We are getting a blood test every week to monitor her condition. She is physically well except for her itchiness and lack of appetite. We are closely watching for any new symptoms. We are not sure how long we could delay dialysis.\n\nMy mother will be 90 years old next month. She is scared at the prospect of dialysis. She is a complainer and could not endure pain. We want to encourage her by telling her that she will feel better but we are not sure if this is true. We read that the catheter maybe painful, she may feel bloated, she may get infections, and she may not even feel better. We also read that she is at high risk due to her age and she is diabetic. Additionally, we read that she has a 50:50 chance of living for a year. We are not sure she should endure this pain if it would not help her.\n\nWe have so many difficult decisions and concerns.\n- Should we do dialysis\n- When to begin dialysis\n- Hemo vs peritoneal\n- CAPD vs APD\n- What to do if something goes wrong during PD\n\nWe would appreciate any insights and advice. Please describe your experiences. Thanks.",
	"Are any liquid binders available for feeding tube patients?,\nCan phosphate binders be given with Prostat 64?",
	"I currently am not on dialysis and still work a full-time job with benefits.\n\nHowever, my question is this: Should I go out on dialysis, I was told my healthcare provider becomes the primary for 30 months, then Medicare takes over. After the 30 months, I would then have Medicare as primary and my healthcare provider secondary.\n\nQuestion - what happens if I lose my job and then Medicare becomes my one and only healthcare provider? Someone once said, and I don't know who, mentioned that \"you cannot stay on medicare forever - you have to find supplemental health insurance\". How do you find supplemental, when most healthcare providers won't take you because you are now a health concern and because you have a chronic disease? Most don't have to take you on. How do you go about finding supplemental insurance that will take you?",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI'm new to this site and am very excited to be able to communicate with others experiencing some of the same issues as well. My issue is that I am having problems w/ \"acne\" on my legs(result of CRF). Is anyone else having this issue?",
	"a friend is on PD since June\nand his exit site still bleeds\na little and has a scab\nthanks for any help\n\nhe does go to an exercise class\n\nMarie",
	"Per a post via mtjsr, it appears that home users PAY MORE out of pocket than in-clinic users? I thought that either your primary insurance and/or medicare PAYS ALL whether it's home or in-clinic.\n\nCan someone please verify this before I decide which dialysis I am going to go for? Thanks.",
	"I have been anurse for 30 years-and love what I do. While I have worn various hats I really prefer bedside nursing. I have been a cvicu/icu/nurse for quite a while, also er. I have been interested in dialysis for a while, but I am ready to do something about it. Can someone tell me how to go about training to do this? I can only find actual jobs listed and not how to become qualified. Directions please! Thank you.",
	"Hi this is my first post,my mom who lives next door has been on dialysis now for 3 years.Since Nov.she has been in and out of the hospitol numerous times with what there saying is high potassium levels(extreme shaking,confusion)the first time she went in we almost lost her, she dont stick to her diet and fluid restictions as she should,my sis who lives with her works and it impossible for me to be there ever second(very high maintance 5 year old)to watch what she eats.We found out yesterday that the dialysis clinic cut back on the time on the machine!!!!!Why WOULD THEY DO THAT? Oh one more thing she is always complaining of a metal taste in her mouth that nothing taste good is this a side effect.thank you all so much!!!!! libra",
	"where/how do you become trained as dialysis nurse. AM willing to go an do what is needed, but cannot find out that that is. Thank you for any information. marti",
	"Hello Everyone!\n\nFirst, I must warn that this is going to be a slightly lengthy story, but I would love to have people read it so I can get some feed back. My name is Jonathan, and I am 26 years old. I reside in New Jersey, and I have been on dialysis for a little over 3 months. This is my story:\n\nBack in September of 2008, I started to feel sick. I felt as if I had bronchitis so I decided to see my doctor. He gave me \"z pack\" as he thought it could be bronchitis too. So I took these antibiotics for the suggested 3 days, and went back to see him as nothing happened. My doctor then gave me a different antibiotic, and ten days later, when I was finished taking them, I returned to my doctor for the 3rd time in 2 weeks to tell him nothing has changed. Except this time, I had more complaints.\n\nSleeping became a task. I had been sleeping upright in a chair for the last 10 days because when I would lay down, I would constantly cough, and bring up phlegm. Walking up the stairs ran me out of breath. My shoes felt as if my feet grew 3 sizes larger in a week. I felt like I was 50 pounds heavier. I felt as if I was slowly dying. My doctor immediatly ordered blood work, from the labratory just 3 doors down. This was on September 26, 2008. The weekend went by, and again, no sleep for me. By September 29th, I showed up 40 min late for work, because I was moving so slow, and after walking up the steps I had to catch my breath for 15 minutes before I could drive. By the time I got to work, I received a phone call to get to the ER because my kidneys are not functioning properly.\n\nWhen I checked into the hospital, I immediatly got past the 40 people waiting in the Emergency Room, and went straight to the back where they check you out before you get addmitted. This is the benefit of having a cousin in admissions, an aunt who is an ER nurse, and an uncle who is an ER doctor! \n\nAnyway, I will skip the obvious stuff as I am trying to make a long story a little shorter. I was finally admitted to the hospital after a few normal test, xrays, and etc. two days later I was getting my catheter installed in my chest, and was on Dialysis for the first time, a few hours later. That night I was puking my brains out all night. I woke up the next morning and it finally hit me ... I was lucky to be alive.\n\nFor some unknown reason (to this day), my kidneys shut down on me. This caused fluid retention, which caused the Congestive Heart Failure, which then caused me to run out of breath whenever I decided to be on my feet. It was a horrible feeling.\n\nI spent 37 days in the hospital ... Something I do not wish on ANYONE. WHy so long you ask??? Well, I worked for Merrill Lynch, and landed the job with them 1 month after I finished college. We all know what happened with Merrill Lynch. So I was laid off on April 30, 2008. I received a severance package of 3 months. After my benefits expired in July, I purchased the \"Cobra Package\" for 6 weeks, just \"incase\" something happened. Now remember, this whole time I had Cobra, I was still healthy. Then Cobra expired....on September 22, 2008... SEVEN short days before I was addmitted to the hospital. So that is how I spent 37 days in the hospital. Because the state of New Jersey could not find me an outpatient care center to perform Dialysis on an uninsured individual...until DaVita came to my rescue. \n\nWell that is my story in a nutshell...A large nutshell. To this day they do not know what caused the kidney failure because my kidneys are so damaged that even the biopsy doesnt show what happened. Its a horrible feeling. But after having my ejection fracture (percentage your heart strength is performing) at 20%... I am very happy to be around, and I do not plan on going anywhere anytime soon.\n\nTo those who actually made it thorugh my book, I truly appreciate it, and any comments you may leave. God bless you all... and I wish a Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone.",
	"Hello Everyone,\n\nFirst time poster. Here is my story:\n\nI am in the Navy, 37, and married with 6 kids. Found out I had kidney damage about five years ago. Found out it has worsened to Stage 4/Stage 5 kidney disease about a year ago. Getting a fistula on the 20th but hoping to avoid dialysis by applying the diet in the Coping with Kidney Disease book that I bought yesterday. If I do end up on dialysis I am planning on doing the at home HD since I am young and would like to remain active and working. Other than the kidney damage I am in excellent shape, no diabetes or heart problems or anything. Anyway, now that I have introduced myself my questions have to do with the 24 hour urine collection. I was told by the doctor that my creatinine clearance by volume is 30.2 and the amount was collected was 2550 ml. Every search I do does not explain what this amounts to when trying to determine my GFR. I do know that based on my blood work my creatinine is 4.7, BUN is 58 and GFR is 15. I was under the impression from what I have been reading that the 24 hour collection would give me a more accurate GFR but I cannot figure out how to calculate that. Any help or advice with any part of this would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the long post.\n\nThanks everyone.",
	"Everyone's case is different. But doctors have stated that when a person who has chronic kidney failure and that person decides to stop dialysis, they will eventually live no longer than 2 weeks. I posted this thread to give people an idea of how long a person will have, their symptoms and mainly to realize that we need to leave our feelings aside and be strong and show as much love and support when a person decides to stop dialysis.\n\n\nMy father was a strong man. He was a singer and musician. He was a father of 6 boys and 5 girls. He had such a strong will despite his long battle to fight his diabetes, dyalisis of 6 years (4 hour sessions 3x's a week), amputated leg/fingers and heart attacks + strokes that he suffered. No one can understand a person unless they've actually lived or been in the situation. My father suffered for so many years with his illness and no one knew more than him how much he was suffering. My mother and brother were the only ones apart from him who knew the suffering my father went through, because they lived with him, cared for him and put up with his frustrating and tiring illness and condition; almost 8 years. God bless them.\n\nHe always stated he was going to die and each time he was rushed to the hospital or the ICU, we thought and said amongst ourselves, \"This is it. He's going to die this time.\" And to our surprise, my father would fight through it. It became a habit to some extent; thinking that my father was going to die and wouldn't because we knew he was strong.\n\nHe became very depressed and agitated as years progressed and would show it with rude behavior. His character wasn't too different prior to his illness, so as I write this, I realize my father handled his illness very well despite his condition.\n\nSo, my father's final days. It was October 2008. He suffered his final stroke and was put under heavy medication that supressed his coherence. At the time, no one knew why he was not concious. He was not talking, his eyes were shut as though in a comma and my family said it was extremely sad to look at because he looked like someone else; not at all like our father. Everyone thought seriously he was going to die. I was lucky not see him this way because I live in a different state. My sister waited to call me because she wasn't quite sure if it was going to be another false alarm. She called my husband 2 days later because I had a D&C the day my dad had the stroke.\n\nI found out 2 days after his stroke and flew 2 days later. When I got to the hospital, my father was awake and began having symptoms of hallucination. He was calling out to people and talking to people he knew from the past; then close his eyes and go to sleep. He was like that for a few days until the medication he was on was filtered out through the dialysis. It was then when we realized he was unconcious because of the medication he was put on after his stroke.\n\nHe had been throwing up many times through out the day for almost 2 weeks. He couldn't keep anything down. The doctors said they could no longer keep him in the hospital. They said he had to be watched by family 24 hrs to make sure someone could raise him to allow him to vomit the liquid. My father was unable to raise himself because he had no strength to do so. He was released and a few days later and 3 days later was admitted to another hospital because he began throwing up during dialysis at the center.\n\nThe doctor said ammonia was building up and toxins were building up and might lead him to go in a state of comma. At this point he was still doing dialysis but was not concious once again. He had an oxygen mask and the doctor also stated the oxygen and the dialysis is what's keeping him alive. They stated that they would do an incision to flush out some of the toxins. My father had not eaten any food for almost 2 weeks. The doctors were expecting for him to die soon because of the ammonia levels. They asked us to consider the decision to perhaps stop the dialyis or take the oxyen off because there was no way to appreciate the quality in life he was in. It was true that our father was not in a state to appreciate the condition of health or state of mind. But no one dared to make the decision to stop dialysis or to take the oxygen mask off. His ammonia levels went down and would be released soon because they could not keep him any longer. Initially he was admitted in the hospital because he was throwing up at the dialysis center. At the end of his hospital stay, I stayed the last night with him and the next morning, they gradually reduced the oxygen until they made sure he could breath on his own. He was a bit alert. We were happy for the moment. I flew back to my home on Holloween.\n\nHe was alert and aware of what he was saying and made the decision to stop dialysis. This was a relief to me personally because I felt this might have taken a huge burden from my mother knowing that she didn't make the decision to stop dialysis when he wasn't coherent and now she wouldn't be the one to make the decision. He said he was frustrated living the way he was, tired and just wanted to die. He used to say that before all the time but this time he made it really clear. He made it easy on my mother and us to make the decision on his own, to stop dialysis. My family convinced him to go back to dialysis, then on his next session didn't go and then went back the next session. He was like that for a week; on and off. Everyone wanted him alive of course. But I told my sister we needed to respect his decision because he is the one that is living in the condition he is in, ever single day and night for the past 7 years. He went one day, skipped the next session, then went back then decided to fully stop.\n\nNovember 11, 2008 I flew to see him and on the 14th of November he completely stopped the dialysis. The count down began and we thought we were prepared mentally. We were not. His toxins began building up gradually and he could feel it in his back (lungs) and chest (airways), we didn't know how he felt. He was extremely restless and always complaining about his back, he wanted to eat but could not hold nothing down again. You need to realize that when a person goes off dialysis, there is NO FILTRATION. My father had not urinated in almost 2 months and all of those toxins began buliding up inside the lungs, stomach and anywhere the toxins can go. He began throwing up again. But it wasn't really vomiting, it was more coughing than anything that then led him to gag and then vomit.\n\nOn the 22nd, Saturday my father told my sister and I that in 5 days he would die. But it didn't seem like it would happen. Those last 5 days before his death, he was a bit better as the days counted down. He was talking more and recognized everyone that asked him \"Do you know who I am?\" He would answer yes. The night before his death, I honestly felt he needed to be put back on dialysis because it seemed like nothing was wrong with him. I suppose I felt like that because a person that comes off dialysis, dies within the week and live no more than 2 weeks. Also, I thought that we would see physical condition that would show that he is dying. I really didn't know what to expect but I just felt as though it wasn't going to happen because I didn't want him to die; I was fooling myself more than anything. On Wedneday, he wanted to get off the hospital bed we had for him in the house and he wanted eat. I hugged my father and helped him as much as I could because he was still throwing up. He felt so cold because his circulation was not strong. He wanted to eat so we gave him a bit. We were in a way fooling ourselves thinking nothing was going to happen because it had been exactly 2 weeks since being off dialysis. He was so tired, and so restless. He wasn't comfortable in any position because of the toxins not allowing him to be comfortable.\n\nOn November 27, 2008 at about 5:45 A.M. the demise of my father came. He died at age 66. Two weeks and 1 day after being completely off dialysis; the toxins had literally reached to the point that he could no longer breath and his circulation had stopped. Everything stopped. I still don't accept his death. I still don't believe it happened. As many times that I had to fly to see him in 5 years of flying back and forth, going to the hospital; I thought I was mentally prepared. We always said \"He's going to die, this is it.\" We'd been saying this since 2001. We were not prepared for this. As many times as we thought and said we were, WE WERE NOT PREPARED. You never are ready to accept death. It's impossible to believe; see a body and see that there no longer is a soul.\n\nLove the ones that are close to you. Let go of everything. Don't hold on to nothing that keeps you from being close to the ones that matter. You only live once and you only have one father and one mother. Love your siblings and don't hold grudges. Once they are gone, the worse way to live is to live your life with regrets.",
	"I am one very worried wife. This information I am about provide is on my husband.\n\nAge 35\nType 1 Diabetic of 20yrs\n\nStarting back in 2006 he started having problems with high blood pressure. And was sent to a kidney dr too because of his creatinine number was 3.6. At that time they did a ultrasound and that said kidneys working at 60-75%. At that time he was put on the medication of Micardis at a very high dose of 160mg twice a day. To day he is now down to 80mg once a day.\n\nWell he was taken Spironio for about 1yr and his creatinine numbers stayed stable. And then the dr had him stop that drug back in May of last year and since then his number has raised each month. He is now at 5.49.\n\nHe feels fine, nothing has changed with him. Has not slowed him down yet at all.\n\nHis last 24hr creatinine clearance test was in May 2007 and ultrasound.\n\nHere is some info from his last set of labs.\nPhoshate 5.8, creatinine 5.49, Bun 98, GFR 12, sodium 140, potassium 4.7\n\nA list of medication he takes:\nSynthroid 25mcg weekend, synthroide 50mcg weekday, micardis 80mg once a day, zemplar 1mcg once a day, welchol 625mg eh 2tab 2times a day, hct 12.5 mon, wed, fri, amlodipine 5mg once a day, atenolol 25mg once a day, ferrous fumarate 324mg twice a day, procritt 10thous units every 10days.\n\n\nWith him feeling fine and looking great, I wonder if taken some of the medication away and going back to that Spironio to see if that can bring back the numbers in good order.\n\nAny advice would be welcome. If you need more information you can email me at angelkev_parents@satx.rr.com\n\nSorry for been so long. Thanks in advance.",
	"My husband has been on hemo dialysis for one year now. By comparison, he is pretty healthy. That is also the problem. Because he is so healthy, he is not following hisdiet; he's mised 3 treatments in the last 4 months and he doesn't seem to be taking this very serious situation seriously.\n\nI know I can''t nag or compel him to do anything - but i just can't understand why he is so irresponsible with his treatment. These same behaviors got us to this point in the first place. Any advice",
	"I had a transplant in March 2008 and 2 days later they took the kidney out. I was recently diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the hip and while they were doing the MRI of the hip they saw a huge cyst on the same side as the surgery. They are calling it a renal cyst resulting from surgery. Has anyone else had this and if so, what did they do about it.",
	"Hi,\n\nI was told that the PD training is 3 weeks from 9 to 5. Is this possible? Is it constant training? Are they doing the dialysis from 9 to 5?\n\nWhich is better, CAPD or APD? COuld you alternate between both? Thanks.",
	"Hello all, my name is Mark I am from northern Ontario in Canada. My wife has been on P.D. for about five years now.\n\nAfter reading a few post I think this site is GREAT. I try to stay as active as I can, and volenteer KFC events when ever I can. I sit on the board for the Northern Ontario Kidney Foundation. My wife and I love to fish, hunt and go camping together, when ever we can.\n\n\n\n\nKind regards\n\ngauge",
	"I have been doing researches on the recipe,which handed down from my forefathers,can cure all kinds of nephritis(except Kidney Failure and Uremia because they are not reversible). The recipe is comprised of several kinds of plants and this recipe has never become published.This recipe is characteristic by miraculous curative effort and short course of physiotherapy (according to the state of illness).Further more,it is fabulous that when the patient who suffers from nephritis has been cured by this prescription, he or she will never be affected by nephritis again(has been tested). Up to now,I have made 4 patients use this recipe and all of them have been cured completely.I dare allege that one of the most difficult medical problem has already been solved.So I come to here to tell you that do not count on western medicines and try herbs.",
	"I have been doing researches on the recipe,which handed down from my forefathers,can cure all kinds of nephritis(except Kidney Failure and Uremia because they are not reversible). The recipe is comprised of several kinds of plants and this (secret) recipe has never become published.I assure you that the mixture contains no toxic substance.This prescription is characteristic by miraculous curative effort and short course of physiotherapy (according to the state of illness).Further more,it is fabulous that when the patient who suffers from nephritis has been cured by this prescription, he or she will never be affected by nephritis again(has been tested). Up to now,I have made 4 patients use this recipe and all of them have been cured completely.I dare allege that one of the most difficult medical problem has already been solved.So I have to tell you that do not count on western medicine,it only can aggravate your state of illness.Try herbs!Please do not let things be too late to get back.",
	"Hello this is My first post but I have been \"lurking\" (reading Posts) for a long time. I was wondering if we could share snack ideas while dializing? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. I'M struggling with this I am type 1 diabetic as well.",
	"My husband has been on dialysis for about 5 yrs. He is waiting for a transplant. For about the last four years he has had bad headaches. He has had all kind of tests went to all kinds of doctors. We know that the headaches are from Dialysis. Has anyone else had them? If so what worked for you. Please help. We have tried all kinds of drugs nothing works. Please let me know what has helped you.",
	"Hello,\nYet another newbie. I have a loving husband of 30 years who does home dialysis with a Baxter cycler. Our whole life of course has changed. My biggest challenge is not feeling sorry for myself for how our lives have changed. I need to be grateful for what I have, and that is my husband. Some days it's really hard and other days it's fine. I have moments where I get angry and want to run away. I discovered the diet helper on this site and I think this will be a big help, or at least I hope so. I hope that this site will help me work through all the different emotions that you go through. Thank you for letting me vent. I hope to meet some fellow caregivers.",
	"Hi there - I am new to this site - I have tried to post, but I can't find my posts and I haven't gotten any responses. I'm 53 years old and was diagnosed recently with stage 4 kidney disease. I am still dealing with the news and trying to figure out what to do next. Trying to get answers and wondering what to expect. This forum is really great..I have read a lot of the posts. I'm scared right now and wonder if I'll ever do the things I used to do.. bicycling, walking, hiking. I've lost a lot of weight and it seems like I catch any bug that is going around. I live alone, was divorced 2 years ago. It's hard facing all this on my own and I hope I can make some online friends who understand what this is about. I feel like I have been given a death sentance. I was extremely healthy and active until the end of August when I had acute renal failure, became dehydrated, became septic. I create stones too - huge ones... I had them all removed October 29th and now I have 3 huge ones again - something is metabolically wrong and I hope they can figure out what it is, I don't want to be as sick I was in August. If I'm doing something wrong with posting, can someone steer me straight please. I just am trying to find out as much as I can about this disease. Thank you all.",
	"Just wanted to let anyone know who may be concerned about bc pills what my dr. said about this issue. Between my 3 drs., PCP, GYN, and nephrologist, I had a hard time getting them to agree on what to do. But since my migraines are menstrual cycle related we are trying to control the frequency with bc pills. Long story short, my PCP said the nephrologist was concerned about the estrogen causing vascular complications. But PCP said a progesterone only pill would be o.k., so I've started those. Just wanted to post this information that might be helpful to others.",
	"Hi there everyone\nHappy MLK day\nI've been working and right now there is a huge leak in the wall - causing a river under the floor tiles, which started to undulate. If it weren't so destructive it was actually pretty funny.\nMy husband and I went to his favorite Polish food store ( we live in the most diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn NY, IMHO). It was a fabulous place , filled with ALL THE THINGS I CANNOT EAT anymore, and I started to get seriously depressed ( which for me says I am hungry).\nWhen we got out onto the street, I couldn't help myself - at the top of my lungs, I yelled out:\n\" I AM SO FREAKIN\" ANGRY!\" Of coure, this being NY, no-one paid any attention.\nI finally got it under control by remembering something I read from a \"DaVita Star\" post ( or wherever) : OK, I will eat that stuff (he was referring to meat, I think), just not today.\nIt's 'sposed to be a \"Day of Service\"... did some for our neighbor (landlord) and his kids by picking up medicine and stuff from the Pharmacy....but I feel like the 7 dwarfs: grumpy, angry, selfish, sleepy etc., etc. Figuring out the renal and diabetic food system is a full time job - I did not sign up for this!\nI had my type 1 SO in control! I feel like a failure, or like my Kidneys are doing a Mutiny on the Bounty, whatever.\nI would LOVE to hear from all of you - how do you do it? Do you test all day long, are you more lenient with test levels? How do you distribute the 23 g of protein? and what about the nausea or tiredness or aches and pains? Any NSAID substitutes you've found to be affective?\nHow do you \"portion out\" your own energy levels? I seem to be able to function well for about 6-8 hrs (thank Heavens, cos my job pays for my health care), but then, I am foggy, really tired and cannot wait to get into bed - hey what about the other16-18 hrs.?\n Got to go - the leak has gotten worse and I think I'm being drafted into duct-tape-cutter action...\n\nmuch love and courage to all of us\n\nnycbluekeys",
	"Hello.\nI began dialysis in september after my last kidney was removed due to a bladder cancer recurrence. I began dialysis at Northwest Kidney and then moved to Davita. I am to begin Home Dialysis training next week. I haven't used my fistula yet which is located on my right upper arm. I hope I will be able to self-cannulate because my husband faints at the sight of anything to do with blood or injury.  Are there others out there who are able to self-cannulate their upper arm?\n\nI'm also still trying to get the diet thing down. I've had high potassium and phosphorus. I'm bothered by the fact that I have been verbally expressing my concern over the potassium (6.8) ever since I went to Davita in late November. It wasn't until 2 weeks ago that a nurse 'noticed' I was getting a 3K bath and lowered me to a 1K. Potassium has dropped a bit and muscle/leg symptoms have subsided thankfully.\n\nGlad to be here. Glad to have access to good information.",
	"I'm curious. I joined this list in December because I seriously am looking for support and information - plus I go to a Davita center. I also joined the IHateDialysis.com list and asked the same questions there. I never got any response to my questions on this list. I have received many from the other list and have asked (and answered) many more. As a matter of fact, I even forgot that I had joined the Davita list until today when I somehow pulled up my posted questions only to find zero replies. Hmmm. As I look at the other posts, there are hundreds or thousands of 'views' to most posts but only a fraction or zero replies. Why is that? I think it's important to at least acknowledge someone's request for help even if we can't help. But, I believe that with so many members here on the Davita site, most can help - they sadly just don't. We need to put more effort into reaching out to meet others' outstretched hands. Hands that are asking for our help. I'm new. I don't think I've even answered anyone else here, but, as I said, I completely forgot that I had even joined because I got no response to my questions. I personally think we could do better. Other lists do.",
	"My 86-year old grandmother has approximately 12% kidney function but has chosen to refuse dialysis. Her calves,ankles and feet are so swollen we can't find shoes or socks to fit her. It is mostly the tops of her feet that are so high they won't slide into a shoe. Does anyone know if any shoes for this type of problem?\n\nAlso, her heels are beginning to seep and she has developed two ulcers. Has anyone had this happen to a loved one? Without dialysis the doctors won't do much -- but any suggestions on how we as a family can help her during her remaining time would be much appreciated.",
	"For those of us who may still have a cycle, that is, whenever it decides to happen...the last episode was a bit perplexing for me. I had bloody to \"blood tinged\" bags the entire time. Usually this will clear w/in a day. During this time I had an appt w/ the nephrologist who determined that there was no sign of peritonitis. It was almost as if there was an internal and external component. Has anyone else experienced this?",
	"My husband was scheduled for his fistula the first wk. of Feb. then last night the surgeon called to say he and the Neph conferred after going over the mapping that DH's veins were way too deep to do the fistula. Rather than lifting them and risking bad access now they want to do a graft instead. We aren't very pleased about the graft but respect the surgeon and the neph's opinion. Anyone else have deep vein problems? Anyone with a Graft? We are concerned how long it will last and what happens if it has to be replaced? Questions we should have asked last night altho there are no better answers than those who have been there before. Thanks!",
	"A really weird instance is showing up in my family that I would like to talk about, I told my immediate family, brother and sisters, and parents what is going on with me, sent specific links regarding CKD for them to read and wrote in my email that if they had any questions, please feel free to ask. After the email, I dropped the subject. When there are family dinners, I accept the burden on what I can eat and pack my own food if necessary and I don’t make a big deal about stuff. Bottom line, I shy away from being ‘different’.\n\nHere is the situation, my youngest sister, is now all of a sudden, what I sense is ‘looking’ to have CKD, she has what she thinks inquired about the symptoms of CKD and is now using that information to express her aches and pains, particularly where here back hurts around the kidneys, of course her kidneys are to the bottom of her back, and her kidneys hurt when she physically moves around and twists. (of course this could have nothing to do with the fact that she has just started an exercise program for the first time in her life.) I am sensing that my little sister is needing and wanting some attention. The only positive thing about this is that she did see a doctor and got an annual checkup, her last one was in college about twenty years ago. So, I am glad about that!  Her doctor told her that her kidney functions are fine, but she does not want to believe her doctor and now my sister has put herself on the renal diet despite my warnings and her good test results.\n\nI am thinking now that I never should have told my family I had this thing. How can I in my sister’s mind get the attention off of me and direct the ‘center of attention’ to her? Does anyone have any ideas and has this happened to anyone else?",
	"OK guys, I am about to send in MM's application for a kidney transplant. I am very worried about the costs involved with the initial testing (no insurance, no medicare (not on dialysis)). I don't know if I have credit cards large enough for the costs that I am imagining. Has any of you been through the testing experience with no insurance or medicare? Has any of you had a fundraiser for your medical expenses? I appreciate your input.",
	"Hi,\nIt's with great joy that I announce the promotion of user Chefnancy to the status of moderator on our discussion boards. Over the years, Chefnancy is definitely one of our strongest contributors and also one of the most helpful. She knows exactly what these boards are for and to whom they serve best. She is one of the first people to spot trouble on these forums and we certainly trust in her judgement to help us eliminate spammers and help keep the peace around here.\n\nCongratulations Chefnancy! Thanks for being one of our stars!\n\n- Rob",
	"where/how do you become trained as dialysis nurse. AM willing to go an do what is needed, but cannot find out that that is. Thank you for any information. marti",
	"I am a stone producer - just finding out what that is... I had a percutaneous lithotripsy on October 29th and had all the stones removed... less than 6 weeks later, a CT scan showed that I have 3 stones again and one of them is absolutely huge! This scares me because when I was in Canada in August I had stones that I didn't know about and became obstructed and went into acute renal failure and became septic - I spent 18 days in the hospital and that was the beginning of my CKD - At one point I was told that it was impossible to create stones the size of mine in 6 weeks... but that is exactly what I have done... I am stage 4 kidney disease...one functioning kidney. I am not on dialysis and hope to avoid that. With the kidney stones I am supposed to drink a lot of fluids everyday...but doesn't that conflict with the Renal diet? This is all so confusing.",
	"I don't know if anyone can answer this question, but here's the story. I go down to the transplant office every 30 days to get blood work taken for my tissue typing. I have had the nurse take blood from my right arm as my left arm is to be left for the fistula.\n\nToday, she could not get blood out of my right arm and had to go for the good vein in my left arm - where they are more than likely putting the fistula in.\n\nI guess my question is this - once I have the fistula put in, can they still draw blood from it should the nurse not be able to get blood out of my right arm? The vein in my right arm is deep - sometimes she hits it, other times, she sticks the needle in 3/4 times and gets nothing - no blood, no bleeding - guess I'm more dead than alive, eh?",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI'm teetering between Stage 3 and 4 CKD and just started EPO injections to raise my Hemacrit and Hemoglobin levels. Has anyone else had these shots and if so, how long was it before you noticed an improvement in how you felt? Did you feel better after a few weeks or did it take months? I guess I'm impatient but would like to know what to expect. I won't see the doctor for 8 weeks when I have my levels checked again. In the meantime, I feel like a useless human being and my life is ticking away.\n\nCarol",
	"Hello All,\n\nMy grandmother is in the hospital in ICU and has been put on life support. These last few days have been very hard mentally and physically. She got sick Wednesday with just nausea. We called an ambulance and they rushed her to the hospital. Once there her potassium reading was 7.6 and she said she felt numb and was very sick to her stomach. The doctor's said they did not know what was going on, then she stopped breathing and had to be intubated. Her condition has been upgraded from critical to stable and today she was alert and trying to talk. The doctor's do not know what is going on and what causes this episode to occur. At first I thought it was just her potassium but when she got to the ICU they checked it again and it was 9, so the neph ordered her to have dialysis immediately then before she was put on the machine they checked her potassium again and it was 5. I do not know what is going on, she is sleeping most of the time which is good. It is so hard to see her in this condition and not be able to do anything. I guess I don't really have a question for any of you I just needed a place to come too. I am asking for everyone to please pray for her. I want to be selfish and ask God not to take her but I know she does not want to be on this earth if she is suffering. I guess that's all I have too say thanks to anyone who is listening.",
	"Hi there everyone...I'm what I guess you call a 'newbie'.\n\nI have a couple of questions that I hope you have patience for. Maybe I shouldn't be here, because I haven't been diagnosed with anything, however that's the problem.\n\nI have been reviewing past lab results and while creatinine has for the most part been with normal range going back to 2005, my GFR has never been normal. The highest has been 62, and the lowest was 36. Various Docs have ordered these tests as just routine falling under comprehensive battery panel. However, when it dropped to 36, that Dr. ordered a 24 hour urine collection which she stated was normal. At that time my creatinine was 1.62, urea nitrogen, 29, and 'GFR est. if Black, 44.' I was told that I could have been dehydrated, and not to be concerned. Those have been the lowest #'s I have to report that I'm aware of.\n\nI'm supposed to call my Dr. (a new fella to me, whom I saw for a different problem) tomorrow to obtain results. I'm going to ask him to please take a look at the GFR # progression, and find out his take on it. I don't think anyone else has looked at past results, so I've felt 'blown off'. The deal is, is that I see Dr.'s at a prominent University medical setting and would hope that someone would pick up on this and not let me fall through the cracks.\n\nDo you think I need to be concerned? Since my urine collection had come back o.k.? \n\nThanks for taking the time to read this. I didn't really know where else to go.\n\nGal Pal",
	"Hi all,\n\nSorry that I have not been as active as before. I came back from Hong Kong on January 7.\nI had an appointment with my 2nd renal doctor on January 15. He told me that my creatinine remains at 2.1, which is the same as the November lab work result. (The November lab work was ordered by my first renal doctor whom I saw when I was in the hospital. He is not in my network) I do not understand why the first renal doctor I saw in November told me that I was stage 3 with 35% functioning but the second one I saw in December and January told me that I am stage 4 with 25% functioning. Both of them have quite a big difference in their diagnosis of my illness. I also asked my second renal doctor if I should prepare for transplantation or dialysis and he said no.\n\nAs you can tell, I am very confused!\n\npal",
	"Many peanut butter products, including some nutrition bars often recommended to kidney patients, have been recalled due to salmonella. Here's the latest memo from FDA.\n\nFDA Peanut Butter Product Recall 1/22/2009\nThere is a recent salmonella outbreak in the US. It is linked to peanut butter sold in mass quantities to food corporations to use in making other products. To date, no major brands of jarred peanut butter are affected.\n\nMany snack items with peanut butter in them are being recalled.\n\nThree protein bars that are sometimes recommended for dialysis patients have been recalled. They are:\nTwisted bars in all flavors\nOptimum Energy Bars, peanut butter flavor\nZone Perfect bars, chocolate peanut butter, and peanut toffee flavor\n\nOther products that have been recalled:\n•Austin/Kellogg Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter, Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Cookie/Cracker Pack, Mega Stuffed Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter, PB&J Cracker Sandwiches, Reduced Fat Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Reduced Fat Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Super Snack Pack Sandwich Crackers, Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter, and Variety Pack\n•Clif brand bars made with peanut butter.\n•Country Maid Peanut Butter Cookie Dough\n•Cub Foods, Iced Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Icing, Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, and Peanut Butter Cookies\n•Evening Rise Bread Co Peanut Butter Cookies, and Peanut Butter Bars\n•Famos Amos Peanut Butter Cookies\n•Food Lion Bakery brands of peanut butter cookies, peanut butter no-bake cookies and peanut butter fudge no-bake cookies\n•Hy-Vee Inc., recalled various bakery products containing peanut butter.\n•JamFrakas Peanut Butter Blisscrisp snack bars.\n•Keebler/Kellogg Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Cookies, Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Toast& PB’n J Flavored Sandwich Crackers, Toast & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers\n•King Nut and Parnell’s Pride Brand Peanut Butter\n•Larabar Peanut Butter Cookie snack bars\n•Little Debbie Peanut Butter Toasty & Peanut Butter Cheese Sandwich Crackers\n•Lofthouse brand versions of peanut butter cookies, peanut butter no-bake cookies and peanut butter fudge no-bake cookies\n•Luna brand bars made with peanut butter.\n•Meijer Inc. Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream, Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, & Toasty Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers\n•MOJO Brand Snack Bars made with peanut butter\n•Nutri System, Peanut Butter Granola Bar\n•NutriPals Peanut Butter Chocolate nutrition bars\n•Orchard Valley Harvest's Organic Bark Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream\n•Parco Foods' Chuck's Chunky brand of peanut butter cookies\n•Pastries Plus Gourmet Cookies\n•Perry’s Brand Ice Cream in Light Peanut Butter Cup, Peanut Butter Chip, Peanut Butter Cup, Peanut Butter Sundae Crunch, Perfectly Churned Light Peanut Butter Cup, Premium Peanut Butter Cup Craze, & Premium Peanut Butter Fudge\n•PetSmart Great Choice Assorted Dog Biscuits\n•Private Selection Peanut Butter Passion Ice Cream and Peanut Butter Passion Light Ice Cream\n•Ready Pack Eating Right Kids Apples with Peanut Butter & Celery with Peanut Butter\n•Shurfine brand Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream\n•The South Bend Chocolate Co is recalling assorted chocolates, valentine hearts, peanut butter fudge and peanut butter chocolate fudge.\n•Titan Chocolate Peanut Crunch Nutrition Bar\n•Trader Joe’s Celery with Peanut Butter\n•Wal-Mart Bakery brands of peanut butter cookies, peanut butter no-bake cookies and peanut butter fudge no-bake cookies\n•Wegman’s Brand Ice Cream in Chocolate Nutty Cone, Peanut Butter Candy Sundae Cup, Peanut Butter Crunch, Peanut Butter Cup, Peanut Butter Pretzel, Peanut Butter Sundae Cup, Peanut Butter Sundae Ice, & Peanut Butter Swirl\nPlease refer to the U.S Food and Drug Administration’s website (www.fda.gov) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium) or call 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) for further product recall information.\n\nIt may be wise to avoid other products that contain peanut butter until more information is available.",
	"Hi, I was just diagnosed with Stage 3 CKD and I'm really scared. I know this is for life and that it can get worse. All the changes have to make are really overwhelming. I don't know yet if I got it from lupus or from aking antianflammatories. I see the nephrologist on Feb. 3.",
	"Eating out is so hard work for me. Red Lobster....every thing is wild rice pilaf or way too much phosphorus. Logan's Roadhouse....eveything is steak, steak, steak....too much phosphorus!! I'm getting really tired of reading the menu over and over to TRY and find something I can eat. Has anyone else given UP on eating out???",
	"The home hemo nurse called and said my insurance is being difficult refusing to cover home dialysis because is it 'experimental'. I got a letter from them a few weeks ago saying that they pay for supplies and even the training for home dialysis but daily home dialysis and nocturnal dialysis (quotidian?) are experimental and not covered. When I called the company twice, no one had a clue what any of it was. I'm sure it's just a misinperpretation of something somewhere and we just need to talk to someone that knows what's going on. Hopefully, all will be straightened out in a few days. Davita has been great about working on this with the insurance company as well as with my new nephrologist. I didn't have a clue this was even going on. Usually, I am the one hopping on the phone to staighten every thing out. Odd not to be this time.\n\nHas anyone ever heard of that reason from an insurance company before? It's Blue Cross/Boeing traditional. They have been incredible with all of my cancer treatments & surgeries paying for many things without question that other insurance companies don't. I have never had a problem with them at all before.\n\nI also heard today that Medicare would be my primary immediately on home hemo. Not good because I still another cancer-related major surgery ahead of me and NEED my insurance. I have a lot of questions on Monday.",
	"Hi,\nI usually try to be somewhat positive with my posts- but really can't seem to do that lately.\n\nI've had a terrible past few months and just feel as if I'm not doing anything at all thesedays.\n\nThe hospital centre I go to said I had to stop using my fistula because I had breathing problems and pretty much forced me to get a line.\nI had the same fistula 12 years, not problems and my blood work for it was good too.\nMy fistula still works, but the center does not want to use it.\n\nI was then sent to a surgeon and told they would fix my fistula as some spots have thinner skin, but also told they might just use a graft instead.\n\nNow I find out that \"they\" (putting they as it seems I've seen a different doctor each time at the clinic here and no idea who is supposed to be my surgeon even).\nSo now they want to just take my fistula out and leave me with a line.\n\nI was also first told I should \"wait\" to get a new line and told to wait a \"few months\".\nThen the same person- it is just a nurse at the clinic tells me I should just stick with a line as it works.\n\nI now feel like my life is over as I can't do any of the activities I enjoy and am just stuck at home.\nI used to swim and ice skate a lot also do some cycling and tennis and find those things you can't do with a line- well most active things leave my line area in pain.\n\nSo, what do I do from here. Any suggestions on things to do to cheer me up?\nI can't walk outside here as I have a cold at the moment (and it is -20...brrrr).\nBut I pretty much feel like my life is \"over\" as I had to stop working as well and really don't feel as if I'm doing anything worthwhile.\n\nAlso doesn't help there has been no bus service in my city since Dec 10 as all the bus drivers are on strike and I have no car or family near me with a car either.",
	"Good Morning: This is my forst post, I have Stage 3 CKD caused by Sjogren's Syndrome ( autoimmune disease) and am stable with GFR 56, thank God. Thanks to all of you I have gained a wealth of info that has greatly helped, so a big thank you.\n\nI posted last night but probably in the wrong place ( newbie) so I will start a new thread hoping that someone on this board knows the situation with Dairy Delicious.\n\nI tried to place an order last night and their phone number ( that I used previously) is no longer in service. Their website is still there but the order page is down ( under construction) and there is no longer a phone number listed. I order milk and cheese am so gratful that they are there. I hope this is just a glitch, does anyone know?",
	"My name is Melani and I'm 52 yrs old. I was told by a Neph (don't know how to spell the name correctly). that I was at Stage 4 Renal Failure. As with others I'm so scared. I've had a triple bypass, 3 carpal tunnel surgeries that didn't work and now have a stimulator to control pain. I do have high blood pressure and diabetes, which are controlled by medicine and diet. To have the doctor tell me that I was at Stage 4 has literally knocked me for a loop. My question is, how accurate are the blood test and does water help anyone with Stage 4 Failure. I'd appreciate your input. Thanks",
	"MM was prescribed Bicitra for metabolic acidosis. Has anybody taken it before? I am concerned about the side effects, namely nausea/stomach upset. Potassium is under control by taking 40 mg of Lasix a day, we did start on Sodium Bicarbonate and the Dr upped that to 3 pills a day but stopped because of major stomach moving around/growling etc issues and cramps. I think he is putting MM on this Bicitra instead. Unfortunately I didn't get to ask all the questions I wanted to at our Dr visit. The Dr did say however that it was for metabilic acidosis.l Thanks for any input/experience with this drug.",
	"My father-in-law said they removed no fluid off of him at all this week due to his low body weight-he's wasting away to nothing at 6'3\" and 153 LBS. He said all they are doing now his hooking him up and cleaning his blood. Is this possible and doesn't it indicate that the treatments are more than likely close to being stopped?",
	"Hi everyone im new to this forum and well kinda new to dialysis (11 months). I have spent many days reading everyones posts and looking for any suggestions and opinions on how to deal with my new situation. First of all let me tell you a litle about myself, im a 33yr old hispanic male who is a single father and by luck or destiny was given the opportunity to live my life thru weekly visits to a dialysis center. How i came to this situation to tell you all the truth is a shock to me, i was shot about 4 years ago and one of the bullet fragments pierced my kidneys and gave me this disease called glomerulonephritis (i think that the correct spelling).my doctor at the time told me i was fine and not to worry but i started getting head aches and i was later diagnosed with high blood pressure. After a few years of this going on i went to the hospital and find out that i had a stroke and that i had a mass in my kidney. That mass turned out to be actually my kidney which had calcified and i was taken to surgery that night and they put in a catheter because i was told a needed to start dialysis. Wao what a shock!!!!!\n\nWell its been 11 months and i feel pretty good eventhough i have a creatine of 8.6. I hardly gain fluids and only take 3 hours of treatment 3x a week. Now my problem lies in that i dont know anyone who is going thru what im going thru until now. I am constantly sleeping because im depressed and i really dont know anyone where i live( i had to move in with my parents because i was constantly hospitalized and my son couldnt stay alone).I feel like im a defective product and i go thru these moments of not wanting to continue dialysis. I just wan to know if someone has gone thru this and if they have has anything helped them.",
	"Hi there.\nThank You, Thank You,Thank You, especially you, chefnancy, the strong proponent of the very-lo-protein renal diet\n Good News\nReally good: I have on the Walser diet since around Christmas ( cannot say exactly , cos I was feeling so lousy, everything was a blur)\n.Been testing 6-8 times a day.\n When I go in to work, I can get 5 good hours in, then I completely and utterly collapse, but at least I can keep my job (Health Benefits......).\n Been to the Gym !!! I now know when I start feeling cranky, I'm tired.\nPeople are not looking at me 'funny', like they wanted to tell me how bad I looked but just couldn't figure out how, politely.\nI feel BETTER. I can THINK. When I cheated just a littel, the nausea returned , pronto.\nAND (drum roll) Creatinine WENT DOWN to 1.2, Cholesterol (from 308) to 290, A1c was NORMAL.\nI am freakin' skin, muscle and bones, but I feel human. I have figured out how to have Cool Whip at every meal ( just kidding...not!), I have made untold adjustments to the diabetes meal plan I have used for over 20 years. It was hard, confusing, and it made me mad.....but I am doing it and ....it works.\nI have come up with some alternative recipes which are pretty good (IMHO), and will post them in the recipe section, if you are interested.\nCannot Thank You enough!\n\nnycbluekeys",
	"For a cold winter's night..\nI have found that this is really good. It feels like a dessert you can have anytime\n\nVanilla Peppermint Tea:\nII mug water.\n1 bag of Peppermint tea- so far Lipton's Herbal has been the best ( and cheapest, LOL)\n3 Tbs. SilkCreamer French Vanilla\nSweetener to taste\nTea goes in the mug, I nuke it for 3mins. Dunk the teabag a couple of times, take it out,put 3Tbsps. of the creamer in ,and add Splenda ( or sugar iff you are not Diabetic).\n I take a little time to savor this tea. It calms me down , soothes tummy aches and lets me pretend I am cheating ()\n\nRequiem for Sugar-Free Nesquick.\n I seem to recall a wistful post about Hot Cocoa....me too! I mean , wasn't Winter just made for Hot cocoa, j(like summer 's made for (sugarfree) popsicles)?\nSo I have been doing some research- here are the results\n\n(iTable function in this forum is kinda shaky)\n\nnutrient Carob Cocoa\nProtein(g) 0.28 19.6[\nCarbs (g) 5.33 57.9\nFiber (g) 2.4 33.2\nSugars(g) 2.94 1.75\nP(mg) 5 734\nK (mg) 50 1524\nNa (mg) 2 21\nFat 0.005 8.07\nAlcohol (g) 0 0\nCaffeine(mg) 0 230\nTheobr(mg) 0 2057\n\nUSDA Rell 21 (2008)\n\nYeah, I know Carob is NOT cocoa, but I found a recipe which I am going to try:\n\n Ingredients for each cup:\n1 heaping Tbsp. Carob powder.\n¼ tsp. Corn Starch\n6-8 oz. Water\nVanilla to taste( I will go for the Silk Vanilla Creamer , myself)\nStevia or other sweetener (Optional)\n\nPreparation\nMix the Carob powder and corn starch in the water until smooth.\nHeat the ingredients on the stove top in a pot or in individual cups in the microwave,stirring occasionally, and serve with a little vanilla.\n\nmmmmm. Fits both renal and diabetes diet!\nLet me know if these work for you, or if you have some ideas to share>>>>\n\n\nnycbluekeys",
	"My Dr. put me on a low dose (2.5 mg) or Lisonipril to keep the blood pressure in my kidneys down. It is supposed to help prevent further damage to the kidneys. I got a virus at Christmas from my neice and nephew and even though I had no other symptoms, I had this horrible hacking cough that started with a little tickle in my throat and it would drive me crazy. I would cough so much I though I would vomit. I was embarrassed by it and stayed home a lot because I thought I was spreading germs. I was reading \"Coping with Kidney Disease\" and this one little thing in a paragraph talked about the cough that can be a side effect of ace-inhibitors. A lightbulb went off in my head and I remembered my Aunt having to change her medicine because of it... I looked up Lisonipril on the net and indeed a lot of people were complaining about it. I called my Dr. and it is going to be changed tomorrow. I am grateful to find this out because I was beginning to worry about the cough.",
	"I learned of my CKD just 2 months ago. The Dr. said I am in stage 2-3 although my GFR is 46. I think I am in denial because I feel pretty good so how could my kidney function be dropping? After doing more reading I am realizing the importance of taking care of my kidneys . I do not talk much about it to anyone yet, since I have no outward signs of an illness. This forum is helping me understanding CKD as I read of other peoples stories. Thanks",
	"Hello everyone,\nMy name is Lauria and I am new to this site. My Mom is the one that is going to start dialysis. She is 74 years of age, diabetic, high blood pressure and heart disease all rolled into one very small, loving woman. We found out about the dialysis about a month ago and she is now waiting for a group to form for initial training. We have been struggling with the diet because she only got a list of don'ts to eat and it is really hard to learn like this. The best advice I ever got was from a post on this site where Cassie led me to kidneyschool.com. The best thing about this site is that it is in real English, just plain and simple information that is easy to understand. After reading for about an hour, I can finally say that I am starting to understand the diet and I think that we can do this. Yes we. Although I am not in renal failure I also have high blood pressure and diabetes so I figure I'll learn to eat in a manner that will help my kidneys function better (although certainly not as strct and within reason) plus I'll be able to help my Mom better if we do this together.\nThanks.",
	"Hello everyone,\nI am new to this site and just wanted to share something that has been bothering me. My Mom was told a month ago that she would need to start dialysis and she is currently waiting for the initial orientation. Her Doctor told her that she had 2 months to live without dialysis and 2 years to live with dialysis. It was such a stark prognosis that it really hurt my Mom. Now she is depressed and feels like she has no life left. She was given no hope. She almost doesn't even want to try. I know that this is a chronic disease and most likely she will eventually die because we all do. But why do some Doctors have to focus on the negative. My Mom doesn't have 2 years to die but 2 years to live. Have any of you been given such a scary prognosis?",
	"OK, you lucky dogs who have already had a transplant -- this is concerning diet post-transplant.\n\nWhat are the diet restrictions post tranplant? MM says tonight:\n\n\"I have to eat a little protein as I can now, then after I go on dialysis I have to eat as much as I can stuff in my mouth, and then after transplante I have to go back?\"\n\nHe just loves to complain, bless his heart. ))) IMHO I would think that one would be totally grossed out by meat by the time they go on dialysis. Has this happened to anyone?\n\nTell us about your diet.\n\nThanks.",
	"Hello my fellow Dialysis friends., Sorry but I need to vent. I try to stay focused and keep myself busy doing what I like (working on my race car) but this depression at times gets\nthe best of me.\nI'm on PD and sofar it's been a challenge but one that I seem to be ahead-of. I went through Kidney Transplant evaluation OK, and with a Colonoscopy counsation this Thursday a Cardiac Stress Test scheduled for this Friday mornig I've prepared my mind for this.. But on top on having Kidney failure, i'm Diabetic, Anemic and the doctors believe I have Multiple Scerolsis they're not sure I have or don't have MS. But an MRI showed lesion that suggested it. With MS I'll need another MRI in 9 months or so to tell for sure. i'm Copaxone injections next week for the MS, what scares me is, the're not sue if the rejection meds will work with Copaxone or not and, tell me we just have to see how my body reacts. DAMN!\nSorry for the ramblings.",
	"My mother has been on the cycler since April 2008. She has had the usual alarm problems, but my sister who stays with her, has been able to work them out, but we just noticed something no one seems to be able to explain. When my sister connects her to the cycler, my mother holds a tissue beneath the connector, because sometimes it drips a little. They noticed a dark bluish fluid on the tissue. At first my mother thought it was something on the bottom of the table, but we checked and there was nothing there. On top of this, when the tissue dried, the color was gone, like disappearing ink. My sister called the company and they had her return that lot and sent her a different lot number. Guess what! Same problem. Finally my sister took a wet tissue to her doctor's office and they were able to take a picture of it, but no one can tell us what it is. They say that we are the only ones to have seen this problem, but I think anyone with the same lot numbers would have the same blue tint and maybe just not see it. The company said the only difference between my mother and other patients is that she holds a tissue under the connector. We're not getting any answers yet and don't know if this is something harmful or harmless. Has anyone else seen this disappearing ink! Help",
	"I just had to dump my nephrologist! I called him on Friday about the cough that I was having from the Lisinopril and he was supposed to call me back... he didn't... still today he hadn't called. Finally I called him and was told to go off of it for two days to see if that was what it really was. Then I asked him about getting enough calcium in my diet because the renal diet and his further restrictions on my potassium intake and the additional restrictions because of kidney stones has cut out calcium and I am a very small framed woman who is menopausal and has osteoporosis in my family. This is important to me and I want to prevent that - I had asked him that before and asked him again. All he says is to eat a well balanced diet! I don't think he knows what the renal diet entails. I also have another issue with my health - I have trigeminal neuralgia, which is an extremely painful condition that happens in my face with stabbing, electric shock pains. I cannot take the medication that I used to take for it, Neurontin, but they have switched me to Dilantin. My neurologist wants the nephrologist to take over the management of the medication because he doesn't want to hurt my kidneys.. he won't even address it, or return my telephone calls. I don't want anything extra from him, but I think that it is fair to expect care from a Dr. that I pay to take care of me. I'm hoping that the new nephrologist will be more caring. This has been frustrating. In the meanwhile, Chefnancy what do you suggest as far as the Calcium issue.",
	"Hello everyone,\n\nI am a working executive, working long hours and addicted to fast food, usually eating while I'm in the office. I seem to eat whether I'm hungry or not and have got to a stage where I am unable to control my eating habit. Unfortunately, my weight is increasing and I'm being forced to buy clothes a size larger than normal. I can devote a little time to exercise, but is there a recommended safe way to lose weight? I've heard of all these diets, such as Atkins, that don't sound very healthy at all.",
	"I am taking these for additional calcium and as a binder as many of you are probably taking daily as well. I am currently taking 2with lunch and 2 with dinner. I read that some are only taking one a day. What is the appropriate dosage on this, anyone know?",
	"From time to time I have experienced my fingers and toes getting cold, and then will feel some numbness for a little while. Has this happened to anyone else?",
	"I grew up knowing that someday I would be on dialysis and I accepted that but no one told me about everything else.Certain foods to eat.How hard it was to get on this renal diet and how to deal with it. My hardest part is that my husband whom has cancer is 64 and also a deabitic, he eats mostly a tomatoe based meals and candy. He has other problems as well and we have already been thru a rollercoaster of emotions when the doctor told us he had 90 days to live ( this was 7 years ago).\nI am tried of having to find something to eat and snack on each day. I need someone to help me for a few weeks to teach me how to shop or where to find some of these foods. The next problem is we are not getting enough income at the moment and we are use to having 3 times as much come in. Our medication list keeps on growing and I have to deal with that every month on how we are going to pay for all this. I not depressed yet, I keep my eye on the future when my transplant goes thru and I can start my craft business. I just thankful that I can air out my feelings I am tired of crying within my self. By the way I have been in stage 4 for a while but I think I'm in between stage 4 & 5 by the lab work done.",
	"I am a daughter of a CKD patient and I have figured out before the Dr. appointment that we are at stage 4 . What questions do I need to be asking and I am lost. I am an only child. Please HELP!!!!!!",
	"Hi To Anyone Who Hears My Tears;\n Today is the 23rd day he's been in ICU. I walked in a man (54) for bladder surgery, 10 hrs of surgery & 20 mins. later his body totally shut down. He wasn't expected to make the night but to all our prayers he did and still is. They say because he lost so much blood in surgery and his blood pressure dropped so low that his kidneys shut down but until last week they were hopeful his kidneys would wake up. Dr's called a meeting with myself & our sons to explain that he was given contrast which should never of happened and rest assured it will never happen to another after this mistake. They say as soon as they realized what happened he was then given a counter drug but more then likely the chances that his kidneys will return to normal is not hopeful.\n Seems whatever could go wrong has gone wrong and continues to do so.\n I am hoping anyone here can give me a site for me to find a way to deal with all this????\n\nThank You for listening\nLynn",
	"As the CKD patient I am always dealing with some sort of issue sometimes a new problem sometimes the same old thing. I live day-to-day dealing with this thing. I don't whine or complain, when I am in pain though it is hard to fake a smile sometimes. My husband will ask often how I am feeling and how things are going. I answer truthfully when things are going well and when things are going not so well. I have noticed that my husband is taking the ‘not so well days’ on the chin and this chronic disease seems to be wearing him down more than me. I don’t like to see my husband like this, I feel bad for telling him the truth, especially when things are not going so well for me health wise. The question that I am getting at is, do I stop giving him the negative updates and focus on the positive updates only. What do you as caregivers want to hear about? I love my husband, but I don’t like to have him worry so much about me, he has enough on his plate with the economy the way it is and me not working at the moment because of health reasons. Although, I am hopeful that I will return to work sometime in 2009. I appreciate your time and guidance in this matter.",
	"Has anyone had bouts of fatigue with CKD? i experienced it for about 1 1/2days and am better now today that i had been. i just wonder if anyone has experienced it and what did they do to alleviate it other than sleeping all day? i'm new to this disease and have tried to read everything given to me but i haven't found anything that talks specifically about 'fatigue'. thanks for your help\ncheryl",
	"Hello my name is Drew I'm 29 years old and have had FSGS for about 7 years now. I just recently found out that I'm at a stage 4 on my GFR which is 23. The doctor is telling me to start a low protien and low potassium diet but I can't find anything on that kind of diet.So\nif anyone knows of a website or any kind of diet that I could try please let me know.",
	"AAKP'S PATIENTS GUIDE TO LIVING WITH REDUCED KIDNEY FUNCTION\n.\n\nKidney Beginnings: A Patient's Guide to Living with Reduced Kidney Function\n\n\nThis 62-page book provides patients with the information they need to take control of their healthcare and do what is necessary to preserve and protect their kidney function. Created by AAKP, this educational piece addresses the concerns of those at risk for kidney disease and their family members. The book features information on the kidneys and how they work, diabetes, hypertension, various medical tests, emotional issues, common medications and much more. It provides patients and family members with answers to questions about the health of their kidneys, diet and overall lifestyle.\n\nThe development and distribution of this book was funded by an educational grant from Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. The book has received the favorably reviewed seal from the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE).\n\nKidney Beginnings: A Patient’s Guide To Living With Reduced Kidney Function is part of the Kidney Beginnings chronic kidney disease educational series offered by AAKP. Also included in this series are Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine and Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.\n\nTo download an electronic copy of the book, please click on the link below or call 800-749-2257 to request a copy be mailed to you. Please note that we are unable to mail copies of the book outside the United States.\n\nAdobe Acrobat is required to view some documents. Please click on the Adobe logo below to obtain a free copy of the application.\n\n\nKidney Beginnings: A Patient's Guide to Living with Reduced Renal Function",
	"THe neph. and PCP don't agree about b.p. meds, migraine treatment, or birth control pills. My PCP wants to lower my blood pressure meds to half dosage. I feel only because I passed out last weekend during the night while getting up and feeling nauseaus. But neph. was happy with my b.p. readings last time (average 110/75). I feel like PCP is just covering himself since I had to have stitches in my head after my fall last weekend. He wrote a script for half dosage but I haven't started it. I just don't know who to go with since they do not agree.",
	"I have created a new item for breakfast that is really great and would like to check on its contents of protein and sodium ect so where can i get this information? I have not been able to see it in DaVita so I wondered if I give the recipe on here if there was someone that could help me.",
	"My story is so long, I feel selfish wanting to write everything here! But please allow me to give you a snip-it of a picture.\n\nMy father who has been a diabetic almost all his life was diagnosed with kidney failure I think like 2-3 years ago. Been doing Dialysis for like 1 -1.5 years!\n\nMy father never took care of himself, ate a mountain of ice cream every night, never exercised, smoked, (no alcohol though!) and never watched a thing going from type 2 to type 1 diabetic ( or whichever order where he now needs insulin inj.!) either way I guess it was pretty inevitable he would soon have kidney failure.\n\n3 Sx later (removing toes) and now his heart works 1/3 that it should! Has follen into a coma for 3 days, I said goodbye to my dad!!!!!!!!! Before his eyes opened and he was here once more!!!! ?????????\n\nTo this day My dad does not fight for a single day of his life. He is always waited on ( if you do not serve him he will not eat!!) he only ever asks about his meds, still smokes, doesn't care if he cuts himself and starts to bleed on blankets, pillows ect...\n\nHe wheels around most of the time and suddenly one day grabs a cane to pretend he can walk before falling and injuring himself back to the wheel chair.\n\nThere is so much mroe but........?\n\nMy mom is a CNA and does 98% of his cares! I am 22 still live at home (to help mom) and have been having some pretty tough emotional issues! I am always angry. I mean always, at my dad. Its so bad I hate coming home. I'm mad thathe wont care for anything. He doesnt fight for himself or fight to be with us ( 5 kids, 3 grandkids, brother, sister ect...)\n\nToday was a bad day! It is what brought me to this group. On discovery there was a show about kids born with Progeria. Where a child ages like 8 times faster!!!! It broke my heart, but that little girl was thankful for everyday, She lived life, not survived it!!! SHe was warm, and special, and kind, and open! She is not expected to live past 13...she is currently 10 years old! with an 80 year old body!!!\n\nWhy is it that that little girl will fight tooth and nail to live a good life when a man barely fights to live an extra day?\n\nToday was a bad day......I apologize for such a long story. I look forward to ANY support or advice and I look forward to getting to know this sight!\n\nThank you!",
	"I thought this was worthwhile letting everyone know......you can still travel while on Dialysis three times a week. Because I thought travelling OS was only a dream...... Until I found out about Nancy from Dalysis Abroad. I have now been on three trips with her to Bali, Italy and Japan. Before the first trip I was extremely nervous about how this would pan out. Would this trip to Italy be detramental to my healh? Would everything go according to plan? Would I come back in one piece? Etc.... The answer was yes!!!! Thank heavens!!!! The trip was absolutely fantastic, there was never an ounce of worry. Nancy made certian the dialysis units we visited were modern and up to date in their equipment. We were escorted to and from dialysis and Nancy or Enzo stayed with us while on dailysis. These two people were on dialysis for many years prior to their transplants. So they are fully aware of the needs and fears of a dialysis patient. They made the first trip so easy I have been on another two since and the care, consideration and service has not altered. The places we visited were fabulous. Every detail had been planned, right down to a dinner in an Italian family home. So glad I found out about this, if you are interesed go to www.dialysisabroad.com.au",
	"Hello,\nMy grandfather may need to start dialysis and I am trying to get information on the types of dialysis and what might be better for him. His doctor says he is a stage 4 at the present time. We do like to travel a couple times a year, and he would rather not leave the house if he does'nt need to. I thought that the home dialysis might work better for him. Would someone be so kind as to let me know what thier thoughts are? I am sure if we decide on home dialysis I would be able to learn how to use the machine. I have been caring for him for about five years, and I work as a Home Health Aid. But, this is one thing I have not had to deal with and have no experience. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughts.",
	"Hello All!\n\n My first time on dialysis was in 2000 to October 9th 2005. I had came home from dialysis and had an awesome phone call from my transplant center announcing that they have a perfect matched kidney for me! I went to the hospital where they had to dialyze me one last time as my potassium was high. Transplant was succesful and lasted me until September 28th, 2008 when I woke at 5 in the morning with fluid on my lungs! 9 days later I'm back on dialysis and am in the processes of getting back on the kidney transplant list! Im gonna try for a double transplant and get the pancreas as well! Been a diabetic all my life! I am 37 and have had this horrible diease for 35 years! I am blind from it and am back on dialysis again!",
	"Hi,\n\n\nI have tried so many products for losing weight. But so far I haven’t found any products which give good results without any side effects. Now, I'm looking for products that have no side effects and can help me to control my weight. Can anyone help me?",
	"I am aware of inquiring glances at my arm when I am at the gym. At first I thought I'd cover my arm up but instead I decided to put messages on my back since they are staring anyway (or at least it feels like they are )\n\nHere is a picture of three of my shirts so far.... \n\n\n\n Attached Images \n\n 100_0044.jpg\n(34.7 KB, 254 views)",
	"When I log in and go to the GFR calculator all I get is a little clock with the hand spinning. Even if I leave it going for a long time, it never shows my past calculations, only the spinning clock. \n\nSeems all other parts of the site are working for me.\nDogmom",
	"MM's albumin is 2.4, research has indicated that this is a big problem. How can we raise this? I understand taking care of the metabolid acidosis might help, also essential amino acids I think will help. What are your thoughts on this?",
	"About 4 years ago, I lost a friend to chronic kidney failure. A few things\nI notice was he was always depress and inactivity. He didn't do anything to help himself, he just gave up. At that time I didn't know what to do. 6 months later I was approached by a man at a local gas station and he stated he needed my help. ( on the back of my jacket had fitness Professional )\nI ask him why and he said he was on Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD) . He said he wasn't going to give up and he needed to be in better shape and just feel better about his life. His doctor told me what he could and couldn't do and I design a 2 month fitness program ( just walking and some very, very light resistance exercises ) for him. I have seen his Quality of life improve a lot. If anyone need more information\nI will be more than glad to share.",
	"Figured I would pop in and say \" What's up people?\"\n\nI am still on hemodialysis and doing fine.\n\nGot called down to Loma Linda on Dec. 19 for my kidney/pancreas transplant but after waiting for hours 'till the wee hours, they removed the donor organs and did not like the quality of the pancreas.So home I went.\n\nNo biggie though, by the time i found out the surgery was a no-go I as so stinkin' tired that i was in no mood to undergo a transplant and spending many days in the hospital.I guess I was not in the right mental state.It was a good dry run though.\n\nI found out how not to go down there on this last visit. Next time I go down there, my first stop will be to get a hotel room so i don't have to sit and wait in the hospital waiting room( basically a closet with a chair), and I will take my own thermos of coffee since they don't serve coffee in the hospital(Seventh Day Adventist thing).\n\nLive and learn.\n\nI hope you all are doing well with your particular issue.\n\nTake Care\nPanch",
	"Was reading this on the MSNBC website. Hope I copied it correctly to view.\nhttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28984455/",
	"Hi my name is Vicky and I'm married to Dave. On December 17th he was diagnosed with IgAN Stage IV. In a month he has dropped from 17% to 14% kidney function and life is going crazy. We live in a small remote town in Idaho three hours from the nearest nephrologist, so travel is a pain. Dave is pretty much in denial about all of this and the fact that he has to start PD in a few months. He still seems to think that he can get a transplant and life will be wonderful again. We have a million hoops to jump through before he will even be considered for a transplant and we're starting to work on them now. We do down next Wednesay for him to have a cath placed for PD then need to get to dialysis training class before the dialysis needs to be started.\n\nLife has been turned upside down and I'm still trying to absorb everything myself. Dave will not read about it, ask questions, he pretty much ignores it for the most part untill I start talking about it and he has to listen so I'm trying my best to read and find out everything I possibly can. We are starting the low potassium, low phosphorus diet like the dietican wants done. He has to have a cardiac work up and stress test, lose 50 pounds, be smoke free for six months, have a colonoscopy, and see the dentist. Right now I'm focusing on the issues on a priority listing so I'm concentrating on getting things ready for dialysis first. I need to rearrange our bedroom to give him more room on his side of the bed for supplies and equipment.\n\nMy head is just spinning. I work full time and we have a 14 year old daughter to take care of as well, so trying to balance everything is pretty hard to do right now.\n\nSo that's my story for now. I'm glad I found the forums here I'm hoping to retain a lot of useful information and read, read, read, and read some more until I feel confident with all of this.",
	"Hiiii\nI want to lose 7-8 kgs in the coming 3 months. .. I am doing workouts, walking and exercises daily, but not getting the kind of result as I want. Can anyone please guide me?",
	"I have a question does this sound correct. My surgeon is to do my fistuls on thursday next week. She says my dominate arm , right, is the best way to go with fistula. My left artery and vein arnt at the right number. Says it should be over a 2 but mine is a 1 point something, my right is 3 point something.. So she says to put it in right wrist , my arm isnt showing to be easy access to artery she would have to go under muscle.Waiting for reply thanks",
	"I would really like to hear from all those using the nxstage sureflow machine and their experiances.\n\n My experiance with the sureflow machine has been a total disaster. The machine has worked less than 2 % of the time for me. The help center has been no help. They have exchanged the computrer and I get alarm 44 every time and it cannot be resolved. I have asked our nurse to remove the machine and I will continue to use the bags and cycler only.\n\n I want to know if I am the only one in the world with this problem? Thanks to all those that respond.\n\n Dave H",
	"I go for my fistula surgery on March 10th. I still do not know if I made the right decision to go with home hemodialysis. After rereading a lot of the posts here, I am beginning to wonder if PD wouldn't have been better. How do you know if you've made the right decision with regard to your choice for dialysis? I am so afraid I have made the wrong decision here.\n\nAny insight?",
	"Hello everyone, My name is Cleo. I am Married to a wonderful wife named Marcy, we have four kids ( all grown amd Married) and have two granddaughters and another one on the way. I am 51 years old and I am in late stages of stage 4. We are enjoying reading everyones stories and have learned alot from just surfing around. So much encouraging information and couragous people. We just finished with my transplant evaluation last week and according to the transplant director I am a good canidate for future Transplant. Of course they hadnt recieved all my test results yet but he said I seem very healthy and a transplant should be a priority if at all possible before i have to go on any dialysis. ( I am not on any dialysis yet) but im prepared to do so when the time comes if a donor is not found. Im feeling great and have no troubles yet even though my gfr is 20 and my creatine is 3.5. I feel very greatful to feel as good as I do. My four children, my wife and three siblings all hope to be tested along with friends and other family so we are keeping our fingers crossed that one will work out. So anyway I hope to leearn all i can from you and mostly just have aplace to relate with people in my same situation.\n Thanks Cleo",
	"I am trying to find \"unenriched\" rice milk, but I can only seem to find \"enriched\" rice milk. Does anyone know what the difference is? Thanks!",
	"Hey,\nThis is my first time on this site\nMy name is drpepper (its a long story) I am going through preparing for dialisis.\nThis is after 10 years since my transplant.\nMy kidney started to fail April 2008. It is my wives kidney.\nI think she is pretty upset because I have to go through this a second time.\nBut I am doing everything to calm her down. I have had my share of her comments.\nIts hard to not be hurt by her negative reaction.\nAnybody out there going through this.",
	"I have read the long post which was five pages long about \"fistula and other questions\". I am now petrified about getting my fistula and am really thinking about cancelling the surgery. How many of you have had failed fistulas? God this makes me rethink whether I should be going through this. Sorry guys, I'm just freaking out right now.\n\nIs there hope in all of this?",
	"There are times that this is becoming very overwhelming for me and I'm not even the one who will be starting the dialysis!!!!! I'm not a TV watchers, I\"m not a reader. I stick my mp3 on and crank up some tunes and go to my crafting corner and do some rubber stamping and make greeting cards.\n\nWhat do you do to escape and just wind down?\n\nLeaving the house is not always an option I work all day so would rather be home but need to have something to block out the world for even an hour.\n\nthis is my stuff if you would like to peek\nhttp://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...0&ppuser=76246",
	"Hi Everyone! My name is Sonia, I'm 35 yrs old, and am about to get my catheter insertion surgery this coming Monday so I can start PD. I am sooo nervous. Everything is going so fast. Last week I was still working full time and now I can't even walk across a parking lot without feeling out of breath. I have gained so much weight (water retention) in the last several weeks, I wonder if this will go away once I start dialysis? I have a 17 month old daughter and I hope to return to work as soon as I feel healthy enough. I wonder if anyone can share their experience of how they manage to juggle work, a toddler, and dialysis? Will it be possible? Wish me luck!",
	"Hi all! I am a 40 year old female with one kidney. I haven't had problems with my kidney at all...until now. Last week, routine bloodwork (I've been working on severe hypertension, prediabetes, and cholesterol), my creatnine was at 1.77 and my gfr was at 32. I was a little worried, but my PCP ordered new labs this week. This week, they're even worse! Creatnine jumped to 2.53, while the gfr decreased to 21. I had a urinalysis & an ultrasound on Thursday and don't go back to my PCP until Monday. Does anyone have any words of wisdom? He will be referring me to a Neph. on Monday, but I'm going crazy with worry! The fatigue, itchiness (mostly at night), and discomfort (almost can be described as moderate pain) in my kidney, is driving me crazy. I know that these numbers and symptoms aren't good, BUT am I in the \"danger zone\" yet, or can it be turned around?\n\nThank you SO much for any peace of mind that you can give me. I can take the good with the bad, as long as I'm not kept in the dark. \n\nxoxo\nShel",
	"I am already a user by the way under a name blackrose, but for some reason when I select forgot password it didnt recommend the email addy I know I used. So this is my new account.\n\nI wont go into all the history as Ive done before with me and my boyfriend and our dialysis and relationship issues.\n\nHe has always been up and down in the way of moods and depression and going through phases where he wont take his meds cos he doesnt see the point (when he was depressed) and now hes matured more over the last couple of years in that situation he just forgets alot. I am at hand to treat him, care for him and remind him about his tablets and everything, but I cant follow him round and when Im not there he may forget to take them or something.\nHe has been really good with dialysis and tablets recently. But for weeks and weeks now he has been having constant head and neck pain that is also reaching into his ear now and then now, and it used to get better in the evenings, but now its just making him tired all the time and it doesnt seem to get better.\nParacetemol doesnt seem to work, or if it does not for long. I asked the nurse and she said without a doubt its cos of his phosphates. He takes them when he eats, but doesnt eat much and when he does eat sometimes he eats loads but only takes one tablet of each or forgets them altogether.\nAnd strict instructions of dialysis every other day now, not two day breaks all the time. He is dong well on dialysis but it leaving it an extra day at least once to twice a week now regiuarly and Ive been telling him its no good for ages.\nHe is good natured, and I cant imagine how hard all this is (dialysis, tablets and feeling crap all the time), but he still goes through constant phases of not taking enough of this or changing that. He doesnt listen until he gets a scare or the nurse tells him like today, and then for abit like a week itll work and even when he sees how much better he feels he still goes back to it.\nNow hes not depressed anymore cos hes on antidepressants, but obviosuly still feels down cos of the dialysis and being tired all day every day.\nOn top of that sleep is his fave thing apart from games and that doesnt help.\nNot too long ago his calcium went through the roof and his eyes became bloodshot and sore, They are sure its cos of this, and they felt like something was in them all the time. Even though his eyes are not as red all the time now, and his calciums back to normal, his eyes are still very sore, watery and sensitive to light. Sometimes they are still bright red. Hes tried drops from the docs, and bathing solution which makes them more sore and watery before easing them and then makes them water loads again.\nThen the headaches etc started. Hes been put back up with his iron again now to two vials a week for 4 weeks and a while ago his one alpha went down to 4 a day and his enanapril to two a day,\nThe nurses are stumped on what else they can try after all this time to make him more awake. I know he doesnt like sleeping all the time and having less time with me cos he feels bad and says so. But this is stressing us so much again, and when hes ill or theres a prob I just wish he would listen to my suggestions and try everything before just giving up on it or waiting it out all the time. meanwhile its a viscious circle and we end up arguing.\nLike now, he knows hes tired, but he wont tell me hes going back to sleep after sleeping all day. Now, his fault or not, theres no excuse for that and ive been here after getting up early all day to treat him, look after him and to stay the night and have some quality time with him.\nThen theres still the sexual problems like I posted before. Yes when he was seeing less of me once his drive went up for like a week, and he has been in the mood a couple of time since, and when the doc gave him viagra I think he tried to believe it would make him in the mood (i know it doesnt do that) and mind over matter it worked. but I think that was just a novelty thing for him.\nYes, theres problems with getting and maintaining an erection sometimes and sometimes coming to climax for him, and I know this can be embarassing and many mixed feelings about this for men, we talked about this. that bit is not an issue much anymore seein as he knows he can get past that with viagra and he hasnt even used viagra the last few times.\nHe didnt have a problem with anything much before he toom viagra when he was in the mood alot. So I know its not all about the sex drive if he can be in the mood.\nSo, anyway, since dialysis and apart from those few times, our sex life has been going downhill and most of the time its non exsistant.\nI have heard zinc may help, and I know kidney patiens have a difficiancy in this so we are gonna ask about that and see if he can have it and how much, cos i know too much can be bad or fatal. ive read on the net however some people have found the right dosage works.\nSome of the tabs he is on decrease sex drive, including antidepressants, but hes had this problem way before the antidepressants...for the last few years.\nIts really making our relationship go sour at times, and tbh through everything we have been through together relationship wise this is our last chance at making everything work and I just feel about to give up on the sex. But I know I cant go on without it at all, let alone for weeks and weeks at a time each and everytime. And when we do do it, or something, I can never enjoy it as much as I should simply cos Im wondering how long after this time. And the more I have it the more I want it too, to make up for lost time all the years probably.\nWe are getting on better, cuddling more etc, and Its not that I dont understand or anything. I tell him that all the time, But I just wish there was something he could look into or the hospital can give him to make him feel like it more. to make him have the desire cos he does love me and find me attractive.\nI think he needs to boost the minerals etc hes eatng up, and ask about zinc, and also ask about anything else he can do.\nWe are both 24 and we dont want to grow older not making the most of us and life. I know the sexial side isnt everything and we show affection by kissing (not long kisses like he used to like cos his drives gone and no I want you kisses), hugging etc.\nA sexual therapist wouldnt be any good cos he, the same as me, has agraphobia and doesnt go out much at all. he doesnt go out without anyone and certainly not to group sessions and even has trouble going every few months to his one on one pyschology sessions.\nI read that people on dialysis can live full lives and have families and jobs etc, and as time goes on things are not much different (pain and tiredness wise) as when they wernt on dialysis and my boyf has been on it years now and it seems to be getting worse, not better  it may be another few years yet on the waiting list.\nPeople are said to get better mood, health and sexually wise as soon as they recover enough after their op and even after his op on his necfk he felt alot better ages ago in many ways and it was great. I think the main thing is being brought down by everything wearing him out.\nhis tabs are:\n\nenanapril x2 a day\nnifedipine x1 a day\nprednisalone x1 a day\none alpha x 1 a day\nfolic acid x1 a day\nanti depressant (something...pram) x 1 a day\nepo injection into dialysis machine x1 a week (one 20mg and one 50mg together)\natm hes on two vials of iron once a week for four weeks.\nalu cap food tablets, ferounsa (sp?) chewable food tabs, and ferrousex (sp?) food tabs (so many a day dependin on how much food he has and none if he doesnt eat at all)\nthink thats it. i cant remember what dosages they all are.\nthose ferrousex tabs hes only just been told to take and noone told him he shouldve been taken them for ages now.\n\nim sorry for the huge post, but I am so confused, angrym upset and at my wits end. I cant keep making the effort, making myself prettied up, looking forward to things, making sure above all I do everything I can for him when he doenst take them right again and again every so often and gets bad, and go on like this. but i dont want to give up, cos hes so lovley and we are working on us and gwtting on so greeat now. hes so thoughtful and cuddles me, makes me feel speical, buys me nice things i dont expect that at all)",
	"A Chinese friend of mine says she drinks a tablespoon of honey in warm water every morning to keep her regular. I would think this would be safe for CKD patients. Does anyone know if this is permissable?",
	"My OH is in stage 5 CRF and is about to start CAPD I am really struggling with meals and especially what to use as an alternative to potatoes, I tend to use rice wherever possible but what can I use instead of chips/fries with meals?\n\nWhat makes it even harder is I have to two different meals for both of us, I have to have alow fat and his is the complete opposite.",
	"Wednesday we go for Dave to have his cath placed for nocturnal dialysis. They plan to put it on the left hand side since he has had an appendectomy, good way to avoid any scar tissue. My question is he sleeps on his left side. and he does move around at night, he doesn't do the twist or anything but he does go from his left side to his back to his right side (Snoring in my ear UGH) then back over to his left side.\n\nIs he going to run into a problem with kinking the line while sleeping on his left side? should we change sides of the bed or is all good?",
	"My friend is suffering and cannot seem to find the proper things to eat..she lives alone and has been having a lot of upset stomachs and neasuea. Are there any meal ideas that anyone knows of that I could make in advance and she could just heat up?\nOr maybe some snack ideas that would be easier for her??\nI feel like if I could make her a little more excited about eating, instead of it being something she dreads it might lift her sprites and help with her depression, and help her gain a little weight..\nANY IDEAS WOULD BE A GREAT HELP!!\n\nThanks So much!!",
	"I had had 5 treatments at the hospital/dialysis center when my body started jerking off and on. It ts as though I have Parkinsons. Is this a normal side effect? My kidney doctor just passes it off.",
	"I went to write a review tonight on the soft pretzels and the submit button never highlights to be clicked on so I tried a different random recipe and the same thing happened",
	"I am wondering if anyone who is predialysis on a low protein diet noticing skin breakdown? I've been exercising for years but am now having skin breakdown where ever the garmet i am wearing binds.",
	"Hi there, i am a current HD client, and i will shortly be on HD. I am on medicare at the moment but it will stop when i get to japan. I will be getting married once i get there and the japanese health coverage will start in 3 months. I need to know how much is a months supply of PD fluid? They do make it in japan so i may not have to ship it in. If any one can help it would be great. Take care",
	"Hi guys: I need some assistance here. I went for my vein mapping about a week ago. The doc never called me prior to his office staff scheduling the surgery. I got the pre-op stuff today in the mail and am about ready to have a C-O-W! They are doing the left arm (non-dominate) but state - left AV fistula, possible graft. When you get a graft, don't they assume you are starting dialysis REAL SOON?\n\nYo, I'm not starting dialysis anytime soon. I had intentions of putting this access in, maturing it and then waiting it out for another six months or so. Can you have a graft put in and still not start dialysis until later on down the road?\n\nI am really upset because the doc never said anything about putting a graft in my arm. He said I had good veins and more than likely they would use my own, not some plastic tubing. And now, I fear this was a wrong decision. Don't they clot? Then you can't use button holes either?\n\nAlso, someone please advise what kind of nightmare I'm going to experience if I go through with this? I hate to say it ChefNancy, but I questioned this just this week and felt uncomfortable. Should I cancel the surgery?\n\nI'm going to call the doc's office tomorrow morning ASAP, but it doesn't guarantee that he will call me back to explain this. I am so upset - you guys have no idea. Please someone tell me this is gonna work out?!!!!",
	"Hi,\n\nI've been searching around, and can't find anything indicating that a CKD patient can not donate blood. I've called the blood center in my area, and they don't have an answer. Does anyone know where I could find the answer to this?\n\nIn about 3 weeks there is a family that we are celebrating the gift of life that was given to her by blood donation by giving back. I had hoped to be a part of this, but wanted to make sure it was okay. I'm still in the process of obtaining a reliable Dr. to manage my care. I'm in Stage 2 for sure, and possibly bordering 3.\n\nAny ideas?\n\nThanks,\nGal Pal",
	"We got home about 8:30 tonight. Surgery went good, took about an hour, they kept Dave about two hours after that. He's pretty sore obviously but otherwise good.\n\nWe'll go back down on the 23rd for another visit to have the site checked and a dialysis flush and to have a follow-up with the surgeon and the nephrologist.\n\nWe have to go back down the end of the month early March and stay for five days for training then once a month thereafter.\n\nFor now he's good and did very well today. They gave him a pain shot after the surgery but he refused they one they offered just before we left and I think he was very sorry he did by the time we got home from the three hour drive he was in pain. we have my brother-in-law pick up a prescription at the local pharmacy for us since we would not be home early enough. They gave him Lortab and it took about 1/2 hour to kick in. He's in snoring away right now. They placed it just below the belly button.",
	"I thought since I've been a sad sack lately, I thought I would bring an interesting conversation to light - FOOD. We have all discused our favorite escape and even our dreams here on the board, so now I ask: If you could sit down with your favorite meal (don't think about anything it contains)- whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, what would it be?\n\nWith me, even at Stage 4/ 4 1/2, I am still eating like there's no tomorrow. I still stick with the renal diet, but again, don't we like to think about our food - the stuff that nourishes our tastebuds, our true stimulus to our soul. Call me crazy, but my dinner time is the best part of my day as I go home and prepare a good dinner.\n\nSo, what is it guys/gals? What's your favorite meal? In detail.....\n\nMine:\n\nA glass of red sangria (OF COURSE!), slightly chilled;\ngrilled asparagus with hollandaise sauce;\ngrilled charcoal chicken with Sweet Baby Ray's Chiptolee BBQ sauce;\nsteak fries with catsup on the side;\nand most importantly, cherry cheesecake for dessert.",
	"This am I got my fistula , It is a little swollen and bruised but doesnt hurt yet as it is still numb. Just thought I would let everyone know Im doing fine so far. Thanks for all your prayers. Have a goood day.",
	"I dont feel a buzz I do hear it this is day3 , Is it to soon or what? Im a little confused about this. I read about a buzz , where is it?",
	"Does everyone just tape their cath in place during the day? What do you do with it? don't want it just dangling I'm sure. I'm thinking of a way to make a support pouch that could hook around the back at the belt line so it's not visible with some eye hooks or snaps. Anyone have any suggestions?",
	"Hello, About one month ago my fathers Kidneys failed.. And he started Dialysis.\nDuring which on his first few times he got so anxious he pulled the needles out of his arms. They then proceeded to put him on meds to calm him. (which only work for about a 1/2 hour in) and he starts get nervous again. I go with him now every day he has it. And sit right next to him to prevent him from pulling the needles out or getting up. He just cant calm down. Every part of his body will start to ache. (usually his rearend and shoulder). Asking what time it is every 15 minutes.(To the point im thinking of ripping the clock off the wall) He cant calm down to read any thing. Talking to him doesnt seem to help. He cant hear well so watching TV is just that. He has even started to cry. Asking me to take him home and let him die.. I cant do this.\n\nIm at a loss as to what to do.. They have him on Haldol. Which Doesnt seem to be doing much for him. Any ideas would be wonderful.\nIt even gets to a point some times I get snippy.. Which isnt, doesnt help any one.",
	"I decided to go for Home Hemo for several reasons:\n\n 3 1/2 hrs in a chair was boring. And it ate up my day (11am to 2:30). And I didn't feel like doing much else afterward.\n\n It's gentler on the bod. (I feel no different after I'm done.\n\n Fluid restrictions (not yet for me, but I would imagine eventually) are less as you dialyze\nmore often.\n\n Potassium restrictions are a little more flexible for same reason as above. Altho I don't go around eating bananas and potatoes (I do use 1/2 banana for Protein smoothie)\n\n I can fit it in my schedule. I can do it in my PJ's.\n\n My time went from 3 1/2 hrs to 1 3/4 on Home Hemo (I have residual kidney function).\n\n I like being in control.\n\nI considered PD, but the thought of all that fluid in my gut did not thrill be. I am very active in sports and working out so PD would take away from that.\n\nDownside of Home Hemo.\n\n Does it really save \"time\". Nope, not yet. I'm a beginner - it takes alittle longer to set up. (Maybe 1/2 hour). Getting the blunts into the buttonholes sometimes takes longer, just because I am a beginner.\n\n There are supplies that need to be stored. And ordered.\n\n I go to the clinic (where I was trained) at least once a month. Doctor, the same.\n (This was all done in the center before). (Not really a big deal, but I am retired).\n\n Doing dialysis more often (5x a week).\n\nI'll add more later - it's early and I am not into writing/computers much.\n\nI'll say that training was intense. But we certainly had some great times. (super fun nurses did the training).\n\nCindy",
	"Not sure where to put this no forum for being bored.\n\nI've made the have an apple a day muffins, have the chicken enchaladas going and some pretzels and I'm bored out of my gourd!!!! I should be making some cards or chilling out watching a movie but I am just bored LOL",
	"My husband had a kidney transplant in November (Yeah). I, his wife was the donor. Everything thank God went Great. He is having some problems now. The one that is bothersome is low urine output, they want him to drink lots of fluid, but when he does, he feels that it is staying with him, bloating him. He has the urge to urinate, but low out put and is swollen lower right side abdomen. His number from blood work are coming back good. BUN 18-21 Creatine 1.0\n\nAny ideas?",
	"Not sure where to put this but I'm so fricken excited!!!!!!!! I work at our local hospital as a medical transcriptionist and today they had a drawing for some meat and I was one of the winners and won 50 pounds of free beef!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!",
	"O.K., the last 2 times I've been in to see nephrologist, he has been \"called away\" and didn't get to see him, but saw his \"assistant\". So I have all these questions about vitamins, Tums, etc. When I ask HER, I get the \"we don't restrict phosphorus until GFR of 30%. So, people here that are close to me in GFR are restricting phosphorus, protein, and potassium. So I should ignore her and take the Tums and avoid milk/milk products like I have been doing or start drinking milk??",
	"is there a manufacturer of unrine strips to test those things important to kidney patients, like, albumin, protein, sodium, potassium, and other important info ?",
	"The last few weeks have been a struggle for me. I am dealing with higher than normal levels of potassium and phosphorous, I can tell by how my body is reacting. It seems like everytime I eat something, my whole system goes out of wack. Everything I read and research about to make me feel better all boils down to going on dialysis to 'fix' the symptom. I was having serious potassium issues a couple of days ago, went online to find out exactly what could my doctor do for me, nothing, tweak my diet more or go on dialysis. I woke up with severe chest pains tonight, realizing that I am not getting better, and that dialysis, could be nearer in my future than I really anticipated. My poor husband, has very dark circles under his eyes from worrying about me. His role as caregiver is really weighing him down. I told him that if he wanted too, he could trade me in for a newer model!  His reply was that he liked this particular model! \n\nMy question to all my dialysis brothers and sisters, how did you know when it was time to go on dialysis, (besides the obvious number readings) how did you come to terms with this next step. I read everyones discussion through Stage 3 eyes, it has not been until now that I feel that dialysis could be close at hand.",
	"seeking info from others concerning PD cycler training. what process takes place to qualify for doing the Pd cycler. I already do the manuel PD & Definitly ready for the cycler. my center is giving me the \"run-around\" replies. thanks for letting me vent & HOPE hearing some replies ..",
	"Hi all me and my partner would like a child, he is on home hemodialysis daily what are the odds guys xxx",
	"My husband has only been on dialysis for about 7 months. Every month after his blood work, they tell him his phosphorus is too high. We have been working hard with the renal dietician to figure out what we're doing wrong. Finally, this month, she called to say it was much better. The Dr, however, had concerns about his elevated protein and has started him on something called fosrenol. (very expensive!!!) He is to chew one of these large tablets with each meal along with taking his calcium. Since starting this, he has complained about nausea and a bad metallic taste. Does anyone take this fosrenol or know if it is causing the nausea and bad taste? He is going to ask the Dr about it but we're still \"new\" and learning and need help and hope to learn from others!",
	"Okay guys - got a question here I'm hoping someone can answer.....\n\nFirst, as most of you know, I'm at stage 4 with creat. at 3.72. However, all of my other numbers are normal - potassium - normal, sodium - normal, phosphorus - normal, PTH - normal - hemocrit - off by a hair (34.8) and my cholesteral is a bit high at 206.\n\nNow the questions - if and when I start dialysis, am I going to have issues with keeping my other numbers normal? If they are normal now, will dialysis screw them all up? Or do you think they will continue to stay stable?",
	"My mother is 96 years old, and has been on dialysis since last October 2008. She has ESRD. We are hoping to go to England this year (where we both were born) to see relatives, and maybe take a cruise. I was wondering if anyone knew of any cruise line that does dialysis while on board?? If so I would appreciate hearing from you\nSheila",
	"I really need to come on here just to get things off of my mind. My dad has been doing so good and this past week he became very sick. He first had some nausea and vomiting, then diahrea. He sounds awful and hasn't eaten most of the weak. He has also not been drinking as much. I guess the main thing that really worried me was that this past Thursday he did not go to dialysis because he was feeling so bad and very week. He did go to dialysis on Saturday but asked to get off five minutes early due to having diahrea. The dietician had given my dad nepro. This is like ensure only it is for people on dialysis. You can find it it the drug store( I wasn't sure if anyone here has tried it or not). My dad had been using this to get some kind of nurishment but just threw it up. I don't mean to sound gross but now when he has diahrea he says it is like yellow water. I am assuming this is due from not eating. He took in a sample to see if he may have C-diff. My dad has had this many times in the past but not like this. The folks at dialysis seem to think it might be some sort of flu. There is a lot going around. I know that his immune system is compromised. I have never seen my dad this ill since being on kidney dialysis. I want to encourage him to eat something but he won't. My mom does everything she can but I know its a lot on her. Please pray that everything will be ok. I want to go and see my dad to make sure he really is ok but he wants no visitors. Maybe I should let him rest.",
	"I read this article regarding fluoride and ckd patients.\n\nhttp://fluoridedangers.blogspot.com/...to-kidney.html",
	"I'm post PD 8 months. Please be advised that PD can cause serious weight gain. If you are a weight gainer, or if you are currently overweight as you contemplate choice in dialysis. you may find yourself garnered with additional weight as a PD patient. Often 30 lbs or more.\n\nObese people also have a higher mortality rate as they begin their 3rd year as a PD patient.\n\nYour doctor will never tell you this....so think upon it....\n\ndh",
	"Ok we're back again. Dave is down to 11% kidney function now. They flushed\nhis catheter and all was good with it, a little more healing and it's all\ndone with. We go back down for five days the end of next week for training\nthen he'll start dialysis. His BUN is now 54 which actually dropped 4 points, but his creatinine went from 4.3 a month ago to 5.4 today. So as soon as we're done with training he'll begin dialysis. He did better today, got too overwhelmed at the end so I watched him and knew when he needed to leave so he went outside and I finished up everything with the PD nurse. She sent us home with some bandages and the belt, she hooked on the transfer kit and gave me a solution to flush him with again in a week. She was suprised he had very few fibrons coming on in the first flush so that was a good thing.",
	"I got the transcript from Dave's last visit with the nephrologist and I had had his urologist send over their office notes so the Neph had all information. Last year he has 24 ounces of fluid removed from a sac surrounding a cyst on his right kidney and he knew at that point that his GFR was 23%!!!!!!!!!! Why the \"BLEEP\" didn't he say something then, this would have been a little more gradual and a lot less in your face for Dave. He did realy well today, he still had to leave the room towards the end of it. He keeps thinking this is the begining of the end of his life and I can't get him to understand it's not the end, it's actually the beginning of feeling better and getting better, but I know that will all come with time, but we could have had a year to adjust to all of this instead of two months of intense in your face let's do this this this and this.\n\nThere I feel a little better now!!",
	"A chat room!!",
	"ok this seems to be a place for all sorts of questions lol...so I wanted to reditrect one of my earlier questions in a simpler different way...and add a couple more.\n\nSex: How many of you have had a problem with sex as in their partner on hemodialysis has no desire at all or very little very often, and how did you personally cope with it (what meds etc and where from?) Are there any vitimins such as zinc that will help boost in (with checkin with nurses of course).\n\nHeadaches: My boyfriend has constant headahces and often gets migranes in the evenings too. Even with his normal headaches he cant be around light cos it makes his eyes and head worse, and we think hes reached hus dry weight now on the machine (57.5). Sound obviously hurts him too, even someone talking and sleep helps abit, as does paracetemol sometimes, but only for a very very short time. And of course with this and everything else wearing him down hes asleep all day then pretty much. This isnt to do with depression btw.\ncos he does get overloaded sometimes and we know that causes headaches among other peroblems. The nurse said he might still need to go lower even though he feels like hes gonna pass out from his B/P at the end and often comes off ten mins or so early.\nEven when theres no extra fluid though, he still has these headaches all day every day and night. Hes got a checkup tmoz, and is gonna mention it then, but I dont think half the docs there tbh even notice what hes saying.\nI also read on someone elses post their husband got prescribed Tylenol #3? what is this? I would like to ask about it and look into it. They also mentioned coffee made it better, or ceffiene in general, but my bf isnt allowed alot of coffee, and only one kind.\n\nMSN: Any caregivers and likewise patients can send me their msn addys if they want and ill add them. I need to talk to people in my situation with our problems like the sex etc and will gladly take advice. Its nice to vent for a while you know?\n\nTransplant: I know everyones different, and it depends also on your mental and health state at the time, but say after a successful transplant... apart from the healing process how long does it take you to feel better even a little bit and how long till youre alot better?\nI know youre often out within a week, and are encouraged to do exercise and walk alot aswell as rest, but not to do too much or lift really heavy things for a few months, but do you feel alot better as in healthier and more awake and not drowsy and sick and worn out and draioned all the time?\nIf the transplant is unsuccessful, say after a few days or something, do you still feel good when you wake from the op and is it dangerous in any way as in fatal..can you just go back on dialysis?\nHow lkong on average is it till youre out the woods wethe ur at home or in hosp, till u know ur kidney will continue to work?\nOn average how risky is the op? I know all ops are risky, and my boyfriend doesnt have any allergic reactions, but I am scared of the odds of it causing damage or being fatal.\nI am worried sick, but dont want it to be muchj longer till he has it at same time.\nAnd finally, last time he kinda blew up and got chubby from steroids immediantly after the op...i think he weas 12.\nNow it bothers him, but not me...but does that always happen and how lontg does it last for? Im just afraid itll make him depressed thats all and cause more probs for us..esp cos hes into weights ectc. Is there anything they can do for that and will he have to do all the work with slimming and toning all over again?\nAnd sex drive...how quickly and striongly does that come back when youve had the op? i should imagine also its a few weeks till you can do that? lol.\n\nSorry for all the qs, but things are just draining us so much right now, and these are some specific answers we need so we know that most of our prblems will go away when he has the op if successful and also because of our history and our relationship problems in the past...I havnt the strength anymore if thing are gonna be worse or stay the same. Sounds selfish, but I love him and us too much to go through anymore stress and heartache after 7 years. I want to feel young again, and be wanted in certain ways and have passion back. I just want to know if two poeple love each other will all that come back after the op? cos im drained out here, and i love him with all my heart. It sounds selfish i know, and i love him too much to give up on us and him, esp after this long and id never give up on us cos of his illness. im not that type of person and ive stuck by him through it all, but I need these things asap and need to know this is hoiw its gonna be after the op. i dont want to be at peace with it, looking forwarsd to it and my heart sinks again cos we can never be free of problems dtragging us down so we cant be a normal couple. I do undersatnd,as i say to my bf, this is normal for us. But you know what i mean.\nIm not going to leave, but I just need as does he, something to look forward to in that our relatrionship is going to get back to how it used to be.\nBTW im know there will ber other problems and issues replacing these ones when he has a transplant, but at least itll be easier.",
	"Hi,\nnot too sure where to post this, but it seems to be the most popular section!\n\nI have a line right now and am not supposed to get that wet at all.\nI was wondering what can you use to keep your chest area dry when you take a shower.\n\nSo far I've tried ziplok bags and waterproof tape and it works ok, but my bathroom is very humid so its still not that great.\n\nI've tried plastic wrap before and that was ok to, but just a real mess to work with and so time consuming.\n\nThe hospital hasn't given me any dressings to try and use or any advise so I'm just trying to see what other people do.\nNo one I've seen that has a line has given me any advise and I'd feel akward trying to ask.\n\nMy mother was asking me if there was something made of plastic or rubber that would take less time to apply.\n\nIs there also anything that is reuseable and affordable?\nWhere i live the 1\" waterproof tape is $11 for a 5\" roll and it is the only size the stores and medical supply places sell.\n\nHopefully I can get a few suggestions or ideas, if not I might actually think of inventing something and having it made- even though that would be quite pricey.....",
	"I'm stage 4 raging from 18 - 20 GFR. I don't excercise. I say I'm gonna start but never do. When I do little things it is really hard like walking into a store from parking lot totally out of breath and tired, or I was folding a tarp slow at my own pace and the bending over and doing it totally got me so out of breath my back and chest hurt and I had to rest. Just walking to mailbox and back get me breathing so so hard? Why is this and is this related to the CKD????\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"Hi everyone i have been feeling very fatiged for months now i just feel like sleeping no energy i feel like i sleep at night at least my husband says i sleep i dont know iv gone to the docs but she doesnt say anything about it when i tell her im to the point i cant stand it this is not me please help",
	"My grandfather goes to dialysis 3 days a week. He says his taste buds feel\nless sensitive and he wants to be able to enjoy things that need sweetening a little.\nHe wants to try Synsepalum dulcificum, or the miracle fruit. Is this safe to use while\non dialysis?",
	"This one might be long. I am the caregiver to my stepfather who has failing kidneys, diabetes, missing toes, also had a triple by-pass in 2006, a defibrillator in January 2009, just to name a few of his problems. In addition, he has \"mild\" cognitive impairment from multiple mini-strokes, but in miniscule increments losing more of his capacity to reason.\n\nHe is going to have fistula surgery tomorrow, Fri., 2/27/09. I am worried because I can see the future and it ain't pretty. I am anxious because his heart is so bad, I'm not even sure it is wise for him to go on dialysis in a few months as has been urged by most of his doctors.\n\nHe is, to put it mildly, a miserable man. He does not enjoy much of anything, doesn't read, doesn't know how to converse. He is so sick he can't go for walks. He has alienated so many people, including 5 of his 6 children (my half-sibs) that he has little company, and that for only short periods of time.\n\nMy mother, his wife, has stage 6 Alzheimer's, and cannot talk. Being the caregiver for these two extremely compromised parents is exhausting. The crushing, grinding pressure of coordinating their care while working 29 hrs. a week, and supervising their home attendants is relentless.\n\nAnd now, with the fistula surgery, and dialysis looming in the distance, I am more distressed. I read what, to me, are horror stories about our poor seniors sitting in dialysis centers, yelling, pulling out their tubes, and I imagine my stepfather will do the same. He pulled out his tubes right after his triple by-pass. With his cognitive impairment becoming worse, dialysis is a nightmare in the making.\n\nA few weeks back, my stepfather stated that he would need company to and from dialysis when it begins. Inside, I panicked. I cannot take that kind of time off from work but since he is not thinking clearly, and never listens, I could not respond at the time. I assume the \"right\" thing to do is to go with him the first time. But I am dreading it immensely.\n\nFrom what I have read here, sedatives are a possibility, although they get filtered out along with the toxins. The best case scenario would be if he napped through the procedure. All I can do is hope.\n\nAny and all comments are gratefully accepted. Thank you.",
	"Two unrelated questions:\n\nWhat are the purposes of dialysis other than the obvious one of filtering out toxins? I keep reading that people on dialysis are tired \"all the time\" and I find that odd. What I mean is isn't dialysis supposed to improve things? Or is living tired better than not living at all? I do not mean to sound rude, I just have a tendency to write bluntly.\n\nIf I needed dialysis, I would go through it, just to stay alive. I love living, even if living were an exhausting endeavor, which it can be anyway. But it is not about me.\n\nMy stepfather is going to undergo dialysis in a few months. (Tomorrow he gets a fistula.) I need a serious education here about dialysis. I only know tiny, useless bits of information, like that it removes toxins, that it can be done at home or in a clinic, nocturnally, through a catheter in the chest, or through the belly. But I know nothing else.\n\nDuh! It just occurred to me perhaps I should get a book about dialysis, or read up on it on the Web. Double-duh.\n\nSecond question: I read somewhere here about DaVita Centers, and is my stepfather having his dialysis done at a DaVita Center. What are these? Again, I know next to nothing. I am a true newbie.\n\nAny and all answers would be greatly appreciated. Even blunt ones.",
	"I have been on in-center hemodialysis for 2 years and my nephdrologist suggests I would be a good candidate for the Buttonhole technique for my a/v fistula. I would like to know if anyone else has had experience with this and could share with me. I am told it will alliviate the nerve pain associated with cannulation and will promote the life of my fistula. This is new to my dialysis provider. I find there is not a lot of information on this on the internet. Any recommendations I could research? Thanks much!",
	"My husband and I attended a dialysis orientation a week ago at the center in our area that his doctor approved (we do not have a DaVita center). For the past few months I have been reading and reading and reading so I was familiar with terms, dialysis choices and medical jargon. The orientation helped cement the info in my brain and reinforced me being able to help my husband understand.\n\nHe has read the written material given him at the orientation and has done more thinking about this important step in his life than anything else I've ever seen him do.\n\nSooooooo.. having said this, I've got questions I'm hoping you all can answer:\n\nWas it as difficult for others to decide what type of dialysis to try as it is for us? Every time we say \"ah ha, this is the choice,\" we come up with a few good reasons why it isn't. The same is true for every choice we have. Our center trains for and supports both types of PD and the three types of home hemo. Every day when I think of our situation, I am so grateful we have these choices, assuming my husband is indeed a candidate for all, but they don't make the decision any easier. \n\nDoes a healed fistula put a lot of restrictions on what can be done with the arm? My husband has to get the fistula in his right (dominant) arm.\n\nIf doing home hemo, was it tricky for you caregivers to learn to do the needles? I've never given a needle to anybody but am 100% with my husband in learning if this is the choice we make.\n\nAlso, if doing home hemo, do you as a caregiver always do the needles or does your spouse, etc., ever do it?\n\nWe like to travel in our truck across country and would like not to have to give it up, thus we are seriously thinking of CAPD. If doing CAPD and traveling across country, any ideas/suggestions where my husband would do the procedures during the day? Is it ridiculous to think that once set up he could ride \"shot gun\" while I did the driving?\n\nI know I've got more questions but can't think of them right now. Thanks in advance for any info you can share with me!\n\nMarla",
	"This is my first time using this site. I was diagnosed with systemic lupus 20 years ago and have had two bad flares with 24 hour protein clearance over 6,000. I have been in remission since 1993 without any problems, but now my 24 hour creatinine clearance is creeping down. I am one who is either symptom free and in remission or very ill and on chemo. I feel very well and have no symptoms other than the 24 hour creatinine going as low as 61. Other numbers are normal. My rheumatologist is concerned but a urologist told me not to worry about it. I don't know why this number is decreasing in the absence of active disease. Any insight about this?",
	"Tomorrow i will receive my 7th dialysis treatment. everyone said i would feel better once i started dialysis and so far, i am feeling much much worse. i had my fistula placed a year ago so i knew that dialysis would be the inevitable outcome. other than feeling tired, i did not have any other symptoms and felt i could keep going without dialysis. however, my mom ended up speaking with the nephrologists nurse who urged her to get me on dialysis and i gave in one dsy when i was a little more tired than usual. now i am very very sorry i allowed myself be talked into it. not only do i feel worse than i did before but the diet is going to kill me. i am a type one diabetic and also have celiac disease which means no gluten - no wheat barley rye and mostly oats. i am a picky eater to start and there are literally 5 things i can put in my mouth without feeling guilty. all my labs are good except for how well dialysis is cleaning my blood so far. what do i do? where do i go from here? why do i not feel even marginally better? i would trade just being tired for the way i feel now. i am also having all kinds of problems communicating with the medical professionals responsible for my care. the dialysis nurse roll their eyes over the meds i take and act like my doctors are idiots and so am i for 'putting' up with them. i am trying desperately to get placed on a transplant list but the transplant center is also not communicating with me well and i have no idea what info they have received or not. does everyone have this problem? i have been and still am being as proactive as possible but the lack of cooperation is driving me nuts. this is no way to live life and cannot understand how anyone can be so positive as to think this is a viable way to live. all i want is to feel well enough to carry out basic daily living and that is in no way happening. ps - i am black and blue from wrist to shoulder despite the fistula and the pain is despairing. i have to force myself to go to dialysis. can anyone help? is this a common experience?",
	"anyone here whos a carer for someone on home hemodialysis or is a home hemo themselves pls add me to msn or pm me your addys.. im on facebook too.",
	"I Just got my new HeRO Access in January 09 and I would like to hear stories of any one else getting this new device. I must admit this is so great for me because I had a catheter for 2+ years. And I feel great.",
	"I am a diabetic on Lantus insulin 27 units a.m. and p.m., 2 Glipizide XR 10 mg. daily and regular insulin sliding scale as needed. I also have chronic kidney disease stage 4. I will be 60 in May. I have been disabled from nursing since '93 due to mental illness which is pretty much controlled with meds, although I don't handle stress to well.\n\nI see the Nephrologist at West Michigan Nephrology which is with DaVita.\n\n The first few hours in the morning I feel pretty good, and can get house work done. Then I start to get exalted, laying down frequently and feeling weaker and weaker. I get terrible headaches. I get cold and weak due to anemia. I was having pitting edema to my legs with extreme S.O.B. One of the nephrologists put me on Lasix 40 mg one in a.m. and one at noon. The SOB is much less and I urinate more.\n\n I see the nephrologist again in April, and I wonder if they will start dialysis then. I've read that I'll feel better.",
	"I am a 36 year old and I was born with a congenital defect in both of my kidneys. My ureters are smashed and on the side of my kidneys instead at the bottom dumping into the bladder. For years they could not figure out my severe back pain and my stomach would puff up. I was able to first just get stent placements every so often and keep going on with my life! But then about a year ago I took a step to have a procedure to correct the right kidney first. I knew going in that it may make it worse or it may work. So three weeks before that I was in the hospital I contracted MRSA from the stent that was placed. So I ended up quarantined and I got really sick to the point I could not get out of bed. Then I decided after being with the same urologist for ten years that maybe I needed to shake things up a bit. I went to JHU they are suppose to be the top I was seen by urology and a nephrologist. I was told eventually that my body was rejecting the stents and I had a major infection. They gave me a nephrostomy and a few days later they pulled the stent out. And when they did that it shut my nephrostomy tube down. So I had to go to the hospital and when we arrived urine thick like butter started coming out. It was all the infection that the stent masked while it was in. Now this is where my kidneys get tricky test like the Whitaker test always come back normal it is not that I dont have function it is that they do not function properly. So once again a doctor thought I was cured. That is the part that has frustrated me for years. Because every time I trusted a doctor the fluid started backing up and at one point I was carrying around 40 pds of fluid. So I knew that I would have to travel back to my 10 year doctor, so I called him and he said we would go with the Nephrostomy. 0205 they told me the nephrostomy was going to be with me for life. That my right kidney would never bounce back and that this is what I have to deal with. I was upset but I am blessed to not be on dialysis so I always keep that at the front of my mind at all times. But I struggle with pain and some days I have a hard time getting up when it is cold! I have small children and I have to keep fighting I would like to talk to people that have KD. Sometimes I feel like family does not understand and they worry alot! GOD BLESS everyone!",
	"I;m two weeks into dialysis at a new center. People are great, care excellent. My problem is low blood pressure. Never had it before. been expecting dialysis for over 10 years, so I think I've learned a little. When is the drained feeling after treatment going to get better. The Doctors keep saying it will in time. With the help of the numbing agent, I can stand the needle sticks, and the sore butt from sitting for 3-4 hours, but feeling lite headed and exhausted for a day is difficult. I would like to get on with my normal (as near normal as possible) life; go back to work (part-time) and enjoy all that I did a year ago, before feeling lousy. My husband is worried that things won't get better. It's very hard on family and friends.",
	"Hi there-\nMy Grandma is 84 and has been on dialysis since Oct.07- she lives alone and during this time period I was living in Calif where I could help her alot. She was in and out of the hospital due to fluid retention in her lungs 5 times since then... I was cooking for her and stayed with her alot but my husband and I had to move back to Oregon and I am so scared for her...\n\nShe has been doing pretty good. But recently she has been told her potassium levels are way too high... My question is this. She needs to up her protein and lower her potassium.\nWhat type of foods should she try to consume that are lower in pot but good sources of protein? We have a bunch of guides but there isnt a whole lot of them that are \"simplified\" if anyone has a user friendly site or list that you could recommend that would be great.\n\nMy Grandma has a real hard time cooking when she gets home from dialysis so simple things are best..She went from 155 when she first started dialysis and now she is 106.\nShe is a strong woman and I am so proud of her, but I am also very worried about her.\nShe doesnt have a lot of friends left or family to help her. She does eat eggs most mornings , a nephro aid drink for lunch and tries to have some noodles with a little chicken for dinner but I know she skips this at times. She does dialysis 3 times a week and has the hardest time on her long day where there are 2 days between. Thank you for your help!!",
	"Hi, everyone,\n\nI just wanted to say that we live in a such big world where every one of you who are waiting for transplant will find his/her donor!\nMy name is Maria, I was born in Chisinau before moving to Lanchester, UK. I have had a kidney failure and was on transplant list in UK for three years. Then I had started searching alternative ways and met a lot of frauds who were looking to benefit on my situation.\nFinally, seven months ago I have met an ex-coordinator of GiveAHand non-commercial charity organization in Chisinau - Veronika Sadu who amazingly saved so many people who needed transplants, financial support etc. She knows so many people who need help, who can help and she can link them together. She helped me with her past contacts and was able to found me my matching donor - Romy.\nI just wanted to tell all of you not to lose hope. There are so many good people in this world!\nPlease, if you have any questions, you can contact me at little_ms_france@bonbon.net.\nGood luck to all of you!!!",
	"Hi Everyone.\n\nMy question is - do I need to go on a renal diet after my transplant to prolong the life of my new kidney? I already have to watch what I eat because I have slight type 2 diabetes from the transplant but don't know what else I should be doing...\n\n\nJoanne",
	"If I wanted to start leaning more towards a vegetarian diet, what vegetables, etc. would have the best sources of protein? I have heard, and read that plant based protein is better for, and easier on the kidneys than animal protein.",
	"Hi all - I go for my fistula surgery in two weeks. There are a few questions I still have as I continue to see different posts here with regards to people's fistulas. Am I to believe that I can no longer wear a watch on my left arm?\n\nAlso, as my job dictates me to pick up desktop and tower pcs, printers, copiers and fax machines, am I to believe that I will no longer to able to do so? This surely is gonna put an axe to my job if I can't do so. However, I have heard, even from some of the guys on this board, that they lift weights while having a fistula. Am I wrong to think I will never be able to lift anything, with the help of my dominant arm, over 10/15 pounds? Will I never be able to lift weights with that arm?",
	"Okay guys - I know this isn't a great place to post this, but I'm at stage 4 and was wondering what may cause bright yellow urine? A med student of mine stated that consumption of B vitamins may be causing this and since I just started drinking a new fruit juice, I was asking advice here.\n\nThe juice is a cranberry juice by Ocean Spray with green tea extract, cranberry, apple and grape juice from concentrate. It also states it has extra B complex vitamins added. Does anyone know if whether the green tea or these B complex additives may be causing my urine to be more yellow? Is this a cause for concern or should I stop drinking the juice?\n\nI drink between 4 to 5 bottles of water a day - before drinking this juice, my urine would be clear by the end of the day. So I presume I'm still hydrated and the dark urine isn't due to that. Any ideas would be helpful.\n\nAnd I must apologize if this isn't exactly dialysis related, but as a CKD person, I was wondering if it was related somehow to CKD.",
	"We head out thursday morning for our training for the PD. NOt looking foward to it, Dave didn't tolerate the flush last night very well, he got really anxious and wanted to get done before we even started, even got grouchy with me. hopefully this will go ok.",
	"We are embarking on the fundraiser bandwagon. Anybody ever done this? We have the priveledge of having several different people on our informal fundraising board: Police, animal rescue, financial environment.\n\nI am curious if you have done this. If you have would you share your experiences? What did you do to raise money? Food, Silent auction, ??? Were donations tax deductible? How did you organize it?\n\nThanks for your input.",
	"Hello,\n\nI was wondering if anyone could help with an opinion or two....I'm not sure whether to sit tight with my GP or to move on to a Nephrologist. Thanks in advance for any advice.\n\nAlmost a month ago I finished a 10 day course of an antibiotic (Azithromycin) at high dose. During the last 5 days of the drug I urinated -constantly- & experienced great thirst and flu-like symptoms. About a week later lab tests showed Creatinine at 1.33 / GFR 58. Yesterday (two weeks later) a second set of labs showed 1.36 / 56 (I'm 47). I'm finishing a 24-hour collection to turn in tomorrow, although I've read that the 24-hour collection method isn't much more accurate than the MDRD estimation method in stage 3.\n\nMy GP thinks everything will be fine, and wants to simply monitor my creatinine / GFR for several weeks; he thinks things will fade back to normal, or at least to above 60. There aren't any other test values out of range, other than a slight trace of protein from a urinalysis.\n\nI'm afraid that this may turn into a chronic slide downhill, but it could just be fear speaking. I wonder if I'm panicking for no good reason and this is something acute that might spring back.\n\nDoes anyone have an opinion as to whether it would be a good idea to make the jump now to a Nephrologist? I was thinking that maybe something more aggressive than \"wait and see\" might be a good idea. My GP said he'd prescribe a course of prednisone if I wanted to try it, but at this point I'm hesitant to take anything without very good reason.\n\nIf anyone had any kind of opinion on this, I be very grateful....\n\nThanks,\n\nCharlie",
	"hi I am new to this site . I have had ckd for 28yrs but just found out recenty that my oldest son who is 28yrs old has alports. He had lost his hearing in both ears when he was 21yrs old just woke up and couldnt hear. He went to the drs and they couldnt figure out why he lost his earing. Just recently he started to get panic attacks went to the drs and they found out his bp was very high and had his blood tested. Found out he had protien in blood just like I do . Sent him to spealist and he had a kidney biopisty and found out he has alports he went to my kidney dr. so now I just found out I have alports too\nnow my other son must be check and his two children. Our dr just put us on special diets. Mine is no red meat, low phosphorus, 65 grams protein, 2.4 gms sodium, 60 mEO potassium and 1700 cal. My son diet is 75gms protein, 2.4 sodium, 66mEO potassium, 2400 calories. So if anyone has any ideas on what we can eat please give us some ideas\nMY son is a ckd3 and I am in ckd4. My one kidney is dead and my other is pretty much close to the end. So I really want to follow this diet so I can put off going on dialysis as long as I can. thank you for all your help",
	"Hi,\nHope everyone is fine today.\nHad bloodwork done on Weds, the nepth called today, all my numbers were perfect(she didn't give most of them to me because I have an appointment on next weds) but she said my potassium was really low 2.9 to go out and buy some bananas and tomatoes. I know there are many of you out there that wish they had my problem/ When I was in the hospital and nursing home in Nov and Dec they had a hard time keeping it up and would give me some awful tasting stuff to drink.\nBut they think that having low potassuim may have caused my hear attack.\nOther good news the neurologist called today also, had a brain MRI on Weds too, for the 3 month check-up from when I was in the hospital, every thing is clear no signs of anything. so don't need to go and see her, unless I have a problem or feel something coming on.\nSo I am having a great day!",
	"I am concerned. I've been slowly trudging along with CKD in stage 3 then stage 4 for years. Numbers have stayed kinda the same, but this last set of labs I got dropped alot. GFR went from 20 to 16 and Creatinine from 2.7 to 3.18, BUN from 36 to 48. Carbon dioxide was low, Potassium and Phosphorus, protein, and cholesteral was high. It was not a good report to say the least. Anyway I have my doctors appt next week, but kinda wanted to be prepared and know maybe what might happen or what this means????\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"I'm trying to get a second opinion for my fistula or graft or whatecer? and the problem i have is there is only 1 vascular clinic in my city, so I can not get a second opinion.\nThere are 3 doctors that work there, but they are really all the same as they work together....so I would only be getting a biased second opinion around here.\n\nThe vascular surgeon I did see reccomended that I go for some tests with a cardiologist before they do anything else.\nNow in my city/country a cardiology apt can take months- usually at least 3-6 months wait for tests.\n\nI would like to know, how people on here went about finding surgeons. Sp far the hospital here has not been helpful and family is \"too busy\" to help me look.",
	"Hey everyone, just thought I would pop in and share. I found this on Sunny Delights website.\n\n\"How much potassium is in SunnyD?\nSunnyD Chilled flavors don't have an exact amount, but will contain less than or equal to 35 mg per 8-oz serving of potassium.\"\n\nhttp://www.sunnyd.com/faq.shtml\n\nAs with all our foods it's about moderation. But 35mg is pretty good if you're craving orange juice. Compared to a cup of the real stuff which would have 473mg of potassium! Now it does contain about 90mg of phosphorous though so may have to watch that a bit more and 190mg of sodium. I'm not saying it's an everyday drink but when that craving gets a little strong. Of course consult your dietitian and such.\n\nIf anyone else finds something like this please give a shout out. I'm always looking for ways to expand my dietary limits as I think we all are!",
	"On March 14 I am going to participate in the Kidney Walk in Charlotte, NC. Just to update you quickly on my health? My poor kidneys are dead, I have COPD and Pulmonary Hypertension and am on O2, 24x7. I am an old man and weak as old men are. But I have had the time and the strength to get a team at our location and raise fair amount of money.\nIf 2 or 3 from every center made a team and collected money, what a R&D budget the NKF would have along with dollars for education and support at the local level.\nRemember, I got it, nothing is going to change that. So what can I do? Well I can grow flowers for beauty. I can take my dilysis seriously, OH YEAH, I can try to help others. Darn, why did I not think of that 50 years ago. So now is make up time.\nHere is the newspaper article advertising us. You too can contribute.\n\n\nMoore County Residents Participate in Walk\n\nBY MARY ELLE HUNTER: SPECIAL TO THE PILOT\n\nA group calling themselves The Pinehurst Pinecones are busy collecting contributions to benefit the National Kidney Fund while they participate in an Annual NKF Walk in Charlotte Saturday, March 14.\nThe Pinecones are walking in memory of Joseph Wilford, a fellow dialysis patient who recently succumbed to renal disease. He was a Pinehurst resident, a retired senior vice president of the New York Life Insurance Company overseeing its real estate division.\nKen McGee, another dialysis patient, is leading the contingent of Pinecones, who are also honoring the more than 100 people who are presently on dialysis in Moore County. Kathy Wilford, widow of the late dialysis patient, applauds the efforts of the group since she believes it is especially important to draw attention to the life-threatening illness.\n\"We are all at risk for kidney disease,\" she says.\n\"My husband had kidney disease for 15 years before he had to go on dialysis. In his case, the disease was brought on by complications after surgery for bladder cancer. Ultimately, his kidneys stopped working entirely and he underwent the exhausting and painful procedure three times a week. I was my husband's caregiver throughout the long ordeal, and by being proactive with his health, we did manage to extend his life by a good bit.\"\nKen McGee points out, \"About 80 percent of the people on dialysis are receiving the treatment because of the main causes -- diabetes and high blood pressure -- that can be controlled. Renal disease is usually treatable if detected early, and its progression to kidney failure requiring dialysis can be slowed or even, in some cases, prevented altogether. Awareness can save or improve lives, and we want to let people who have either of those problems know that they don't need to end up on dialysis.\"\nRight now in the NKF district covering North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, there are 60,000 patients on dialysis -- more than in any other district in the United States. It is predicted the number of cases might be doubled during the next decade, necessitating the expansion for dialysis facilities.\nOther disturbing information shows that more than 80,000 people are on a waiting list for a kidney transplant, and 17 people die each day from lack of a transplant. All of these facts and forecasts indicate that education for prevention is of prime importance.\nThe National Kidney Foundation is presently working on preparing instructive materials for school-age children, as well as promotional pieces aimed at the adult population. In addition, according to Ken McGee, there are local speakers available for clubs and churches.\nA significant corporate donation has been received on behalf of The Pinehurst Pinecones from the Pinehurst Nephrology physicians, and another corporate sponsor is Pinehurst Medical Clinic. McGee says that the goal is $2,000 -- a modest $20 per Moore County patient. Individual donations may be made online at the National Kidney Foundation.\nSimply access the NKF Charlotte walk on March 14, or if you have a problem call Ken McGee at 783-9988, the DaVita office at 295-2124 and ask for Amanda or Betty, or Kathy Wilford at 235-4659.\nWilford asks people to consider that you never know when kidney disease is going to strike you or someone you love.\n\"When you invest in the Annual Kidney Foundation walk, you are investing in the future of your children and grandchildren,\" she says.\nContact Pinehurst freelance writer Mary Elle Hunter at mhunter104@yahoo.com.",
	"Tonight wil be Dave's first night on dialysis. We got home this afternoon after four days of training. Mostly took so long because his stomach would not cooperate and she was having to add heparin and cath care to try to get the blood clot and fibrons to break up, so tonight we shall start. The machine was a major no brainer if you can read you can do it and push a few buttons and follow instructions wheeeeee. So we'll see what tomorrow brings. Wednesday will be our first delivery from Baxter i'm rather worried because Baxter does not come up here so we'll be getting it from a courier service.",
	"My PCP said that my cholesterol was a little on the high side and to watch my diet. I don't know how much more I can watch my diet or feel like I am starving myself. What can I eat that will help lower my cholesterol but is still kidney friendly? I love oatmeal and I used to eat it all the time but oatmeal is now on my limit/avoid list.\nAlso, is unsalted butter better than the margarines?",
	"I don't know why I am itching - it has been happening in the evening...I just get itchy all over.. I thought it was the soap I was using while visiting ... I thought it might be the detergent... etc. etc... I have ruled that stuff out ... what can I be eating that may cause it. I have been eating the same stuff I was eating when I didn't itch... HELP.. I'm driving myself crazy!!!",
	"Just wondering if anyone has had problems after the needles are pulled out of your arm. As for me, I've been having a bad problem with bleeding. The blood will take sometimes up to an hour to clot. The nurse hasn't given me heparin in about 2 weeks. Back in Jan I was sent to the hospital x-ray dept for a fistula graph, not finding any problems, the nurse, tech and myself are baffled. As anemic with a low hemoglobin this is not good. I lose a large amount of blood after treatment.\n\nThe nurse has schedule me with the x-ray dept again but for a different type of test (don't remember at the moment what it's called). This will be next Friday 3/13. So I was wondering if anyone else experienced this type of issue. Thanks for sharing.",
	"Hi all - well tomorrow is the day for my fistula surgery. Surprisingly, I don't feel nervous yet, but I'm sure by tomorrow morning I will be sick. I guess the main question is: Do I take the pain killers or do I simply tough it out? I'm a bit scared thinking that perhaps the pain meds may do something worse to my kidneys.\n\nI took off three days from work - call me a wuss, but I simply don't know what to expect. Doc says the incision shouldn't be any longer than 3 mm.\n\nAny comforting words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thanks.",
	"I love Dear Abby I get a daily email for the column. This was in it the other day.\n\n EARLY SCREENING FOR DISEASE CAN PREVENT KIDNEY FAILURE\n\nDEAR ABBY: I was a healthy 12-year-old girl in junior high,\nsociable and energetic with no cares in the world, until one\nday my mother noticed I wasn't my usual self. I was tired\nand had no interest in any activities. Frustrated, she\nencouraged me to try out for my school's volleyball team.\n\nWhat was supposed to be a routine physical for the team\nturned into a life-changing experience. I did not end up\nmaking the team. Instead I was diagnosed with chronic kidney\ndisease. My test results showed that I had too much protein\nin my urine. After more tests, I was told I was in kidney\nfailure.\n\nI was only 12, and I didn't understand why this was happening\nto me. Nobody was expecting the news we got that day. The\ndoctors told my parents that I would need to go on dialysis\nor have a kidney transplant and we should start looking for\na donor.\n\nA urine test was never part of any of my annual checkups. But\nprotein in the urine is one of the earliest signs of kidney\ndisease. That simple test might have prevented me from losing\nboth kidneys.\n\nNearly 100,000 men, women and children are now on the waiting\nlist for a lifesaving organ transplant. One hundred people\nare added to the list -- and 17 die -- every day. With early\ndetection kidney disease can be prevented. So please urge\nyour readers to get screened now and screened often.\n -- KLARISSA RAMIREZ, MINNEAPOLIS\n\nDEAR KLARISSA: Thank you for your letter. I was, frankly,\nshocked to learn from it that kidney disease could strike a\nperson at such a tender age. I'm pleased to pass along your\nimportant message.\n\nReaders, March is National Kidney Month -- and March 12 is\nWorld Kidney Day. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has\na screening program called KEEP, which stands for Kidney\nEarly Evaluation Program. On World Kidney Day, KEEP will\noffer FREE screenings in cities across the country for people\nat risk for kidney disease.\n\nIf you or a family member has diabetes or high blood\npressure, or if there is a history of kidney disease in\nyour family, visit kidney.org to learn more and locate a\nscreening near you, or call the National Kidney Foundation\nat 1-800-622-9010.",
	"My husband has just been diagnosed with Nephrogenic Fibrosis. Is anyone else dealing with this problem or has even heard of it.\nIt seems to be diagnosed only in people with failing or failed kidneys and most on dialysis.\nDoctors we have talked to have heard of it but seem to know very little about it. Some think it is connected with a dye used with MRIs called Gadolinium.\nYou should all be aware of this since, it seems, only kidney patients are effected.\nMy husband has been on PD for more than two years and this fibrosis started we think about\n4 or 5 months ago. Any info you might have would be greatly appreciated.\n\nJune",
	"Hi All..\nThanks for listening to me. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 21 years...now, not so wonderful. I need help. He started dialysis in Dec. 08, he is in kidney failure, and will have to have a kidney transplant within the next year.\nHere is my problem...he has so much anxiety...he almost goes into a panic attack. He cannot sleep...waking and walking around all hours of the night. Me or my son now has to go to dialysis with him...a few games of cards and then he is asleep for the rest of the time. He tells me its not the dialysis that scares him...but being in a chair, not able to move around. Please, please help. I don't know what to do. This is driving me crazy.",
	"I know this has been hashed over and over on the site, but I have only found where links to purchase low protein bread have been posted.\n\nDoes anybody know what ingredients one would use to make homemade baked goods that are low in protein. I do not want to use a baking mix; instead I am interested in figuring out what ingredients I might use to make stuff from scratch. I have a good resource for bulk items.\n\nThanks for all input.",
	"Hello All,\n\nMy grandmother is the patient in our situation. She had a fistula put in on Oct 31 of last year. Her fistula is working fine but it is not being used yet. Her neph says the fistula is too deep to stick. She has had two fistulograms done and the vascular surgeon says they nurses can start sticking it, but the neph says they can't so they haven't tried to stick it. The neph says she needs another surgery to move the fistula up. Has anyone ever had this problem? If so, what is involved in having the fistula moved? Thanks for any help anyone can offer.",
	"Well, today I found out that my insurance company, Carefirst/Blue Choice will not pay for home hemodialysis. So, my hopes and dreams have been shattered. I want everybody here at Davita to read this so they can understand that INSURANCE COMPANIES DON'T GIVE A CRAP ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!\n\nPlease note that I hope to put out my horns to advise society that CAREFIRST sucks! Please DO NOT SUPPORT THIS COMPANY!\n\nThey don't want the unhealthy people - they only want the healthy people who can continue to pay into their company.\n\nIf this post is removed, I will understand, because I am hotter than Satan right now. Stay positive you say? Not anymore because CAREFIRST JUST KILLED MY LIFE OF FINDING HOPE AND SURVIVAL ON DIALYSIS.\n\nThank you all for your support, but I'm gone.:",
	"I had an appointment with my renal doctor today and I am very happy with the results. My creatinine is 1.91 (from 2.1) and BUN is 24. However, my white blood cell count is low. Therefore, my renal doctor wants me to see a blood specialist.\n\npal",
	"Hi,\nI was just wondering what the cost of a fistula surgery was in the US, if anyone knows?\n\nAlso how much are graft surgeries?\n\nI'm trying to find out what options I have as there is only 1 vascular clinic in my city and can't get a second opinion unless I go 4 hours away somewhere.\n\nI know for dialysis, there is a centre in Florida in North Miami that lets me pay what I get reimbursed for dialysis there, but I doubt that would apply to any surgery.\n\nI don't have any money at the moment so in a way kind of afraid of knowing the cost. I do have a credit card with 3% interest though, so will probably use that...\n\nAt the rate I am waiting for info are apoinments in my city, I'm sure it will take 6 months to 1 year for any consultations.\nI actually regret going to surgery to stop using the fistula I had as it turns out I was totally mislead and told I could have surgery for a new fistula while in hospital in November.\nWell, now it is march and turns out that was a whole load of BS,.\nI'm trying to remain positive about my situation, but it's really not working.",
	"My husband was just diagnosed with CKD. He knew his kidneys were failing several years ago. Last year his pacemaker battery died and his kidneys started shutting down. After a Life Flight trip to the hospital and a new pacemaker, the kidneys were damaged more. He also has diabetes so we've got at least three strikes against us. My question is, once he starts dialysis I understand the diet changes. He is already on a restricted diet because of the heart disease and diabetes. How much more change can there be?\n\nHe is also extremely depressed and has been for years since he had open heart surgery. He doesn't believe depression is a disease and I can't convince him otherwise.\n\nI'm afraid this is going to be a very long, rough road for both of us. It's a good thing I have lots of Faith.",
	"I've posted here before. I hope a new thread is OK. I'm at stage 4. I am single, with only a brother. Here in Michigan we have Senior Resources, and they set me up with a Home Help Aid, which Medicaid pays for. We have become friends.\n\nI was put on Lasix 1 am and noon because I was SOB with exertion and had pitting edema in my legs. The last week I kept forgetting the noon Lasix, but I felt good. Yesterday I was SOB again, then when I went to bed I noticed my legs were puffy, so I started noon Lasix again.\n\nI'm not sure how I'll do once on dialysis. I read one key to success is the will to live. I struggle with one. I've been disabled since '93. Sometimes I'm so tired and bored.\n\nThings that do help is doing Bible studies, but have to do them alone. I can't get to church because frequently have to leave early due to exhaustion and SOB. My rides don't appreciate that, so I just don't go. My faith is good, but I miss worshiping with my church. My faith has brought me through some tough times, but I miss fellowship.\n\nI know some don't understand this, and I hope I haven't offended.",
	"Hi my name is Andrea but most people call me Andee. Well a couple days ago I reached my 8th year with my transplant. But I do have to say it was my 3rd transplant. For years the doctors told me I would never have another one. I still remember the day I got the car. But after learning at the age of 14 I had kidney disease. I feel I have been through it all all the pain and anger confusion depression and if you are reading this you know what I mean.so the person I got my kidney from who is my angel he gave me my life but if you have any questions or you wanna vent feel free just remember everyone deserves their happy ever after",
	"I had this one very disturbing thing happen o me 2 months ago and am kind of wondring who I should report this to.\nAt the time I was extremely tired and could not get around myself, so did not yet contact patient services at my hospital.\n\nI am still quite disturbed by the whole situation and will at least make the hospital knowabout it.\n\nWhile I was in the hospital in Nov 2008 (end of Nov/Dec) one nurse that was n my floor was talkng to some of my family members and giving them theimpression that they were a dcotor.\nThis one nurse was using a desk across from the nursing station (usually where doctors work) and was also telling my sister that I should not take any allergy medications as I \"have no allergies\".\nThe nurse then also told my sister I did not need to take any extra medications and to just throw out what I had at home (I am/was only taking what was ordered for me at the dialysis unit and it was them that ordered my allergy medications as I react to chemicals there).\n\nSo, my sister later on tells me that \"a doctor told me to throw out your medications as you did not need them\".\n\nI actually spoke to that nurse and was told that I did not need to take any medications and the nurse did not elaborate much on that and was then told by the same nurse that they were allowed to write medical orders and also allowed to sign the doctors name on them without the doctor being present and that the same person could also order medical tests.\nThe same nurse then tells me that I did not need any aditional tests and would not call the doctor for me when I had also injured myself in the hospital.\nI guess I should have mentioned that at that point I had a TV hit me in the head by my bedside and that it had agravated some whiplash from a previous injury.\nSo, now this nurse was refusing to put in a request for me to see a doctor other than regular rounds.\n\nIt was only after the 4th or 5th time I had asked at the main nursing station (that nurse was only there part of the day), that I found out my messages were not being passed along.\n\nAs soon as I saw this (troublesome) nurse and mentioned that I was going to file a complaint with the hospital being negligent to my serious injury (I could not turn my head at all, in extreme pain) and that if I was not sent for xrays I was going to take legal action.\n\n-thankfully I was sent for an xray about 1 hour after that...and I am/was seriously injured I have 2 pinched nerves in my neck and also some vertebrae out of place (was also sent for a MRI and CAT scan).\n\nI know this post is kind of long, but I'm just wondering who should I start to bring this up with?\nOne of my issues is that this nurse had other people thinking they were a doctor when they are not.\nMy other issue is the same person refusing to call the doctor for me, but that seems a bit late to complain about that anyways.\n\nSo, I guess my other issue is the same nurse trying to tell family members and myself what medications to take when that is also clearly the doctors job.\n\nI don't know why I keep on geting such bad luck with people at the hospitals here, but it seems to be way more than other people....",
	"I've been on dialysis since I was nine. Its not hereditary either side of the family. I was born with one that just went caput. Along with severe bone disease that caused me to need a metal plate in my knee and pins in my hips. I did peritoneal dialysis from 9-13 then mysterious infections creeped in i was put on hemo man those 1st sticks hurt!!! Then at 16 I had a transplant now during all this I knew Children's/Fairfax hospital inside out...\nI was still stabbing at being a 'normal' teen girl. Moving forward... So the transplant rejected at 18 and I went back to Hemo a graft placed in my left leg it had to be revised 2 different times in a 9+year span.. it was removed and a new one is now in my right leg. Since 2006 where Ive been since. This past 'March 11th 2009 made 20 years of illness surgeries, disappointment, depression...I never really had a childhood it was spent away from my mother 2siblings..mom always at the hospital and trying to raise them all alone\nHow do I stay sane through PRAYER, PERSERVERANCE and PROTECTION from the BIG GUY MY POPPA!!\n\n\n\n Attached Images \n\n cekarra 021.jpg\n(23.9 KB, 340 views)\n\n cekarra 045.jpg\n(19.5 KB, 331 views)",
	"I dont have time to be down\n\nbecause i'm blessed with the new life i've found\n\nit might sound crazy to you\n\nbut what good is it to moan all the days through\n\ni'm blessed to have made it this long\n\ni remember that and renew a hope so very strong\n\nwhen i think i cant handle this at all\n\ni encourage myself before the tears fall[/center]",
	"Does anybody know how much protein, potassium, phosphorus and sodium is in Corned Beef & Cabbage?",
	"I am new to posting on forums and really dont know where to begin. My husband of 20 years is facing dialysis soon. He has chosen not to do PD but rather try the nocturnal dialysis. My biggest fear and emotional fear is not being with him during this. He has had many illnesses during our time together and I have never left his side. Now I am told I will not be able to stay with him and emotionally it is killing me inside. I ams sure thousands of spouses have my same feelings. Especially in the beginning...perhaps with time I could learn to accept it; but at the moment I just cant get past these feelings of total helplessness and not being in control. I cry so when I think about it. Please anyone let me know your thoughts.....I don't think I am crazy. The drs all think I am a nurse because I am so knowledgeable when it comes to my husband's health issues and that is because he has depended on me so much to watch out for him and stop mistakes from happening. Thank you in advance for any words of wisdom you can share",
	"HI ALL its my first post here, my fiance has renal failure and has home dialysis everyday, we moved in together 3 months ago and then i realised how much he has gone through on his own.\nI now care for him (when he lets me as hes very independant) he needles himself and i remove them, my 5 yr old is alongside him eating and chatting whilst dialysing. He has good and bad days, he has had 2 transplants and both have failed (he has fsjs).\n\nObviously he has a fistula which has matured greatly, now our children arent his by blood they are from my first marriage which isnt a problem, they have regular contact with their grandparents but not their \"father\". grandparents had them today and brought them back, my partner had gone to darts, so they started \"condescending\" the pipework in our house was terrible etc.... then was me and my partner getting on ok and FINALLY poor thing have you seen the state of his arm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my god, i said well they aint that big you know and they continued yes they are two large lumps blah blah blah\n\nNow im feeling really down, hes very aware of people staring and makes him upset and me too as we are normal people living normal lives, problem is i dont want to tell him as will hit the roof and be very asleep, but, i talk in my sleep\n\ni so badly want to protect him from all the bad in this world i love him so much\n\nwords fail me",
	"Hello Group - I am hoping someone out there can help me. My 76 yr old mother had her 2nd heart attack recently. The first one happened 16 yrs ago. This recent heart attack she had to have a single bipass and a heart valve replaced. The doctor told us the risk of her kidneys. He said that before she had the surgery her kidneys were not strong. Well now they are not working and she is on dialysis. The problem is she has had issues on the dialysis machine. They have to monitor her heart and blood pressure. I'm wondering if there are any other patients out there that had to go on dialysis after a heart operation. Have you or did you experience these same issues. She now does not want to do dialysis because of how it makes her feel during and after. She feels quite ill, plus, the last time she was on the machine her blood pressure went down, and her heart rate went up VERY high. Are there other options out that instead of the machine that others here are on? Have you heard of anyone that possibly their kidneys may start up again?",
	"For being here when I need someone to lean on.\n\n\nYou're turn. what are you thankful for here.",
	"Hi everyone! I`m new to the forum. I have a funny story to tell you that I read somewhere.\n\nA patient comes to a dentist with a tooth pain.\nDantist : Two of you teeth are inflamated and we need to remove them.\nPatient: And how much will it cost?\nDentist: Seven hundred and fifty dollars for both.\nPatient: What? Seven hundred and fifty dollars for 10 minutes of work?\nDentist: Well, if you like, I can pull them out slowly!",
	"Hi all, I was reading February 2009 issue of More magazine and they had an article on 'ill in a day's work' this article was about women who where in the peak of their careers and all of a sudden came down with a chronic illness.\n\nThis article mentioned a website called The Department of Labor's Job Accommodation Network, I checked out this website and it is hosted by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, when you get a chance take a look at it, there is all kinds of interesting stuff:\n\nhttp://www.jan.wvu.edu/",
	"I tried posting this elsewhere and got only one response....am hoping someone can help and everyone does not think i am being selfish or controlling\n\nam new to posting on forums and really dont know where to begin. My husband of 20 years is facing dialysis soon. He has chosen not to do PD but rather try the nocturnal dialysis. My biggest fear and emotional fear is not being with him during this. He has had many illnesses during our time together and I have never left his side. Now I am told I will not be able to stay with him and emotionally it is killing me inside. I ams sure thousands of spouses have my same feelings. Especially in the beginning...perhaps with time I could learn to accept it; but at the moment I just cant get past these feelings of total helplessness and not being in control. I cry so when I think about it. Please anyone let me know your thoughts.....I don't think I am crazy. The drs all think I am a nurse because I am so knowledgeable when it comes to my husband's health issues and that is because he has depended on me so much to watch out for him and stop mistakes from happening. Thank you in advance for any words of wisdom you can share",
	"Hello,\nI am a mom of a 15 year old boy who in 2002 lost a kidney (chronic pyelonephritis) he had hypertension as a result. Once the kidney was removed he no longer needed the vasotec. He has since then under gone yearly physicals, routine blood and urine tests and an ultrasound every 2 years. This year, end of Feb, his test results have had some less than optimal results. I am not sure what they all mean and unfortunately my son's doctor saw the results and ordered a repeat of just his potassium and has left for a months holiday.\nHis first blood results that seemed a bit out of the ordinary were: potassium 5.5mmol/L, RBC 5.65 x10*12/L, PLT morph, plt large present, serum protein 73 g/L, serum albumin 45g/L , Electrophoresis- showed increased alpha=2 globulin with normal albumin, alpha-1, beta and gamma globulins. Urinalysis showed trace blood, protein 2+, bacteria few. The doctor reordered the potassium and it came back today at 4.7mmol/L so it is better now, and didnt order a urine but the lab tech is a friend of mine and she sent off a sample which the results were; microalbumin, conc. 5541mg/L , albumin/creatinine 357.48mg/mmol, creatinine conc. 15.5mmol/L, urine volume spot.\n\nCan anyone shed some light on these results and should I be concerned? I am of course as we have had no elevated results before. He does have an ultrasound scheduled for Mar 30th, it would be so much nicer if his doctor were here. I have had to phone numerous times to his office to get requisitions and bookings done, it is a bit frustrating, ( a new receptionist.. must be patient).\nAny advice greatly appreciated!\nlivinlife",
	"Here's my story.I just turned 28 on sunday the 15th and I have been diagnosed with \"end stage renal disease\" since october 16th 2007.The doctors said they werent sure what caused it.I start dialysis 3 times a week(at this point I weighed 250,some muscle,some fat,Im 6'2\"),during treatment,they would take me so low that I would literally cramp in my entire body.During this time I would tell the nurses that once my fluid levels balanced out,I would urinate like normal.My labs were always \"great\",but my adequacy was always low and they concluded tat my blood wasnt too dirty in the first place.In april of 08,I went out of town for 2 weeks and when I came back they were \"amazed\", everyone thought I was gonna be sick and what not and be retaining fluid but I was fine.They do a 24 hour urine test and say I no longer need dialysis.Fast forward to now....I start feeling sluggish and REALLY TIRED ALL THE TIME,I go to my pcp and he says \"well,your electrolytes are all out of whack and your iron is low,explaining the reason you feel the way you do\" but\"I dont know what to tell you to do\" so I go see my old nephrologist from Davita.After more blood work he says\"well how about we put you back on dialysis\" but he has an unsure look on his face.All I want is supplements to help with the electrolytes so when I lift weights at the gym I dont burn out so fast.I get cramps really fast,even when coughing or sneezing ill get cramps in my stomach,or leg cramps at night,and I also get the shakes when lifting things like a pot of water.Last I knew,dialysis doesnt cure that.Im going to go join the gym tomorrow so I can atleast start doing cardio since I now weigh 340,but what supplements can I take to get my energy levels back up there?",
	"I knew a transplant was in my future, but I guess I thought, aw heck, I don't know what I thought. Rewind to 1982 - yep 27 years ago. I was diagnosed with SLE (lupus) and it didn't take long for the disease to affect my kidneys. Actually, up until 5 years ago my creatnine was 2.5-2.8, GFR about 20, and for 12 years, except for blood pressure, I took NO meds.  I am happily married with 3 awesome sons (21, 17 and 15). I also work full time. This is the first time I've ever written on something like this. I don't know why I waited. \n\nMy nephrologist (who's been my doc for 25 years) told me last Monday that my GFR is 15 and it is time to get ready for a preemptive transplant. Like I said, I knew this day was coming . . . who is really ever ready for this?? I'm so scared. I called my coordinator and started the process. My education appointment is April 20th and it may take a year or so to get organized. I have family and friends that have agreed to be tested to be a living donor. I am a very lucky woman in that respect - I am surrounded by caring, loving people. Hopefully, someone will match. They are all very frightened for me and its not easy to talk to them about my feelings.\n\nI guess I'm looking for friends to share my transplant journey with. Friends with ideas to help me be strong and stay active. I've always said \"I have lupus, it does not have me,\" and even though it is killing my kidneys, I intend to stay in control and fight back.",
	"Hi everyone... I've been on EPO injections for a couple of months now and am happy to say that my anemia has disappeared. I have Anemia associated with CKD and also heart disease and Type 1 diabetes. When first going on the EPO.... I had concerns about the risk of blood clots (heart attack/stroke) but was assured that as long as my hemoglobin didn't get too high I'd be okay. I had labs done yesterday and apparently I have sensitive cells because my hemoglobin has risen to 13.7 in just a few months. The oncologist adjusted the dose so that I am taking less but said I should continue with the EOP or else the anemia would return. I'm really scared that I'm going to drop dead from sudden cardiac arrest but my energy level is much improved so I decided to go ahead and continue the shots. Is this a wise decision?\n\nSince I visited here in January, my kidney function seems to have further declined. According to the labs I had done yesterday... the hemaglobin was the only thing that had improved. My serum creatinine is now at 2.3 and my BUN is at 59. The lab reports indicated that my estimated GFR is now at 23. In January the GFR was around 31. I am not seeing a nephrologist but feel that I might need to make an appointment ASAP. Is this the point at which I should start thinking about getting a fistula? I'm trying not to stick my head in the sand but each of my other doctors (endo, cardio, PCP, Onc) all seem to have varying opinions and don't act like it's a big deal. Am I over-reacting by thinking this is serious? I look forward to your thoughts... from the voices of experience.\n\nThanks,\nCarol",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI haven't begun a renal diet but was reading many of the threads here that indicated a lot of you have salads and pasta quite often. I see many lists of foods that we should NOT eat. Is there a list of foods that are okay to eat? That would be better for me. I am also a Type 1 diabetic and have heart disease so I have a LOT of dietary restrictions. It's really hard when you're told of so many things that you shouldn't eat but not what you should. I would find it much easier to have a list of approved foods for myself and be able to pick and choose from it. Will this require that I see a nutritionist because of my many food limitations? All of this really bites because I love food! I love to cook and to eat!!!\n\nCarol",
	"I would like to take this time to send a heartfelt thank you to all of the loving caregivers on this forum. I know that you probably don't hear that phrase enough for all that you do.\n\nI am slated to start dialysis fairly soon and hope to always let my wife know how much I appreciate her help and care.\n\n\nJohn",
	"Hello, I am new to this site. I have been a silent observer for awhile, but I thought that it was time to jump on in. My husband is the patient. George is 43 years old and we have been married for exactly one year this past week. He is a diabetic that was recently started on dialysis. He started the day after Christmas, actually. He has been a diabetic in stage 3 renal failure for many years now. The week before this past Christmas, he was admitted into the hospital for a crush injury to his hand that resulted in a major infection. The antibiotics used to treat him caused him to go into complete renal failure. He was started on dialysis immediately. He does the hemo 3 times a week at a local center and he works at night. He is slated to get his fistula done April 2nd (he's had the chest catheter all this time).\nDH is the love of my life that just \"showed up\" one day - the day that I lost my 18 year old son to Leukemia in 2006. We had been friends for a time, but when my son died, he was there for me the way no one else was. He has been my rock, my hero and I love him with all of my heart. Now it's my turn to be his rock. Since we've been married, things have not been easy for George. In fact, 2008 was a pretty rotten year for him. He lost a toe to gangrene (that makes 2 he's lost on the same foot since being diabetic), he had to have emergency gall bladder surgery and he had to start dialysis.\nHe, like many others, is on the kidney transplant list. I wanted to donate a kidney, but I am not a match, so we are now looking at doing \"Paired Donation\". He says that he can't believe that I want to do that - give a kidney to help him. There's no choice for me. My son had to have a bone marrow transplant and no \"live\" donor was ever found. They ended up using donated cord blood for his transplant. I couldn't do anything to help him and I couldn't save him in the end. I have the opportunity to save my husband - no choice.\nAnyway, that's our story, most of it anyway...\nhttp://www.carepages.com/carepages/georgelacourse\n\"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle - one you may not even be able to imagine.\"",
	"Hi all, I'm new to this site.. I am not on dialysis yet.. I do not know my GFR but know that I am at stage 4 kidney disease and have been told that my kidneys function at about 16%.There are two things that made me post that title.. 1 my potassium is too high and I can not hold down kayexalate long enough for it to work.. It is so nasty to take that, well to tell you the truth.. I don't drink it. but my pott. has gotten as high as 6.5. 2nd I am having trouble following the diet.. I am 46 years old and don't be shocked but I've never been a person who cooks.. So when I came to this sight for recipes I freaked out because so much cooking is involved.. This is why I say I'm killing myself slowly cause I'm still not getting this diet thing right.. I went to a nutritionist.. I was disgusted and disappointed when all he did was, you got it, referred me to the davita site.. I thought they did more than that.. am I wrong or did I just go to the wrong nutrionist. any advice would be helpful",
	"There is so little information out there about exercise and kidney disease beyond walking. I just completed a 1/2 marathon. I did it with out all of the electrolyte replacements and such. I trained with apple sauce and water. I'm continuing to train for a marathon. I'm hopeful that those training tools will be useful in the marathon as well. I hope to do a marathon in may but will listen to my body. I'll have labs again in June so we'll see if it has a negative impact.",
	"Hi, my daughter has been in ESRD her entire life she is 20. She has had 2 kidney transplants that have failed and has been on hemodialys for about 8 years now. Just this past year she developed gastroparesis and lately its been very difficult to keep her phosphorus under control she has been taking her binders when ever she eats. Im just lost here I think because if the gastrparesis things just arent digesting properly for the renagel to work. Is there anyone else having problems with this and gastroparesis. Also her parathyroid is out of wack but doctors refuse to put her back on sensipar. If anyone has any info to share pass it my way.\n\nThank you",
	"Hello all. My name is Debbie and I'm from Arkansas. I am 50 years old and not in good health overall. I had a heart attack at the age of 42. A hip replacement and and abdominal stent placed at the age of 48.\nLately my blood pressure has been terribly high so my heart doctor changed my medication. The night I started the new medication I started having some terrible dizziness, nausea and chest pains so off to the emergency room I went.\nTurns out I was not having another heart attack but they wanted to know how long I had been having problems with my kidneys. This was the first time anyone had even mentioned my kidneys so I couldnt' give them an answer to that question.\nI've had swelling in my legs and ankles for at least 10 years and have been on & off lasix/potassium several times. Due to the artery disease the docs must have just put it off to poor circulation and an inflammatory disease because they never tested my kidneys.\nWell they did an ultrasound and my right kidney is completely atrophied. I have two arteries going to my left kidney, one is shriveled & useless and the other one is very \"tight\" so I'm not getting good blood flow to the one kidney thats working. I had a CT last week and have an appointment with a vascular surgeon tomorrow to determine if he can stent the tight artery or if I will need to have a kidney bypass.\nI haven't been to see a nephrologist yet but have an appointment for that on the 8th of April so I'm not sure what Kind of kidney disease I have or what caused it yet.\nI have been eating a low fat, low salt, low cholesterol, low protein diet for the past 3 weeks and have lost 13 pounds so far. I'm very depressed and since they took away my pain meds( I also have arthritis and fibromyalgia..told ya I wasn't very healthy lol) I am in a LOT of pain to top it off.\nI have a 50% blockage in my heart but they told me they can't stent that until they get my kidney strong enough to handle the contrast they have to use to place it.\nTo say I'm angry that the doctors didn't catch it early enough to save my other kidney would be an understatement. I've been seeing one doctor or another at least 6 times a year for over 10 years because of all the different illnesses I have and not one of them thought to have my kidneys checked??????? Not being a doctor myself it never crossed my mind to ask about it.\nAnyway, I'm hoping to find some good information here to help myself as much as I can because this is about to drive me crazy!",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI’ve been on this forum for about two months. This is a great forum with so many great people caring, supporting and helping each other. I’ve read many posts here and learned so much about CKD. I learned about Dr. Walser's book and very low protein diet one month ago. I was so excited when I found out the book and it took me no time to start this diet for my dad (in February). My dad is 70 and has been a diabetic for 30 years. Starting from last year, he quickly progressed to stage 4 CKD. His serum creatinine went up from 1.5 to 2.1 in a couple months. He has developed all typical symptoms such as fatigue, nauseous, edema and had high potassium, low calcium, abnormal BUN, etc… After starting the very low protein diet with EAA supplements, I think he’s getting better with creatinine down slightly, BUN, potassium, calcium went back to normal and many of the symptoms going away.\n\nNow the flip side: his serum albumin. Two weeks after he was on this diet, his albumin dropped from 3.1 to 2.8. He was on 2 servings of keto-acid (equal 2 servings of Calwood's EAA) during the first two weeks. Then he increased his EAA supplements to 6 servings daily (3 servings of keto-acid and 3 servings of Nutramine). But his albumin dropped again to 2.6. So within one month on the diet, although he’s taking sufficient amount of EAA, his albumin still dropped 0.6! Because of his low albumin, he also developed severe edema. His calcium also went down and his urine acid went up. This has been so devastating. I wonder if anyone has similar experience. Any advice on what my dad should do now to lift up his albumin? Please help!!\n\nThank you!",
	"Hello, I am new to this. I'm 27 years old and have been dealing with kidney failure since I was 23. I've been on hemo dialysis for about 3 and half years now. About a year ago I started feeling pain in my joints. I ignored it, thought it was just a part of dialysis and let it go. Well, the pain spread all over my bones and it became more steady. Finally my doctor said I had hyperparathyroid problems which meant my bones were sucking up my calcium and there for I had no calcium. Well, I started a pill called to help it. It never really worked. I finally got so tired of the pain, that I asked what I could do. So, there is a procedure where they remove some of the glands. They said I would be back to normal within hours of the surgery. I was soooo excited! I mean, I could barely walk at this point it hurt so bad! Well, I'm about 2 months post-op. My levels are still high and the pain is still unbairable! I'm on vicodin, but the only thing that really works is Dilatid through IV, but who wants to live in a hospital all doped up on pain meds?!\n I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar to this and what you are doing for it. I'm at my wits end and loosing my mind! I'm cranky all the time because I hurt, I can't have any fun with my family because I can barely walk, I'm sad and I just want this pain to go away!!",
	"Hi all - just wondering if anyone could give me some insight as to what I need to do regarding my situation. I think ChefNancy knows what's going on, but would like some feedback from others as what path I should follow.\n\nI am getting the run around from my employer as to whether I am covered for home hemodialysis. They won't give me a definite confirmation as to whether I am covered by Carefirst/Blue Choice Open Access because they state I am not a dialysis patient yet. Because I am not a patient of Davita or my doctor hasn't given a prescription to start dialysis, they won't confirm as to whether the insurance company will pay. They also stated that the new Davita Northwest Home isn't \"contracted\" yet with Carefirst, so I couldn't go there even if I wanted.\n\nNow on the other hand, I had a friend of mine, through a friend of hers get me a copy of my group policy from Carefirst. The policy states that home hemodialysis is covered. So my question is, do I go ahead and start the process of going on dialysis first or do I need to talk to someone at Carefirst who is associated with my policy to see what is covered?\n\nCan someone give me some direction as to where I need to start? Perhaps I need to get a lawyer?",
	"I've cooked for years and have never made an angel food cake. My RD said it's a good choice over high fat, high sugar desserts. Well, I found the Giant boxed Angel food cake to be the lowest in sodium (I just can't bring myself to do this one from scratch!). Do I absolutely need to use one of those tube pans? I know I had one years ago...that I never used...and I must have given it away, or chucked it when I moved from NY to Pa cause I've torn this kitchen apart and can't find it. So...can I use a souffle dish? How about individual souffle dishes and just invert them on a wire rack when done to cool. I know they'll have a funky design on them from the rack but I don't care. Is this possible? Do I have to go out and buy a bundt/tube pan?\n\nThanks to anyone who can help...\n\nPat",
	"what do you do when your blood pressure goes low after dialysis. As I have normal to low bp. I hear all of this and it is kinda scary , of all the problems you have with dialysis. I have learnt alot here but you guys are telling us what to expect and it does scare some of us. I have always been tough and am trying to be with this but it is hard and I havent started D yet. I have got my fistula done Ive got 1 hudle done with which wasnt bad. I do have another question . How long do you have to keep squeezing this ball? Do you have to for the rest of your life or just till it matures??",
	"After the latest 24 hr. urine test, my dr. just gave me the blood serum creatinine and the level of protein leakage. Is the (blood)serum level of creatinine the usual result from this test? I thought it was the creatinine in urine that is the major test? Or am I confused as usual?",
	"Hey all, haven't posted in a while, but figured I wanted to drop a line and not only say hello and pass on well wishes, but wanted to post a little predicament I have and see if anyone else out on the board has had similar issues.\n\nI have been on dialysis for 3 years now (PD) and have been doing very well with it so far. NO infections (knock on wood!!!), minimal changes in my prescription and also my meds, etc. I have for the past about 6 - 8 months been having issues with my blood pressure. It's almost as though my kidneys have bumped down a notch and my blood pressure had gone up and been more difficult to control. I initially had only been on norvasc but ended up having toprol added with minimal effect. They cycled me through various dosages of diovan (all the way up to 320 mg once daily) and also proscar and one other I can't remember. My BP kept going up to upwards of 160's over low 100's. It wasn't until a few months back they started me on old school Minoxidil (and yes my hair has grown back and then some). It has worked great at bringing my BP down to 120's over 80's again and I feel better. The only thing I have noticed is I have gained about 10 pounds from it seems this medication. My eating has not changed and I have not been consuming more fluid than usual, but I have this terrible edema in my legs and all over my body and even some in my face in the morning that goes away through the day (it travels down to the feet). I have expressed my concern to my nurses at my clinic but they just tell me to take the extra fluid off with dialysis treatments, but it doesn't make much of a difference. I think monday I\"m going to actually call my nephrologists office and talk to them about my concerns and see about switching to a different medication that may work too despite the difficulty in finding one that works for me.\n\nI just had my yearly rework up meeting for transplant waitlist and even my nephrologist there said the swelling and edema is most likely due to the new medication and I have seen some threads on other discussion boards that this is a common side effect of orally taken Minoxidil. I just wondered if anyone else had a similar experience as to help me not think that I am going crazy here haha. I look forward to suggestions and hearing others experiences as well and thank you all in advance for your time!!\n\n-Nick",
	"Hi Guys - need some answers here because within six weeks time, my vascular team is gonna do a fistulogram on my fistula. I don't even know what that is.\n\nThey told me that if my vein doesn't \"pop out\" within six weeks time, they are gonna do this surgery.\n\nCan someone please answer, how do you get your vein to \"pop out\" if you can't even see it? My incision is still rather large and the skin hasn't evened out as of yet. I'm not starting dialysis anytime soon so should I tell this vascular team to hold off?\n\nAny advice would be appreciated. Thanks.",
	"I always knew that lithium would harm my kidneys. The popular wisdom is: if you're on lithium for 20 years; you'll be on dialysis. I've been off and on lithium over the past 15 years (probably 4-5 years total). I started to worry about my kidney function and asked to see a nephrologist. When I saw her two weeks ago, she told me my kidney function is 50%. I was shocked -- neither my GP nor my Psych knew it had reached that level. The nephrologist encouraged me to continue on lithium and monitor my kidney function. I'm still waiting to hear the results of my renal ultrasound. The fact is that lithium is the ONLY thing that helps give me any sort of stability. It saves my life. This is a very tough decision. I'm also seeking a consultation with a psychiatrist down in Boston who treats patients with treatment resistant Bipolar. In the meantime, I have no other choice but to continue on lithium. I'd like to talk to other people dealing with lithium-induced CKD (either themselves or a family member). I am really scared. I hope some people can relate to this and offer me some support. Thanks in advance.",
	"I have been feeling shaky... my hands.. and I hear it in my voice sometimes too... I am doing the low protein, low everything diet and taking a vitamin (renavite)...but I am wondering if anyone else has this, or knows if it is a deficiency or something. I have to take Dilantin also for a facial neuralgia and maybe that's it... also... has anyone had vision changes or is that just me getting old(er). For the most part I am feeling pretty good and very grateful about that. I don't feel nauseus at all and I have a pretty good energy leverl..I just got laid off from my job and I need to be working to keep my mind busy, but other than that. I take my Dog for a walk everyday for exercise.. the shakiness starts as soon as I get up in the morning... it doesn't go away after I eat... this disease sure is complicated ain't it?",
	"Hello Group-\nMy mother had a heart attack the first week in Feb. With the operations came complications. They put her on dialysis to pull the fluids out. She had dialysis up until recently when the doctor noticed that her blood work has shown good results, plus, she has been producing even more urine. We are thrilled. My question is has anyone else experienced this new problem - My mom's finger tips and toes have turned purple. Her finger tips now are turning back to normal color, but her toes look horrible. The doctor a while back said they may have to cut a few toes off. I would like to know if anyone of you have experienced this type of problem with the toes turning purple. Did you have to have some toes cut off? Is it a circulation problem. They are doing tests on her feet, but I would think if it was serious or life threatening they would have done something already.\n\nI look forward to any input.",
	"Is it common to do 2 dialysis treatments in the same day?",
	"is it normal to have 2 dialysis treatments in the same day?",
	"Hi, Please help answer some questions. I was told I'd be on dialysis within the month and was sent to the surgeon for a consult on the PD surgery/catheter stuff. I had been doing a lot of studing and had made piece with the tube sticking out of belly, but I just got back from doctor and it seems due to me being a little overweight in the middle he said I need the presternal chest catheter. It apparently goes right between the breast on a women and the tube is long and hangs down, it can be taped town, but still. I don't want the home hemo because I am not a needle person and I have a very low pain tolerance so what is left for me is the PD with the tube in chest. (YUCK) I have a pool and love to lay out and swim and he said no baths and no swimming. Does anyone (especially any female) have the presternal chest catheter for PD Dialysis??????????\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"I have a fistula in each arm. The one in my left arm works just ok, so it is not used much. The one in my right arm works very good so it is used the most. However, there was a time when the artirial on my right are was not useable that day. Imeadiatly the tech suggested we put one needle in my right arm and one in my left arm. (Let me ask does any one here see a problem with doing that?) So I said no, both the needles in my right arm or both the needles in my left arm but, not one in each. The tech then acted like I was being unreasonable about this. I don't understand are these techs so unfeeling they can't understand why a person needs one arm available during dialysis? I mean come on, if you can't move either arm how can you read a book, get a drink, adjust the tv, listen to music and so on. They act like I am an arse for wanting one arm available to do things with. Worst yet they hold a grudge. So any time you ask them for something you have to wait a minimum of 10 minutes. It does not mater what you want it's wait. They think it is cute, or smart or funny too. Dialysis is hard enough, without having people taking care of you that get their jollies by making you wait. I just don't understand where some of these tech get there mean attitudes.",
	"Thanks for all the responses!!",
	"Squeezing ball exercises fistula question is does typing exercise fistula. I am curious.can I do alot of typing and will it help? I m wanting to do something else to exercise.",
	"I know someone said that I could get the squeezie balls at www.kidneyfun.net - I can't seem to locate them on this website. If someone could please provide a link. Thanks.",
	"Hi all, I just got my all my test results back. My GFR is stable at 54 (it was 59 five months ago) and all my other numbers are within normal range. I can attribute all this to being on the renal diet. I went on the renal diet the moment I was diagnosed and have been following this diet religiously every day.\n\nI thank the Lord for giving me another chance and I thank you all for the information that you have shared and for the renal diet. I am doing so well that I don't have to test again for a year!  I am still at Stage 3, High end even!  I plan on sticking with the renal diet, hopefully in a year I can report the same news. I did ask my doctor if there was any chance that I had an acute kidney reaction and he said no.\n\nThanks again to everyone in helping me learn about this thing, CKD. I know that there is a lot more to learn and share, I plan on taking this gift seriously.",
	"I was recently diagnosed with hydronephrosis of the right kidney after going to the ER with some serious flank pain. My main concern now is that my right kidney is dead... so I've signed up here looking any input to ease and educate me.\n\nI took 2 CT scans. One showed the contrast media going through the left kidney, but not the right. I just went into nuclear medicine today and they injected me with more contrast media and I sat there in horror as my right kidney stayed aglow for 30 minutes while the other kidney did its job. I did not witness any media traveling down the ureter... it just looked like one big glowing kidney on the screen.\n\nThe only thing that gives me hope right now is that somehow my right kidney drains when I lay down on my left side and apply a light pressure to the affected flank (usually with my forearm).\n\nIf my right kidney is dead... what symptoms would I have?  Would I definitely urinate blood? The only symptoms I have are flank pain on the affected side when I sit for long hours, or drink certain alcohols.. I really wish the nuclear medicine tech. would have let me stay another 15 minutes to test out my drainage theory.\n\nWow.. typing all of that out really made me feel better",
	"Hey my uncle has been just passed from the dialysis process and now his health is going to be recovered well. So can anybody suggest me that which food he should take now after dialysis?\nThanks in advance.",
	"All of you guys have been where I am . now question is what do I do.? I think I know the answer but I am really scared to do this and know what I have to do I am tearing up as I type this. I need reasurance hellp me please you are the only ones that know. I just got test results back on blood results my gfr has fallen again from 19 to 15 I am sicker at 15 than I was at 14 before 19 . hope you understand this. I dont know if fistula is ready yet. It looks about half ready that is in my mind I really dont know what it is supposed to look like. after you start dialysis you cant stop it can you without dieing or is there a maybe you get better and can stop? I need help understanding what to do.",
	"This is way off topic for the boards here, but i really need some good vibes coming my way.\n\nMy sister, who is 2 years older than I am, went to the doctor today to have a spot on her neck checked. she had two neck surgeries a few years ago for some herniated disks. she has a plate and four screws in the front of her neck. A while ago she developed a lump beside the plate and finally decided to go see if she had some scar tissue building up. Turns out it's a lump about the size of an egg next to her thyroid gland which happens to be in the same exact spot that my mother had one two years ago that turned out to b-cell lymphoma. Sister now has to go have an ultrasound next wednesday and they did some blood work today checking her thyroid gland. They feel it's lymphoma. She lost her father about 1 1/2 years ago to cancer so the cancer factor is pretty high in our family.\n\nNot sure how much more medical \"tragedies\" our family can take. Guess I will be making an appointment to have my everything checked out. She'll be 44 this year, so way too young for this to be facing her.",
	"OK, I guess you guys figured out by now that I was so freaked out I couldn't remember how to post. MM does not know I am freaked out and he does not know I am crying, I am trying to be strong for him or at least show him that I am being strong. \n\nOh boy, brandy you said you feel like a baby, I feel like a baby -- I am just the caregiver and I can't stop crying because MM was told he had to go an dialysis. I just feel so bad for him. I wish he would get online here and read some posts and talk to you guys. Why are men so stubborn?!?!?!?!?!!!! I told him he needed to come here. We'll see.\n\nWe saw the Neph at 2:30. Test results: createnine 5.7, GFR 11 (acording to the davita calculator), albumin 1.5, createnine clearance on 24 hr urine 5. MM was pissed and didn't feel like talking until dinner when I kindof cornered him. I know...... But I had to talk about it. MM is not a talker. Anyway, he is still pissed, he is going to go on how he feels (says he feels fine), and the Neph is OK with that. He has chosen PD although we don't know what kind yet, figure we will talk tothe PD nurse about it an figure it out at that time. I DO NOT want to wait until it is an emergency and he has to have the emergency neck/chest access installed.\n\nPlease you guys who are on dialysis -- how did you know it was time? I know this subject was covered but get a glass of wine or scotch or juice and tell me about it. The newcomers will appreciate it as well.",
	"OK, after all the serious stuff and crying tonight I got a little funny. I thought why am I a senior member? My hubby is not even on dialysis. Obviously this has nothing to do with it. I don't feel like a senior memeber.\n\nAnd wrwagner, where in the heck is your beautiful beach picture (avatar)??? Was it in the BVI? Put it back.",
	"My father has had kidney problems for quite some time. he has not taken care of himself for a number of reasons. One being that my mother passed last September after 63 yrs of marriage. He fell and broke his hip Dec 22nd. The hospital found that he is in end stage renal faliure. He is 84, BUN of 90, creatinine of 3.7, and a GFR of 19.19. He has a living will that states no extra procedures and stated that he does not want dialysis. My question is, what can my family expect? The doctors stated 3 weeks to 6 months. That was 1 month ago. He is now in a nursing facility, and we visit him frequently. At what point should we get Hospice? He seems to be lucid and not in any pain.",
	"I hope that someone here can help me care for a very special person with renal failure. My husband and I have custody of his younger brother, David. David has Down's syndrome, type 2 diabetes, deafness, vascular disease and is mostly non-verbal. He was diagnosed as having renal failure 2 years ago, but was doing very well until this past few months. His function is down to 25 %. The neph. says he should go on dialysis at 15%.\nMy question is about what is David feeling physically at this point. He can't tell us and never complains of anything. I've read that some people have nausea and head aches. Is there anything that helps best with this--does he feel really tired? Can someone who has experienced this tell me what it is like, so that I can better help Dave to feel his best.\n\nThanks!\n\nCathy Chapman\nMarietta, GA\nCatiebenz@aol.com",
	"My 72 year old mother has been in the hospital for 5 1/2 months. She has beaten the odds and is ready to go to a skilled nursing facility/physical rehab center. She needs dialysis 3 times a week and she has been denied services by DaVita and one other dialysis center in the Pearland, Texas area due to extensive medical issues. Is there anyone out there with similar experience that can give us any clues on what to do next?\nI would appreciate any suggestions that can get this loving wife of 55 years, mother of four, dearly loved grandmother of eight the help she needs.\nPS - she has medicare and very good supplemental insurance.\nSincerely,\nLinda",
	"Does anyone have or know anything about weggner's disease ?",
	"Thank you Wendy for putting the picture back. We love to travel, medical expenses will likely put a halt to that. Alas, the important things in life are intact. MM seems to be accepting his fate, alas what can he do? After spending much of Friday in bed, nauseated and feeling awful was up and redoing the rusted out feet on our outdoor furniture today/\\. A friend had a wine and food pairing at their house tonight, had a wine guy there, It was great fun and some OK wine too.\n\nI have some pictures I would love to share but don't know how to make them smaller in size without making them so small you can't see them.",
	"I am 5' 2\" and the diet helper has me on over 1800 calories. I am also diabetic and some sugar amounts seem very high. Has anyone lost weight on this program? Is there a way to change the caloric intake to 1500?",
	"Hi Guys,\nI am new to this so bare with me. My dad 72 just found out he has kidney disease probably due to diabetes but still haven't gotten a good answer. He has had high blood presure for a couple months which finally seems undercontrol. Swelling is the big issue at this time.\nThe doc is talking about putting in a temp catheter and a fistula at the same time.\n\nI quess me question is: At his age and diabetes, wouldn't a perm catheter be better for him? I read so much about the fistulas being moved and redone so many times. I do not know if he could bare going through that type of surgery and then having the needles stuck everytime for diaylsis.",
	"I hate to cook. I can't help it, always have hated to cook. Now, however, my husband is on dialysis and needs to be on the renal diet. So far so good. But, he is also seriously overweight and needs to lose weight, while still keeping his protein intake at 80 grams daily. Added to that, his taste buds are not at their perkiest, and so would like more spicy foods (these are plentiful on the diet helper site), while I have GERD and cannot eat spicy foods.  There are only the two of us to cook for. Meanwhile, I try to prepare larger portions of various meals, and freeze them for future use.\n\nIt's looking like I need to prepare 2 distinctly different diets freshly, every day, for 2 people. Anyone have any ideas at all on this?",
	"As I sit here reading the posts, I see a post by Chefnancy stating that PD was better as the flexibility of vacation. My question is to most - am I too late to think that when I start hemodialysis, I won't be able to go anywhere? I'm not talking about vacationing here in the USA - heck we can do that any time, but I love my Mexico or carribean waters and wonder just how difficult is it to go and still be able to enjoy my vacation since now I have chosen hemo over PD?\n\nAm I doomed to thinking that my vacation plans only include my back porch and a bottle of wine? Can someone interject here?",
	"Does anyone know if it is ok to use Soy milks and \"cheeses\" or rice cheese on this diet?",
	"I had my blood drawn yesterday and my nephrologist call me today to come in right a way. I asked if I was starting dialysis, he said no, but that I'm extremely anemic.\n\nI have to get iron IVs on two different days. I also have to do stool smears for occult blood.\n\nI later realized they didn't give me something to boop in! LOL",
	"Hi my name is Jenaveve this is my first post ,last May i was told i have ckd and since then it has been so confusing , so i am really glad i came across every one here when i am reading the posts i am amazed , i suppose its really sinking in now that i have somthing wrong with me . I have so many questions and so much to learn so would be so gratefull for any info .",
	"Hi,\n\nI want to know if there are anyone else with PKD?\n\nIs it true that a PKD pasient can only have HD and not PD?\nWhat do you do to manage pain?\nAt what age did stage 5 CKD kick in? Is it usually the same age as your parents?\nHow rear is it for the cysts to blead or burst?\nHow big is your cysts?\n\nDid you keep on working?\n\nWill diet assist you in \"saving\" the kidneys to prevent dialysis?\n\nWhat are your thoughts on having kids knowing that they have a 50% chance of having the desease?\n\nI really need answers on these. But no statistics please just personal experience.\n\n\"So far in the history of the world approximately six billion people have died. In every single case observed so far, the person dying wasn't me. Therefore there is excellent statistical information that I am immortal.\"",
	"Hi something happen to me yesterday that had me confused and upset. Let start from the beginning. My son and I both have ckd, he is ckd3 and I am ckd4 well our doctor wanted us to have classes about this so we understood what to expect and what food we are aloud. Well I went and the nurse was going over everything with me. Then when got to the the section about what are my gfc number. I told her I really didnt know. she said when I am 20 gfc I should go see a transplant dr and get the list cause it takes 3-5yrs to get a kidney, she ask me how long have I been in ckd4 I said I thought for yrs. Well it so happens where I had my class I also get my iron injections and procret. The nurse that gives me my injections went by and I ask her it she could found out what my numbers were. She came back and told us I was 11% and said what. She said was sorry and left and other one just shook her head I was so upset that my dr didnt tell me and didnt advise me to go to see about a transplant. The nurse that was giving the class said oh my god I am comeing back to talk to after your dr appoint on 4/12. When I got home told my son he said mom are ready to change drs now. I have gone to these dr. for 28yrs . I dont know why they didnt sent me sooner to these classes or to the a kidney transplant dr. My son and I are leaving this week for las vegas , he wanted to do something before we both got to sick to go. Was excited about going before I went to this class yesterday. Well thanks for letting me get this off my chest.",
	"Hey one of my uncle is suffered from the kidney problem ad doctor told that dialysis will be needed . So approx how much cost of this process. Thanks in advance.",
	"Hi,\nIs it possible to do HD at home???",
	"Does anyone have any suggestions? I have reduced my calorie intake to 1600, I have been trying to exercise, and I have stopped drinking soda. I am not a diabetic, but I do try to watch my carb and sugar intake. Since I started this change in my eating habits, I have gained several pounds, and my doctor seems confident it is not just fluid. I am eating more fruit and vegetables, less pre-packaged foods, and I am getting no where. My dietician said to keep doing what I am doing, but it's not working. HELP!",
	"Okay, I'm not dumb, or at least I hope I'm not! But, I've been doing research\non several of the foods I enjoy. And I've been coming up with different Pot/Phos counts for raw vs. cooked foods. Such as spinach. A cup of loosely packed raw spinach is much less in Potassium than a cup of frozen, cooked spinach. Why is that? How can an item, any item, contain more of a substance like Potassium once it's been cooked? Wasn't it there to begin with? Does cooking it turn the Potassium into the Jolly Green Giant of all Potassium?\n\nRecently I saw some Kunzler low sodium bacon at my local Giant. It had 3 pieces at 135 mg. of sodium. So, me being me  I wrote them to double check this fact. They actually got back to me and said 'that low sodium item' was being removed from shelves because that was the sodium level for UNCOOKED low sodium bacon. Huh? Okay, is it the nitrates in the bacon that increase it's sodium level? Why all of a sudden does it now actually have more sodium?\n\n*Sigh* I know I'm no scientist, but geeze herman, this is ridiculous!\n\nPat - Whose brain hurts.",
	"MM is gone fishing. I have to tell you (scream out) what I had for dinner: A BIG homemade hamburger (ground ourselves from our own cow) with cheese and grilled onions and mushrooms!!!! WOWEE it was good. After I was done I realized I should have taken a picture of it for a screen saver on my work computer. \n\nMmmmmmM it was good.\n\nThanks for listening.",
	"I don't ever eat fried foods, however I DO eat my share of cookies, and cake, etc. I had a screening done today and my total cholestrol was 203...too high.How does anyone with this treat it without medicine?",
	"I have been on PD for about 3 weeks now. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how to position the cath at night? I keep getting low drain flow on the machine.",
	"Hello,\n\nI just don't know where to begin. It's just that i'm 20 years old, and feel like for the past 3 years that i have not gotten to enjoy. First i found out that i have SLE lupus two weeks before going off to college. Then the starting of my junior year i had to take a semster off because i was put on diaylsis. This was the lowest point in my life. Then i asked about a transplant, nobody wanted to answer my question. School is important to me, but i just want to do something to help me finish. Diaylsis still makes me sick, i don't get to do regular college things because certain days i need to have open because the diaylsis makes me so tired. I'm just sooooooooooooooo sick of this. Then it doesn't make it any better that my mother is 2 hours away from me, and she is always worried. I'm trying to do everything to keep my spirits up, but i'm slowly losing the battle. I'm not thinking about taking my life, or anything. But i'm getting to the point that i don't want to do anything. I'm just not myself since this situation.",
	"Hello,I've decided to keep an exercise log to keep track of my progress.I must say I was very apprehensive about getting back into the gym,scared of failure really.I hope to encourage and motivate anyone who is thinking about working out but not really sure if they can do it.First,let me say that i am not currently on dialysis,and my doctor said my heart is nice and strong,so I should be okay to workout.My baseline is 0 physicall activity during the winter and I am getting over upper respiratory infection so my breathing isnt 100% and I also have asthma to boot.\n\nCurrent Motivation-Need to lose fluid from ankles and belly ASAP\nCurrent stats-Height-6'2\",355lbs,creatnine-9.2\n\nI arrived at the gym at 3am and started a VERY slow pace,1mph and 1 incline.To see how it would feel just to walk more than 10 feet.I felt okay so I SLOWLY crept the speed up to 2mph and the incline to 2.At the 10 minute mark I finally started to sweat some which felt good.I continued this pace until the machine cut off at 20 minutes(my goal for today was to see what if I could even make 20 minutes).My final stats were .63miles,and 150 calories burned.\n\nFrom there, I went to the stationary bike,just to put a little icing on the cake.I got interrupted by some jerk who forgot his key card to the door so Im not sure exactly how long I was on there but Im sure it was close to 15 minutes,2+miles and another 50 calories.In all,even though I didnt sweat as much as I would have like to,I think it was a great start for me considering my couch potato lifestyle and the fact that Im sick.I must say the first step was the hardest step I've ever taken and it was all in my head.Once you actually get out there and see what you can do,by all means keep going!!\n\nOverview-\nTreadmill-.63miles,150 calories,20 minutes\nbike-2+miles,50 calories,15 minutes",
	"Yesterday, what I thought was the itching of \"healing\" of my fistula area was indeed a rash on my fistula arm. Has anyone gotten this? I thought of all the conceivable things - deordorant - I use Thomas's; have I changed my soap (no); have I changed clothes soap (no), etc. The rash looks more like I was attacked by an infestation of fleas and I know for a fact that we don't have fleas. Does anyone have a clue if the rash is due to something internal? The rash stretches from my incision area straight up to my shoulder and is only on the internal area of my arm - the area that rests on your hip.\n\nAlso, is there something I can put on it? I was advised not to put lotion or frangrant on the fistula arm at all. Is Bactine okay to use on this?\n\nAny info. would be appreciated. Thanks.",
	"Hi all,\n\nMy grandfather started emergency dialysis two weeks ago when his numbers dropped unexpectedly low. Since he hadn't been scheduled to start before, he is getting it through a catheter in the chest.\n\nA week ago, he had surgery to have a fistula made in the arm. Friday morning, a week after the surgery, his whole arm and hand started to get swollen. It is still swollen now and he says there is a dull constant pain. The arm is not overly red, the temperature between the two arms are the same and he has a strong pulse in his wrist so I don't think the blood flow has slowed down.\n\nDid anyone else have such problems soon after getting the fistula? Anyone know if it is normal for the hand/arm to be swollen? Anything we are supposed to do besides elevation to help the swelling to subside?\n\nBeing as it is the weekend, his doctor is unreachable until Monday morning. Any advice would be appreciated.\n\nThanks.",
	"Hi,\nnot sure if I asked this before- but sm curious if anyone has experienced breathing problems when they use their lines or catheters at dialysis.\nNot from a fistula or graft, just from external lines.\n\nI noticed a month or 2 ago that every single time I have had to go to dialysis I have breathing problems when they use my line and end up needing oxygen.\n\nNow when I had a fistula, I never needed oxygen at all, unless I had anxiety problems which was almost never...maybe 1 time a month at most.\n\nBut now with my line it is a different story.\nThe vascular coordinator at my unit was trying to convince me to just keep my line and not go for any surgeries for another fistula.\nAnd I mentioned to the coordinator that I had breathing problems from my line and that I would be better off with a fistula as I would get less infections also.\n\nI was told that not many people have breathing problems or low oxygen from their lines by the vascular coordinator.\nBut then other nurses here told me if you have any lung or heart problems they can be aggravated by dialysis treatment.\n\nI've tried asking the doctor here and could not get an answer to this question and it was made out to seem like I am the only one that has these strange medical problems.\n\nI guess I will do some research online as well, but I really have no one I can ask these questions to as people just go to their stations, sleep and leave or are blocked off by curtains.",
	"i had a kidney transplant in june 2004. i initially was 80kg but i weigh about 110kg.\ni have tried all i can dieting, excercising but cannot loose weight. its a big problem as i dont seem to get the weight off .\ni am on cyclosporine 50/75mg daily, i am on prednisolene 5mg, cellcept 90mg twice daily.\nmy last check up showed my blood sugars shot up.\nthe primary triggers was hypertension.\nplease someone should advice on how to keep off my weight gain are there alternatives?",
	"What's everyone, who celebrates Easter, doing for Easter Dinner? How are you making your meal more renal friendly?\n\nPat",
	"As some may know, the NxStageUsers listserv required that all members be either users or caregivers of NxStage. Due to the many people who wanted to join but didn't qualify, we have started our own public forum that can be found at the NxStageUsers.com website. So now there is an additional resource for all interested in NxStage.\n\nYou can request to get a personal mentor. So if you are contemplating starting with NxStage, we have various avenues to get help. Join and say you heard of us on the DaVita Forum and you'll receive a free NxStageUsers.com Lapel Pin.",
	"March 12th was World Kidney Day! It was good time to think about dialysis, but nothing has changed since then. How sad it is that the U.S. lags so far behind the rest of the industrialized world. 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 20 million more are at risk. About 375,000 require dialysis--of which 92% do conventional hemodialysis (CHD): 3 treatments/week of 3-4 hours. This is not enough dialysis for most to live healthy and purposeful lives. We want Medicare and the Congressional Kidney Caucus to support better treatment. Won’t you please sign our petition to show your support?\n\n1. Please take a minute and go to http://www.petitiononline.com/eodD0903/petition.html\n2. Please forward this message to everybody in your address book.\n3. Please post this message to all of your social networking friends.\n4. Please post this message to all of the internet forums and groups to which you belong.\n\nWe thank you for your support!\n\nPETITION:\nWe, the undersigned, ask the Congressional Kidney Caucus to advocate for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to increase the number of routinely reimbursed hemodialysis treatments from three per week (156/year) to every other day (183/year).\n\nWe are people on dialysis, care partners, health professionals, family, and friends. Dialysis is not the end of life, but can and should be a new beginning. We believe that so-called “adequate dialysis” (three short treatments per week) merely allows people who need dialysis to hang onto life unproductively--in essence, many are prevented from living the life they were meant to live. This need not be the case! Research has proven that more treatments mean healthier lives, fewer hospitalizations, longer survival, increased productivity, and less overall cost to the healthcare system for people on dialysis.\n\nThe U.S has the worst dialysis outcomes of any industrialized nation. Supporting every other day treatments will allow those managing their illness with conventional hemodialysis to avoid the ‘long weekend’ with no treatment—which many studies have shown triples the risk of sudden death from a heart attack. Even this won’t allow the U.S. to catch up; that won’t happen until longer and more frequent treatments are made more widely available. But it’s a start! Please give this vital change your support!",
	"Hi.........My name is Wayne and I'm new to this forum as of today, 4/6/\\09. I've done dialysis in a clinic for three plus years but changed to Home Hemo in January and have been more or less \"on my own\" since Mar. 5. I'm having an on-going problem with my pure flow unit passing conductivity testing. They're blaming it on the control unit but Wed. I'll be installing the fourth unit in my base. Anyone else hav e similar problems? I'd appreciate any thoughts you may have.\nThanks,\nWayne",
	"While posting tonight, I had a person who just got her fistula. While signing off, I wanted a phrase I could push for this person. And so:\n\nKeep Dialysis At a Distance was my new catchy phrase.\n\nDo you have a catchy phrase? What could it be?\n\nI'm not squirrelly here, just thought it would bring up some good ones for people who need a phrase to think by, pray by, carry with them.",
	"THIRST--drives me crazy!!! All of my life I had rather drink than eat. I was a huge fan of big tall glasses of tomato juice drinks (non-al), cokes, milk, shakes, and any nutrition drinkable. Now my whole way of life has to change. How do I deal with this thirst? Sometimes I gain as much as 7kg in two days!!! Even though I have lost 130 pounds, I can't control the drinking!",
	"Can anyone tell me what to do to correct lost dwell time? My PD nurse dosen't seem to have any answers. I always have lost dwell and last night it was over an hour.",
	"Hi in 2001 i started having fits and the docs just put it down to epelepsy but i knew and said to docs it wasnt epelepsy but the docs dint listen. But any way in 2004 i had my last fit which at this time the docs said it was my kidney failing and had to go on dialasis. Dont ask me how i knew it wasnt epepey but i just knew it was something else. I was on dialasis from 2004 to febuary 2008 where i got the call to go to hospital for a transplant. every thing was fine apart from that the kidney what they where transplanting was much bigger then i was so the transplant took 4 and half hours which they said it would take only 2 but they had hard time transplanting it. str8t away when i went on dialasis i didnt have any more fits also i have not had any more fits during the transplant. They say now it was a chemical imbalance in my body what caused the fits due to kidney failing. Any way be for 2001 imy wieght was 9 stone 2. In 2004 when went on dialasis i was 57KG 2 years after dialasis i was 54KG. Now i am 46KG. I am going to docs on the 14th of this month to see about it but what i was thinking is could it be Lipitor Atorvastin tabs what making me loose it even more?. i am on 10MG a day. and now i am getting more side effects due to combonation of the tracolemus tabs. Im getting realy bad tingling in thingers and toes. Both of them go realy white and it feels like ive trapped them in the door or something but i think its just blood cerculation problem.\n\nThanks for any help and if you like to no more if i havnt written it clear please ask.",
	"\"You're going to die the way you live,\" says Fran Moreland Johns, a former hospice volunteer and author of \"Dying Unafraid.\" \"Laughter, music, all of the things that have been important in your life -- if you put them to work for making your end times better, you can actually affect your dying days.\"........\n\nCLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE\n\n\nP.S. Not kidney related but certainly related to long term care and can apply to how patients on dialysis can cope.",
	"Channel 4 in the UK are making a documentary, whereby they seek to explore the different experiences of dialysis patients waiting for kidney transplants in three different European countries. We will be following one patient in the UK, with whom we have already spoken, and are looking for two other British patients in two other EU countries.\n\nWe are interested in raising many of the issues that affect people who wait for organ transplants, not least of which is legislation. We are looking to explore these issues among many others in this documentary, which recounts these human stories.\n\nIf you are a British ex pat living in any EU country and are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, please contact Melissa on 0044 207422 8253 or email her on mariab@fftv.co.uk. We'll call you right back!",
	"Has any one got this book am thinking of buying it ,would you recomend it Jenaveve",
	"My kidneys have improved after three years of dialysis. The dialysis people reduced my time first to two days/week, and when the creatinine remained stable between 2.5 and 2.8 ml/dl, they let me off dialysis completely for the next three weeks (that was a week ago). My kidney function is 17% (from 7% three years ago). Apparently, I do not need dialysis for the moment. I am very surprised about this development, as I expected to be dependent on dialysis for the rest of my life. Some people tell me it is a miracle and that it is very rare! I haven't really found out why this happened. One of my nephrologists told me it may have happened because of the medication I took against multiple myeloma for two years (Thalidomide and Dexamethasone). It was the myeloma that originally caused the blockage of the kidneys.\n\nHas anybody heard about something like that happen?\n\nThanks!",
	"I think we will all enjoy this.....\n\n 'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.\nSo my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'\nRebecca- age 8\n------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.\nYou just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'\nBilly - age 4\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and\nsmell each other.'\nKarl - age 5\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'\nChrissy - age 6\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nLove is what makes you smile when you're tired.'\nTerri - age 4\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nLove is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'\nDanny - age 7\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together\nand you talk more.\nMy Mommy and Daddy are like that.\nThey look gross when they kiss'\nEmily - age 8\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'\nBobby - age 7 (Wow!)\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'\nNikka - age 6\n(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'\nNoelle - age 7\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'\nTommy - age 6\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.\nHe was the only one doing that.\nI wasn't scared anymore.'\nCindy - age 8\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'My mommy loves me more than anybody\nYou don't see anyone else kissing me\nto sleep at night.'\nClare - age 6\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the\nbest piece of chicken.'\nElaine-age 5\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer\nthan Robert Redford.'\nChris - age 7\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'\nMary Ann - age 4\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out\nand buy new ones.'\nLauren - age 4\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.'\n(what an image)\nKaren - age 7\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'\nMark - age 6\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'\nJessica - age 8\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nAnd the final one ...\nThe winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.\nUpon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.\nWhen his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry'",
	"I'm new to the site but, I was just wondering how family/friends learn to cope. My significant other is currently on hemodialysis at a center and is considering making the switch to peritoneal dialysis at home. I try to remain positive but the truth of the matter is I'm scared to death most of the time. I'm very supportive but I don't know where to turn or who to talk to on the days/nights that I sit and cry alone. I've been reading so much information regarding differents types of dialysis and it's all so overwhelming. How can I remain positive and be strong for both of us?",
	"New to this site. My mother was diagnosed with stage IV. Caused by years of high BP. She is monitoring her bp with meds and is keeping to a strict diet. Her and I very close and I feel as though she is not being completely honest about her condition. I do know that she is at a stage IV, on the low end. Because of her age, she has decided not to do dialysis or transplant and that I respect. I do want to know if anyone knows the life expectancy at stage four with out treatment?",
	"Hi im extremely new to this i have reached out to this site for answers because my dads nasty wife isnt giving them to me... he was diagnosed with multiple myloma almost a year ago.. hes been doing ok with treatments and things of this nature until last week he is now at Moffit Cancer Center and has been for 5 days.. ive went and seen him.. and things arnt looking great... he has spots of something\"they THINK its a fungis\" now on his heart and lungs.. a cluster of perhaps cancer cells on the side of his face.. and had a reaction to the platlets that they were giving him which hasnt happened the entire year he been geting them.... and has had a fever for an entire week of 103-104??????? what does this all mean! is he going to die is he just going through something else... i dont understand!!!! and i cant be their all the time hince i live quit a bit away from him... has anybody gone through this if so please help me so i know what to expect.. i feel so in the dark and no ones telling me anything!",
	"I think that you should have a discussion category for recipes for us \"foodies\" I know that the menu helper has recipes, but a discussion of our own recipes and how we adjust the ingredients to make them kidney friendly would be a big help.",
	"warning this may be long,\n\ni am new to this forum. my 30 year old husband was recently diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease .\n i will give a little background here. in 2005 he was hospitalized fo 3 months he had a piece of his intestine removed and an ileostomy put in he was on life support ended up woth a blood clot, had renal failure continuously got dehydrated, but eventually made it thru and came home\n a year and a half ago he had a reversal of the ileostomy and he had 8 hernias removed\n in february of this year he thought he had the flu he was sleeping all the time not eating, barely had the energy to move and he had body aches and fever. after about 2 weeks of feeling this way he went to the emergancy room the er dr thought it was the flu but did some blood work and the blood work showed that his creatine level was way off so they admitted him he had a abcess in his abdomin area that was causing an infection while he was in the hospital with the infection he was in renal failure they got the infection under control and his kidneys began to function again when he left the hospital his creatine was 2.9\n he bagan seeing a great dr while in the hospital that told us he would squeeze us in so we could look into the kidney isuues after he got out of the hospital. we made an apointment went to see him he ordered a biopsy which was done in march the biopsy showed that he has progressive stage 3 chronic kidney disease his creatine is 2.6 and his gfr is 30 . we were told that he would need a transplant at some point but they need to track the blood work for a while to be able to see how fast its progressing we were told that his kidneys were to damaged to be able to tell where it began or what caused it. i should add that he has a history of extremely high blood pressure thast we have known about for atlest the last 4 years but he probably has had it longer then that. he is also a smoker which we are working on , he is vitamin d deficient and his phospherous level was slightly elevated it was 5.0 so he has to watch that. he is on a bunch of meds he is on 800 mg twice a day of labetalol for his blood pressure and he is on lisinpril and vitamin d pill he is also anemic but doesnt need meds yet.\n its so frustrating for me i have stood by him thru all of the other medical issues and we have gotten thru it everytime something goes wrong i research it so i know what to expect and i can try ro explain it to him in a way that he will understand, so thats what i have been doing with the kidney disease i have been researching and everything i read is exactly what we are going thru . and he is talking to his parents and they are ssaying things to make him feel better but its not the truth they are suger coating everything i feel like its better to be realistic . it sucks and he has already been thru so much already and it kills me to think of him going thru anything else nevermind ckd wich will affect him the rest of his life. but thats the reality its not something that can be ignored.\n\n well thanks for whoever reads my long book , we literally just found all this out on tuesday so i;m sure i will be asking more questions and reading more posts in the near future.\n\nmillisson",
	"I was wondering if anyone has has their legs and feet turn bright red or look like they have a sunburn or rash while they are on dialysis?\n\nThis keeps on happening to me and I have seen several dermatologists, doctore, allergy specialists. But no one has been able to tell me exactly what is causing this strange redness.\n\nI am usually much better at least 12 hours later, but then the next time I'm at the hospital that keeps on happening again, every time.\n\nSo far I was suggested to take Benadryl and it helps a little, then after months of asking was given attarax and that worked a bit better, but I still have the same problems every time I'm there.\nAfter seeing an allergist all that could be determined by my bloodwork was that I was reacting to something and they are not sure what exactly.\n\nIs it really common for this to happen?\nI can't really find out much from the people at my unit as each chair usually has curtains around it so you can't talk to other people there.",
	"Helpppppppppppppppp am really confused about the amount of salt I am allowed , I have been going by 6 grm is a persons daily allowence , well i know its not that much for us ! but havnt any idea how much , can i eat pasta fresh or dried .",
	"Hello, while I am not on dialysis,, yet,, my creatinine level is 400 umol/L so I may need it in the future.\n\nI see that there are others here who are not on dialysis but, like me have CKD.\n\nMy story; In 2001 I had colon (rectal) cancer, surgery, chemo and radiation.\nHad I known then that the radiation may well toast my kidneys I might have said 'no thanks' to it.\nDuring surgery it was discovered that my left kidney is ectopic. That placed it in position to take a lot of the radiation as its in my left pelvis and the cancer site was in my rectum.\n\nFive years post op I was getting leg cramps. This had started during chemo but it was considered 'normal'. However I had had some nerve damage during surgery so when they continued no one did anything about them figuring it was caused by the nerve damage.\nThen one night I awoke with a cramp and jumped up out of bed as I usually did, to try and get pressure on the leg and alleviate the cramps. Instead, I passed right out, fell and cracked a rib on the corner of the bed (which woke me back up pronto)\nThe doc then checked my creatinine and it was at 250 umol/L. He sent me to the local neph who sent me to a heamaloogist and another neph in Winnipeg where it was discovered that not only were my kidneys very low functioning but I also have Monoclonal Gammpoathy of Unknown Significance(MGUS) a precursor to a blood cancer call Multiple Myeloma(MM).\n\nI was put on a low sodium diet and I cut back on protien and phosphorus sources. I am not restricted for potassium as yet.\nThe odd thing is that the assay of my kidneys shows that my left kedney is doing 35-40% of the workload when the nephs all thought that it would be nothing but scar tissue. My larger right kidney does 60% of the work but in total the function is,, well a creatinine level of 400 pretty much describes how well they are doing.\n\nFor almost two years now I have fluctuated between 350 and 420 again suprising the nephs who thought I would be on dialysis by now.\nMy sodium and calcium levels are normal, and phosphorus and postassium levels are bordering on low levels, my magnesium is slightly high, but I am slightly anemic with my latest RBC at 3.84 X10E12/L Carbon dioxide is smack dab in the middle of the normal range.\nSo far I get few symtoms. Since going on low sodium I get maybe a cramp per month most often not in a large muscle.\n\nI hope to learn more here. I have ordered the book \"Coping With Kidney Disease a 12-Step Treatment Program to Help You Avoid Dialysis\". which I saw referenced in the forums here.",
	"Hello All,\n\nMy grandmother is the dialysis patient, she had a mild stroke about three weeks ago and is currently in an inpatient rehab. She is going to be moving to a nursing facility to do a few months of rehab before we will find out if she can come home. I am concerned about how she would get to and from dialysis once she is in the nursing facility. Also, I have seen patients are our center who live in a nursing home and have to wait for long periods of time after dialysis because they are waiting on there transportation buses to take them back to the nursing home. There are so many new things that are going to be happening and I am looking for anyone who has or is in this situation. Any advice would be much appreciated.",
	"I'm in a great mood today!!! we're all here, we're all a family, I have my husband and my daughter and my mom is on the way over for breakfast.\n\nLife truly is great. it's nice to count your blessings instead of the downfalls.",
	"Okay guys - since being put on the steriods, my rash is gone, but I'm experiencing tightness within my fistula arm. The tightness goes from the incision site through my bicep area. Just wondering if this was normal - it's been 5 weeks since surgery and I didn't know if this was simple muscle tightness from the vein maturing, or what. I hate to keep calling the doctor over this but I'm sure that's what you're all gonna recommend again. I have tenderness in my elbow and my arm is still sensitive where the rash was - nerve damage?",
	"Hi everyone, I've been reading thru a lot of the posts and thought I would share my story. It's amazing to see how many \"newly diagnosed\" people there are in the world.\n\nI too have recently been diagnosed with CKD. I'm 34. It's been an absolute shocker.\n\nFor the most part this began in 2007. During a routine physical, my creatinine level was measured at a 1.3. But I had no other symptoms or family history, so my doctor ordered a 24-hour clearance test that came back within range. In 2008, all of my labwork came back in the normal range. So I thought that was that. In 2009, again my creatinine level came back at 1.3, so this time my doctor sent me to a nephrologist. More urine tests and a renal ultrasound that all came back normal. I had round of bloodwork done that came back at a 1.1.\n\nSo basically my creatinine level has been my only indicator of ckd - and I still don't know why my levels are bouncing around. But after reviewing the last 8 years of physicals, I could see in 2002 that my level was at a 0.8 - so definitely something going on since then. I still don't know the root cause of it - I'm told that the only way to definitively figure that out is through a biopsy.\n\nI think I'm still in denial a bit. I've always made a huge effort to take care of myself - exercising, eating right, etc. I don't have family history that I know of and I have no other risk factors or symptoms.\n\nThe only thing that provided any signs was the bloodwork - the importance of having routine physicals! I have had no symptoms otherwise - which I'm grateful for!\n\nIt's nice to know there are other people out there living well with this - I've been fortunate to have good health in my life, so it's scary to have something like this where I feel like I'm not in control of fixing it.\n\nIf anyone out there has had a similar experience to mine, or has any advice to share, I'm all ears - thanks for reading!",
	"Hallo,\nI would be grateful for suggestions. I am in end-stage renal failure and suffer from MCTD/SLE. A course of Metholprednisolone-Infusions followed by Retuximab-Infusions did not work for me. In fact the Retuximab caused a flare-up which may have been counterproductive. I was not given the opportunity of another treatment so I am left wondering whether another treatment would work like for example Cyclophosphamide + Corticosteroids. I have heard the latter worked for someone bringing their Creatinine down. Apart from treatment-options I am also urgently trying to find a specialist with experience in kidney failure, Lupus, and Vasculitis. I haven't had a biopsy of my kidneys because the nephrologists think it very inadvisable given my medical history and current situation. After my first kidney failure in 1971 I soon had a biopsy in 1972 from which they diagnosed I had chronic proliferative Glomerulonephritis with Hypertension and they also said I should not have a biopsy again because I bled very badly and it would endanger my life. This means that any current nephrologist could only go on this original diagnosis. I am located near a teaching hospital but my complicated disease picture and medical history (1971 kidney failure, coma. 1982: two cerebral haemorrhages with two aneurysms clipped. 1991: CVA-stroke. August 2006: End-stage renal failure, plus, I have been diagnosed with: MCTD, SLE, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Vasculitis, Sicca Syndrome, Sjoegren’s Syndrome etc, etc) completely overwhelms this reputedly experienced medical team and they have run out of ideas. I also suffer from photosensitivity (also common in Lupus patients). The fluorescent lights in Hospitals emit UV-rays which affect me badly and so it makes it difficult to manage Hospital appointments. Speaking with other patients with MCTD and Lupus, I am afraid that it would probably be impossible to find anyone similar to me, though I have spoken to two other MCTD-patients but their disease pattern and medical history was not even similar to mine and I have gathered that each patient with this disease is treated individually and therefore it is hard to compare experiences with anyone else. Sometimes I am not given a treatment because it is contraindicated due to another disease I suffer from and this limits treatment options. In case it has a bearing on treatment options and quantity of medication, I can say I am a 55 years old female, I weigh 59-60 kg, I am a vegetarian and of average height and build. A kidney scan showed my right kidney 8.6cm and left kidney 7.7cm. Has this size any relevance to 10% GFR? My kidney function is around 10% now. I suffer from tiredness but this could just as easily be due to Lupus as end-stage renal failure. I have no outward signs of kidney failure, I am only told I have end-stage renal failure because my Creatinine reached a certain point. Over the last three months my Creatinine level has been in January:374, February:436 and March:409. (The trend is up-wards, but it fluctuates). My Urea has actually come down to 18 and Potassium and Sodium are controlled naturally through my diet. I have also been diagnosed with drug-intolerance (common to Lupus patients) and this is an unfortunate problem because the side-effects of treatment often outweighs the benefit. I know this complicates things greatly. So, I would be very grateful indeed if anyone knew of a competent specialist in this area or could suggest treatment options and their experience with them. I know this is an extremely complicated matter and I am not expecting miracles but would be grateful if anyone has any ideas where I could go. Sadly I do not have sufficient funds to have private treatment and I have not got any Health Insurance because no Insurance Company would insure me with my medical history. I would very much appreciate your assistance, so please could you advise me as best you can. Thank you very much, Kristina, e-mail: schmidt56@yahoo.co.uk",
	"what effect does alcohol(Beer) have on peritineal dialasis. My husband is on his 2nd round of peritineal dialasis after 3 years with my kidney. We have not yet been told whether the kidney is unusable. His numbers skyrocketed and he had to start dialasis. He takes very good care of himself watches his diet takes med on time and every day. Does dialasis everyday and follows that to a tee. My only complaint is that he still endulges once in awhile in a beer or 3. we argue about it all the time. Our techs and drs seem to think its O K. everything in moderation. I am so unhappy with this and looking for info to show him this is bad for him even though it is only once in awhile. To me once is to much. He has been offered a kidney from both our children but they feel this is wrong also,and have now changed their minds. I am devistated that my kidney is now not working and everytime he has a drink with alcohol i cry inside. Is there any help out there?",
	"HI\nI am an active mother with a new grandbaby, and have just been told that within 2 weeks\nI will be on diaylsis. I am scared to death..to the point where I don't want to even do it. I have a wonderfu job ( which I will not be able to keep ) I am so worried about money and all the costs. There isn ot one redeeming factor in this process that I see, other than I will live. But I read and hear horror sotries...from the needles are gigantic and are extremly painful and there is so mcuh blood loss on your clothes, to you feel even worse when you are on diaylsis than you do when you are off.\nRight now, I am anemic, very tired and live with a lot of pain...if I still live like this on diaylis then why go on it.\nDoes anyne have any positive experiences. I talked to the manager of our Davita Center, and she was so up beat and helpful, but yet she is not on it...living with this sound horrible to me...a person who is so acative and out going...I feel so gulity that I am putting my husband and children through all this.\nAny adivce ??",
	"we are going today for my husband to have more blood work , i'm not sure if we will get the results before his next apointment in june , unless of course somethings wrong i figure they would call us if they found anything major.\n i'm also going to try to get copys of his past lab work from the nephrologist so i can see what it all says.\n he is still smoking but he did call the nephrologist to see if he could get a prescription for a stop smoking aid so hopefully we will hear back from them today. and even though he is on 800 mg of labatelol twice a day and 10mg of lisinipril his blood pressure is still around 165/85 . its lower then it was but thats still to high for some one with kidney disease. we are going to buy a digital blood pressure cuff hopefully today and then i can see if its daily that high if it is i'm gonna call the doc .\n i just wanted to thank you all for being here this is still new to me so i'm sure as time goes on i will have many more questions for you all...lol...\n\nmillisson",
	"Hello,\n\nI have been diagnosed with ESRD in 2007 and have started home hemodialysis since 3/31/08. I noticed that my there's more plaque built-up in my teeth, and I also seem to be developing arthritis on the base of both my right and left thumb. I did find some sites online that shows medical correlation between ESRD and dental problems or arthritis. However, they are mostly medical studies. But at least I know that it's not all just in my mind!  I was wondering if anyone out there had have similar experiences? And if your dentist and/or doctor took your concerns seriously?\n\nThanks,\n\nHurriken",
	"Hello everyone,\n\nI have been on dialysis for almost 7 months now. I have a graft. In the last couple of treatments I have had trouble with one of my needle sticks bleeding longer than normal. In fact the graft itself has been pulsating more than it every has. I use to only be able to hear it by putting my ear to my arm. Now I can feel it and see it pulsating. Today it was pulsating so hard that the needle almost pop out before the tech was ready to remove it. Then after holding the site for 15 minutes, when the tech checked it, it was spurting blood. I ended up sitting there for 45 minutes holding the site after she used a gelstop. Is this all normal or do you think something is going wrong with the graft?",
	"I was wondering how your fistula was doing and if you got an answer about your rash. I hope that the reason you haven't posted is because you are in Cozumel!\nJoanne",
	"Hi\n\nMy name is Joe and I am finishing my 2nd week of training. Has anyone had any negitive happenings with the home system. I am finding it fairly easy to learn and will be on my own next week.\n\nInterested in any and all feedback\n\nThank you\n\nJoe",
	"Kidney tests\nfrom EdREN, the website of the Renal Unit of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh\n\nThis page describes some blood tests that are commonly used in patients with kidney diseases, or to measure kidney function in people who may have kidney disease.\nHow well are my kidneys working?\nCreatinine (Creat)\nUrea\n\nCreatinine clearance (CrCl)\nGlomerular filtration rate (GFR and eGFR)\n\nMinerals the kidneys normally put out\nSodium (Na)\nPotassium (K)\n\nCalcium (Ca)\nPhosphate (PO4)\n\nOther blood tests\nHaemoglobin (Hb)\nWhite cell count (wbc)\n\nPlatelets (plats)\n.\nAlbumin (Alb)\nParathyroid hormone (PTH)\n\nIs my dialysis good enough?\nUrea reduction ratio (URR)\nKt/V\n\nDrug levels\nCiclosporin (cyclosporine, CyA) Tacrolimus (Tacro)\n\nSirolimus\n.\nTests for how well are my kidneys working?\nCreatinine - Creatinine is the best routine blood test for measuring how well kidneys are working. It is a waste product produced by muscles and put out through the kidneys. This means that 'normal' levels depend on how much muscle you have, and this can cause some problems in spotting kidney disease.\n\nCreatinine comes from muscle. The little girl has normal kidney function and a creatinine level less than 60. The body-builder has normal kidney function and a creatinine of 120. For the girl, a creatinine of 120 would be very poor kidney function. Cartoon by Beth Shortt, copyright EdREN. Contact renal@ed.ac.uk if you would like to use this figure.\nBecause of the problem of differing amounts of muscle in different people, most labs now also report an estimated GFR (eGFR) with creatinine measurements, and this can be very useful - see below.\nBig changes in creatinine are likely to be important, whatever the creatinine level. Although different labs may give significantly different results for the same creatinine sample, because there are different ways of doing the test.\nNormal blood creatinine is 60-120 micromol/litre (0.7-1.4mg/dl) - but see the cartoon above for a caution about this that applies particularly to small, disabled, or elderly people. In many people, 'normal' creatinine can sometimes conceal 50% loss of kidney function.\nUrea - Urea is a small molecule that is produced in the liver from protein that you have eaten. It is normally put out by the kidneys, so blood levels rise as kidneys fail. However other things change the level of urea in your blood too, so that it is not a simple guide to kidney function. Here are some of the things:\n• Fluid - if you are short of fluid (e.g. drinking very little), your kidneys keep more urea in the blood\n• How much protein you have eaten\n• Liver disease can stop urea being produced normally\nUrea is still a very useful test when used together with creatinine. It can also be used to measure how well dialysis is working to clear waste products (see Is my dialysis good enough?).\nNormal blood urea is 3.5-6.5 mmol/litre (20-30mg/dl)\n\nCreatinine clearance - You can get round many of the problems of blood creatinine measurements by collecting urine for 24 hours and measuring how much creatinine is in the urine at the same time as finding out how much is in the blood. This is called creatinine clearance. If any urine produced during the 24 hours is not collected the result will not be accurate.\nNormal creatinine clearance is about 100ml/minute\ntoo follow....",
	"Is my dialysis good enough?\n\nUrea Reduction Ratio (URR) - This is a measure of how much waste products such as urea have been reduced by one haemodialysis treatment. It is used to check that enough haemodialysis is being given. If it is too low more than once, you should find out why.\n• URR should usually be over 70% if you are dialysed three times each week and have little or no remaining kidney function.\n.\nKt/V - This is a more complicated test of how good dialysis is. URR is a simpler test. Kt/V includes more than just the change in urea. If it is too low more than once, you should find out why.\n• Kt/V should be over 1.2 for each dialysis if you are dialysed three times each week and have little or no remaining kidney function.",
	"Tests for how well are my kidneys working?\nCreatinine - Creatinine is the best routine blood test for measuring how well kidneys are working. It is a waste product produced by muscles and put out through the kidneys. This means that 'normal' levels depend on how much muscle you have, and this can cause some problems in spotting kidney disease.\n\nCreatinine comes from muscle. The little girl has normal kidney function and a creatinine level less than 60. The body-builder has normal kidney function and a creatinine of 120. For the girl, a creatinine of 120 would be very poor kidney function.\nBecause of the problem of differing amounts of muscle in different people, most labs now also report an estimated GFR (eGFR) with creatinine measurements, and this can be very useful.\nBig changes in creatinine are likely to be important, whatever the creatinine level. Although different labs may give significantly different results for the same creatinine sample, because there are different ways of doing the test.\nNormal blood creatinine is 60-120 micromol/litre (0.7-1.4mg/dl) - particularly to small, disabled, or elderly people. In many people, 'normal' creatinine can sometimes conceal 50% loss of kidney function.\nUrea - Urea is a small molecule that is produced in the liver from protein that you have eaten. It is normally put out by the kidneys, so blood levels rise as kidneys fail. However other things change the level of urea in your blood too, so that it is not a simple guide to kidney function. Here are some of the things:\n• Fluid - if you are short of fluid (e.g. drinking very little), your kidneys keep more urea in the blood\n• How much protein you have eaten\n• Liver disease can stop urea being produced normally\nUrea is still a very useful test when used together with creatinine. It can also be used to measure how well dialysis is working to clear waste products (see Is my dialysis good enough?).\nNormal blood urea is 3.5-6.5 mmol/litre (20-30mg/dl)\n\nCreatinine clearance - You can get round many of the problems of blood creatinine measurements by collecting urine for 24 hours and measuring how much creatinine is in the urine at the same time as finding out how much is in the blood. This is called creatinine clearance. If any urine produced during the 24 hours is not collected the result will not be accurate.\nNormal creatinine clearance is about 100ml/minute\n.\nGlomerular filtration rate(GFR) and estimated GFR (eGFR)\nGFR is a test of how much the kidneys are filtering. It is normally about 100 mls/minute. This means that the kidneys are removing all the creatinine found in 100mls of blood every minute - almost 150 litres per day! Most of this is absorbed back into the body, so that only 1-2% of the filtrate appears as urine. Creatinine clearance (see above) gives quite a good measure of GFR, but requires a 24 hour urine collection for measurement. Two other ways of measuring GFR are:\n• eGFR - Using blood tests, age, sex, and sometimes other information to estimate the GFR from the MDRD equation (eGFR). This isn't as good as measuring it, but is much simpler as it requires just one blood test. It is being used increasingly to spot kidney disease earlier than previously, and earlier than would be possible using just creatinine measurements (see above)\n• Measured GFR - Injecting a tiny amount of a radioactive substance and measuring how quickly it disappears from the blood, or appears in the urine, is used to calculate GFR.\nKnowing your GFR is very useful. It can give you an approximate % kidney function, and be used to show your CKD stage - more info about low GFR and CKD stages.\nYou need to know your creatinine.\n\nNormal GFR is about 100ml/minute/1.73m2. eGFR provides a rough estimate of the percentage function of your kidneys\n\nNormal kidneys filter 150 litres per day. That's 100 mls per minute. It also adds up to 33 Imperial gallons, 40 US gallons per day.",
	"Tests of other things the kidney puts out\nSodium (Na) - Sodium comes from salt, which is sodium chloride. Although there is often too much of it in your body when your kidneys don't work properly, its level in the blood does not change much. This is probably because sodium makes you thirsty, so you drink more until the level is normal again. Having too much sodium in the body causes high blood pressure, oedema (swelling), and eventually severe problems such as heart failure and fluid on the lungs (pulmonary oedema). Removing sodium is an important part of dialysis treatment. Diuretic drugs (e.g. furosemide) increase the sodium put out by the kidney. Most people with kidney disease need to keep down the amount of salt in their food. In the western world we have a tendency to add salt to food or in prepation of food using salt, therefore we take too much salt which may increase blood pressureby as much as 10/5, for example140/85 to 130/80.\nNormal blood sodium levels are 135 - 145 mmol/litre\n.\nPotassium (K) - Potassium comes from food, especially fruit, vegetables and nuts. Extra potassium you eat is normally put out in urine, so its levels in blood may rise in kidney failure. Blood potassium is normally precisely controlled and important. High levels can be very dangerous as they can cause serious heart rhythm abnormalities, including cardiac arrest, even before you have any other symptoms from it.\nNormal blood potassium levels are 3.5 - 5.0 mmol/litre\nHow high is dangerous?\nThere isn't a simple danger level, but levels above 5.5 usually cause concern, and levels much above 6.0 may be dangerous. Levels above 7.0 are certainly dangerous.\n• Diet is the most important way of controlling potassium levels in renal failure. More info.\n• Potassium is lowered by dialysis, but in patients treated by haemodialysis it rises between treatments, so it is important to be careful what you eat.\n• Some medicines make blood potassium higher. This is more of a problem when kidneys don't work properly.\n• Sometimes high potassium levels may not be accurate, for instance because of delays in getting the sample to the lab.\nTreatments for dangerously high potassium may include giving sugar (glucose) and insulin, and some other measures. If it is very high and kidney function is poor, dialysis may also be necessary.\n\nCalcium (Ca) - The body's calcium is mostly in bones, but in kidney failure there are problems with calcium and bones. Low levels of calcium may lead to thinning of bones, very low levels lead to weakness, tingling, and other problems. High levels cause sickness. It is measured regularly in patients with kidney diseases because:\n• Blood calcium may be low in renal failure, without treatment.\n• Special types of vitamin D (calcitriol, alfacalcidol) are given to prevent renal bone disease and to raise blood calcium.\n• Medicines (phosphate binders) given to keep blood phosphate low may also raise blood calcium.\n• After years of kidney failure, parathyroid hormone levels often rise, causing high blood calcium levels - see parathyroid hormone (PTH).\nMore information about renal bone disease.\n• Normal blood calcium levels are 2.3 - 2.5 mmol/litre (8.4-10.4 mg/dl).\n• Changes in blood proteins (albumin) may change these normal ranges though.\n\nPhosphate (PO4) - Phosphate levels are high in kidney failure. If not controlled, this causes\n• bone disease to be worse\n• itching\n• calcium deposits to form in blood vessels and in other parts of the body - these may cause serious disease.\nMore information about renal bone disease.\n• Normal blood phosphate levels are 0.9 - 1.3 mmol/litre (2.5-4.3mg/dl).\n• In renal failure the aim is to keep levels at or below 1.8 by controlling the amount of phosphate in diet and by using phosphate binding drugs.\n\nMore information about control of phosphate by diet and drugs.\nParathyroid hormone (PTH) - Parathyroid hormone is measured from time to time in patients with kidney diseases to prevent renal bone disease (renal osteodystrophy; read more information about renal bone disease). After years of kidney failure, PTH levels often rise, causing calcium to be removed from bone and blood calcium levels to be high. Normal levels of PTH are different when measured in different labs. In kidney disease it may not be best to keep PTH levels completely normal - some guidelines suggest just keeping it less than 2 or 3 times the normal level at 150-300 mg/L. This is best done by controlling blood phosphate levels (see above) or by taking vitamin D supplements such as altacalcidol. If PTH levels cannot be controlled by these measures alone then parathyroid glands may need to be removed in an operation called parahyrodiectomy. There are 4 parathyroid glands, all located in the neck, behind the thyroid gland.\n\n.\nOther blood tests\nHaemoglobin (Hb) - The stuff in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Too little is anaemia.\n• Normal haemoglobin levels are approximately 130-180 grams/litre in men and 115-165 g/l in women. (Many labs use grams/decilitre, g/dl, for which normal values are 11-18 rather than 110-180)\n• Erythropoietin (EPO) and other treatments aim to get dialysis patients close to normal (usually over 110 g/l)\nWhite blood cell count (wbc) - White blood cells fight infection. Levels are often high during infections, but may be made low by some drugs, such as those used to lower the immune system (e.g., azathiaprine, mycophenolate) and sometimes also by infections. If the numbers are very low there is an increased risk of serious infection. Different kinds of white blood cell are added together to get the wbc. Neutrophils are the type that is most important for fighting common infections, and they are particularly likely to be affected by drugs.\n• Normal wbc is approximately 4-11 thousand million per litre\n\nPlatelets (plats) - Platelets are needed to form blood clots. If the numbers are very low (below 50) the risk of serious bleeding increases. Patients with kidney disease quite often have slightly low platelet counts, but other diseases, and drugs, may also cause low platelet counts.\n• Normal platelet count is approximately 150-350 thousand million per litre.\n\nAlbumin (Alb) - Albumin is a blood protein. It usually makes up more than half of the protein in blood. Low levels can contribute to ankle swelling. Some things that may cause low levels include:\n• Leakage into urine - heavy leakage is called nephrotic syndrome\n• Poor diet and starvation\n• Infections or other causes of inflammation\n• Liver disease\n• Normal albumin levels are 35-45g/litre.\nIn dialysis patients it has been found that low albumin levels can be a marker for not doing well on dialysis. Unfortunately different methods used to measure albumin mean that different labs can get quite different results for the same samples from patients with kidney diseases.",
	"Hey one of my uncle has type 1 diabetes . So what is the best medicine or cure this type of diabetes.? And what type of care he should take? Thanks in advance.",
	"I first want to say I haven't been on in a while and hope that everyone is doing well. Things have been calm with my dad until this past week and I just wanted to come and talk. My dad has become weaker, I know this is probabley expected but is hard to come to terms with. He also has irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath. Monday night he couldn't sleep because he felt congested. After 4 hours of being awake it went away. My dad is at dialysis right now and I called to speak with one of the nurses. They say that his lungs sound better but he does have irregular heart beat. They say he does not have edema and feel the issue with the above mentioned is not dialysis related. They were going to call and get him into the doctor hopefully today. They didn't say anything about him going to the hospital but I am worried. This makes me afraid that he may have a heart attack and die. I don't mean to sound so negative but its all I can think about. Please pray for my family. Everytime he starts to get worse, I focus on negative things. I don't want to be this way but have a hard time not to. Has anyone else experienced these issues? I know they do blood work at dialysis but maybe they need to do it more frequently with my dad. My dad has been looking forward to working in his garden this year, a true passion of his, I am afraid he won't be able to and this makes me very sad for him. I just want him to feel better so he can enjoy his life. Thank you for listening.",
	"An employee of mine goes for dialysis 3 times a week, he and his wife been have invite by the military to a ceremony for their son who is receiving multiple metals. the catch is he can receive treatment while there but of course he will have to harbor all the cost of the med's that is necessary for the procedure that would take place in Guam on or off the military base is unknown. Of course as you can surmise his Med Ins will not cover him out of the country and the Military wont either so he may have to stay behind. He is a trooper and works a full 40+ hours a week out working some of my healthier staff and it bothers me i cant not see him take this time to leave the country and see his son in another country and given an honor that is a once in a lifetime event. If anyone can help me find an organization or a non-profit that can pay full or even part of his med expenses while overseas I will explore every option diligently! I appreciate the help and I pray daily for all those who suffer the constant struggle of treatment and all that it entails.\n\nHis Boss",
	"My husband will be on dialysis pretty soon. We are new on this. He was scheduled for surgery this morning but it was cancelled and moved to be done on April 24th. They told us that he needs to be off blood thinner for at least 5 days before his surgery. The nurse told us its called PERMACATH to be place on his left chest. His blood test numbers are high. Creatinine # is 7.95 on his last blood test. So his Doctor finally convinced him to go on dialysis because the kidney is not going to get better but will be worst if he don't go on dialysis right now. I was wondering how will he feels after the surgery. We were told that he needs to dialyzed for at least 2 to 3 hours after the surgey. Any advise you can give us.",
	"I'm just curious. On the waiting list for an organ; is blood type O the longest wait because other blood types are compatible with them but O can't use the other blood types?",
	"I have a really bad pain in my left side just below my waist also felt sick am jn stage 4 dose anyone else get theses pains",
	"Alright you guys, MM keeps telling me he feels fine, GREAT in fact! But he is more quiet than usual and right now he is in his office lying on the couch asleep. And I caught him getting a Zofran (nausea pill) out of the pantry the other day.\n\nI am uncomfortable no knowing if he feels bad. I think you guys would tell me to have a talk with him, that is what I will do when we get home, maybe at the dinner table.\n\nIt is pitch dark outside right now (I am in Houston) 3:45pm. Scary!!!",
	"Hi,\nMy son, Mike, who is now 29, has inherited chronic kidney stones from his paternal side of the family. We just found out one of his uncles recently lost a kidney because of stones. He's not close to that side of his family, being the reason we just found out. He began having attacks with them about 2 years ago.\nProblem being: He has No Insurance and finding a doctor that does not think he's just trying to get Pain Meds seems Impossible. They All act as though he's a dope head trying to get his fix. He's Not. He hates taking them. He's self-emloyed and looses a lot of work days because of the pain.\nOne doc told him he didn't see anything on his exrays! Another said, oh they're small enough for you to pass. Each doc tells him something different, but none truly act like they want to help him.\nAny help or suggestions would be so very appreciated!\nAlice",
	"My partner has been on home dialysis since December 2008. His tastes have changed to the point that he'd rather not eat, he gets full after only a few bites of food. We've had his stomach checked and there's nothing wrong with that only that he keeps losing weight and looks as if he's anorexic. I've warned him that he's eating into his organs if this keeps up but get into heated arguments over it. He won't drink Nepro but will drink Boost and Ensure. Since it's home dialysis, his diet is not restricted and he can eat anything he cares to but sweets have become too sweet and food has become unimportant. If anyone has had this issue or taken anything to help combat this AND the depression that has come with the condition, please reply. I'm doing the best I can as the caregiver but so frustrated to watch him getting thinner over time. I've even discussed a feeding tube with him and that is a definite NO WAY.",
	"Hi,\n\nI have only been on dialysis for two weeks after having both kidneys removed for cancer. I had about one week of dialysis in the hospital and one week at the local dialysis center.\n\nTwo of the 4 times at the local center I have gotten a very bad headache, very hot, sweaty, panting like a dog, very weak, very sensitive to bright lights. I was not able to complete the 4 hours either time.\n\nOther than weakness, I never had such a reaction during the inpatient sessions at the hospital.\n\nI have not seen a local nephrologist yet, they are scheduled to visit this week, but I am dreading going to dialysis on Monday because I really can't stand it if I have the same reaction again.\n\nDoes anyone have any advice?\n\nThanks,\n\nJeff",
	"Hi, I am new here...my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease a month ago. He had his left kidney removed 22 years ago and was told to limit animal protein to 6 oz and not ADD salt... so he has been blithley sure that he was fine. We get annual checkups and see drs regularly. His annual blood test last month showed that his GFR was17 so I took him to a Nephrologist the next week. We have met with a\ndietician who put him on a renal diet 1000 phosphorus, 2000 sodium and potassium and 55 animal protein. His GFR went to 20 which I know is horribly low. My question\nis vitimans. He is getting NO calcium or vitiman D. We were told to eliminate the daily multivitiman and he could take a NephroVite daily. But it has no calcium or vitiman D.\n\nI have read other information stating that Calcium is required on a nephro diet.. I am confused Please let me know what the right thing to do, the Neph dr didn't seem concerned about the calcium but agreed to get Ed tested for Vitiman D deficiency.. I don't think it would show up after a few weeks though..\n\nWe are still in shock from the whole thing and getting used to his new diet.",
	"Hi, my GFR is 16, so I'm bordering stage 5 ckd. I have had fatigue and tiredness for awhile now, but worse now every day and can't stay up late at all anymore. I also have RLS that I take meds for and shortness of breath with activity and I do get uncomfotable feeling with alot of burping after I eat sometimes.. Anyway, I thought my symptoms were pretty bad, but my last doctors appt the doctor said I'm actually doing pretty good for being at a 16%. He said as my number gets lower, I will start to get extremely more fatigued, maybe dizzy or lightheaded and I will be nauseaus all the time (mostly in the morning, kinda like morning sickness), not be able to eat, maybe lose weight and a lot of itching constantly, etc......... Gees, that sounds awful, no fun at all. Does anyone know about when and what % do you actually start getting nauseus and stuff???? Will it be suddenly or gradually or will I definately know when the numbers go down?????\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"Hi, I am on the transplant waiting list and have family members that are fixing to be tested. My hubby and son, which they are at end and only will be used if necessary. So it's between my mom (65 yoa), my brother (39 yoa) and my other brother (34 yoa). I think they said my mom is last also due to her age, they preferred to start with my brothers. I am a little concerned about one brother. The 39 yoa brother I think would be good match except what bothers me is he is married and has two small girls, so I feel a little guilty for him doing it. The 34 yoa brother is a concern, because he drinks a lot and parties a lot and not only that he has been a weight lifter for a long long time and was on steroids and extremely high protein diets for a very long time. He is no longer on steroids, but still lifts weights and does the high protein and drinks alot of alchohol..... I just wonder if all of that will make a difference with which kidney is better for me.\nI feel a little ashamed for I guess the word is being a little picky, but I'm just concerned and wondering what is best????\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"Has anyone who has gotten a kidney transplant got CMV? The kidney was CMV positive and I was CMV negative. I have heard since my transplant that there are some things to know but it seems there is very little information on this. So I thought I would ask. CMV is Cytomegalovirus.",
	"Hi my husband is recently on dialysis and has been having a lot of leg cramping while being dialyzed. They told us it was because of the balancing of fluids that caused the cramping is there anything he can take or do to stop this cramping. The pain is very severe and sometimes he gets the cramps across his chest. Once the cramping happens they give him more saline but by that time he is already in a lot of discomfort. I would appreciate any information you can give me about this.",
	"hi everyone,\nI saw my nephrologist on friday and he ran an iron panel on me and came back showing me as VERY iron deficient and will be starting Venofer Iron Infusions as he says that right now IV therapy is indicated due to my low red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit, ferritin and iron saturation levels.\n\ni just wondered if anyone has had iron infusion therapy and can you give me any heads up as to what to expect. Fortunately, i work for a cancer center who gives IV infusions for cancer patients, specifically cancer patients, so i won't have to leave work to have this done.\n\nWould appreciate any advise, thanks everyone and have a wonderful evening.\ncheryl",
	"Hi guys - still experiencing some issues with my arm. I don't know if this is a healing process situation or if it's something else.\n\nThe pain/tightness I'm experiencing is right at the wrist - sort of like where you wear a bracelet. The tenderness runs from the bottom of the wrist, down the bottom of my forearm - where that \"other\" vein is. I can't \"lay\" my arm down on a table or even touch my wrist as it's as tender as an oyster. It doesn't throb - it aches occasionally...as down the point at my elbow. My arm feels fine except my wrist area. By the time I get home at night, I want to cut my hand off. It's been seven weeks since my surgery.\n\nI go back to the vascular surgeon in another week. Can any one suggest what this might be?",
	"Legendary Singer Discusses Life on Dialysis and Her 'Wonderful' Experience at\nDaVita Facility\n\n\"There's a wonderful facility that I go to called DaVita. There's a gentleman\nnamed Kent Thiry who founded this organization some - a little a little while\nago,\" said Cole in her discussion with King. \"I've just met him very\nrecently. There's now 1,400 of these [DaVita] facilities around the\ncountry...I mean there are so many people that are in some form of -- are\nhaving some form of dialysis around the country. It's amazing. It's like\nalmost half a million people now.\"\n\nIf you missed this show click here below to watch all part series:\n\nNatalie Cole - Larry King Live Part 1\nNatalie Cole - Larry King Live Part 2\nNatalie Cole - Larry King Live Part 3\nNatalie Cole - Larry King Live Part 4\n\n\nEnjoy!",
	"hi everyone here's my story hope it helps someone as well as myself ill try to be brief\n\ni was 19 when my mother at 47 was diagnosed with kidney failure she also suffered from hbp and diabetes. she had just separated from my father so this was our new start. i was suppose to go off to college but i was mama's girl and didnt want to leave her. so when she got sick i was scared to death i began reading up on kidney failure and what it meant and i was like its time to grow up this put me where i had to learn how to wash cook clean everything.this was 2003 on valentines day when this happened she had to retire early from her job. down thru the years my mom suffered losing friends who just couldnt handle it, sickness, back and forth to doctors appts and i was right there with her every step of the way when she went to her treatment for the first time she was scared but i stayed with her until they took her in and i did that everytime she went in later years she got comfortable with going and for a while she was kicking davita butt everything was coming back good from phoso to bp she was so happy and i was to. i took care of everything at home bills house everything so i didnt work and also my mother was raising her grandson since he was 1 and even as the years went on he learned granny was sick and he needed to help he would no just by what was on tv that it was time to get granny.\n\nnow in 2007 i got married and i had so much fear about leaving home but she assured me that she would be fine and that i wasnt moving out of state so i needed to go on with my life and she would be alright. i heard her but at the same time i was scared cause i didnt want to lose her i did everything for her no one else but im gonna tell u she showed me that she could do it she drove to and from davita cook clean went to church everything she was proud of herself i was to now in 2008 my mother began to decline the beginning of the year she was worrying about my bros and was depressed for the most part i would still do my part took her to treatments church outings and everything but i think when she lost a really close friend that took the cake for her she became even more depressed now this is march and i took off work the whole month because i felt something was wrong from 7am to 10pm i was with her just doing everything i can to make her happy and it worked that was the best month of my life and i will never forget it it was almost like the world didnt exist it was me and her and thats it just pure fun\n\nwhen april came i was back at work 2 weeks before she pass. i remeber it like it was yesterday my mom had surgery on the 17th to open her fisula because it kept clogging and they had put i cather in her heart because the fistula just wasnt working docs were at the point were they wanted to put it in her thigh my mom was like oh no but i came by the house to see her and informed her i was trying to conceive and she said dont worry it will happen so the next day she had treatment so i got off work mind u called her b4 work at lunch as i did everyday to check on her but this day she really wasnt talkative so picked her and my nephew up dropped her off at treatment now the ride there was quiet but she said several times im going home early i was like ok which was wierd because it was a friday and her next treatment wasnt til monday now as you no leaving early meant she would have to really watch her fluid intake and my mother would always stay on as long as she could on fridays because she new the weekend she would more then likely drink more but i told her ok just call now she called me she left the xrays of her arm in my car so i brought it in to her and the tech said yeah she over there looking sad my mom laugh she often played with this tech and enjoyed her company so i talk to her a lil and left now the tech informed me what happened next she said she was playing with her and my mom nornally would response but she wasnt then mom began to moan had what seem to be a seizure and slumped over they tried to bring her back but she was gone it was found that she had a heart attack after the hold ordeal was over at the hospital i got in my car and i think it hit me that she was gone the person who i devoted the last 5 years of my life to was gone i began to cry because she was gone she left me all i could think about was that any and everytime my car moved mom was in it and at the age of 24 i was motherless but she was strong the whole time trusted god the whole time and my thought was if this was gods will who am i to be mad or upset so i think that is what got me thru because with my mother being sick it taught me responsibily cause if it had not been for her being sick i never would have had the experience that i had .\n\nnow remeber i said that i told her the day before she past that my husband and i were trying to concieve how about i found out 2 weeks after her passing that i was indeed pregant now i feel as thogh god took my mother so i could have this chid because i dont think i could have done both. so i named my son after my mom check profile for pixs\n\nim sorry this is so long but i needed to tell the whole story but i guess what im trying to say is cargivers learn as much as u can about things that they should and shouldnt eat keep them pumped up excited about life give them incentives if their test come back good my mom loved that the last one we had going was a recliner if they came back good and she was working on it too. my mom always said you all that i have and how she appreciated all that i had done for her cause some of the other patients didnt have that and she was glad she did and that is what gives me piece of mind because i know i did all that i could to make life smooth with no worries for her and i did my best at my job so i hope this encourage someone who is tired because you get that way sometimes but the important thing is your love one cause in the end you want to know that you did your part with no regrets",
	"Hi,\nMy fiance has just been told that he will have to go on dialysis sooner than we had anticipated and now we have all kinds of questions that pop up at all times of the day and night. Maybe someone can help with a few.\n\nWhat is your routine like on home dialysis? Can you actually sleep with the machine hooked to your body? Also, his diet has been very restricted because of the kidney disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Will the restrictions due to kidney disease ease up when he goes on dialysis?\n\nThanks for any and all input. Unfortunately there is no live support group in our area and we want to hear from actual patients and their families.\n\nDebbie",
	"Received the following email from AAKP:\n\n\nDear Friends,\n\n\nI am calling on you once again to take action! Over the last two months, kidney patient advocates just like you and I, met with congressional staff members across the country reminding legislators of the importance of health care reform for the nation's 26 million kidney disease patients. One such legislation is S. 565, the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage Kidney Transplant Patient Act of 2009 and its companion House-bill H.R. 1458. This bill would extend coverage for immunosuppressive drugs beyond the first 36 months after a kidney transplant.\n\nCurrently, Medicare pays for most of the costs associated with a kidney transplant. It even pays for the medications after the transplant for the first 36 months. But after the 36 months, patients are required to pay for their own medications. As you may know, prescription medications are very expensive and many patients can't afford them. Unfortunately, as a result, patients may stop taking medications or alter the frequency taken to try to save money. This can lead to organ rejection and patients ending up back on dialysis. Finding a way to cover the cost of immunosuppressive drugs cannot only save the organ, but the cost of the immunosuppressants actually costs less per year than dialysis.\n\nWe are urging Congressional leaders to support this very important legislation. Contact your congressional member today and ask him/her to co-sponsor S. 565, the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2009 and its companion House-bill H.R. 1458.\n\n\n\n\nKind regards,\n\nRoberta Wager, RN, MSN\nAAKP President\nTwo-time Kidney Transplant Recipient",
	"Dear sir/madam,\nGood morning, I hope this email find you healthy and sorry if I bother you. I am Alireza Ashtari and I have renal failure from childhood, recently my kidney damages got very serious and my doctor advise me to do home dialyze or PD.\nI got very happy when for the first time I saw Davita website and I saw in this website I can communicate and share my information with people who suffer such problems. Also I think maybe it is a good opportunity for me to find new friends.\n\nI have some question in this regards that I really will appreciate if you kindly put time and answer them for me\n1- How long does this operation take (putting PD catheter in body)?\n2- Does it have pain?\n3- How many days later after operation I can go to office and continue my work?\n4- I work in office? Is it possible that I do dialyze in my office?\n5- Will it make any problem while working, walking or..?\n6- Does PD catheter make any problem for you in your activities?\n7- Can you go bath as before?\n8- And at last are you satisfied with this condition?\n9- How many times a day you should do dialyze?\n\nI will appreciate if you kindly send your answers to below email address you can also fine my yahoo id,\nThank you in advance,\nAlireza ashtari\n25/04/2009\n\nalireza_ashtari2002@yahoo.com",
	"I reaally like Macadamia nuts and saw some at the grocery store 2 days ago in a package that had the nutrition info.\nI know I'm always told all nuts are \"bad\" for you, but was quite surprized at how low the phosphorus is for a 100 gram serving.\nOnly problem is the nuts are mostly fat...so not exactly great.\n\nThe phosphorus for 100 grams is 188mg! much better than all other nuts. Potassium is also 368 mg-still ok i think...\nI can't eat more than an ounce (30 grams) of these nuts as they are very rich tasting and also the high numbers for fat....\nI will probably use some of the nuts in my baking as they are pretty good for that!\n\nNuts, macadamia nuts, raw (1)\n\nNutrient Units Value per\n100 grams Number\nof Data\nPoints Std.\nError\nProximates\nWater g 1.36 3 0.068\nEnergy kcal 718 0 0\nEnergy kJ 3004 0 0\nProtein g 7.91 3 0.351\nTotal lipid (fat) g 75.77 3 1.147\nAsh g 1.14 3 0.034\nCarbohydrate, by difference g 13.82 0 0\nFiber, total dietary g 8.6 3 0.911\nSugars, total g 4.57 3 0.18\nSucrose g 4.43 3 0.18\nGlucose (dextrose) g 0.07 3 0\nFructose g 0.07 3 0\nLactose g 0.00 3 0\nMaltose g 0.00 3 0\nStarch g 1.05 3 0.024\nMinerals\nCalcium, Ca mg 85 3 11.267\nIron, Fe mg 3.69 3 0.728\nMagnesium, Mg mg 130\nPhosphorus, P mg 188\n Potassium, K mg 368 Sodium, Na mg 5 3\nZinc, Zn mg 1.30 3 0.093\nCopper, Cu mg 0.756\nManganese, Mn mg 4.131\nSelenium, Se mcg 3.6 1 0\nVitamins\nVitamin C, total ascorbic acid mg 1.2 3 0.255\nThiamin mg 1.195 3 0.255\nRiboflavin mg 0.162 3 0.322\nNiacin mg 2.473 3 0.337\nPantothenic acid mg 0.758 3 0.078\nVitamin B-6 mg 0.275 3 0.032\nFolate, total mcg 11 3 1.433\nFolic acid mcg 0 0 0\nFolate, food mcg 11 3 1.433\nFolate, DFE mcg_DFE 11 0 0\nVitamin B-12 mcg 0.00 0 0\nVitamin A, RAE mcg_RAE 0 0 0\nRetinol mcg 0 0 0\nVitamin A, IU IU 0 0 0\nVitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) mg 0.54 3\nTocopherol, beta mg 0.00 3 0\nTocopherol, gamma mg 0.00 3\nTocopherol, delta mg 0.00 3\nLipids\nFatty acids, total saturated g 12.061",
	"hello everyone, my name is sandi and i have been so encouraged so far by reading your posts. i was dx 7 years ago with ckd. over the last few years i really haven't thought much about except for all the medicine i take daily for my bp, edema, fatigue, and the fact i am bottomed out on my b-12, folic acid, vitamin d, potassium, and now thickening of the heart wall.\nbut, i thought this was going to be my way of life and i had accepted it. a couple of months ago when i went for a routine checkup at my nephrologist i was told that my gfr was 19. what a shock my husband and i have had.\n\nnow i read from the davita newsletter that you can start the ball rolling on getting on a transplant list before dialysis and can even get a transplant from a living donor? just need some info and someone to talk to.\ni am scared of the unknown, please help",
	"I was diagnosed a couple months ago at Stage 3.(my mom and her twin have had kidney transplants) My creatinine was 1.72 My dr doesnt know why and I'm going to another facility for 2nd opinion. My current dr says I shouldnt have any symptoms and diet wont matter (at this stage). I think he is wrong.\nI have been very tired so I had my hemoglobin checked and its gone down alittle to 11.4.\n(could that be enough to make me tired?)\nI feel like I have morning sickness alot...thats what I compare it too. I have nausea but not super bad, but definitely tired alot. I feel like I could sleep all the time, I dont, because I have work to do. My legs really bother me, in the morning I wake up feeling like I have been working out! And I've done nothing. Sometimes at night my legs bother me and I cant sleep well. My appetite is really gone down also, I just dont feel like eating, not like I use to.\nI wonder if my feeling this way is 'normal' and if what I eat will affect the way I feel?\nI dont want to be overreacting about things, and worry that everything could be related, but I dont want to ignore it either.\nHopefully when I go to the new Dr next week he will give me some answers. But I know Dr's are not always right and that people with experiences are more accurate then the books.\nThanks for any advice / suggestions you have.",
	"Dear sir/madam,\nGood morning, I hope this email find you healthy and sorry if I bother you. I am Alireza Ashtari and I have renal failure from childhood, recently my kidney damages got very serious and my doctor advise me to do home dialyze or PD.\nI got very happy when for the first time I saw Davita website and I saw in this website I can communicate and share my information with people who suffer such problems. Also I think maybe it is a good opportunity for me to find new friends.\n\nI have some question in this regards that I really will appreciate if you kindly put time and answer them for me\n1- How long does this operation take (putting PD catheter in body)?\n2- Does it have pain?\n3- How many days later after operation I can go to office and continue my work?\n4- I work in office? Is it possible that I do dialyze in my office?\n5- Will it make any problem while working, walking or..?\n6- Does PD catheter make any problem for you in your activities?\n7- Can you go bath as before?\n8- And at last are you satisfied with this condition?\n9- How many times a day you should do dialyze?\n\nI will appreciate if you kindly send your answers to below email address you can also fine my yahoo id,\nThank you in advance,\nAlireza ashtari\n25/04/2009\n\nalireza_ashtari2002@yahoo.com",
	"I have been vomiting just a little. Pepto Bismol helps and it even has helped the severe diarrhea.\n\nHave had terrible headache for days with severe dizziness. Almost blacked out a few times. Had to hold on to something near by so I won't fall until it past. Sleeping most of afternoon and then night. Everything spins even when I lay down.\n\nStill at stage 4, still anemic. The iron drips did little, now getting hormone shots in abdomen.\n\nSaw gastroenterologist about blood found in stool, but he was afraid to do colonoscopy because of my kidneys. \n\nSometimes I want to go to the E.R., but then that seems silly. I guess I'll call Neph tomorrow. My blood work is monthly now.",
	"I have had high bloodpressure and diabetes for many years. Which caused my kidneys to fail. My wife and I are in our early fifties and have place sex on the back burner. I have recently (3mos) received a transplant. My kidney doc sent me to a urologist who prescribe the drug levitra. Has anyone used this drug. And are there any side effects? I've read the side effects on the drug and it states that there is no research on how it effects men with kidney problems.",
	"I started PD in February. I did manual for 1 month then started on the night time machine. I have been able to keep working full time through all of this. My job was able to provide a reem for my exchange at work. My diet restrictions have been lifted for now. My problem is I am constantly tired. I am able to get thru my work day but sometimes by the time I get home I head straight to my room. Saturday is usually a day of sleeping on and off for the entire day. My doctor says everything looks good and I should feel fine. My other question is when you're not sure if you have a problem or not (like diahrrea or upset stomach) how do you figure out which doctor to go to. Your family doctor or nephrologist?",
	"I struggled years of my life trying to look good and be happy with my body,\nhere's some ideas that might help you!\n\nEXERCISE IS ESSENTIAL FOR WEIGHT LOSS.\nIt's nothing new, but exercise is probably the most important predictor of whether you will succeed at long term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In order for exercise to be helpful in weight loss, you should strive for a minimum of five 30 minute sessions per week. The good news is that recent research has shown that three 10 minute sessions in a day are as good as one 30 minute session. This helps many in combating the old \"no time for exercise\" excuse.\nKeeping a food diary can be a huge asset in successful weight loss. Devote some time each day to record what you have eaten and how much, your hunger level prior to eating, and any feelings or emotions present at the time. A food diary can provide a large amount of self-awareness. It can identify emotions and behaviors that trigger overeating, foster greater awareness of portion sizes, and help you discover your personal food triggers.\n\nREMEMBER! IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE APPEARANCE IT’S ABOUT BEING HEALTHY!\nMany people become more successful at long term weight loss when their motivation changes from wanting to be thinner to wanting to be healthier. Change your mind set to think about selecting foods that will help your body's health rather than worrying about foods that will affect your body's weight. The Food Pyramid offers a basic outline of the types and amounts of food you should eat each day to give your body the nutrients it needs for optimal health.\n\nEVALUATE WHY ARE YOU OVEREATING.\nAll too often overeating is triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness, anger, depression and other emotions. Learning to deal with emotions without food is a significant skill that will greatly serve long term weight control.\n\nFIND PEOPLE THAT WILL MOTIVATE YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT.\nA big key in long term weight control comes from receiving encouragement and support from others.\n\nIT TAKES TIME, BE PATIENT.\nTry to remember that \"losing 15 pounds in two weeks\" is nothing to celebrate. It is important to realize that the more quickly weight is lost, the more likely the loss is coming from water and muscle, not fat. Since muscle tissue is critical in keeping our metabolism elevated, losing it actually leads to a decrease in the amount of calories we can each day without gaining weight. Fat loss is best achieved when weight is lost slowly. Strive for a weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week. One pound of weight is equivalent to 3500 calories. By making small changes like eliminating 250 calories a day from food and expending 250 calories a day from exercise, you can lose one pound (of mostly fat) per week. You can calculate how much time you need to exercise to burn 250 calories by clicking here. You can calculate your caloric needs by clicking here, and then subtract 250 from that number.\n\nENJOY A GOOD FOOD\nDid you ever notice that thin people take an awfully long time to eat their food? Eating slowly is one method that can help take off pounds. That's because from the time you begin eating it takes the brain 20 minutes to start signaling feelings of fullness. Fast eaters often eat beyond their true level of fullness before the 20 minute signal has had a chance to set in. The amount of calories consumed before you begin to feel full can vary significantly depending on how quickly you eat. So slow down, take smaller bites and enjoy and savor every tasty morsel.\n\nABOVE ALL THAT, LOVE YOURSELF, NO MATTER WHAT! YOU ARE A VERY SPECIAL AND IMPORTANT PERSON…!!!\nI HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS ARICLE.\nTHANK YOU!",
	"Hi all,\n\nMy name is Shan, 44 year old guy from Johor Bahru, Malaysia. I was diagnosed with ESRF in 2007, and have been on haemodialysis since Jan 2008.\n\nI am pretty big sized, my weight is ~260lbs. I'm going regularly to the gym for cardio workouts (treadmill, cross-trainer) but my weight has actually gone up about 4.5lbs in the last year ..... sighhhhh .....\n\nAll resources I have read seem to say that weight training is essential in order to lose weight, the theory being that it increases your muscle mass and hence increases your resting metabolic rate. However, everyone I talk to at my dialysis center advises against me doing any weights because of the possible impact tp my AV fistula (it's on my left wrist).\n\nI would really appreciate any opinions on this issue.\n\nThanks in advance .....",
	"Thought I would start my own thread instead of hi-jacking. :O)\nWent to the Neph Thursday:\nThe metabolic acidosis is finally under control -- thank goodness he was able to stop the nasty bicitra, Neph allowed us to do 5 pills a day of 667mg Sodium Bicarbonate and that zapped it. Now he is anemic and low on Vit D. We are doing an iron test to see if iron or Epo is needed. Neph said we will do Arenesp if the iron is OK. Iron if it is not.\n\nAlbumin was still 1.5, very low. I asked the Neph shouldn't we be seeing a rise in this since we are doing the Amino Acid supplement (Calwood), he said MM is losing so much in protein in the urine that it is just flowing right through him. I said OK, so we can stop taking those (over $100 a month), Neph said no don't stop -- Albumin would be lower without them. So. .....shrug..... Any body have this problem?\n\nBTW MM's GFR rose to 14, up from 10 so no dialysis catheter yet. We haven't even been to Davita for a tour or to talk to anybody. I swear MM is going to put dialysis off indefinately.",
	"Hi guys:\n\nJust wanted to update everyone that my fistula is doing fine. I see the doc in another week.\n\nThe wrist tightness/tenderness isn't 100%, but it's about 75% better. I'm back to using the squeezie, walking 20 minutes at night (a mile and a half) and doing arm curls.\n\nYou all have a nice week and I'll keep all of ya posted as to my progress. Thanks again to all who have supported me during this time. I really am grateful for all your assistance.",
	"Is anyone allowed to play games while on dialysis? The DaVita center that I go to is fairly\nnew and modern. However, whenever I try to go to a website that has the word \"game\"\nin its title I am blocked by DaVita!!! Does anyone else have this problem???\nIt would be nice to play online games from my computer while sitting here for 4 hours!!!",
	"Hi guys - it's been a week and I just noticed I have some mild swelling of my ankles. I keep my feet elevated when I sleep and when I awake in the morning, the swelling is gone. Then once I get home to take my shoes off, I have mild swelling. What I don't understand is, if this was related to kidney disease, would the swelling go away like it does?\n\nDoes anyone know if the swelling or fluid retention from kidney disease disappears during leg elevation? Also, if this continues, can the doc give me something to release the fluid, like a directic? (fluid pill).\n\nI'm not too concerned right now as it comes and goes and I still feel great with a good appetite. I have no pain in the ankle area.",
	"Hi all!\n\nI love the group discussions but felt that maybe there may be a place here for the people that would prefer a little less public place to ask questions and make friends. Everyone is welcome and no topic too insignificant. Right now it's a big group of 1 and that's me. I love making friends and look forward to making new ones!",
	"\"The dialysis community has had its first brush with the swine flu in California where a dialysis patient is being tested to determine whether or not the swine flu has been contracted, according to Kelly Mayo, project director for the Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition (KCER).\" Full Article\n\nIf your on dialysis like most of us are here you might want to prepare yourself by refreshing your mind on what you need to do to protect yourself and others. Below are some links to resources that can help you prepare and refreshen your mind for the Swine Flu...\n\n\n\n\nCENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL PREVENTION",
	"They seem to be held at the Davita Nephrologists. I gave my info and the group (leader?) is going to call me about when the group classes will be held.\n\nI have no support here, the only place I have to go is this forum. I have no family interest in helping, or being there for me. I don't mind, they were the same way when my mother had cancer and died. So, I know that this is \"normal\" for them. I could cry about it, or shrug that is the hand I've been dealt. I did have some pity parties, but no one came.\n\nOne thing I want to learn at the class is when to approach my Nephrologist about options. He comes in, checks my blood pressure, asks a few questions and tells the front desk when he wants to see me again. So, I want to go to my next appointment prepared with tips and how-tos.\n\nI'm felling better, but I fell off the quit smoking wagon. I will try again soon. As the say \"Quit smoking, and never stop quitting!",
	"I am 19 from ky. im a type 1 diabetic and just founf out 7 days ago that i am in end stage renal failure and must start getting ready for dialysis. im having a hard time with it and dont know what to expect. i know i ihave to have a fistula put in and have to prepare to apply for insuance like medicare or medcaid whatever it is. i am hoping to get on a transplant list because alot of family members want to try to be donors. how long does it take for the medicare to get approved. my doctor hopes i can have the fistula placed and not have to start dialysis for at least 6 months to a year but said it could be sooner than that. what should i expect id there anything i should prepare for?",
	"I have a friend whom is 71 years old, her name is Joan. She has been been doing dialysis for 22 years. I do not know the whole story, but she recently found out that she needs heart surgery, but due to her kidneys, and being on dialysis, it is extremely risky. She said she just cannot decide if she should have the surgery or not. Has anyone gone through something like this or know anyone who has? Please pray for her.\nThanks.",
	"It has been shown in a scientific study that leaching potatoes before has no effect on the Potassium in potatoes. May I suggest that the DaVita resipes be updated to delete the recommendation. It is better to cube or thinly slice the potatoes, and this reduces the Potassium by at least 35% during boiling\n\nSee: The Effects of Boiling and Leaching on the Content of Potassium and Other Minerals in Potatoes\nP.C. BETHKE and S.H. JANSKY\n Authors are with USDA-ARS and Dept. of Horticulture, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 U.S.A.",
	"I am in the gap period of my medicare part D program. For all practical purposes, I have no drug insurance now. I am on PD, have been for 6 months. One month's supply of Renagel is about $700. Who can afford that? I have maybe a week's worth left and then I will not be able to get any. What is going to happen to me with no blocker? Anyone else been in this situation? I have to spend about $2000 on prescriptions before I am covered again...and no way I can do that. Now what? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.",
	"There doesnt seem to be too many home dialysis support groups out there. There is a new support group I found at www.nxstageusers.com/forum that seems to be pretty on top of things. There is alot of good info about NxStage from current Nxstage caregivers and NxStage Users.\nAnother good one is home dialysis central. HDC is more generalized, but good non the less.\n\nDoes anyone else know of any good support groups?\n\nhomedialysis",
	"There is a rather recent addition tothe online support communities for home dialysis for both caregivers and dialysis patients. and www.nxstageusers.com/forum are two new recent additions with great people with great support and information. I receive information from here even before my clinic knows about it. Check it out. Its a great new member community. Davita is also a great community, but i feel the more, the better.\n\nhomedialysis",
	"Hi,\nI have had several people call me this week all asking why is there only a transplant games and not some kind of events or competition for people on dialysis.\nI was also asked by several people if you are on dialysis can you participate in the transplant games.\n\nI know many people on dialysis do not think they can do any activities, but I am sure there are some that can do something.\nI know there is 1 guy that does marathons, and many people probably play badminton or tennis I'd think.\n\nPersonally I would like to see a dialysis games because it could prove to people that people on dialysis CAN do something and that you do not have to \"wait until you are better\" as most people seem to think.\nMany people do not qualify for transplants, but are still active anyways.\nI know a \"young\" girl in her 20's that likes dancing.\n\nTo me one of the messages the transplanr games gives out is that it excludes 3/4 of the people with kidney problems and that only people with transplants can do active things.\n\nNow I still think the transplant games are good as it shows that you can do something after a transplant, but to me it depresses me to see all those people that would not qualify.\n\nAlso what sports would people on dialysis do?\n\nTennis?\nCycling?\nBadminton?\nJogging?\nShort distance run- like 50 and 100 metre?\nSwimming races maybe??\n\nI'm just looking for ideas for now, but am interested in putting something together eventually.",
	"Hi,\nI am have not been so good this past week. I have had a lot more pain than usual. I had to stay off work a few days. (that worries me alot) I have been anxious about what the future holds. I am battling a bit with my medical aid. The surgeon (which I've never met) demanded R25 000 up front. In case I get a live donor or become active on the donor list. I have no idea where this money is going to come from. My medical aid pays \"medical aid\" rates and he charges more than that. (my GFR is 20 the last time I checked)\nI have a suspicion that my next step in this desease is going to be the removal of my VERY enlarged kidneys to alleviate the pain. My neph hinted in that direction in March.\n\n This is my major concern.\n\nI am just feeling a bit down.\n\nThanks for listening.....",
	"They had a small segment on the Today Show this morning regarding organ donors, mainly kidney. Anyone looking for a donor can go to www.matchingdonor.com",
	"For those on NxStage, there is a Forum that has started on another board that is great for those interested in what everyone else is doing regarding their treatment settings and prescription.\nIts nice to see what treatment settings others are using and the different treatment parameters. I never knew how different ones treatment prescription can be for similar and different for two people.\nFeel free to check it out and even add yours if you are doing home hemo. I belive most are NxStage, but im sure you could post your settings if you use a different machine.\nThe thread is called \" List your treatment parameters\" and can be found here: //http://www.nxstageusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99\nThey are now accepting guest login do you do not currently have to register with the forum.\n\nhomedialysis",
	"I have Medicare and I also have Medicaid via an adult waver program. The Medicaid I was on before had a monthly deductible of about $900. The adult waver program waves the deductible. Now I'm afraid they'll delete the waver program. What if I can't afford dialysis?\nNothing in this country is free.\n\nOne reason I'm down, is I saw the movie \"Sicko\" for the first time. Our country is one of the very few countries that doesn't have universal health care. It seems our leaders try to scare us into thinking universal health care in something to be afraid of. That movie opened my eyes, and I feel ashamed of our country. It seems to put the almighty bottom line before helping sick people. \n\nAs far as I know I'm still at stage 4. I get my monthly labs next week.",
	"Hi my name is Aly and I was diagnosed with kidney disease a year ago. At that time I had 55% function and 6 months later it dropped to about 47%. Yesterday I just found out is dropped another 20% in a months time and I am now down to 27% kidney function. This was a huge scare for me! Im not quiet sure how to process all of this and needless to say Im scared out of my mind!! Just looking for some support from others that are going through the same issues. I also found out that my Vitamin D levels are low and I have mild anemia. I am 32, mother of a wonderful 13 year old son and getting married in September. All of this together makes for some stressfull times!!",
	"",
	"",
	"I am so excited! My kidney function has increased by 11% in the last 7 months. I've changed over to the lower protein diet. My prayer was just to maintain. I'm speachless. My understanding is that you may increase very slightly like a point or two but I raised 10 points. Hum......any insite?",
	"Hi everyone i got a question has your doctor your regular pcp mention anything about filling the the form for the health care proxy directives w/ you incase something was to happen and knowing if you have a chronic condition they ask you to have one in file",
	"Hi guys - got some bad news today. My fistula is not popping through the bicep as expected. It's popping in the middle of the bend (between the forearm and bicep), but not up the arm. They are going to give me another six weeks, whereby I can lift weights and hopefully mature the vein better. I have no weight restrictions. The PA stated that they would do sometype of dye test to see where the vein is - now the question - I thought CKD people couldn't have dye tests or it would put the person at risk for kidney failure? I'm a bit bummed right now cause in another two weeks I get my numbers via blood work to see where I stand as far as my GFR. I would hate to think that I don't have a working fistula should I need to go on dialysis. Then what?\n\nI went with the best vascular team - however, you were told that the vascular team is not physician oriented, which means you never get the same person to see you. You get the PAs (practicing assistants) and you never see the surgeon unless you ask. I had some questions today and yet there was no one there expect this one PA. So, I'm gonna call the vascular team tomorrow and ask for a call back from the surgeon himself - I need answers cause all of this is making me sick right now.\n\nAll I ask is that you all pray hard for me as tonight I am a bit down in the dumps and ready to apply for a one way ticket to Cozumel (swine flu or no swine flu).",
	"Recently I had a fistula put in about one month and a half ago. Now the surgeon tells me I\nhave to have some veins tied off. I am confused I thought the fistula would be enough. I am\ndue to have the additional surgery Tue the 12th. I am due to start dialysis in 4 to six months.\nI am confused and depressed, can someone shed some light on this.",
	"LAWRENCE, Mass., May 7, 2009\n-- NxStage Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXTM), a leading manufacturer of innovative dialysis products, today announced that it signed a five-year exclusive distribution agreement with Kimal plc, a distributor of medical device technology across the UK and International healthcare markets, for the promotion, sale, delivery and service of the NxStage System One and certain of the Company's in-center products in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. This agreement encompasses all three NxStage markets-home, critical care and in-center-and marks the Company's first international expansion for the System One outside of the US and Canada.\n\n\nSee Entire Article Here:\n\nhttp://www.nxstageusers.com/forum/sh...?p=267#post267",
	"I have been a patient at Davita Bloomfield Connecticut unit for over a year now. Due to budget cuts, they are not allowed to order the good blood stopping band aids anymore, can you believe that, band aids???!!! What the hell.... they are not allowed to order new pillows and they now have this cheap paper tape that causes rashes on my skin. I know what my insurance pays them per session, and this is simply ridiculous. No more paper covers for the chairs. God forbid if i ask them for wireless internet, they'll have a cow. I am getting concerned that they will skimp on the safety of our health and cause us illness or even worse. I may have to think of changing centers or companies all together. hopefully i can find one that puts its patients first instead of their bottom line.",
	"How about that, few years ago people on dialysis from around the world wondered whether they can have a Nxstage for their home, well folks, the time has now come! \n\nClick this image to visit the company website partnering with Nxstage\n\n\n\n\nIf you you have further questions and want to talk to real people using this unique technology feel free to reply your questions here or visit some great forums listed below.\n\nI Hate Dialysis\nNxstageUsers\nHomeDialysis Central",
	"Does anyone else experience bouts of anger, frustration, and irritability outta the blue? It's driving me nuts!! I could be feeling a little frustrated or something and as Im sitting doing nothing I get angry or more frustrated and irritable!! It's just driving me batty!!! And of course this post comes about because I am having one of those nights tonight!! I feel like Im going crazy!!",
	"I was just wondering how long does your medical team keep your medical records for?\n\nI was told when I switched family doctors (General Practitioners) that the new doc would only get 6 month's worth of records unless I paid for them all to be photocopied. Then if I paid for the photocopies I would have to hand them to him myself in an envelope. So I did that and now how myself my own copy but that was only because I switched doctors. What about if you have a doctor for a few years .. I have no clue if I would be able to get a copy just because I want it .. it would be work for them that they don't want to do .. but I think we should have access to our records. I DO have access to my blood labs (I have to ask for a copy of them when I see the doc) but I want details on surgeries and everything. I learn a lot from them even though they are a lot of medical jargon.",
	"Has anyone experienced this?\nAfter a few minutes I was hooked up to the HD machine I experienced a tight pressure on my chest particularly under the right ribs area, I did not know that the Nurse who was taking care of me failed to see to it that there is no loose connections in my line to the dialyser. So, my blood splattered and was all over the machine. The other Nurse who was around found it out and adjust something on the machine’s control. I thought that pain will go away, but it took two days for it to disappear. Is this an air leak? Is there any chance an air came in to my system (embolism)? Was my life in anyway in danger? Is there any possible bacterial contamination? Do they have to shut down the machine? They did not. So many questions playing inside my mind. I am worried here.\n\nThe charged nurse there told me not to worry, but I am starting not to trust them, because it seems they are trying to protect their kind? So, I asked her not to assign that re-miss nurse to me anymore and I asked for an investigation about it too. Thanks",
	"Has anyone else had the problem of getting air into your peritoneum when starting the cycler at night?\n\nLast night was only my second on the cycler, and within about a minute of beginning my initial fill, I was in extreme pain. From the type of pain (extreme, sharp, upper chest)- it seemed just like what was described in my training as air in the line. Gosh that hurt. \n\nI was able to make the pain less by raising my hips and taking a tylenol.\n\nMy question is this: Where the heck did that air come from? There was no air in the line when I primed the machine (I checked thoroughly). I also re-checked every single line after terminating therapy, and found nothing out of the ordinary...\n\nAnyhow, I ended up terminating treatment, re-priming, and starting over...It was OK then.\n\nAny words of wisdom? Is there something else I should be checking?\n\nYou can bet I'll 200% sure that everything is primed tonight......",
	"First hello to everyone.  This site has been a great resource for education for me so I thought that asking this question here might be a good idea.\n\nMy name is James and when I was 14 I was diagnosed with MPGN Type II or what is now called Dense Deposit Disease. Pretty rare, not a very happy disease. If you know anything about it for me to get to 29 without any major problems adds to the rarity. I apologize if this is kind of longish post I just want to give some backstory to help anyone that is willing to give me some needed advice.\n\nBack in December I was admitted to the local ER literally coughing up blood (sorry for the graphic) with a blood pressure of 269/178. I spent 5 days in ICU being pumped with heavy bp meds. It was at this time that I was notified that my kidneys had really gotten bad. Primarily due to my not really knowing about the high blood pressure. Dialysis was discussed, but as I am self employed, and had no insurance, I could not go to the follow up nephorology appointment as, even longer story, but my birth certificate and SS card were long packed away in my mothers garage never again to see the light of day. So due to my lack of id past my SS number and DL I was denied any state run medical assistance.\n\nNow I was placed on a whole host of meds (clonidine, sodium bicarbonate, calcium acetate, furosemide, diovan, and a few other things) and have been able to pay cash to go to my primary care physician and pay for the meds (hundreds of dollars per month).\n\nAnyway, Im in stage 5, or so Im told, Creatinine at around 7 - 7.5 and BUN 60 - 89. Up until the past seven days I havent really felt any ill effects or really felt overtly \"sick\". About two weeks ago I started losing my appetite completely. I thought to myself \"hey this might be good, I might just lose a little weight\"  Then I started becoming fatigued. When I say fatigued I mean to the point that for the past week I've been sleeping up to 18 hours a day and the 6 hours I crawl out of bed Im a near zombie.\n\nThat brings us to the new problem. For the past four days just standing up and walking to the restroom has caused me to feel like I have just ran a marathon. Heart pounding in my chest, gasping for breath, and were talking a ten to fifteen foot walk. This is on a BP of 130/90, so for me, not high at all. Looking up symptoms it looks like it could be anemia, but im unsure. Im not yellowish, no metallic taste in my mouth, no itching other than what I would consider normal. But these new symptoms, I have to admit, got me a little scared and truly are destroying any quality of life that I had. Being self employed it is also really starting to hurt me financially when I am unable to work. Especially in this economy.\n\nNow with all of that out of the way  My question and worry is this...\n\nWith my current numbers and present \"new\" conditions does this sound like something that should be taken care of at the ER?\n\nI have an appointment with my primary on Wednesday, but I get the feeling from her that she feels this is best taken care of by a specialist.\n\nMy problem, or worry, is the hospital I would admit myself to, due to having some of the best nephorologist in the county, I now owe a VERY large sum of money to and while I now have the documentation for state aid, im not real big on going that route if I can avoid it. We are trying to pick up healthcare for my company right now, but we are looking at August 1st as our first eligible day and then having to wait 90 days for any preexisting conditions to be covered... \n\nI don't think I would last that long, but im not sure really what to do... Anyone with experience in this matter? Oh also another feeling that sometimes comes up is massive leg cramps and the feeling of having REALLY low blood sugar, but having normal numbers (107) etc... Again all recent.\n\nThanks for any and all advice.\n\nJames",
	"i have a very close friend who though he had a cold which turned into a case where he was on the heart transplant list. i taught his sunday school class and my husband and i are very close to him and his wife. he always had a smile, always seemed so full of joy. that was 4 years ago and a surgeon at uab wanted to try something new and it worked. this saturday i saw him and just broke down crying and asked him what had been his inspiration. he took his keys out of his pocket and handed them to me but didn't let go......he said \"see i didn't give you anything if i didn't let go...........so you just give all of this to God and let it go and live your life as you did before you got sick\" this truly inspired me and i hope that it may inspire you also",
	"Hi guys - well, I'm having issues with my vascular team - I can't seem to get the vascular surgeon to call me directly - I keep getting the practicing associates to call and answer all my questions. Anybody else have similar problems like this? I'm wondering if I should drop these guys and head over to another hospital.\n\nAlso, per the vascular team, they said that if my fistula isn't POPPING in six weeks, they are going to do a dye test (with minimal dye) and then do an angiogram (balloon insertion) into my fistula if they find a clot. Has anyone had one of these? Jesus, I'm scared to death that this is the beginning of the bottom dropping out of my hopes...I'm not ready for this!",
	"HI there,\nmy son who is 16 suffers from CKF; he's down to 21% kidney function and has been at this point for the past year. His weight has yo-yoed a bit..he was extremely thin, but after being put on Celexa for his chemical imbalance his weight really went up. He gained about 20 lbs pretty quickly..he actually looked much better. He tried to go off the med, but just couldn't handle the emotional imbalance...went back on , gained another 10lbs. My question is about the terrible stretch marks he now has. His body seems to be covered w/ extremely red, wide stretch marks(they are the type a pregnant woman has if she gets really big)...but these are all over...arms, legs, waist, ....and they are spreading.\nI am wondering if this is some strange side effect from his lowered immune system. Has any of you ever experienced this? It's summer now and I wont be able to get my son to go swimming. I am going to ask his doctor next week, but I'd still like to hear from any of you who has seen this happen. I have never seen a teen have this...and especially not a boy..even with changing weights, it doesnt' seem normal.\n\nThanks,\nLynne",
	"This is from a radio program, a true report of an incident in Michigan:\n\nA guy buys a brand new Lincoln Navigator for $42,500 and has $560 monthly payments.\n\nHe and a friend go duck hunting in winter, and of course all the lakes are frozen. These two guys go out on the lake with their guns, a dog, and of course the new vehicle. They drive out onto the frozen lake and get ready.\n\nNow, they want to make some kind of a natural landing area for the ducks, something for the decoys to float on. In order to make a hole large enough to look like something a wandering duck would fly down and land on, it is going to take little more effort than an ice hole drill.\nSo, out of the back of the new Navigator comes A STICK OF 'DYNAMITE' with a short, '40-second fuse'!\n\nNow these two 'Rocket Scientists' do take into consideration that they want to place the stick of dynamite on the ice at a location far from where they are standing (and the new Navigator), because they don't want to take the risk of slipping on the ice when they run from the burning fuse and possibly go up in smoke with the resulting blast. They light the 40-second fuse and throw the dynamite.\n\nRemember a couple of paragraphs back when I mentioned the vehicle, the guns and the DOG? Let's talk about the dog: A highly trained Black Lab used for: RETRIEVING; ESPECIALLY things thrown by the OWNER! You guessed it, the dog takes off after the thrown stick of dynamite on the ice and retrieves the stick of dynamite with the burning 40-second fuse about the time it hits the ice!\n\nThe two men yell, scream, wave their arms and wonder what to do now. The dog, CHEERED On, keeps coming.\n\nOne of the guys grabs the shotgun and shoots at the dog. The shotgun is loaded with # 8 buckshot, hardly big enough to stop a Black Lab.\n\nThe dog stops for a moment, slightly confused, but continues on.\n\nAnother shot and this time the dog, still standing, becomes really confused and of course terrified, thinking these two 'geniuses' have gone 'insane'.\n\nThe dog takes off to find cover, under the BRAND NEW Navigator. The men continue to yell as they run.\n\nThe exhaust pipe on the truck is still hot, so the dog yelps and drops the dynamite under the truck, and takes off after his master.\n\nThen, BOOM, the truck is blown to bits and sinks to the bottom of the lake in a very large hole, leaving the two 'idiots' standing there with this \"I can't believe this happened\" look on their faces.\n\nThe insurance company says that sinking a vehicle in a lake by illegal use of explosives is not covered. And, he still had yet to make the first of those $560 a month payments!\n\nAnd you thought your day was not going well!!",
	"Today has been a tough day for me. I was on an incredible high this morning, everything was great! Then right around lunch time I crashed!!!! I became extremly fatigued and sick to my stomach and anxious! Felt like I was going to pass out for a short time and now all I can do is sit here at my desk and try not to cry!!! I hate the emotional roller coaster I've been on the past week or so!! Especially when Im at work, we all are pretty close here and they all know when there is something wrong with me and I hate that!! And I hate to say anything to anyone at work/home because I feel like Im whinning!! I just don't feel like I can deal today!!!! Any encouraging words would be greatly appreciated! I feel this is the only place I can come to, to be myself and let go of what ever my day has in store for me!!",
	"Hi guys! What causes those irritating (to him) hiccups MM gets all the time?",
	"I have had a bad skin rash and itchynesson and off for the last few years. I was taking prednesone for it but now the Neph wants me to stop taking the Prednesone, I went off of it for about a week but the itchyness came back with a vengence. I have enough pred. to take a pill every couple of days when it gets too bad. but I am going to run out. And the Neph says that the kidneys are not causing the rash or the itch. I take an epsom salt bath when it gets too bad and I can't sleep. I get up in the middle of the night and take the bath. I have taken benydril pills and benydrill creams and other creams and lotions. Gotten up in the middle of the night to anoint my self with oil(creams and lotions) even used olive oil once but my wife doesn't like for me to put on a bunch of stuff and then go to bed because it gets on the sheets. I am taking this Renevela 800 mg tab with my food it is a binder for Phosphorus and potassium. I thought that it was working better than the other binders. Because I was in the Medicare gap, I had to pay $653.USD for a month supply and because I was in the gap I had to pay $900. USD twice for two months supply of Fragmin.  But it is just money if I had that money would just go blow it on vacations or something. or booze which I am not allowed to have but I think about it. If anyone has any Ideas on how to combat this it would sure be appreciated",
	"I come here often to find some comfort...but recently I simply want to put my poker hand down and leave the game.\n\nI had heard so many people stating that home hemo was the choice. And again, I question whether what I have chosen was completely wrong. Now I suffer the consequences of a fistula not maturing and wonder just how many surgeries I will face just to live life comfortably with CKD. I don't hear too many good stories of people on home hemo that eat a regular meal - protein shakes, smoothies - no normal food.\n\nThen I come here and see the posts of people on PD and how they are living life so much better than people on home hemo.\n\nAt times I simply want to walk away from all of this...walk out into traffic and simply not face the \"torture\" of what is to come. When does one know whether you're winning the race?",
	"Hello everyone! I haven't posted on here in a while. I have been on hemodialysis for a year now and I recently decided to change to home hemo. I am going to be trained to use the Nx Stage System. I really haven't had a chance to talk to anyone that uses this machine as I will be the first patient at my unit to use it. So I was wondering what people think. Do you like it, do you feel better on it? Things like that. I was also wondering does the Nx Stage require a water hook-up and drainage? Or is all of that in the machine. I know with the K-pac you have to have a water supply, I was wondering are there hoses that have to run to my bathroom or kitchen for water hook-up.\n\nI appreciate any information. I don't start my training for 2 weeks and would like to learn as much as possible before starting.\n\nThanks to everybody and God Bless to all.\n\nYour fellow kidney patient!\nValve",
	"You have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, which can result from problems such as infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, circulation problems, and reactions to medication. Having kidney disease means making many changes in your life. Learn as much as you can about it so that you can better adjust to these changes. Here are some things you can do to help your condition.\nDiet Changes\n• Cut back on salt.\no Limit canned, dried, packaged, and fast foods.\no Don’t add salt to your food at the table.\no Season foods with herbs instead of salt when you cook.\n• Reduce the potassium in your diet, as instructed.\no Use bread and cereal items that are not whole-grain.\no Avoid nuts, peanut butter, dried beans, and peas.\no Avoid salt substitutes, such as Mrs. Dash, Morton Salt Substitute, and AlsoSalt.\no Cut back on protein. East less meat, milk products, yogurt, eggs, and cheese.\n• Eat small, frequent meals that are high in fiber and calories.\nOther Home Care\n• Avoid wearing yourself out or becoming overly fatigued.\n• Get plenty of rest and increase the amount of sleep you get at night.\n• Move around and bend your legs to avoid getting blood clots when you rest for a long period of time.\n• Weigh yourself every day. Do this at the same time of day and in the same kind of clothes. Keep a record of your daily weights.\n• Take your medications exactly as directed.\n• Keep all medical appointments.\n• Take steps to control high blood pressure or diabetes. Talk to your doctor for advice.\n• Talk to your doctor about dialysis. You may benefit from this procedure.\nFollow-Up\nMake a follow-up appointment as directed by your medical staff.\nWhen to Call Your Doctor\nCall your doctor right away if you have any of the following:\n• Trouble eating or drinking\n• Weight loss/gain of more than 2 pounds in 24 hours or more than 5 pounds in 7 days\n• Little or no urine output\n• Trouble breathing\n• Muscle aches\n• Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills\n• Blood in your urine or stool\n• Bloody discharge from your nose, mouth, or ears\n• Severe headache or a seizure\n• Vomiting\n• Swelling of legs or ankles\n• Chest pain (call 911)",
	"Hi,\nI have read on the web that there is a procedure in which they \"drain\" the cysts in the kidneys. My doc says that it is a waste of time as the fluid fills up again in the cysts very quickly. If this is done... I want it. I need to do something to alleviate the pain. Has anyone had this done or know of something like this? I need to get a bit more info so that I can confront my doc.\nYour feedback will be much appreciated.",
	"Hello to all..... Yes I am a new to CKD and just found out last month that I have stage 4.... GFR 21..... I have read and educated my self all over the internet...... Finding out that there are so many with this problem... I was quiet surprised...... One year ago I was tested for creatinine levels and they were normal..... Then I got Diabetes.....high blood pressure and all of that.... have been steadly getting sicker each month.... What is funny is that I thought that I was just getting old.... lots of pain, big time rash and iching, loss of appietate esp. for any kind of meat.... I havnt eaten a steak in months.... and plus for the past few months I have really not wanted to eat at all... I was justifing this to getting older and not needing the calories....LOL I have IgA N and that in it self is surprising,, never heard of that... I have only been diabetic for a year or so and have not had any problems controlling my sugar....it has been the high blood pressure which has been high for about a year no matter what pills I take.... Seems like one day I had low blood pressure and then high....go figure.... anyway.... my blood test keep showing increasing protein in my urine and I am not eating protein.... but the source must be from somewhere... hopefully its not muscle..... I am 51 and have been feeling very anemic which show slightly in my blood test.... I guess the big question for me is ...... Why do we have to wait unill our GFR is so low before we can get fixed with dialysis..... Its like they want you to wait untill you almost die unitll they put you on dialysis... must be a cost savings thing.... I have kaiser insurance so you know how all insurance companies like to save money.... Also .... question...since my kidney are not filtering out the toxins.....where are they going , or are they just staying in my body and being accumulating which is why I am getting sicker.....Seems like a real stress on the rest of the body..... like other organs and so..... I am torn between doing PD and Hemo...... PD is scary because of potenial infection.... and Hemo .... will those big lumps in your arm where the fistula is .... well that is ugly........No Afence..... Can anyone tell me how they made the choice..... Anyway.....Hello to all you are a great bunch of people and I have learned alot here and plan on learning more from all of you .........:",
	"What does that mean? Is it normal with CKD? I can't have cat scans due to allergy to contrast dye.\n\nCan your kidneys desintegrate and if so, can you live that way.",
	"My GSR went from 20 to 29. \n\nI also meet with a woman from KEY, or Kidney Education for You. I learned so much, and started implementing some of what I learned.\n\nFor example, phosphate leeched calcium from the bones, but if I crush my calcium pills and put then in my food at meals, the phosphate will attach itself to that calcium and will be eliminated in the stools. I stared that this morning. \n\nI got a copy of my lab test for this month, and she showed me how to read them, and know what action I should take to improve them.\n\nI'm very encouraged, and I might even be able to push my CKD up to stage 3. That might be wishful thinking, but I can give it a try.\n\nShe said I don't need an access port at present. She also told me that access ports will be limited in my case at first. But, may improve after some time. So far my options are only a graft or a catheter port. But she said the graft after a while may make other arteries and veins available or a fistula. But, I'm hoping all of that will be in the far future.",
	"Hi I am stage 4 (new to this); Questions: My blood work comes back with function at 20% but my urine work comes back at 40% - so is my true # somewhere in between? Doctor can not give me full answer. My legs bother me - almost like a restless leg and I have noticed some of the muscle is gone on one leg -- is that normal? Wake up in the morning - get up and feel tired - weak and recent pains in back and slides. Does all this sound like I have gotten worse? I have next doctors appt in 3 weeks, do you think I need to go sooner? I am depressed all the time - just want to cry. Thanks so much for any advice -- I am scared!!!!",
	"i am nauseated all the time now, and my emotions are so out of control people avoid me in the office sometimes because they know if they say something i will start crying, when i talk to my husband i cry, when i get on the site..i cry.....i cry because i hear people talking about going out after work with their family and seeing a movie.....i used to be able to do that but now i can't and i cry about it. i cry because all i can do is work and go home and lie down. that is no life for my sweet sweet husband and i know he cries too when i'm not around because i cry all the time. i keep thinking when i go to uab in july that there going to tell me the labs are all wrong........nothing to worry about.........but who do i think i'm fooling.......i feel my body slowly turning against itself in a tug of war....can there be a winner? i miss going to church all the time........i miss shopping.......i miss feeling good..........i really miss sex........i miss just being happy because the sun is shineing......i miss being a part of society.......and most of all i just miss me the way i was and i don't think i will ever be able to get back there.......\nsorry just need to vent.....guess i better get back to work.........\ni'mblessed\n\nya know i'm on 450 mg wellbutrin xl every day you would think that i would sit around with a goofy smile on my face all time time.........maybe i need more..........what do you think? and as always thank you from the bottom of my heart for the shoulder and listening to me ramble on",
	"Hello everyone,\n\nmy story has a unique beginning. it all started when i rolled my car coming back from my mother's house. i had no injuries from the accident and was able to walk away, but as a precaution, the emergency personel wanted me to go to the hospital to get checked out. during the ambulance ride, my blood pressure and heart rate were really high, somewhere in the 200 range. when i arrived at the ER, i was given a blood test and it was at that point that i was told that i had kidney failure, that basically, my kidneys were shot. the nephrologist that was on duty came in and he was able to see some of the symptoms right away, swelling, rash, that type of thing. Now some of those symptoms i experienced, in addition to lack of energy and always being tired, but I just chalked them up to lack of sleep and being lazy and a little depression because my brother died last year and I was still dealing with that. I also didn't bother going to the doctor's office because I was \"too Busy\"\n\nThere is no history of kidney failure in my family, however, I've had problems with my kidneys since I was a kid. I had limited kidney function on both kidneys, around 80 percent on my left and about 20 on my right. When I was 4, they found that i was having some reflux issues from my bladder to my kidneys. the tube that goes from the kidney to the bladder was too big and causing the reflux. i had a surgury to correct this when I was 5. the surgery involved shrinking the tubing. This didn't work. when i was 12, i had another surgery where they moved the tube going to the right kidney and moved it over to the left kidney. We continued to monitor my levels while I was growing up.\n\nWhen i moved out after high school, I stopped monitoring my condition. i was the typical college student who was on his own. i didn't go to the doctor unless i really needed to. little did i know that over time, by kidney function was deteriorating at an advanced rate.\n\nNow I have to go through dialysis 3 times a week. my doctor says that eventually i will need a transplant, but they want to use the dialysis as much as possible. i'm still in the hospital because of an elevated white blood count. My biggest problem is that after the sessions, my blood pressure drops significantly and i get really dizzy and can't sit up. there was one time when I even blacked out, and didn't know what was going on. i also have had problems when i get up to walk around, i get dizzy after just a few steps\n\ni had a fistula put in yesterday and a temp catheter in my neck. i'm pretty sure that i will be doing the hemodialysis. I don't like the idea of having something sticking out of my stomach. for a coupel of months I will be at a center, but it's possible that i will do the dialysis at home.\n\nthanks for taking the time to read my late ramblings. i look forward to hearing everyone's opinions.",
	"Removing due to not liked",
	"i've noticed recently that glands on either side of my neck in the front, right under the jaw bone seem to be a bit swollen. Anyone know what these are? My next dr. appt isn't until July and I just wondered what this could be?",
	"I am concerned about the different GFR numbers that I have had..... last year 3-08 I was at 79 then Feb 09 I was at 18 (had biopsy) then Mar 09 I was at 24 April I was 21 now just got my test back and I am at 19....... The question is is this normal to have different GFR numbers do they go up and down like this...my bun levels go up and down to just like the GFR numbers..... My protein in my urine is the only number that show constanst increasing numbers which is now up to 1560 mg/dl If they dont start you on treatment untill you are a certain number what happens if I am at a number and then the next test is different.... how does or will medicare deal with this.......LOL",
	"Ok .... I know being proper wieght is the most healtiest life style..... Well I am a little fat.... or should I say over weight...... I am wondering when a person is on dialysis can you loose weight..... is dialysis ( hemo) better when you are skinnier or does it matter... I guess what I am saying is the smaller body person do less dialysis than the larger person.... Since I do need to loose about 50 lbs or so should I do it now while at stage 4 and bust out a big time diet and loose the weight before dialysis or will this be hard on what is left of my kidney function.......",
	"Ok .... I know being proper wieght is the most healtiest life style..... Well I am a little fat.... or should I say over weight...... I am wondering when a person is on dialysis can you loose weight..... is dialysis ( hemo) better when you are skinnier or does it matter... I guess what I am saying is the smaller body person do less dialysis than the larger person.... Since I do need to loose about 50 lbs or so should I do it now while at stage 4 and bust out a big time diet and loose the weight before dialysis or will this be hard on what is left of my kidney function.......",
	"Hello all ..... I have not had a fistula placed yet.... but would like to know if a person can do some treadmill or stationary bike things while dialysising at home..... Will it make a difference where the fistula is placed so that a person can do some of this.... Can I stand up and do a stair master...or just stand there while do it... Its hard for me to sit for long periods of time....",
	"Hello all ..... I have not had a fistula placed yet.... but would like to know if a person can do some treadmill or stationary bike things while dialysising at home..... Will it make a difference where the fistula is placed so that a person can do some of this.... Can I stand up and do a stair master...or just stand there while do it... Its hard for me to sit for long periods of time....",
	"I'm an 18 year old mother with a 4 month old son on daily dialysis. When i was only 5 months pregnant with him, i took an ultrasound. And they found out he was ganna be very sick. His kidneys were HUGE! and so was his bladder. So, a couple months later i had him. He was sent straight to Valley Childrens Hospital. He's was so beautiful! A day later they decided to have him put on dialysis becuase he had end stage renal failiar. He's on dialysis every single day! He had 2 surguries, one for his catheter and one for a G-Tube because he couldn't eat through a bottle yet. And they thought he never could! So he's constantly going to the hospital because of high blood pressure, high potassium,and low sodium. But we're wiating to get a trnsplant for him! hopfully soon. I'ts very hard at 18 having such a sick child. But you never know what to expect somtimes.But i thank god for giving him to me every single day!",
	"Hi,\nI am concerned. Are you OK or on leave? I hope you are not ill. You mentioned that you were in hospital to have your electrolytes checked/balanced ?Please let us know.",
	"A friend has been on CAPD for almost a year.\nHis creatine is 5.9 and BUN is 59. I was\nhoping the levels would be lower.\nWhat are others getting.\nThanks\nMarie",
	"I have been reading all I can and tying to learn as much as I can.... I an very concern about some of the posting which say that they started dialysis when there GFR was 5 or 6 or some really low number... while others have been alittle higher... I know that the medical community would like to start you no earlier that GFR 10.. And most of the postings are saying that they were sick to with all problems that we get as the disease progresses. (vomiting, iching,headaches....etc) And alot of the postings say that you will feel better after dialysis but it might take several weeks.... Why do we wait so long and try to live so sickly to try to avoid dialysis. Why does the medical community want us to wait.... My doctor has told me that people with kidney failure dont have any symptons and are not sick unitll they are down to GFR 5 or 6.... Is this just a cost saving measure... to make us believe that its ok to just be sick and when your almost dead then we will start you on dialysis..... What about all your other organs.... certainly the toxins and chemistry unbalancing must start or stress your other organs out... like your heart.... I can understand why I would want to run the risk of damaging my heart or liver or what ever just to save a buck for the insurance company to not start dialysis... I am anemic and my doctore told me that it is very costly to treat and they only want to treat when it get really bad..... but every thing that I have read says when your anemic you run the risk of damaging your heart because it has to work over time and you can get a enlarged heart... All I need is to have heart damage becuase they didnt want to treat me for something else..... I am very leary about the medical system... and feel that you need to really watch out for your self cause if you dont and if you dont make them treat you they will not to save money.....Everything is about the allmighty buck",
	"Hello fellow E S R D patients. I've been on home P D since July of 2008. When i was released from the hospital i weighed 228 lbs. since then ive gained 70 lbs. I eat like I should but i dont have the energy to exercise. my transplantation doctors tell me i'm supposed to weigh under 230 lbs. before i can get a transplant. Any ideas ?",
	"I'm actually having second thoughts about transplantation, .The main reason is the cost of drugs after transplantation. Does anyone know what the average cost per month is in the states ?. Also what do you do after the 36 months medicare gives you ? I'm doing home PD now its not so bad when you get used to it, and it is affordable now",
	"Hi guys - I am wondering how difficult is it to find supplemental insurance to cover the 20% that Medicare does not cover. I doubt very much if I will be returning back to my job when dialysis kicks in and since I will probably end up on medicare, I was wondering how difficult it was for all of you (that are on dialysis/on medicare) to find supplemental insurance.\n\nThe other question is how do you guys supplement your income once you have lost your full-time job? How do you cover the cost of your expenses, etc. without REAL medical coverage? (i.e. cost of supplemental insurance, prescription, etc.)",
	"does anyone swim with CAPD\nI would like to hear about it,\nwhat they use for a cover\nof exit site, etc.\n\nMarie",
	"Well, my function is starting to go down continually now. Was 20ish for a long time, then 17, 16 and now 15. Doc said I my next appt we will make appt for catheter to be inserted so I can start PD dialysis. I chose PD cause I can't take pain very well and I hate needles. I think I'm cool with it now, cause I just want to start feeling better. I have no energy, always tired, fatigued, leg weakness, RLS and itching itching itching. I haven't started getting the metalic taste in mouth or the nausea yet (thank goodness). I dread those symptoms. Doc sounds surprised I haven't gotten them yet. I'm curious, when or what function % does nausea and metalic taste start generally? Is it slight or all of a sudden and is it morning, all day or nighttime????\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"Trying to make the HD vs PD decision and part of PD appeal is no fluid restrictions - yet one post I saw told a PD patient to \"watch your fluid intake\". So I'm confused.\nAnd the \"bloat\" of PD is..well, a shame. I quite smoking 10 months ago and \"put on a few\" pounds, of course all in the gut, Combine that with PD bloat and I can just roll around in my spare time.\nSwimming on PD: My neph says OK in chlorinated pool or ocean, but not in lakes. Got a pool and spend winters on the beach in Fla. Hate to lose that....\nI'm Medicare and no one seems to know costs. Medicare pays 80% but of what? Look at Baxter's retail price of fluid and you'll blanch in terror - about $25-30 a bag. Now I know Medicare doesn;t allow that much, but since I'm responsible for the 20% I'd like to have some idea of what Medicare does allow.\nAny thoughts/comments welcome.",
	"My DH went to the Dr. today and got good news (for today at least). His gFR is actually a little better but his BUN is up. He may be able to postpone dialysis for another month or so. He said it was like getting a reprieve.",
	"For the first time, a combination of aspirin and the anti-platelet drug dipyridamole has been shown to significantly reduce blockages and extend the useful life of new artery-vein access grafts used for hemodialysis, according to a study by the Dialysis Access Consortium (DAC). The study, supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health, will be published in the May 21, 2009, New England Journal of Medicine.\n\nArtery-vein access grafts, called arteriovenous (AV) grafts, fail most often due to narrowing of blood vessels (stenosis) at the graft site and subsequent clotting, which block the flow of blood. A blocked graft cannot be used for dialysis and is a major cause of worsening health in dialysis patients.\n\nCLICK HERE TO READ MORE",
	"I will be getting my presternal catheter inserted in a couple of weeks so start pd dialysis... I've done all my homework and know how it all works and I chose PD because it's needle free and you can do at home with ease. However, I am still very nervous about having a tube in me and sticking out and stomach full of liquid. Can anyone tell me what it feels like when you are draining, filling and dializing? Does it hurt or do you get nauseas? Do you feel in going in and out or when it's sitting in your stomack? Basically, what is it like? I am a pretty vain person, but I've heard you can't see it though clothes, is this true?\nI am sure I want that one over the arm with the needles, but I do hope someone can make me feel more at ease?????\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"Well guys, after 3 months, my GFR went from 15% to 11%. I need some advice from all of you as to what you would do in my situation. Here's the scoop. Three weeks back, my vascular team said that my fistula wasn't maturing. So, they gave me six weeks with a weight workout to see if I could get the fistula popping. They said that if after six weeks, it wasn't \"showing\", they would do a fistulogram and put in a balloon. Then the dye issue came up. My nephrologist called me and said there was no worry. If the vascular team wanted to do it, then do it.\n\nThat all changed today. Today I went back to my nephrologist. Bad news on the GFR, however all my other numbers are great. My nephrologist states we should WAIT another 2 more months - he thinks the fistula is workable even though the vein isn't showing and here's the kicker - he says that when I start dialysis, if the fistula doesn't work, they will then redo the surgery then.\n\nNow the question for all of you out there - what would you do? If I go with the fistulogram, the dye would drop my GFR further (prior to dialysis). However, if I wait, do I take the chance the fistula will not work and then perhaps suffer dealing with other arm surgeries?\n\nWhat would you do? I go back to the vascular team in 3 weeks and then the fun begins!",
	"This is very odd. I've been having problems with my billing for months. I discovered my insurance was paying $1500 for each dialysis session because I was dialyzing in an out-of-network center in Puyallup. When I discovered that, I immediately had them move me a few miles away to Federal Way which is in-network. The in-network rates for Federal Way for home dialysis is $85.50 and in-center is $220. My insurance is paying $621 - far more than the contracted rates. I am now doing home dialysis. I have called the billing department several times. They have been \"instructed not to talk with me\" with no reason given. They say I need to go through a social worker who will talk with the guest services specialist who will talk with the billing dept. Brother. The social worker will not help (nor would I expect her to) because she believes it's a conflict of interest. The guest services specialist doesn't have the information either and I spend twice as much time educating her on the situation as I would to simply talk with billing myself. Plus a week has gone by and not a single answer to 3 simple questions that I clearly asked.\n\nThis is the most frustrating, unprofessional and ridiculous behavior I have ever seen in a corporation of this size. Have any of you had similar experiences?",
	"I have been on hemodialysis for almost a year. I have very intense itching almost all the time. My phosphorus is not high, in fact it is on the low side. I had some itchiness before I went on dialysis, but it has gotten worse over the year. My nephrologist says to use lotion, which I have done, but it doesn't help. Does anyone have any ideas?",
	"If you have not heard, Twitter is taking the communication scene by storm. The modern generation just cannot let go of their Iphones or Blackberries and text messaging has become a norm of sending quick messages.\n\nAre you one of those young dialysis patients embracing the modern future of communication? if so, you might be interested in our newly developed Twitter pages so that members can send tweets from their mobile phones. Share live ongoings while on dialysis at home or even send tips. all from your phone! All messages will be displayed on our Twitter pages located at:\n\nhttp://twitter.com/DailyHemo\nhttp://twitter.com/NxstageUsers\n\nThis is useful to get everyone's attention on ongoing Legislation that may affect dialysis and also great for sending out useful educational tips of ongoing research in the dialysis sector.\n\nWhat are you waiting for? Join Twitter today and setup your mobile phone to send and recieve Tweets!",
	"Hi,\nPlease forward me EVERYTHING you know or have on APD.\nI need to know what kind of setup is needed in your house? Water pipe? Electric plug (I know this is a YES) Bottle for the \"out\".\nThose guys with photo's please show me what it looks like. What does the machine look like? Are there diff makes.? Which do you recommend.\nDoes it hurt?\nDo you still have to follow a strict diet?\nWhat's your fluid intake like.... can you drink more than a liter a day?\nDo you battle to sleep with it.?\nHow many hours a night?\nCan you skip a night?\nWhat happens if you have a power failure in the middle of it? How do you get the solution out then?\nDoes the catheter bug you?\nCan you pack up the machine and take it with you on leave?\nIs infection common?\nDo you \"blow up\" like father xmas (belly)?\nDo you feel the cold water flowing in you?\nCan you cuddle up with Hubby or do you have to lie very still on your back.? (I am talking cuddle not sex)\nIs the catheter easy to pull out by accident or is it really \"stuck\"?\nHow often do they replace it? yearly, monthly ?",
	"My 81 yo mother has been in dialysis for the last 3 years.\n\nPlease forgive me if some of my terminology is off, she moved in with us last week, and I am still learning all of the lingo/nutrition requirements, etc... \n\nShe receives incenter dialysis 3 times a week, at a local facility.\n\nHer time slot is from 10:30 until 4:00pm, but she often gets to the center early (abt 9:30), so she can be higher in line for hook up and to socialize.\n\nI am concerned that her center does not allow them to eat or drink anything while they are on the machines.\n\nShe eats breakfast in the morning, but doesnt eat again until she gets home, which is ofter after 4pm.\n\nI have talked to the center, and evidentally they had an experience with someone choking during a session, so they have banned all snacks and hard candy while on the machines.\n\nMy mother has to sneak in peppermints!\n\nIs this normal?",
	"I am planning to travel to Oahu, Hawaii at the end of this year but I don't know if I should bring my cycler or just do manual exchanges. I was told by my PD nurse that I have to take my cycler as a carry-on luggage. Does anyone have any ideas?",
	"I don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling. I thought that I would be feeling alot better after I got my blood cleaned out the first time, and then would just sort of roler coaster from session to session. I had my first session yesterday, and I don't really feel much better. Is this normal? I am also a heart patient, I've had three heart attacks and a five way bypass, and my heart feels like it is working a lot harder than it should be. No chest pain or pressure, just a feeling. I did get a bit of my apetite back almost immediately, I was able to eat a full meal for the first time in a while. Any experience or guidance would be appreciated.",
	"When I started establishing my button holes, in April with sharps, I was told it would be virtually painless. But when I get stuck they still hurt. And I'm doing it 6days a week since I'm doing home hemo. Kind of like a painful pinch. Hard pressure. Is this normal? am I being a big wuss?\nAnyone else going through this?",
	"My mom has recently been diagnosed with Kidney Failure. This week we did see the Specialist. She really did not give us much information, or what we hoped to get.\nWe were told by the Specialist that my mom's kidneys were functioning at 25%.\nShe did draw a graph for us and her level has escalated over the last year dramatically\nOur mom is 80 and does have congestive heart disease.\n\nThe Dr said we will be having to take her for a lot of blood tests over the next couple of months and then after that we will most likely be faced with making some serious decisions.\n\nShe really did not give us much else.\n\nDoes any one have an older parent out there that is having some of problems ? We don't know a lot about what all is coming around the corner. I know you cannot live with out your Kidneys",
	"I was just diagnosed this week with stage 3 kidney disease out of nowhere. My doctor has me signed up for a kidney class with several other patients, but that doesn't happen for another 3 weeks. I knew nothing about the disease until I read some of the blogs here and went to kidneyschool.com and studied the chapters. I must admit, I am still confused and don't know what to do during the time until I have the class at the hospital. My doctor may have told me things to do, but all I rememeber is to cut down on protein and drink water. After reading the blogs here I found that you are all very kind and helping. I feel bad even asking for help......some of you are farther down the trail toward dialysis than I am. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. I am a 65 year old grandmother of 7, married for 43 years to a wonderful husband who is scared to death by all of this. I have never even looked at a blog....didn't know what it was.....so here I am, a virgin blogger.\nThanks for any help you can send my way.",
	"I just found out I have stage 3 acute chronic renal insufficiency. I have been trying to read up on it. I had it in my mind that I would be dead within 2 years. If I'm reading in here, right I can live a long life, (well at least maybe to 75 or somewhere in there) I had cancer removed last july, before that I didn't have any problems. radiation and chemo has taken its toll. I have a question, a lot of you talk about potassium, my gp has me taking potassium twice a day, shoud I say something? Can't get much info. out of the doctors around here, my ent told me it was nothing, that they would give me a pill for it. My gp told me he didn't know, that I would have to take it one day at a time and see what happens next. The kidney doctor think he can control it, if we can keep my blood purssure down. So far he's done tests and my kidney are at 48%. He said at that rate I can live another 40 years. ( I'm 67) I'm more worried about the heart and other things. I've been reading about. I feel like I got very old in the last year,",
	"Now semi-retired, Dr. McElhinney graciously granted an interview to the Web site KennethAppellMD.com on April 14, 2009 at his home in Pelham, New York, just north of the Bronx. In it, he discusses Dr. Appell's revolutionary 1963 invention of the arteriovenous fistula (aka the AV fistula, sometimes erroneously called the Brescia-Cimino shunt).\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO",
	"I have arthritis in my spine, my knees and my ankles. I also have very painful bursitis in my hips.\n\nSaturday my brother took me shopping at a very big mall for my birthday. After about 15 minutes I had shortness of breath, and extreme pain in my hips.\nMy brother suggested a wheel chair. I'm already using a walker, and don't relish a wheel chair. \nHe insisted just while we were in the mall. BTW, he bought me a new nightie.\n\nI took some Darvon before I left home, but it didn't help. Sometimes I take a NSAID, I know I shouldn't but sometimes I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place.\n\nMy Family Doctor was giving me cortisone shots in my hips. But, I had to go off Actose for my diabetes. My blood sugars since then have been out of control. I take Glucotrol XL 20 mg, Lantus insulin 60 units and Regular Human Insulin almost daily, sometimes 2 or 3 X's a day, according to sliding scale.\n\nI try to do upper body exercises. I used to be able to walk for miles and do aerobics.\n\nI'm 60 now. I don't look my age, a baby face all my life. I don't sound my age, a childlike voice, but I don't get \"Is you mommy or daddy home\" for about 8 years. But, I fell older that 60.",
	"Hi,\nI am new here and sure wish I found you all a while back. I am a full time caregiver for my mother in law whom also suffers from dementia (amoung other ailments also) She was diaganosed with renal failure 2 years ago due to hypertension, and following her Dr we were told to wait as there was no need to start dialysis at that time (we didnt know that her kidneys were functioning at less then 5% at that time) she was getting sicker and swelling. She came for Thanksgiving dinner and has never left, her pitting edema was so bad at that point you could press and it would indent in the skin (up until this point she was living with one of her daughters) We took her to a local hospital here and thus began the path to where we are today.\nThey placed a hickman port (High on the chest wall) and she was doing dialysis 3X a week, she also had step one of the Fistula done (Grafting?) and all was going along fairly well, we had issues with her removing the tape that would cover the port where it came out of her chest and one night she yelled out for us (My husband and I) SHE CUT THE PORT. It was the dementia, she didnt even remember doing so (claimed she fell, or that her concenious told her to do it) they placed a perma cath and did step 2 of the fistula (bringing it to the surface).\nI still had issues with her removing the gauze and tape and found if I covered it with the paper tape she wouod leave it pretty much alone. I have a home health nurse come in 3 times a week, social services twice a month (She has made claims that I starve her or have hit her *** I Have done neither**) and she was doing well by medical standerds.\nOne month ago, we have had medical issues with my niece, and her bond with my mother in law is extreamly tight (think peas in a pod) and we were told that we need to prepare for the worst but pray for the best, we took my mother in law to see her and to see her heart break, was worse the heart breaking. We brought her back home, and she shuffled about a bit.**SIDE NOTE** When she is awake, one of us are always awake too, we stay out of her way but always have an eye on her** I had less then 6 hours of sleep over the past 3 days as we were going back and forth for my niece. she finally went to sleep about 2AM. around 3 am she called out for my husband (WE have a baby monitor in her room so we can hear her) he got up to check on her and she had once again cut her perma cath. I dial 911 again and while we are on the phone she is argueing with me that she needs to go to the restroom, I tell her to just go and I would clean her, but finally to try and keep her calm I walk with her to the bathroom (I am holding a towel to her to try and stop the bleeding) She goes and stands up takes 4 steps and goes down in the hall, her eyes rolled back, and that awful grugleing sound, I yell for my husband, and start CPR, we call 911 back and tell them she is not breathing, and I keep on with CPR, while it felt like hours the paramedics showed up with in 1 minute from the 2nd call, they worked on her for over 40 minutes before we went to the hospital, Because of the nature I was questioned many times, Dr, Nurse, Paramedics, Police, Hospital social worker, etc...\nShe was placed on a ventalator, and in ICU, we were told that she was never going to breath on her own as the brain damage has been extensive but how much we dont know.\nas of today... she has a trach, but is breathing on her own, she cannot move her right side, and only the left leg, but we are working on her to try and gain some mobility in her limbs, she is still in the hospital, and has her dialysis every other day using her fistula (Thank God that still works) I am still working on bringing her home, as that is where she wants to be, and where we want her.\nAs I write this I keep thinking THIS is not what I signed up for, I didnt want to be a caregiver either but I have the mentality that family is family and you dont pass them off you take care of them, but I am alone at doing this, yes mu husband is there (Its his mom) but the bulk of her care is up to me, she has other children here, one daughter has too much on her plate with her daughter, and the other two? well they have this thing called a life...I do not regret taking her on, nor would I change a moment I have with her, (even when she is telling me off) I know this m ight not be the right place for this but I needed to get it out. THank you.",
	"Hello! I am new to kidney disease since coming down with Goodpasture's, an autoimmune disease that caused my immune system to attack my lungs and kidneys. After several months of treatment I am on the road to recovery, but due to the nature of the disease my kidneys are badly damaged. I want you all to know how encouraging your forums were to me when I was the most sick - and completely ignorant about kidneys altogether. Thanks to all of your discussions I feel much better prepared to face what is ahead - so a big THANK YOU!!!!! Now that I am done with the chemo and steroids I am trying to figure out how to navigate in the world of eating to keep my kidneys as long as possible. Like almost everyone here I have a prescription for low sodium, low protein, low potassium, and low phosphorus. This has led to a number of questions I am hoping you may be able to answer here. They are as follows:\n\n\n\nIs sodium bad for the kidneys or bad for the blood pressure which is in turn bad for the kidneys?\n\n\nI was given a list of food to stay away from because they are high in potassium or phosphorus. Is it acceptable to include these foods occasionally if I include them in my totals for the day and stay within my range? For example, if I were to eat something whole grain and count it toward my total is that OK?\n\n\nDoes anyone know of any recipe software that you can plug the ingredients into and get out the nutritional value per serving, including the potassium and phosphorus? I have been doing this by hand and it is time consuming. Now that I am back at work I don't have the time or energy to keep this up!\n\n\n\n\nThank you!",
	"If you are in need of the IVIG treatment to lower antibodies due to previous transplants, blood transfusion etc. before you can get a transplant there is a hospital in California that may be able to help.\nMy daughter had a living donor but he couldn't donate until her antibodies were lowered with the IVIG treatment. Our state Medicare declined payment for the treatment. No doctor or social worker told us but the hospital in California has a\nprotocol set up there already so insurance such as Medicare will cover payment for it.\nMy daughter Sarah, passed away in 2007 waiting for the treatment to recieve her life saving transplant.\nJust don't want anyone else to go through what Sarah did.\nGo to Cedars imcompatiable kidney transplant link:\n\nhttp://www.csmc.edu/12296.html\n\nThis is the orginal site I found when I first started looking on the internet about the IVIG treatment:\n\nwww.sevenluckystars.com",
	"I care for myself and my 74 year old husband, who is sick and has dementia, I had cancer surgery in July, chemo and radiation for 7 week, I drove myself, had to keep a wash pan in car so I could pull over and throw up sometime, but I made it. I could find no help, had feeding tube, that no one would show me how to care for it after 2 weeks, I learned myself. When I ask for help they wanted to put my husband in a rest home, when I said no the doctor ofter to put us both in one. A lot of times I was too sick to walk and get water, so I most likely didn't drink enough, so now I have ackd. I would drink at least 3 bottles of water a day, when I was up and walking I would drink about 6. I'm wondering whats going to happen next? I do it all, shop, clean, meds. and the yard and pets. I use a elec. cart to shop, we have riding lawn mower, so its not too bad, and the house is getting dirtier daily. use a lot of paper plates and cups. I have family that works and like someone said they have a life. When my husband fell down steps and cut his head I called granddaugther and she come right over, a month later when he fell I drove him to er. We both fall a lot......LOL. We have a nice home an acrea of ground, 4 dogs a cat, chicken and fish. It would be hard to leave it all, I may be getting old, but I'm going to fight to the end. I will be my own caregiver and let family help when they can. Sorry to rant, I needed to get it out, I,m really scared of whats ahead. My ENT lied to me and when I tried to talk to her about it she got upset and told me I was heal and all I would have to do is take a pill for my kidney, I asked her to talk to me about it and she just walked out. So I never went back, and no other doctor around here will see me, because of what happen. It's so unfair, they want me to go back to her. ( not the 1st. time, she lied to me abut the cancer) All of you are so nice and helpful. Thanks for listening. I'll try to be good.",
	"Hello Out there... Just a quick Insite to What im going thru..\n\n Well after most of my life with what is called \"Fabry's Disease\" I have came to a point where the disease has done some major Damage to my Kidney's ... also has impaired my hearing so that i must use hearing aids to hear !! its been a long road with this disease..\nIts A terrible Disease which took the drs over 25yrs to diagnose me !!!\n\nanyhow 2 mths ago i went to my dr for regular chk -up.. at which she done blood work..\nshe advised me to see a nephrologist and said my blood work suggest kidney disease..\nAt the the time i knew my kidneys were not on par but i took her advise saw a nephrologist.. well we done more blood work ect.. he advised me i was close to stage 5 and to have a cather tube placed in my stomach.. all this was so scary to me and my wife n family..i took the drs advise n had it placed in my abdomen.. the surgery itself was done within 1 hr and it was a outpateint hospital visit,,, anyways its been a 1 1/2 mnths now and\ni started training .. the Davita clinics Are The best route by Far.. My nurse is a great lady n teacher.. allthough Once you start the training theres So Much to remember N read ect.. It can get Confusing..but you Need to Stick with it listen n follow What they Advise !!\n\nI been doing the training there at the clinic but you know your next step is doing it on your own at Home .. Well im at that point after about 7 training sessions.. My nurse told me that i seemed to do better then most even though its hard for me to hear .. you need to just pay attention n know that its up to you to do it right its your life your talking about...\n\nWell i been doing the sessions at home for the past week .. and actually there not to bad its just something you need to get use too.. they are a bit time consuming and you need to just be pateint but most of all \"BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING\"..\nDont rush it that will come with time !!\n\nI go back tommarow for my training on the cycler which im fortunate to start...\nI figure that probably a few training sessions on that and i will start at home on the machine.at night while i sleep.. (Sleep whats That LOL) That will be nice \n\n\nI just want everyone thats going thru this to know \"Its something we can get thru\"\nI know i have \"HOPEFULLY\" many years to go on this but with Staying posative and understanding we can do It.. GOD BLess...\n\n FAITH Within Ourselfs Is All We Need...\n\n\n\n Attached Images \n\n jeff spiked1.jpg\n(28.1 KB, 427 views)",
	"Hi,\n\nDon't know if this is a typical occurance but several of us occassionally lose our posts once we submit. That is really frustrating when you have spent time composing it to hopefully supply info and support to others. I usually don't write it again because my 2nd was not as good as my first. Is anyone else experiencing this irritating problem? I haven't been posting as frequently because of this issue and when I do, I try to keep it very short. Something we're doing? I know jeanetta is having the same problem.",
	"Sorry only short intro here, just got to get this question out for some possible answers... Well, my hubby is 66 and only on dialysis for 9 weeks so far, and doing really well with it.\nFeeling soooooo much better. Prob is, he is down with another cold that causes him horrable nights of coughing. He goes for his treatment today, and im wondering if it will help him fight the cold (he often ends up in the hospital because his sistem was so messed up) and if that violent coughing will cause greaf in the dialisys room... I just feel so bad... Thanks for any answers...\nwifeofbo for 40 years",
	"Hi everyone, I have been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney failure (we I was diagnosed when i was 16 year old with traces of protein in my urine, I am now 40 and in end stage, starting to feel a bit tired now, but staying positive..nervous about the future but i guess we all are!..............",
	"I am just so depressed.....I'm just sitting here bawling..... I'm stage 5, just under 15 GFR and the doc is scheduling me for the insertion of the catheter. I don't like any alternatives, but the PD sounds better cause of no needles...........As time gets closer, I just keep getting more and more scared. My big problem right now is I am fat and I hate it. I was always little. In high school I weighed 85 - 95 lbs. In my 20's I had my son and lost all my weight, I didn't weigh more than 110. For the past 10 years I've gained and gained. I weigh 160 now and I'm only 4\"10. I've tried every diet known, nothing works.. Now with kidney taking a crap, I don't have an appetite at all. I don't eat very much, but I've done nothing but gain. I look like a bloated fat pig and I hate it so much. The last couple of days, all my shirts I could wear before don't fit. I just feel hopeless. I'm on tons of meds, I itch all day long and nighttime too, I don't sleep good, I wake up everynight, now I'm starting to have nightmares involving transplant and dialysis and death.....I know it's really vain, I guess I've always been vain, but I think I could handle everything better if I was not fat. I hate more than anything how I look. I'm selfconseous and don't like to go anywhere.....I'm on Zoloft, what is my problem..........?????\n\nCharli",
	"Great idea DaVita! I'll post recipes soon.",
	"I just came from a neph appointment when i placed my first question on davita.forum.I left y email address for a contact.The first person to contact me was LindaE, I explained to her today my dr. wanted to put me on home hemo, i told him i would think about and tell him next month, he told me i needed to start asap, my gfr was at 6% and he was getting scared that something was going to happen, i told her i had a fistula and it had been in for a year,she told me that she had a freind that was on home hemo and he was very knowledgeable, she wanted him to talk to me , linda told me she was a former dialysis pt. and now was a transplant pt.she said his name is Gus and he could answer the home hemo questions.Gus contacted me via instant messager, i explain to Gus that i thought i was starting dialysis to early, although my gfr was down to 6%, i wasnt having any symptoms,and my fistula had been in a year,The words he wrote back to me made more sense than any dr.or the mayo clinic had said.!what he told me really made me think ! that nite i thought about what gus had said, by morning i was going to the neph to get sat up for home hemo! by the end of my first hemo training tratment , i thought my life was over! i was very snappy, rude, crying.i was working 7-12 home hemo training 1-4 and going home and and im gus and linda to tell them how horrible it was! Gus has been with me through poor button hole cannulation, two angiograms,several infilterations, and stent placement all through im on the computer! sometimes late in the nite when gus was off the computer i would have a question i would im him the question, by morning i would have the answer , plus educational links , and viedos to see HOW NEAT IS THAT!!!!!! while gus was handling my physcial problems, linda was taking care of my mental problems i would whine to linda about every thing , she would listen day after day , i whined bout my arm , iwhined that i might not dance again , i whined bout i didnt think i would be able to ride on the harley with my husband, each day she assured me it would get better, how ever, one monday linda gave me an attutide adjustment, she im me ask how iwas , i told her i wasnt doing very good, she said are you sick? i said no, i have been crying all week end!! she wrote and said, WELL DID IT DO ANY GOOD!!!!!! I STARTED LAUGHING!! GUS AND LINDA GAVE ME A GIFT OF THERE TIME, I HAVE COME ALONG WAY,GOD KNEW I WAS GOING TO NEED HELP SO HE SENT GUS AND LINDA. I AM A NURSE I GO TO WORK EACH DAY AND MY PATIENTS DONT EVEN KNOW I AM ON DIALYSIS!! I HAVE BEEN ON HOME HEMO ONE YEAR !!,",
	"My father-in-law has been receiving dialysis at the DaVita center in Harrisonburg Va for over one year. He has moderate to severe side effects after every 3 out of 4 treatments. We have some real concerns with how his center is monitoring patients. There seems to be very little supervision during treatments. Staff isn't monitoring patients closely enough resulting in patients leaving in worse shape than when they came in. Even after the MD adjusted his dry weight, techs ignored or missed the change and continued to remove too much fluid. On several occasions, he was left on the machine well after the precribed amount of time.\n\nWe were also stunned when a DaVita staff member brought her pet dog into the dialysis treatment room during patient treatment. (This actually happened on several occasions, real sterile huh) I have also noticed that techs seem to spend more time huddled around the back door together for smoke breaks than they do performing actual patient care.\n\nOther caregivers have voiced similar concerns in Harrisonburg. (it's not just us) Staff seems to be very poorly supervised by administration as well as MDs. What's the deal here? Who can we call to address our questions when we get nowhere with the local DaVita people?",
	"i was receiving in center nocturnal dialysis in sellersville, with other patients. unfortunately, our shift was closed. we are all interested in continuing with this type of treatment, as it has had very clear benefits on our bloodwork, energy, etc. lansdale would be an ideal area for us, but we are searching for any clinic offering nocturnal dialysis in this area. any help?",
	"Does anyone know if a person who had Hepatitis A along time ago can donate a kidney",
	"Hi everyone yesterday i went for my reults from April 09 , i was in hospital at this time for a week with an infection u t i they said , any way here are my results\nsodium 139\npotassium 4.2\nbicarbonate 17\nurea 14.4\ncreatinine 244\nphosphate 1.54\nestimated kidney function 18\nDoc wasnt really very helpfull and i felt i was being a pain asking him for my numbers ,he said i have to get them from my doc and it takes wks sent me to see the dietition so i got them from her , she just told me to stay away from the salt and not to have huge portions of protien as in meat and go back in twelve wks . Anyway they wernt really concerend that my kidneys are really big and that was that .After being off work for three wks in April my sick pay has run out  so i really cant afford to be ill again plus my boss thinks i am just getting old (i am only 50 for gods sake ) she tells me its nice to just chill in hospital with a good book god only hopes she never gets pain like kidney pain  . Anyway thank you all for listening and reading any tips would be very welcome ,stay positive and keep your chin up everyone .Jenaveve",
	"I'm apologizing because I have issues that prevent me and I think perhaps others from enjoying this forum.\n\nI have dealt with mental illness since childhood, due to severe abuse, but I was able to go to college and become a nurse in 67. I was good as a nurse mostly because my uniform was a mask that the mentally ill me could take on and function well behind. After about 10 years into my nursing career the depression got worse, and I had to start antidepressants to help me function. About 15 years later I became much worse, was hospitalized several times.\n\nI became suicidal with many serious attempts. All my childhood I was told I was a mistake, over and over again. Much later as an adult I irrationally thought that it was my duty to rid the world of me, the mistake.\n\nThen I began a cutter, I would cut myself until I could feel it, then I could stop. No one knew for a long while, but then in '93 I was put on disability.\n\nI had gained a lot of weight over time. From a size 3 to a size 26. I became a diabetic about 12 years ago, and my kidneys started to fail about 2 years ago.\n\nIt is hard for me not to get easily upset about what I perceive as slights. I want to run away when I realize I am reacting irrationally.\n\nI'm not very good socially whether in person or in on line groups. I fear I will make a mistake, or offend by talking, or not talking, by doing or not doing. So, I mostly hid in my apartment. I know that I have to start seeing my therapist again. I was doing well enough to only see her every few months, but now I'll have to increase my sessions until this fear goes away.\n\nWould you guys and gals mind if I post again when I get through this episode?\n\nI also want to say that if it wasn't for Jesus in my life, and knowing that He loved me just as I was, warts and all, I would never come back from the brink so may times.",
	"After being diagnosed with CKD 9 years ago (I am a 47 year old male), I found out this week that I need to start preparing for dialysis. When initially diagnosed, my GFR was 41 and my Creatinine was 1.9. Over the past 6 months my numbers have rapidly declined. My GFR is now 10 and my Creatinine is 5.91.\n\nOver the past 6 months I have just started to feel the effects of Anemia (my Hemoglobin is 9.5). This week my neph gave me a prescription for Sodium Bicarb and said he was going to file the paperwork to get me started on Epo.\n\nI’ve already told my neph that I want to look into home nocturnal hemo. I travel one to two days a week for work, and I also workout, swim, bicycle, run, etc. The Anemia has forced me to slow down my workouts, and I feel more tired than usual when I travel, but that is it as far as symptoms go.\n\nQuestions I have for the group:\n\n1. Does the Sodium Bicarb make you feel better (addressing the acidity issues), and if so, how long does it take?\n\n2. Same question regarding Epo – when do most people start taking this? My neph said he thinks I’ll be on dialysis before the end of the year. Is the Epo just going to make me feel better until I actually go on dialysis?\n\n3. Is it typical to coast along for many years with relatively stable numbers and then suddenly decline for no apparent external reason?\n\n4. Fistual or graft? I’ve read that a fistula is the preferred access. Is this case for home hemo as well?\n\n5. I have tried the low protein diet (it made me feel weak), and I am currently reading about the vegetarian kidney diet. I am wrestling with the conundrum of going on a kidney diet versus staying on my normal diet (which is quite strict anyway), which allows me to feel pretty good and remain active (I do not have Diabetes or any other medical conditions).\n\nThanks for reading my post. I look forward to your comments, advice and experience.",
	"1 can white Shoe Peg corn\n1 can french green beans\n1 can Le Seur peas\n1 cup chopped sweet onions\n1 cup chopped celery\n1 cup chopped green pepper\n1 small jar of chopped pimentoes (optional)\n\nDressing:\n1 cup sugar\n1/4 cup oil\n1/2 cup cider vinegar\nsalt and pepper if desired\n\nCombine dressing ingredients. Drain canned vegetables and mix all vegetables together.\nPour dressing over vegetables and mix.\nLet stand over night in refrigerator.\nKeeps for a week. Stir before serving.\n\n\nI love this stuff! I've also made it with Splenda rather than the sugar. I wasn't sure how many servings it makes, when I have it, it's my meal. I split it into 10 servings. I also did not include the pimentoes in the nutritional analysis.\n\nBut made with sugar, it contains the following:\ncalcium 29.3 mg\nphosphorus 62.5 mg\npotassium 217 mg (not sure what makes it that high, perhaps the green pepper?\nsodium 308 mg\nprotein 2.6 grams\nfiber 3.4 grams\n\nI think a serving will really have less than the above nutrients if eaten in normal portions because the recipe is 3 cans of drained and 3 cups of fresh vegetables so I'm figuring that would be at least 12 servings rather than the 10 I analyzed.\n\nAlso if one used the sodium free canned vegetables the amount of salt in it would be greatly reduced.\n\nI hope you like and enjoy this recipe as much as I do!",
	"2 cups sugar\n1 cup cider vinegar\n1/4 cup water\n1 tsp. celery seed\n1 tsp. mustard seed\n\nMix together in sauce pan and boil one minute. Set aside to cool\n\n1 average head of cabbage\n1 large carrot\n1 green pepper\n\nShred vegetables. Sprinkle 1 tsp. salt over cabbage and let sit 5 minutes. Squeeze all excess water from cabbage. Mix vegetables together and pour cooled dressing over them. Mix and freeze in whatever size containers you like.\n\nThe nutritional analysis:\n\nCalcium 47.8 mg\nphosphorus 35.1 mg\npotassium 229 mg\nsodium 256 mg\nfiber 2.8 grams\nprotein 1.5 grams\n\n\nMy variations are....I'm often too lazy to actually shred cabbage and just use the shredded slaw from the produce section. I also skip the salt step though it's better when you do that--makes it nice and really crisp! But the salt would definitely increase to the above sodium amount, so I give up crispness for going salt-free. Also I've made this with Splenda to decrease the sugar/carb amounts.",
	"most of you if not all know what it is like to be on dialysis and the physical and emotional things we go through. however there is an even worse under side to all of it. i call it the under side because most people don't even know you are living it.\n\nmy under side is this, because of dialysis, i had to retire on disability, i now make much, much less in salary then while i was working. because of this, we had to file bankruptcy, we lost both our cars, we now own two junkers, thank God for that. we are losing our home, it will be foreclosed on soon, i hope we can find disabled low cost housing in our town. we probably will have to give up our pets, because the new housing will not allow them. i love my pets, God i love those little angels. and so it goes, while the world goes by totally oblivious to this, we not only suffer in physical pain, but we quietly go through the under side pain as well. i hope God gives me the strength to pull through this, and you wonder why sometimes i'm angry.",
	"I was diagnosed with Stage 3 CKD about 8 months ago. I have been depressed and in denial all of that time. My primary medical doc sent me to a Nephrologist in January. His advice was to keep my BP down, cut down on protein in my diet, and follow up with my primary doc for lab work. He told me that there was nothing else that could be done. I am a nurse, and the CKD patients I come in contact with are usually ESRD and not doing well either through non-compliance with diet and dialysis or because of other complications. Needless to say, I have been just as scared, if not more so, than the rest of you despite my medical education.\n\nI found the DaVita website the other day and have spent a great deal of time reading since then. After reading just about all of the website I know way more about CKD than I ever learned in nursing school or at work. I don't feel alone any more and I've found ways to take positive action to delay or even prevent ESRD.\n\nMy \"Thank you\" is not only for the website, but especially for the forum. I am less than 2 years from retirement and have been modifying my retirement plans based on the idea that I probably wouldn't live too much longer. Now I know that's not true thanks to the encouraging postings on this forum.\n\nI have a long way to go in terms of modifying my diet and lifestyle to better control my CKD, but now I have the tools to work with and know that I can count on the support of the members of the forum to help me through this. It's time to face up to it myself, and tell my family about it so that they can also support me.",
	"I was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago with stage 3 CKF with 50% function. The cause is unknown, or so I assume because she didn't say anything. She didn't even tell me it's stage 3, I had to figure that out on my own. I haven't had any illness and have only had one kidney infection in my life. I also don't think I was tested for autoimmune illnesses. I had an ultrasound which came back normal and the protein level also came back normal. My doctor said that I don't have to change anything at all except to reduce sodium and drink 33% less fluids (low blood sodium level). I also can't take lithium or NSAIDs anymore. This just doesn't ring right. She gave me no info about it except to say that I have to have blood tests every month for the next year. I'm upset about the lack of information and the lack of communication. I don't have a follow up appt for another month and it's near impossible to get into the doctor on short notice. Does this warrant a second opinion? I'm really not happy with the way this was handled.",
	"I completely forgot about this..........\n\nWe were all called to my Dad's bedside to say our farewells.(he was dying of Leukemia) My mom was crying and it was very hard for her to handle.\nMy Dad held her hand and jokingly said :\n\"Don't worry my dear..... I am going to live until I die... heheh.\" He died 2 hours later.\n\nWow , I only remembered it just now and\nI AM GOING TO LIVE UNTIL I DIE. I refuse to die until I die ... I will LIVE my life to the fullest. I am going to stay positive.!!\n\nThanks Dadda!",
	"Hi everyone. I am also a newbie to this forum though as caregiver for my husband who has been on PD for a year and a half, feel like a veteran at being a caregiver. I have been watching this forum for a few days and was so grateful to read that there are others out there that have some of the same frustrations, fears and experiences I am having. I wish our health care team had told me about support groups like this one. My husband is diabetic though is not insulin dependent. He was a hoss of a man up until the fall of 2007 when he was hospitalized for congestive heart failure which was secondary to ESRD. From there, the ride began. He was on clinical hemo for a few months which was horrible for him and then started home PD which is better but still not great. He suffers severe chronic fatigue and has developed plaque deposits on his skin which he scratches and bleeds from. He was an early retiree (January of 2007) and we were looking forward to a much different life than we now have. I try very hard to keep a positive attitude but he has refused transplant options (which I respect his decision though may not agree with it) and has accepted that this is \"as good as it gets\" and that \"it's downhill from here\". His neph accepted this decision but seems to be a little disappointed in it and sometimes we feel that his care is affected by it. My husband is not real good about following the diet and says that with a terminal illness, what's the point. I think the diet is important to quality of life but can't make him follow it. So I just accept that he is going to eat what he wants and go on. Does anyone have any words of wisdom on what I can expect if he continues to do this? Thanks all!",
	"My husband has been on PD for a week (not long, I know) and is really stuggling. He had a lot of fluid on board, and in fact has lost about 10 pounds in the week since he started. He is often troubled with vomiting, weakness, low BP, and severe cramps in his legs and hands. His PD prescription has been changed a couple of times, and he is now on four 1.5 bags a day. He feels discouraged, tied down, and sick and wonders if this is worth the misery. I've tried my best to support and encourage,holding the bucket, etc. The PD nurses are great, but for the most part it seems like they really think he'll just have to get used to this. He had his first labs drawn today, so I hope we'll have some numbers that will mean something next week. Any advice or encouragement from care givers and/or receivers would be welcome!",
	"Hello everyone!\n\nI am a new CAPD patient who started my CAPD 10 days ago.\nI have the following observations and I would like to have your comments:\n1) when using 1.5% solution, I always get a 1700 - 1900 ml discharge solution.\n2) when using 2.3% soultion, during the daytime, I can get around a 2000ml dischage solution, whereas during the night, I can only get 1700 ml discharge solution.\n3) when use 4.25% soution, during the daytime, I can get around 2500ml of discharge solution, but during the night, I can only have 1800 ml of discharge solution.\nI have normal quantity of urine\n\nMy questions are:\n1) Is this phenomenon normal?\n2) How can i manage solutions of different concentrations?\n\nThanks all of you.\n\nSimon",
	"He is 76 yrs old - He started yesterday and is totally exhausted today. What can I expect and will he be ok with this?",
	"Hello everyone!\n\nI am a new CAPD patient who started my CAPD 10 days ago.\nI have the following observations and I would like to have your comments:\n1) when using 1.5% solution, I always get a 1700 - 1900 ml discharge solution.\n2) when using 2.3% soultion, during the daytime, I can get around a 2000ml dischage solution, whereas during the night, I can only get 1700 ml discharge solution.\n3) when use 4.25% soution, during the daytime, I can get around 2500ml of discharge solution, but during the night, I can only have 1800 ml of discharge solution.\nI have normal quantity of urine\n\nMy questions are:\n1) Is this phenomenon normal?\n2) How can i manage solutions of different concentrations?\n\nThanks all of you.\n\nSimon",
	"fistula placement...... does anyone have a fistula in their leg..... is that something that can be done....... or is the arm the only place...... I am still having problems with that whole idea...... I worry about doing activities and bumping or hurting my self.....with a fistula in my lower arm......",
	"Hi All....I put together a video about how I use the Baxter Cycler and Peritoneal Dialysis...for some of you that are looking into Peritoneal Dialysis and would like to see the entire process on how it is done on a daily basis, check out my video...here is the url for the video...its posted on you tube.....Gary\n\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LriX7okbAqU",
	"Last session my Dr. said to me that your Phosphor is low you have to stop taking Calcium Carbonate and PHT is too high in such case what that to do how to decrease the PHT hermone\nTHnak",
	"We're making some new changes to DaVita Diet Helper over the next several months. As of today, you can come directly to this discussion forum from the Tools section of DaVita Diet Helper. The next time you're in the meal planner and have a question or comment, this feature makes it easy to navigate to the DaVita Diet Helper discussion forum.\n\nThe second change is in the Shopping List. You can now select specific days and meals for generating the shopping list instead of printing all the meals for 7 days. The list is also reorganized to make it easier to remove items.\n\nLet me know how you like these changes.\n\nComing soon--User Foods and User Meals/Recipes. I'll keep you posted.\nDaVita Dietitian Sara",
	"We want to hear your stories! Tell us how you found out you had kidney disease.\n\nWhat were the exact words your doctor used to inform you?\n\nWhat was your reaction?",
	"I am trying to decide where to put my PD cath - The surgeon suggested above my belt line or below it. I am a woman. Does anybody have any pros or cons for above or below that they have experienced?\n\nThanks,\nLynn",
	"I'm interested in starting up a support group in the Culver City (Los Angeles) CA area. Is anyone interested in joining?",
	"Hi all!!\n\nHere's my \"Reader's Digest\" story... My husband recently started Hemodialysis. He has Type I Diabetes and Hypertension (that was not controlled). His kidneys rapidly deteriorated, and his doctor admitted him to the hospital (right after the Memorial Day weekend) for a catheter placement and \"emergency dialysis\".\n\nHe had an AV graft done.\n\nHe will be doing HD at Davita on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.\n\nI am completely overwhelmed and exhausted. I am scared, and I am unsure of what our future holds.\n\nI am looking for a support group in my area that I can attend to learn, discuss, vent, and meet others in the same boat.\n\nI live in Central New Jersey. Is anyone aware of such a group? Or do Davita Centers offer Caregiver Support Groups?\n\nthanks...\nB.",
	"I am the caregiver of my husband who is newly diagnosed ESRD patient who just recently started HD. I am completely overwhelmed with this diagnosis, and I wondered how much our life as we know it has and will change.\n\nI needed to find things to do for myself. While I need to help and support my husband, I also need to learn to relax, keep my stress level down, and do things that help me.\n\nHere are some of the things I have begun to do:\n\n1) Started a blog about our struggle with Kidney Disease - http://thedailydialysis.wordpress.com\n\n2) Talk with friends, family, and co-workers\n\n3) Join a support group (currently looking for one)\n\n4) Read and learn more about Kidney Disease because KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!\n\n5) Read, knit, cross stitch, and play Scrabble to relieve stress and relax\n\n6) Learn more about Renal Diets and find new recipes\n\n7) Write thoughts, fears, anxieties, feelings, accomplishments, etc in my own Personal Journal\n\nWhat do you do??",
	"Well a caregiver who has been reading for a couple years, posted some questions way back before dialysis, and only now introducing myself. My hubby has now been on dialysis for a month and a half , and so far it has been much more pleasant than we had even hoped for. We have been able to keep a pretty upbeat attitude about it as we are just so happy to be alive!! Went through a scarry time getting here for sure!.. So, though i dont have much experience with this dialysis, i do have lots of time in on the cargiving Been married 40 years, and these last ones have been filled with many health issues that we are learning to live better with. Well, i see that im really tired, and REALLY have a lot i want to talk about but guess that will be another time  Just too tuckered!! I wish us all strength and friendship through it. Tough stuff, but support here has been increadable to watch...\nhope we get this section of the board rollen :-) boswife\nps....missing chefnancy",
	"Without Chefnancy, I am a bit lost at posting my question. I am scared as to what is coming.\n\nFirst - according to my vascular team, they say my fistula isn't maturing because it hasn't popped all the way down the bicep arm. The fistula has popped at the fold in my arm and I can feel the vein under the skin - they say this isn't good enough and want to do a fistulagram. Should I \"go for it\" in the hopes it does it's thing?\n\nPER Chefnancy - she stated that fistulas can take up to a year to mature. Of course, I don't have that much wait time.\n\nSecond - I just saw my nephrologist and he said it looks good and should it not work, they can always go back in and fix it. Do I really want to find out that it won't work in another 2/3 months when I sit down in the chair and they proceed to stick me?\n\nI need some guidance here guys because I don't know what to do. The dye from the fistulagram will drop my GFR - I'm down to 11% already. The doc stated that it may come back up, but he doesn't guarantee anything. Any advice would be helpful. I go back to the vascular team on June 18th. Should I simply tell my vascular doctor to call my nephrologist and then have them call me back as to their decision?",
	"Just wondering if anyone has heard of or tried or knows someone that has tried stem cell treatments for any diseases?\nI was reading some articles and they were writing that you use your own stem cells to regenerate your heart muscle or other organs.\nIt sounds like a lot of the people had some improvement for heart problems at least.\n\nI know they were studying this at a univesity in Texas or you can pay to go to Mexico to have this treatment done (and the company includes accomodation in the costs.\n\nI'm interested in trying this as it is not super expensive- was told one company charged $16,000 US for treatment in Mexico!\nI know that sounds like a lot, but I'd rather try something then nothing at all end end up even worse.\n\nSome people had heart function go from 15% to 25% as an example and some people even better.\nI'd be happy with any kind of improvement from what I know know or have been told at least.",
	"I have a question that maybe some one can answer here on lab results... my GFR is now at 15 which can down from last month from 24...... my creatinine in my blood stay about the same 3.29 but my fun went from 35 to 60.... by my biggest concern is with my urine test.... my protein in my urine has been increasing and was at 1700 and now it down to 208 and my creatinine in my urine has been increasing to 207 and has now dropped to 27..... Looks like to me my blood bun anc creatinine levels are increasing and my urine proteins and creatinine have decrease a whole bunch...... What does this mean....does this me that my kidneys are not taking out the protein and creatinine anymore... they are just taking out water.... is that possible...does this mean that my kidneys are failing me faster...... I was hoping that if my blood levels were going up and my urine levels were up too than there was a balance...but now looks like a trend to be very unbalanced....what do you all think.....",
	"I haven't been on in a month or so and then I come hear today and find out about Chefnancy. I always looked forward to her responses. I really came here today because I am having a hard time coming to terms with my dads decline. He is so tired and has become weaker. I know I sound like a broken record but he seems like is is slowing down a lot. I wish there was something that could be done. I don't understand why he is getting weaker and feeling the worst on his dialysis days. I am so sad because he said this will be the last year he has his garden and I am starting to believe it. I hate to even think about it because it makes me so sad. My dad says \"this might be my last year around\". I hate to hear him talk like this. I know that it will happen someday but I just can't think about it it makes me sad all of the time. I try not to let my feelings show so that's why I come here to talk about how I really feel. I just wish that the team at dialysis could do something to make him from feeling so weak. My dad has been a little raspy at times when they listen to his lungs and I wonder if this has happened to anyone. I am having a really hard time lately coping and don't know what to do to feel better. I have been enjoying every moment that I have with him and my mom. I am planning a barbque at my house next weekend and hope he feels well enough to come. I did this so it would give him something to look forward to . We all will look forward to it. I just pray that he starts to feel better and gets some of his strength back I am feeling sad and anxious today. Any words of advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thanks",
	"Just interested in getting people's views and opinions.\n\nI'm curious to know wether if you had heart problems and there was nothing else to be done for them...what would you do?\n\nA)Go to another country for stem cell treatment as it is not offered where you are.\n\nB)Nothing...and knowing you are going to die!\n\nThis is also considering money is not an issue and you could borrow money for treatment.\nAlso would your opinion change with your age? like if you are 30 or 60 years old?",
	"My husband has been on PD with a cycler for about 16 months. For the past four months he has had more negative total drains than positive drains. Like 5 out of 7 nights his total drain is a negative number and maybe 2 nights it is positive. At times he looks \"wet\" but other times he does not. My logic tells me that he is absorbing the dialysis solution. He had a several month bout with diarrhea but even after that cleared up, the negative numbers continued. His kt/v tests were considered invalid due to the diarrhea the last 2 times he was checked so I worry he is not getting adequate dialysis. He is not a sodium abuser.\n\nHis PD nurse and nephrologist don't seem as concerned about this as I am. Can someone tell me what this means or if I am overreacting?\n\nThanks!",
	"Okay guys - need some advice here. I will probably be starting dialysis in another 2 months. Question - where do I start? Does the doc contact Davita or do I call Davita and make arrangements to be put on a list at a Davita clinic? Just curious as to whether I'm supposed to be the one making the arrangements or if the doctor's office does so.\n\nAny guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.",
	"I don't guess I have any questions to ask, I just need a place to vent. My grandmother is the dialysis patient she had been on dialysis since June 15 of 2007. She was doing very good with dialysis and her health until January of 09. Since then she has had two infected catheters, a fistula that still won't work, and a mild stroke that left paralysis on her left side. Day by day I watch her be sick. She is in a nursing home doing rehab but she has been sick since she has been there. She is so weak on her left side that she will never fully recover, and for the past few weeks she has been sick with a UTI, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Now today they told us her catheter is infected so we have to go tomorrow to have number 4 put in, then on Thursday we have to go for her to have another fistulogram done (that makes number 4 plus two previous surgeries). In between going to these appointments to a hospital almost an hour away she has dialysis and physical therapy. Plus, she is still sick with the nausea and vomiting. I am so tired of watching her suffer. It is so hard to comprehend why God chose her to go through all this suffering, and me to be the caregiver. My grandma is forced to suffer physically while I suffer mentally. I work two part-time jobs and take care of my grandma. I am with her seven days a week, I am with her in the evenings and on the weekend. Plus, I go with her to dialysis as well. I am trying to deal with watching her suffer and be sick everyday. I don't want to lose her because we are very close and she is my best friend, but I am tired of watching her suffer. She is not able to live her life and enjoy her family. She has to deal with being sick everyday and dealing with infection after infection. I know she has to be discouraged by all this and she feels like she is a burden to me. I try to explain to her that it is not her fault that she did not chose to be sick.",
	"Mr Mcdowell has been on dialysis for about 4 month now and wants to share his home dialaysis video. Since starting he states he has been able to eat and drink more and has regained more energy to do things he wasn’t able to do before. After watching the video watch the rest of his videos which are about 10! For Spanish speakers there's some Spanish language that he speaks in there..\n\n\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH MCDOWELL'S HOME MADE DIALYSIS VIDEO\n\n\nWord of warning, its not a training video, but gives you an idea of what to expect when using the Nxstage System One at home.....for more details consult with your Dr or clinic.",
	"I am doing much better. It took a bit of time before I felt I could post again.\n\nI was very surprised by all the support all of you showed. To be honest, I thought that my post would be removed. Looking back I can see how far off track I was.\n\nI am so thankful for my friends here, and the prayers on my behave.\n\nI go food shopping tomorrow. I am no cook, but I have done it at times. \n\nI have a crock pot, and I took my crock pot cookbook out and got lost. I would like to cook a few 'all in one dishes', that I can freeze in individual portions, and that are easy to cook.\n\nI must admit that I really don't have meal times, you kind of get away from that when you live alone. I've been eating mostly everything I shouldn't eat. Frozen entrees, canned soups, and any thing else that I only have to heat.\n\nMany years ago when I was working and well, I would shop one day off and cook the next day off. I cooked large sized meals and freeze then in individual microwavable bags, and I didn't have to cook until the next month. I even cooked with wine. I can't stand to drink wine, but like what it does in food. I don't know if I can use wine now. So, it's iffy that I've buy any.\n\nI think I'm rambling!!\n\nAny helpful hints, and recipes would be helpful.\n\nLove to you all!!!",
	"Hi guys - I'm really pissed right now. I have been in contact with a Davita Program Manager for Davita Northwest Home for a few months. I was even invited to their open house so I could get some questions answered. Here's the deal - first they tell me that I can start right at the home training facility for home hemodialysis on the NxStage machine - that I WOULDN'T have to start at a clinic.\n\nNow the Program Manager is telling me a different story and I'm really upset. My hopes and dreams of starting TRAINING at that facility is now lost. I don't quite understand - IT'S A HOME TRAINING FACILITY - isn't it ??????\n\nCan someone please, from Davita answer this question - WHY wouldn't I be permitted to start dialysis at this facility?",
	"Are there any men who have successfully impregnanted their partner while in end stage renal disease?",
	"There are many of use new at dealing with CKD. There are so many things that we can't eat, that those of you who have dealt with it for some time, must have many insights on how to make it easier.\n\nI have read some posts about foods by accident under other topics.\n\nI don't know if they can be copied here for easy access, I'm not even sure if I know how to do it, but I am willing to do it with permission.\n\nThis forum is wonderful, and I would like to give back for all the support, and love I have been given.",
	"I have stage 4 kidney disease and my doc predicted I will need dialysis within 6 months. He suggested peritoneal dialysis at home. I am a very active 50 year old woman who is terrified that my active, happy life is essentially over. I work full-time and travel alot for fun. My husband plays softball and I go to all his games. Will I still be able to work and travel? I don't feel as well as I used to, my creatinine is 2.1 ,my EGFR is 27 and my hemoglobin is 8.0. Doc also suggests Procrit for anemia. Can anyone give me some hope? Thanks!",
	"Well where to begin,at the age of 8 years old i became very ill. I was sick with strep and was seeing my family doc. One week after seeing doc my first appiontment i went back to the doctor\nand had gained like 14 pounds or sumthing close to that. The doctor told my mother that in was probly eating behind her back and not failg to see all the sweeling and adema in my face and legs. Acoording to him tho i was fine.A day later my parents took me to lab to get some stuff done but wouldnt do it with out a doctors order. The lab guy couild see i was really sick though he ended up doing a urine test and he just look at it and told my parents i need to be rushed to a hospital. Long story short strep went to my kidneys i lost 80% fuction in my kidneys within a day, by the time i got to see a specialist i was already very ill needless to say i spent the next 8 months in the hospital taking all kinds of meds and stuff. Doctors tryed eveything they could to get my function back but never happend.\n\nIve been on dialysis since i was 8 1/2 worst part all this happend the day of my 8th b-day. I have had a transplant but only lasted few months got infected on i lost it. this past march i completed 22 years od being on dialysis.\n\nIve been thinking alot about just stopping dialysis i feel so tired and my body cant take it any more. I dont want to hurt my mother by doing so parents are not supose to burry thier children. In my heart this is what i want. This is what will make me happy. I missed out on alot of my life because of this illness. Its a very hard decision to make but i need to do what makes me happy. Ive lived an average life never married or have children things i wanted. I try not to let this ilness consume my life that many of dialysis take its toll on ur body. I didnt ask to be sick but i have no choice it seems like somtimes. I dont blame\nanyone for my ilness but it wat it is.\n\nI do have a job and try to have a normal life as best i can but somtimes it doesnt seem like enough.\n\nI apologize for going on so much i just have to get this of my chest.Well thats all i have to say for know. Please dont judge me cause i have had enough of that already. From people thinkg they know whats best for me.\n\nTxGuy512",
	"A (not so close) friend is being tested on the 17 Jun to see if we are a match.\nI do not want to be optimistic .. but I just can't help it.\n\nShe is in very good health. Not overweight. Has had all her kids. AND the same blood group as I am.\n\nI really wish that this is it.\n\nIF she is a match I do not have to start dialysis but have a transplant (I hope) I have to loose 9kg. Here in SA it takes about 9 months to a year to arrange a non-relative transplant.\n\nPEOPLE this is so exciting..... I just hope that she is a match.\n\nI will keep you posted.",
	"I am so upset about this that I am contemplating changing clinics. I used to get benadryl with my treatments so that I can sleep and relax. The RN would give it to me when I asked for it and I have to say it makes my treatments much more tolerable.\n\nI now have to wait until the RN who treats me \"feels\" like giving it to me. This can be 10 minutes or an hour. I really feel like she is on a power trip and is holding it back because she can. She doesn't seem to care that it is beneficial to me.. I have had 3 anxiety attacks because of this in the past month and am at my whits end as to what to do.\n\nI am a very nice and polite person and I have tried everything - being nice and polite, begging and now insisting. Last night I tried to get an explanation and was told that that is just the way it is because she likes to put on all the patients before giving it to me. I said it takes 60 seconds and why can't she just give it to me and she said because it's not the way she like to do things and she doesn't care if others nurses give it to me when I ask.\n\nAny one have any suggestions. I have already taked to the facility admin and the social worker to no avail.",
	"Sorry to sound stupid here, but I'm at a loss as to where to start. First - Davita states they can't give me an answer as to whether I can start as a new patient at their new home dialysis training facility - they state they can't make exceptions and I would have to go through the screening process. Okay - I'll go with that. If I fail the process, I end up in a clinic...not my idea of what I had intended.\n\nWould like your opinions as to what to do. Doc appointment is in July. Do I set up the interview with Davita first or should I wait to see what my blood results are in July? Do I start the ball rolling now (my last labs - GFR was at 11%) or do I wait it out another month?\nMy fistula still isn't matured...do I wait until I get my arm correct first, then call for the interview?\n\nSuggestions??",
	"We all have those days when we just want to say \"I've had enough\" and walk away from it all knowing darn well what would happen if we did. But, we ALL have that someone or someones that keep us going and give us the reason/inspiration to go on. For me a lot of it's two people wo I'd just like thw world to know who they are.\n First off, is my son Brian. he's 13 these days and he's seen me on the machines since he was about 5 or 6. He's come to the unit over the years and the staff has even commented on how much he's grown. I want to be around for him for as long as I can. As much as I'm supposed to teach him-he teaches me every day that life is worth the trip.\n Second, is my godson, Christopher---always known as the Critter. He's 7. He's had surgeries to remove kidney stones since he was 2. So many in fact that I've lost count. They've also done emergency hemo on him as as well. Right now he's stone free and doing well. He's never going to be a real big boy--he's small. But he is the most active kid I've ever seen and he's said it best when he said, \"Uncle John, us kidney people have to stick together.\" Wisdom from a child. One of the things that makes him happy is when I get him a root beer and his fave candy bar---a Snickers. And if he geta a pack of root beer, Uncle John is the only one allowed to share it with him.\n So, as for how I keep going--these boys are it.\n ****John****",
	"As you know, Congress has been working on health care reform over the past few months, hinting at proposals and taking suggestions. Now they are beginning to issue legislation. We need your help to tell Congress how to fix problems with the Medicare and Medicaid programs to improve care for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).\n\nCLICK HERE TO ACT NOW AND SEND AN AUTOMATIC EMAIL MESSAGE TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN/CONGRESSWOMAN\n\n\nAs you know, Medicare covers most patients with ESRD regardless of age or disability status for life. This life-saving benefit allows patients to have access to expensive care and not have to worry about private insurance coverage. However, Medicare ESRD patients do not have some of the options other Medicare patients have to help manage costs or get the care they need.\n\n* About 40% of ESRD patients are dual-eligible for Medicaid as well as Medicare. However, some states do not mandate dialysis be included in their Medicaid plans. Congress needs to require all states to offer this coverage.\n* Medicare patients with ESRD are the only patients not able to choose to retain their private insurance after they become eligible for Medicare. Currently, they must switch after 30 months, but we think patients should be able to choose the coverage that works best for them.\n* ESRD patients under 65 do not have access to Medigap insurance, which helps to defray costs under fee-for-service Medicare, where the patient is responsible for 20% of the cost of some treatments.\n\nAlthough these are small fixes, they can make big differences to people touched by kidney disease. Even if you are not personally affected, you can help those with kidney failure by letting Congress know you care, and want them to act.\n\nPlease take time to write Congress today. They are drafting bills now, and have set an ambitious timeline to vote on bills by August. We will be sending frequent alerts as this moves forward so that you can let your voice be heard when Congress is listening about health care improvements.\n\nAct today, and please, help us spread the word by inviting your friends and family to act too.\n\nSincerely,\nJayne Mardock\nCongressional Relations Director\n\nPS - additional information about insurance choice and Medigap are available on the NKF website, click here.",
	"As you know, Congress has been working on health care reform over the past few months, hinting at proposals and taking suggestions. Now they are beginning to issue legislation. We need your help to tell Congress how to fix problems with the Medicare and Medicaid programs to improve care for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).\n\nCLICK HERE TO ACT NOW AND SEND AN AUTOMATIC EMAIL MESSAGE TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN/CONGRESSWOMAN\n\n\nAs you know, Medicare covers most patients with ESRD regardless of age or disability status for life. This life-saving benefit allows patients to have access to expensive care and not have to worry about private insurance coverage. However, Medicare ESRD patients do not have some of the options other Medicare patients have to help manage costs or get the care they need.\n\n* About 40% of ESRD patients are dual-eligible for Medicaid as well as Medicare. However, some states do not mandate dialysis be included in their Medicaid plans. Congress needs to require all states to offer this coverage.\n* Medicare patients with ESRD are the only patients not able to choose to retain their private insurance after they become eligible for Medicare. Currently, they must switch after 30 months, but we think patients should be able to choose the coverage that works best for them.\n* ESRD patients under 65 do not have access to Medigap insurance, which helps to defray costs under fee-for-service Medicare, where the patient is responsible for 20% of the cost of some treatments.\n\nAlthough these are small fixes, they can make big differences to people touched by kidney disease. Even if you are not personally affected, you can help those with kidney failure by letting Congress know you care, and want them to act.\n\nPlease take time to write Congress today. They are drafting bills now, and have set an ambitious timeline to vote on bills by August. We will be sending frequent alerts as this moves forward so that you can let your voice be heard when Congress is listening about health care improvements.\n\nAct today, and please, help us spread the word by inviting your friends and family to act too.\n\nSincerely,\nJayne Mardock\nCongressional Relations Director\n\nPS - additional information about insurance choice and Medigap are available on the NKF website, click here.",
	"Help! My husband is on CAPD and needs added protein, but he is also diebetic and trying to lose weight. We need ideas for getting protein into his diet WITHOUT adding a huge amount of calories and carbs. Suggestions would be most welcome!",
	"Please note that this is My diet and just a guideline for yours. A dietitian can help you with yours.\nI will add to it daily what I'm eating because it is not the same everyday.\nIf you are still hungry and the food is not enough eat an extra slice of \"crushed wheat\" bread with meals as this has a low GI and will make you feel fuller for longer. Do not skip your snacks ... it is all part of the plan. (six small meals daily) You can also swop your lunch and supper around to suit you.\nI eased into this and in the beginning ate much more than just a tablespoon or a cup of the food but eventually I am eating this and lost a lot of weight. Do not give up ... it takes a while to get used to and every Sunday I eat whatever I want.(in moderation of course heheh \n\n\n Low protein diet.\n(+-90g)\nDo not eat or try not to eat\n• All bran, Weetbix, Muesly, Corn flakes, Pronutro, Rice Crispies or any dry cereals\n• Bovril, Oxo Marmite\n• Dark chocolate toffies and fudge\n• Nuts and peanuts\n• Mussels\n• Hot chocolate and milo\n• Cremora or coffee creamer\n• Beer, wine, coke ,diet coke, pepsi, tab and cool aid.\n• Brown sugar and syrup\n• Fish paste and cheese spread\n• Chips and salt biscuits\n• Wine Sherry and coffee\n• Commercial cold meats\n• Packets of soup\n• Tinned and dried vegetables\n• Dried fruit roll\n• Cheese wedges, feta\n\nList of low potassium fruit\n1 medium apple\n4 dried apple rings\n4 medium grinadellas\n1 small lemon\n2 dried pear halves\n2 small prunes\nHalf cup strawberries\n1 big quava\n1 small banana (greenish skin not ripe)\nHalf cup pineapple\n11 litchi’s\nHalf cup sweet melon\n1 medium slice water melon\n\nHigh potassium fruit\n4 medium apricots\n6 dried apricots\n2 medium naartjies\n1 medium peach\n2 halves dried peaches\n1 small orange\n2 medium figs\n2 kiwi’s\n40g avocado\n10 small grapes\n2 tablespoons raisons\n1 small mango\n1 cup paw-paw\n\n\n\n\nDay 1\nMorning\nHalf cup low fat milk\n2 Large tablespoon cooked oats or tastee wheat (no serial)\n\n\n10 o’clock snack\n1 low potassium fruit from the list\n\n\nLunch\n\nHalf wholewheat roll\n1boiled egg\n2 medium ****tail tomatoes\nHalf cup of lettuce\nLow fat margarine for the roll\n\n16h00 snack\n1 high potassium fruit\n125ml low fat yogurt\n\nSupper\n60g chicken breast (deboned skinless) (size of 2 matchboxes)(I half it and have 2 small steakletts)\nLittle bit of oil to cook it in a pan with herbs (no or little salt)\n\nHalf cup or mash (potatoes cut into small blocks and boiled the day before, reheat the next day. No butter or milk added. No or little salt added)\n\nHalf cup of mixed veg (frozen, steamed or boiled a little, no butter or salt just herbs and other spices)\n\n1 very small tomato cut into wedges\n\n1 low potassium fruit from the list",
	"Just ben diagnosed with henoch schonlein purpura. Affected kidneys, at grf of 17. Any help would be nice",
	"Most family members dread the idea of nursing home facilities for care of their dependent elderly. Chicago caregivers should be registered with agencies. But, an appraisal by both the elderly patient, physician and family should be coordinated to assess whether this is an immediate necessity for the most comprehensive care. Generally, the independence and mobility of the elderly patient determines this. If the elderly require only minimal care that includes regular professional medical vigilance, the answer is an assisted living facility. A Chicago companion should be friendly, personable and caring. These facilities offer complete nursing and physician availability for emergencies as well as a means of semi-independence for their patients. Many families find this an adequate answer to their elderly care problems particularly if they are employed full-time and don't have elder care leave from their jobs. Look for a facility that allows regular family visits to insure quality care.",
	"Hi I have been a caregiver for now going on 9 years. Husband has last stage emphysema.\nI really get depressed sometimes then feel guilty about it. My family hardly ever comes around as I don't think they can cope. Is this normal. I have support from one Niece but she lives a ways away.\nJust need some support.\nThanks\nShrl",
	"Hi all, my husband has now been on hemo for 2 months but tomorrow he starts using his fistula. (he had the neck tube being used until fistula matured) Is there anything different we should expect as far as how he'll feel afterwards? We did get the amula (sp) cream and im guessing that is put on right before the procedure? as we dont even know exactly where he's gonna be poked. I think im more frightful than he is, but any info on the switch over would be appreciated... This is hard on us caregivers hearts I just want to at least act strong for him, but i hurt so bad... thanks again.... jill, boswife",
	"Hi,\nI posted this sometimes last year but figured I'd post again in case anyone missed it or forgot...\nI have the chart that tells all the nutrition and phophorus info for Coke products.\nA can of Coke last i checked had 41mg....\nSo you CAN enjoy once in a while...\n\nSo, if your dietician tells you you can't have ANY soft drinks they are wrong and have not done their research (I have seen this many times, ppl jump to conclusions w out getting facts/info).\n\nSo, I emailed Coca Cola and they have a list on their website.\nYou can even print it out and post it to your fridge...and to make it even easier ti find what you are looking for- just highlight all the drinks w 0 phosphorus......and enjoy them!\nThere are quite a few!\n\nBarq's Root Beer has 0 phosphorus and is a \"dark\" colored drink!\n\nCoke on the other hand has 41 mg phosphorus per 240ml~\n\nSprite has 0\nFanta, Mello Yello and GingerAle has 0 also\n\nhere is the link so you can see/print for yourself!\n\nhttp://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/m..._nutrition.pdf\n\nalso link to all nutrition from the coca cola company:\n\nhttp://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/us_nutrition.html\n\nHopefully this is some good news from people on here",
	"A friend sent me a paper on asparagus, It's suspose to help cancer, kidney disease and skin lesion. It say to put cooked asparagus (can be canned) in a blender and liquefy. You drink 4 tablespoons twice a day and you will start showing signs of inprovment in 2 to 4 weeks. has anyone tried this? sounds too easy.....LOL....they were suspose to have done a study on it back about 1979. I can't go on a diet, the doctors are wanting me to gain wt. I went from 152 down to 109. I eat 3 meals a day and a snack. I think it's because I have stopped a lot of food I use to eat out and gave up pespi. I'm trying to eat the right foods like all white meat.\nI was told in march that I had ACkd after a kidney scan. I was new and dumb about kd. so I ask for a copy of my records, so I could find out more. Funny I had to take old lab. work and get the numbers off it to find out I was stage 3 on this site. the kindey Doc. said it was cause from high BP. and he thinks it can be controled. when I went back last week he said my kidney was working good (he didn't say, but I'm sure they are still at 48 %) and I didn't need to cameback for 4 months. no diet or nothing. I ask again and again about copies of my records, the doc. says sure, no problem and he tells them to make me copies, I'm still waiting. How do you get them? I have signed papers and filled out form. Sometimes I think I need to speak up more to get what I want, but afraid of making someone mad. I already made one doctor so mad that she blew her top, needless to say I never went back, now I can't get a ENT. I pay for her mistake of lieing to me about test and a cat scam. ` I feel a lot better and my skin rash is about healed up. I wonder some times, what can happen next. My gp said I would just have to take it one day at a time and wait and see what happens, I weather he be honest like that then lie. lets see I got cancer in July, radiation and chemo, a bad rash, high Bp, loss my hearing, need eye surgery and ackd, all in 7 months, hard to tell what they are not telling me. In other words I went from feeling great to being an old woman in 7months. I don't have the best insurance and may be losing what I have. who knows about tomorrow.\nhope all of you have a great night.\nWilma",
	"Science News Experiments Point To New Treatments For PKD\nScienceDaily (Apr. 6, 2008) — A family of small molecules called CFTR inhibitors show promising effects in slowing the progression of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the most common genetic disease of the kidneys, according to preliminary research reported in the July 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology.\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nSee also:\nHealth & Medicine\n•Kidney Disease\n•Cystic Fibrosis\n•Hormone Disorders\n•Lung Cancer\n•Ovarian Cancer\n•Diseases and Conditions\nReference\n•Dialysis\n•Excretory system\n•Transplant rejection\n•Renal cell carcinoma\nAlthough much more study is needed, CFTR inhibitors could provide a useful new approach for the treatment of PKD. \"The CFTR inhibitors could be the basis of a lifelong treatment to slow renal cyst growth and decline in renal function, prolonging dialysis-free patient survival,\" comments Dr. Alan S. Verkman of University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.\n\nPatients with PKD develop cysts on the kidneys, which progressively increase in size and number. The kidneys become enlarged, eventually leading to kidney failure. Previous research has suggested that the buildup of fluid in the cysts is related to chloride secretion, which is affected by the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene. The researchers used automated \"high-throughput\" screening techniques to identify CFTR inhibitors that might affect cyst growth.\n\nThese screening studies identified two classes of small-molecule CFTR inhibitors that slowed the growth of renal cysts. The best inhibitor of each class was identified and shown to reduce the number and growth of cysts by more than 80 percent.\n\nThe inhibitors were then tested in mice that had been genetically altered to produce a condition similar to PKD. Animals treated with CFTR inhibitors for up to seven days had significantly slower cyst expansion and kidney enlargement, and better preservation of kidney function. There was no evidence of harmful effects on kidney function.\n\nPKD is an incurable condition for which new treatments are urgently needed. If effective medications to reduce the rate of fluid buildup in cysts could be developed, they might provide an entirely new approach to treatment to slowing the progression of the disease.\n\nThe results show that CFTR plays a role in the growth of renal cysts, and suggest that CFTR inhibitors have potential as treatments to reduce cyst growth in PKD. However, much more research will be needed to see if drugs based on the CFTR blockers will be useful in human PKD.\n\n\"The mouse model of PKD is not the real human disease for many reasons, such as the more rapid progression of disease in mice,\" says Dr. Verkman. \"Clinical trials will be needed to determine the efficacy of these compounds in human PKD.\"\n\nThe study entitled, \"Small Molecule CFTR Inhibitors Slow Cyst Growth in PKD\" April 2, 2008 and in print in the July issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). This research was supported through grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation.\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nAdapted from materials provided by American Society of Nephrology, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.",
	"I have become friendly with another women at my center that runs the same time I do. Audrey (a fiesty 80 year old lady ) and I have started to go for a bagel about once a month after our run. During our outing today, she mention she was having memory loss and the social worker told her that dialysis does this.\n\nI find I forget names and what I was about to say often. I always thought it was just getting older and the state of my health. Never thought about it being a result of the dialysis.\n\nI'm also cold all the time. I was never like this before dialysis, and it has only been about the last year that I noticed it. We'll have the air conditioning on in the house (the dogs and hubby are comfortable) but I'm bundled up in sweats and under blankets. I know that heart patients have this (my father-in-law did after his by-pass) but I guess I don't understand why dialysis would cause this.\n\nHas anyone else experianced this?",
	"Alot of you are bound to have had my problem at one time or another. Please give me your opinion.Im 19% gfr . I am on a c-pap machine , and trying to stay on it but I cant because of alot of fluid is on my lungs and nasal problems. My reg. doc is giving me some kind of steriod for nasal , and I do breathing treatments and do a reg. inhaler of Albuteral, It doesnt seem to be gettting me over it.I have been retaining fluid on legs and hands also . I have been on lasix , now lasix seems to be working on legs but will it help with fluid on lungs? Help please.",
	"My spouse would like to eat at a local restaurant to cellabrate of anniversary. With renal failure could I have a lobster tail?",
	"I am having some problems and need to know where to go to find out what my lab results mean. On one of my iron labs it says ALERT I have never had that on one of my labs. I am anemic. we got tests so I could get the procrit shot in office . I havent talked to neph yet. Am wondering what to ask him exactly. Im alittle worried about it also. thank you for any help you can give .I found my tests they are iron saturation-9 this is the one that says alert. normal is 15-55. folic acid is low at 3.5 ---normal is 5.4 so what does these mean? should I be worried.?",
	"I'm in stage 3 again. \n\nMy GFR is 31 so, just into stage 3.\n\nI get a copy of my monthly labs, and adjust my diet accordingly.",
	"I have been battling Renal disease for 10yrs and am close to dialysis creatinine 5.5 BUN 62. Nephrologist wants me to consult surgeon about getting PD catheter. Most renal diets I see are for people on dialysis which is totally different than me whos is trying to avoid dialysis and get a transplant. BTW I am a 51yo male who continues to work full days as a sales rep. Any detox programs work?? As you can see I am searching for answers.",
	"hey... janet here.. I'm 5'8 about 220 lbs.. and ive been trying real hard to lose weight now for almost 8 months... i just had a baby girl a little over a year ago.. and during my pregnancy i gained a tonnnn of weight and much of it stuck with me after she was born, and since then the hubby has been bothering me non stop about my new weight problem... so after a few months of that, it really started getting to me, plus summer is about here- and i love the beach! So i decided to try and do something about it... ive tried almost every diet system out there... south beach, atkins, slimfast, weight watchers, etc... and nothing so far has really worked well for me.... But ive recently come across this diet that a couple of my girlfriends put me onto that said worked amazing for them like nothing else has.... so i checked it out, it looks really good and they hav a full money back guarentee.. and im thinking about signing up for it.. but i first wanted to get some 3rd or 4th opinions on it... their website is fatloss.pcti-system. com .. Has anyone ever personally tried this program?? Any advice comments opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.. thanks!!",
	"I found out from my mom today that my dad isn't feeling well and has been vomiting. My nephew has a viral infection. I know that this shouldn't be contagious but is it possible that my dad is sick because of this. My dad was feeling pretty lousy this evening and said that he is going to skip dialysis tomorrow. Has anyone here missed a day of dialysis? I hate when my dad gets sick. I am always afraid that this will be the time that we will loose him forever. I don't understand why my dad is getting weaker. I don't mean to sound like I am feeling sorry for myself, I just worry. Have any of you ever missed dialysis due to being ill? If so, how did you feel? Please help me with this.",
	"Never mind, found my answer finally!",
	"My mother was recently diagnosed with ESRD. Her creatinine levels are at 5.4 and BUN at 160. There are days during which she feels very sick (vomitting, lack of appetite, anemia), and there are others when she feels very good. The doctor has mentioned that it may be time to have the fistula installed, so she can be ready for dialysis. The doctors have also said that she is not quite ready for it, as she urinates regularly and has somewhat stable pottasium levels. She is 55 yrs old and has had high blood pressure for a long time, but is now controlling the BP with medication. She does not have any form of diabetes.\n\nA friend of mine who's going through medical school calculated her GFR to be around 12, even though online calculators give me a value of 8. I'm very confused as to what to do. She does not like the idea of dialysis even though, she's open to it, if her life is at risk.\n\n\n\n\nIs it time for dialysis? At what creatinine levels did you or your loved ones start?\n\n\nOf those of you who started dialysis, did you regret starting?\n\n\nHow long after you have the fistula installed, can you actually start using it?\n\n\nDo you feel better having started dialysis?\n\n\nCan she postpone dialysis by making significant changes to her diet?\n\n\n\nAnything that you can tell me, I would appreciate. I'm confused, scared, worried and want to make the best decision. My mother says she feels very good today.\n\nI look forward to your responses.",
	"does anyone have experience with family wishing to be present at the dialysis procedure in an acute hospital setting, does DEVita have a policy and what are the reasons pro and con",
	"We just had my sons monthly kidney checkup...last month his creatinine was 3.8 almost 3.9.....now it's supposedly 3.1 ; I should be happy about that, but honestly, I find it a little unbelievable. Has anyone had this much of a shift while continuing to have symptoms of stage 4(vomiting and fatigue that seem just as bad as last month). I find this confusing...not that I dont want him to do better...just doesn't seem like his physical symptoms match the results. We are taking him to a good hospital and I usually dont doubt the results...any opinions?\nThanks for the help,\nLynne",
	"I had my pd catheter surgery approximately 1 1/2 weeks ago. I've been having a very full feeling, pain and difficutly urinating since. This occurs mostly at night when I wake up to urinate (very very difficult because of abdominal pain and takes 10 - 30 minutes to even get urine out and when it does it just kinda dribbles for that time until pretty emply. Also, worse first thing in morning....... same thing. Daytime is not as bad, still not perfect, but if I wait to long and have that fullness feeling then it hurts and takes longer again. Doctors don't really know, they don't think it's not a UTI and and I don't either. No burning or anything. It's just pain in the lower abdominal area. I'm getting scanned tommorrow, but right now they have no idea. At first I was thinking constipation, but I don't think I'm constipated. I've been doing every other day and today basically, but maybe I am, I just don't feel like it.....\n\nAny thoughts????\n\nThanks,\nCharli",
	"I am wondering .. because I have very bad veins and everyone who tries to take blood out of my non-fistula arm has the hardest time that now the local labs, the local Kidney clinic, and the transplant hospital lab all want take blood out of my fistula arm saying that now I am post transplant that they can.\n\nI heard of the Fistula First program and know to protect my arm EVEN AFTER TRANSPLANT) because I am still young enough to know I could end up back on dialysis some time in my life. I also know someone who only has one vein feeding blood to their hand on their fistula arm who has told me NOT to let them do blood work on the fistula arm. Yet I am tired of fighting the lab staff .. I have nothing to back this up and since I can't find anything online about this I can't help but wonder if I am only over reacting. Do staff have a right to draw blood labs from the fistula arm if I am no longer on dialysis? Am I being a B**ch by fighting them on this issue??  What reasons should I allow or deny?? I really need input on this! Thanks!\n\nTalking with medical staff has not helped at all as it seems like an issue no one is educated enough in to be able to take a firm stand.",
	"What questions did you ask before getting on the waiting list?\n\nWhat did you ask about transplant?\n\nWhat questions would you recommend others not forget to ask?\n\nWhat advice would you give?",
	"I think I have a constipation problem, but I don't know. I don't really feel like I do, but I got my catheter inserted 10 days ago and I've had pain everytime I try to urinate. It's not burning or a UTI, it's more like abdominal pressure pain and makes it hard for the urine to come out. Can anyone tell me what constipation with a catheter tube in feels like????\n\nCharli",
	"I can't seem to find a way to change the \"prescription\"...i.e. protien intake. thanks for any help, this program is such a great find! I will post on the vegetarian stream as well because I think it is needed for those whose doctors prescribe no meat diets as well.",
	"My dad went into the hospital yesterday for shortness of breath. He was really struggling and is very weak. They have done chest x-ray and it was clear. They say it is some sort of bacterial infection. Now of course my dad has C-diff. He usually gets this anytime he goes into the hospital. Please pray that he gets better. He will be in the hospital until at least Monday. It will be three years on the 21st that he became very ill and went into renal failure. Him being in the hospital just brings all of those same feelings back. I really hope that they can control his shortness of breath. There has been no mention of CHF. I am worried and want to be at the hospital all the time but I just can't. I'm feeling selfish for saying this. I am very worried but in a strange way feel calm. All of these different emotions are very exhausting. I am feeling very guilty for going to work tonight. My dad seemed stable so I thought it would be ok for me to go to work. I am just rambling on, sorry. I am just afraid that this is going to take its toll on him. I haven't seen him this weak in a very very long time. Please pray and thank you for letting me get things off my chest.",
	"Ïðèâåò ðåáÿòà",
	"\nVery useful information for me. Thanks for sahring.",
	"Has any one Raced, ATV or Drit Bikes on PD. Iam a new memer and will start PD soon. I just raced last week with a GFR of 10.9. My only concern I have is with the stent getting dirty.",
	"I am a newly diagnosed kidney failure patient. I was just released from the hospital on Friday and will be starting dialysis at a center in about an hour.\n\nHowever, I was hoping that some of you who have gone through dialysis and kidney failure for a little while can give me some insight.\n\nIt seems like my husband will not be supportive during my life change at all. He has acted very resentful and disinterested in me as a person since I was first admitted into the ER last Thursday. He would dutifully visit me in the hospital but for only an hour a day and never thought to bring me anything that would help cheer me up or daily necessities. I am lucky that my parents still live in the area and visited me constantly and started to bring me things when they noticed I had nothing.\n\nThe day I was released my parents picked me up and dropped me off at home. When I walked in he didn't smile or hug me or welcome me home. I try to talk to him about things and he just ignores me or doesn't seem to be paying attention. He keeps telling me that I brought this on myself and yes, I'm sure that some of this is my own fault. But is that something I really need right now? Am I being overly sensitive? I know that my emotions aren't on a rollercoaster. I have kidney failure, that's a fact. The doctor is still trying to figure out if it's acute or chronic. But I am lucky in the fact that today, our medical industry has a way to help us prolong our lives and be able to live almost normally.\n\nI'm now worried about my marriage in addition to worrying about my health. I'm just wondering if anyone else has every had problems with their spouse at the beginning and how you managed to get through the hump. I honestly fear that his resentment and my declining health will begin to bring about an end to my marriage. We have been married for almost 3 years, dated for 6 years before that, and are 31 and 29 years old just for background information.",
	"Hi, I haven't seen you on the forum for awhile and have been wondering how you are. Did you get your fistula situation sorted out? Have you started dialysis yet?\n\nI've been thinking about you and send well wishes your way.\n\nJoanne",
	"Hello\n\nMy wife (Deb) had her PD catheter surgery on 1 June, so we're new to this aspect of kidney failure. We've had the cath flushed and next week start with the training and first \"real\" dialysis.\n\nWe're obviously having new experiences, thoughts and emotions and look forward to participating in this forum.\n\nRuss",
	"about 2 years ago i was told i have ckd at stage 2, was i upset no, i did not even know what ckd was, to me it may just as well been a cold . so i went on with my life after all i did not feel ill in any way what so ever, went the the doc's whenever they wanted me to so they could take my bloods and do whatever they wanted to do, looking back now to me it was just ckd what the hell, now two years down the line they tell me am now at stage 4 with a GFR of 26 and no longer 45. so what i have ckd and a GFR of 26 do i care no way am to buzy enjoying my life to worry about ckd, the way i look at it is, for every day i walk around feeling sorry for myself with a long face thinking i got ckd is one less day i have being happy, having a joke and making my wife kids and friends happy.\ni dont know what my future holds for me and dont want to know, i will just get on with my life doing all the things i have done over the last 2 years and work till i drop lol\n\nso i say to you all be happy smile and live life to its full as much as you can , remember one sad day is one happy day lost\ngood luck to you all\ntony",
	"",
	"",
	"",
	"Hello, is there anybody out there?\nI am the mum of a 5 month old boy with kidney failure. He's just about ready to start weaning, and on our last hospital visit, the renal dietician gave us a list of the foods that he is not allowed to eat. Nearly everything on the list is what my family eat regularly. I am just stressed out about what I will be able to feed him. Although we were also given a list of the foods that he can eat, I'm wrecking my brains trying to turn these individual foods into meals.\nCan anyone recommend any recipe books?\nI'd love to hear from someone with some experience of this.\nRegards",
	"hi all\n\njust a short post someone maybe able to answer, when in stage 4 is it normal to get pain in the back around the kidney area, not that i stop doing what i do in my life i just live with it\n\nmany thanks\ntony",
	"My husband is stage 4 (CKD for approx 13 years) and we are discussing preparing our house for home dialysis along with upcoming fistula surgery, etc.\n\nDoes anyone have experience with how to get your house ready? As an example, we have carpet throughout the main floor living area and are considering removing it and installing some type of water/stain resistant flooring. Is there a check list available on this site regarding house issues, or should we be in discussion with the Davita center staff?\n\nAlso, my husband works from a home office which we feel very fortunate about. Will he be able to work on his computer and talk on his cellphone while in the process of dialysizing at home?\n\nWe are looking for idea's and tips from home dialysis patients or others who have knowledge and experience with this as we get ready for the future. Anything we can do to be proactive helps me feel a little more in control.",
	"I was told by my dr that I could have 2 grams of salt and 2.5 of potassium per day. How do I read the food packages to calculate how much that is?",
	"My GFR was 55 in May. The Doctor said my kidneys was working good and to make appointment for 4 months. I was told the last time I was there that my kidneys was only working at 48%. I finally got my records from there after 2 mouths of trying,and can't read anything he wrote, so they are no good to me and they charged $30.00 for then. but the lab reports I could read and I got out some old records from cancer center, looks like my GFR jumps around. It was 60 last July, started dropping in Oct. to 53, 11-4-08 up to 59 to fall down to 38 on 11-27, 2-11 up to 41, then in April down to 38, The last one 5-29 was up to 55.\n Wish I could go on a renal diet, but the Ent I seen today and the cancer center wants me to eat a high protein diet with a lots of milk shakes and ensure. The heart doc. wants me to stay away from things like milk, eggs and cheese. My gp wants me to take potassium, Ra doc. wants me to get calcium, Kidney doc. didn't say anything about my wt. or a diet. Now can I please them all.....lol. Food taste so bad I don't care what I eat. I went down from 152 to 104lbs and no one is happy about that. losing about 2 lbs. a week now.  I do feel better now, but I wonder what the next lab report will say. I think I got too many Doctors.",
	"Hi. Ive been on be for but not for ages not done alot of post.\n\nI was on dialysis for 4 years. when i was on dialysis i didnt eat chocolate i didnt eat it for the 4 years i was on dialysis i ate the odd cake like apple turn overs but not much. On feb 18th 2008 i had a transplant which took str8t away and still doing fine. The doctors only told me that that the doner came from a very large person and the kidney was actualy bigger then they fort as i was only 54KG at the time. the opp was ment to take just under 2 hours but they had difficult time transplanting it and it took over 4 and half hours. Once they transplanted it though all chemicles they said in my body went to normal str8t away which they where shocked about. But the thing is since the transplant ive eaten more cakes such as apple turn over, apple pie and custard and other cakes which i didnt eat be for. If the person where i got the transplant from ate alot of cakes etc would that make me eat alot of cakes. I no it sounds strange but was just woundering. And would like to thank the doner as you dont get to know as he/she did die of natural causes.\n\nNow i way on average 46KG to 47KG which the dietition said if i dont put any w8t on soon i would have to go on a supliment drink to get me a bit more w8t on. The dietition as actualy said to me now though to eat more calories to put more w8t on for the next month such as cakes any way. I do eat healthy such as veg and lamb, chicken dinners etc. I try and eat 4 timea a week healthy and 3 times a week un healthy such as chips and the odd take away.\n\nThanks for any advice. This is a kind of question that i dont want to ask the docs as they would proly just look at me strange.",
	"My husband is stage 4 CKD and will have a fistula installed within the next two months. One of our biggest concerns right now is extreme itching. He has rashes on lower back and spots on his legs, arms, back and chest. Medicines prescribed do not seem to help. We are using Sarna lotion and I have started wiping him down with apple cider vinegar. That seems to have helped the most. I called his Neph and she said his phosphorous is at 4.1 and should not be causing the itching. She called yesterday to take him off of his Potassium for a few days and then redo bloodwork. Are the potassium and phosphorous linked to where it would make a differenceby taking him off of the potassium? I know if he's off of the potassium for any length of time he will begin cramping again. We are bumfuzzled!!!!!",
	"Hey out there! Has anyone's peritoneal membrane switched from being\na low transfer rate to a high transfer rate? I had a PET test 4 1/2 years\nago and was told I was a low responder and now after having another PET\ntest and then another to be sure, I came back as having a high transfer rate.\nMy nurse told me that she could see how I could change from a high to a low\nbut not the other way around. My KT/v was excellent (2.1) until about 4 months ago\nand has been slowly going down(1.83). They are going to change my perscription\nto shorter dwell times. I would just like to know why this is happening because\nthey don't understand it either. Maybe someone out there might have had the\nsame experience? Thanks......",
	"hi everyone\n my name is Denise and i have been looking on here for months but couldn't post ,but i still working on it, i found out in Feb that my kidneys or not working good i don't know my # yet but i go back next month they said i have too much protein and they put me on bp meds i never had a problem with ,but now i am so tired and my legs swell a lot and hands and around my eyes i have bad leg pain and my back hurts a lot . my legs hurt worse . i found out about all this on Monday and my boyfriend well he got layoff on his job that Friday he been looking with no luck and i have my son and daughter here too and i have been worried about what gonna happen because i haven't been feeling good i wanted to ask what is to low of bp because since i been taking this meds my bp stay around 90/60 one time it was 89/57 and i wonder if that why i feel like i am coming down with something all the time my bp before was 128/80 which i always assume was good ,i am also a diabetic and have high cholesterol my sugar is not to bad my cholesterol well it bad but i don't eat to much things that's bad and i walk some everyday and i also work 12 hours a day 4 days a week denise",
	"My husband has been on dialysis since 12/24/08. We have had a hard time getting his potassium levels down. Constantly researching what foods are high in potassium and deleting them out of our diet. I feel it is in the best interest in our lives for me to eat close to what he eats this way he doesn't feel \"left out\". His potassium level increased from 6.2 to 7 and his iron went down from 13 to 11 in 1 week. They are checking for a GI bleed. My fear is we may be looking at something very serious before we find out what is going on. Any support or advise in what direction to go would be helpful. We are born again Christians and rely on our Church and our God. But right now I need support from people who are going through the same.",
	"Here is a link that I found regarding nutrition and chronic kidney disease, since it's something I seem to always be worried about. I'm so afraid of becoming malnourished yet at the same time I'm so afraid to eat because I don't want to hurt my kidneys or have my disease progress any more.\nhttp://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseas...eCKD/index.htm",
	"Hi. I'm new to all this. So is my dad who'll be starting dialysis in the fall. Just had a fistula done. For months now my dad has been experiencing cramps all over his body. With dialysis treatment I hope the cramps will ease. But treatment is still several months away. In the mean time does anyone have any advice as to how to treat these cramps? Any advice would be a great help.\nthanks!\njimp",
	"Let me see if i can ask this correctly... My husbands gfr (now being on dialysis) is 26 with creatinine being 2.6. When he was put on dialysis, his creatinine was 4.0 and gfr at 16. Now, what im wondering is, is it the dialysis making his numbers better now and that is what will sustane these numbers, or is it possible that he can go back to pre-dialysis, get on the kidney diet, and maintain these numbers. He has in the past gone down to gfr of 17 and improved without dialysis back up to the 26, but now im just confused if he should stay on dialysis, or give it a go without?? I must say he is feeling and looking sooooo much better, great actually, that im afraid to even suggest going off it, but it just seems that he has always bounced back before and we should have given it a try.. Thanks so much for any answers. It wracks my brain daily....",
	"I know I should stay away from hot dogs, but I a waiting until the 4th to have one. Are there any suggestions as to a brand that would hurt me as much as any other brand. I haven't had a dog in 4 months.",
	"did you go to Cozumel after all?",
	"I have had kidney problems since birth. I found out about my ckd in roughly 2000. I was at stage 3 as recently as last year but according to recent labs i'm now at stage 4. I'm 41 years old and have no energy at all. severe insomnia,headaches. What i'm wondering is how long will it take to get to stage 5 as my egfr went from 33 to 22 in 1 year and my creatnine went from 2.5 to 3.3 I'm wondering if dialysis would make me feel better as i've recently had to stop working due to the exaustion and stress of running a huge printing press. My nephro has assured me they would fill out my work dissability but as i'm on fmla I don't know how long that will last.Should i go ahead and try for federal dissability/medicare? I'm sorry for all the questions but i can't seem to find the answers. Any guidance or help would be very appreciated...Oh yeah, my last 24hr. protein was 1760..It has been over 2000 in the past. I'll pray for all of us............................",
	"I just posted in a different place, but am still trying to figure out this site.\n\nI have my 1st nephrology appointment on July 15, 09, and am wondering what to expect at this appx. 1 hour visit.\n\nI figure I'm at Stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Will I get a different name for this disease at this appointment, just based on my BUN and creatinine levels? Or will I have more lab tests?\n\nWhat about referrals to see a renal dietitian?\nWhat about any other scan or x-rays?\nHow often will I see the specialist?\n\nI want to be as proactive as I can be without crossing the line of being a \"bad patient\".\n\nAny help with this will be appreciated.\n\nThank you.",
	"Hello All,\n\nMy grandmother is the patient she is currently on in center hemo dialysis and in a nursing home. We are considering moving her home because we are not going to be able to afford her nursing care once her Medicare days run out. I am aware that there are some options of home dialysis but do not know which would be best for her as the patient and for myself as the caregiver. Can anyone offer some advice on which might be best for us. My grandmother does good on the dialysis machine but she has always had problems with cathertar infections (and 4 replacements), graft infections, and a fistula that we have been working on since last Oct 31. I am considering that PD might work better for her, but I need to be educated on what these home options would be. Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.",
	"There is a forum for caregivers at http://www.nxstageusers.com/forum\nThis is where you can discuss anything on your mind on any type of dialysis.\nNot only do the patients needs suport, but sometimes the caregiver needs somoene to ask questions and talk to.\n\n\nHH",
	"Step one to a new lifestyle.\nIt seems there is always the latest frenzy of diets.\nBrand name diets come and go as quickly as Octomom\nis having babies. Then there are the “Extreme” diets.\n\nI would say over 95% of diets out there work. I do\nquestion ones health on extreme diets that\nadvertise losing 7-10 pounds per week; when a\nhealthy weight loss should be no more than\n2-3 pounds a week.\n\nThe problem with the word “DIET” is that you can't\nstay on them forever. One could end up with serious\nhealth issues staying on an “Extreme” diet over the\nrecommended length of time.\n\nForget the diets, forget the calorie counting unless\nyou're a professional athlete. How about a lifestyle\nchange. Make a decision, a promise to change the\nway you're eating, to excersie consistently, to have\na new LIFESTYLE on your own health.\n\nStart by a decision. Write your goals down on a\n3 x 5 card and place it on your bathroom mirror.\nThe goals should be:\nHow much do you want to weigh.\nWhen do you want to achieve the new weight.\n\nBe realistic on the time issue. You shouldn't be\nlosing anymore than 2-3 pounds a week after your\nfirst 2 weeks of your new lifestyle.\n\nTake a head to toe photo. Take measurements of\narms, chest, waist, hips (if female) and thighs. Get\nserious, take your lifestyle by the horns.",
	"My husband has been on dialysis for a year and receives hemodialysis at our hospital. He has a catheter in his neck which they've used until a few weeks ago. His fistula (3rd attempt) is mature and they are now using it instead of his neck catheter. Since using the fistula, I've noticed he seems far less tired, has more energy and is the most like himself he's been in a year. Has anyone else had this happen? Does the fistula do a better cleaning than the catheter? I sure hope this continues!!! Someone please let me know if you've had this happen too!",
	"I was told by someone that you cannot get a transplant if you have tattoos.\nHas anyone ever heard this?",
	"Hi - I have just been lucky enough to visit China, but unlucky enough to get food poisoning with consequent dehydration. That worried me because my kidneys had nothing to do for 4 days!  Anyway, I guess I'll find out sometime if any damage has been done. Whilst I was away, someone gave me some aconite tablets - apparently to de-stress me!!  I looked them up on the web and apparently they can be used to improve kidney function. I naturally avoid anything I don't know about these days, but wondered if anyone had come across this? Nel",
	"Are there reasons to wonder or worry because I'm arleady (for over 12 years) on antidepressants, and with (I think stage 3 ) kidney disease, I've been researching SSRI's and lower done density as well as being on Nexium which lowers done density.\n\nI have taken Fosamax for about 10 years, is there anyone else with this conditions and not yet on dialysis?",
	"Howdy all.\n\nI was wondering if anyone has flown recently with their PD dialysate bags/cycler machine? I am planning to have several doctors notes, etc. on hand regarding the medical necessity of traveling with liquid/supplies. Yet I am fairly certain there will be a delay in getting me and my stuff through security.  Oh well.\n\nHowever, I am curious if anyone would be willing to share their experiences with me. Specifically, I am interested in the \"I wish I had known....\" stories.\n\nThanks again!",
	"So I have reported this guy who is taking over the board today, as I am sure some of you have. Hopefully he will be blocked soon.\n\n(I know it is silly, but I started this thread just because I was sick of seeing him on the board so much....)\n\n\n\nBe well, and hope no one is too hot (It is 101 here in Austin right now). Uck.",
	"I couldnt find the right place for this , so here I go . Chefnancy was such an inspiration. she had a large impact on alot of lives. I miss her and just had to say it here. I get on here and I know she wont answer my problems anymore . but I still think an awful lot about her. Sorry ,, but I just had too.",
	"My son is in stage 4 CKF; we were in the ER last night w/ symptoms of kidney stones, but the CT tech said he didnt see one. Any of you had an experience w/ stones? Can they be hidden or shadowed? Just curious because my son's pain level was extreme and they cant seem to tell me why. Trying to rule out stones for myself.",
	"Just wanted to say hello. Newly diagnosed with Stage 3...will be here often for info & support...& hopefully maybe give some support too...eventually",
	"Have you ever wondered how PD cathetors are insterted? Here's a video that show the whole process of just that...\n\nProcedure: Peritoneal Cathetor Insertion",
	"I am getting a fistula next tuesday.... Had mapping done and doctor told me that my fistula would be better in my upper arm as that is where my branching starts.... I was under the inpression that I should get my fistula in my lower arm as I want to do my own needles and do all my dialysis at home. I ask him if I will be able to do my own needles in my upper arm and he told me that some centers dont let you do your own needles.... I reminded him again that I am going to do dialysis at home and he just looked at me funny and the meeting was over....So the question is .... is there others doing home hemo and using access or fistulas in the upper arm...... if so are there any problems that I should know about or any info using upper arm to do my own needles.... The last thing I want is to have a fistula put in and have to have someone else do the needles...... not that its a bad thing I am just super independent...... my goal is to do home hemo and do it extended ....... most of the video's and utube stuff all shows fistulas in the lower arm.... let me know ...... Doctor says this is where most people get there fistulas done in the upper arms..... but how many of them are home hemo....... ??",
	"THe glands in the front of my neck have been swollen for months, but not had any type of infection at all. Dr. put me on Allegra, but I don't think it's allergies. I HOPE Allegra is safe for kidney patients. Is anyone else on allergy meds????",
	"Before I got sick I was helping my husband with reducing his cholesterol. His doctor told him that increasing fiber in ones' diet would help, so in addition to other dietary changes we increased fiber. Trying to follow the kidney diet and keep up with fiber is really hard. Seems that everything that is high in fiber is also high in phosphorus, protein, or both. What are you all doing for this? Eating healthy for bad kidneys seems a bit contrary to everything I have learned about healthy eating in the past.  As always, your advice is so appreciated!\n\nJoey.",
	"I just got a letter from my radiology department with chronic renal disease and I don't even know what it is. I am researching on the net and its got me scared to death. I don't know if I am going to die or what. I have RA rheumatoid arthritis and that is what caused this I am sure. They've overloaded me with methotrexate for 10 years or so now and meds that would cause the kidney problem. Arava is what they just added to the metho this time and it isn't helping so I am narowing myself off of that. They want to put me on remicade, enbril or humira for the RA and I just read those will really finish my kidney off. I don't know what to do and my doctor appointment isn't until the 22nd of this month so I am a nervous wreck until then. I would like some information on what to eat and what NOT to eat or drink if someone would be so kind as to tell me. Thank you imfufu",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI've posted a few questions already, but have several others. Everyone here is so helpful\nand I still have several days before my first neph consult.\n\nI've had a problem with serious constipation in the past and last August (08) had a surgery to correct a prolapsed rectum. It was an open abdominal surgery in which I also had 7 or 8 inches of my colon removed.\n\nI'm been on Miralax and 2 Fiber Con (OTC) tablets since the surgery. This is per my doctors. While writing down all my medications and surgerys and prior tests for my neph consult, I looked at the 2 \"laxatives\" and found that the Fiber Con's ingredients are240mg of calcium and 20mg of magnesium. I was told by both my rectal surgeon and my PCP to keep on taking them. I ask every time I go see him. I just find it odd that it is okay to use these products long term. But the are for fiber, and for softening the stool, not a harsh type that causes the problems some people get. Anyway, it is so I don't have to have the surgery re-done. Trust me, no one wants to have that particular surgery redone\n\nAnyway, is the renal diet something that is low fiber and does it cause any of you to have problems with constipation?\n\nThanks.\n\noh, and is taking Calcium and magnesium something they will evaluate when I see the renal dietition?",
	"Hello,\nI have this rash on my graft. Not sure what is causing it. On friday after dialysis, later that night when a went to remove the bandages, the rash was ozzing a clear liquid. The techs think I might be allergic to this swab that they use to clean the area before they put in the needles. I beginning to think so to. They quit using it for about week and I noticed a difference. On wed. and fri. they used the swab and back came the rash. Has anyone else had this experince with the swabs?",
	"Hi everyone, still dealing with the ckd at 32% function in my remaining kidney. Okay in the last 7 months I have had 3 staff infections (hospitalized for 2) and pnemonia. I have never been this sick in my life until the kidney cancer and kidney disease. Lately i have been having a lot of stomach pain and the almost constant need to urinate with very little actual urine . Could this be connected to the kidney disease? I am not a dumb person but now i think everything is because of my kidney and i panic for nothing. Just looking for some wisdom and friendly advice from people who have dealt with all of this before. Thanks.",
	"I posted in a different area, and thought I'd saved/posted it, but it disapeared\n\nReason I'm asking is that my neph diagnosed CKD yesteday, I know my PCP has been watching kidney function for past year, and so it wasn't a shock. When I asked him what caused my CKD, he thought overuse of Celebrex, Advil,etc. After we talked he started thinking Polycystic kidney disease. I see him after 24 hour urine, ultrasound and labs in Sept.\n\nSo anyone who has PKD, what does it feel like when the cysts get big? where does it hurt. Do any of you have the other things that can go along with PKD? Like liver cysts, brain anurism (spelling???) and what stage are you in when these developed/or were discovered?\n\nNothing like learning 'on the fly'. I sort of don't want to know what lies ahead, but then I don't like not knowing either.\n\nthanks for your support and experiences. It really does help me cope.",
	"I just have to take a moment to say how much I appreciate my social worker at my Davita center. I live in Maryland, and get my treatments at the center in Aberdeen Maryland. This summer, my wife and I have travelled to Boston, Mass. and we are plannining another trip to Rehoboth Beach Delaware. For each of these trips, my social worker, Debbie, has lined up my treatments so we could enjoy our vacations, and I could get my treatments and stay healthy. Our trip to Boston involved two treatments, in two different towns, and they were scheduled with no problem. Our Rehoboth trip will only involve one treatment at a different dialysis center, but, it is a center of a different company, not Davita, so, even this is handled by my Davita social worker for me. In my opinion, she is an angel! And, davita s the best dialysis provider around, since it is obvious that, the treatment of the patient is the most important thing, not whether the patient is getting the treatment at a Davita center. I am so grateful to Davita for providing this service, and to Debbie, for doing it so efficiently, and so willingly for me. All of my experience with Davita has been extraordinary. My treatments are timely, my techs are extremly talented in giving me the needles, relatively painless, and no infiltations yet! Whenever I have questions, they are quick with an informed answer. If they don't have the answer right away, they will find it, and get back to me in a timely fashion. And the atmosphere at the center is always upbeat, and friendly. For a room full of sick people, it is an amazingly happy place!",
	"Hello,\nNew Guy here. My wife was put on the waiting list in Jan. of this year. She's not yet on dialysis but is experiencing some new funky symptoms. She's develop allergies (mold and dust mites), insomnia, restless legs, and the worst, calf cramps. Let me tell you, there's no scarier feeling than being jolted awake by her screaming from the cramps. I jump up and stretch them out. Some nights, 1 or 2. Others, a half dozen.\n\nI'm scared that I'm not doing enough. How am I supposed to know where that line is where she is just always uncomfortable and I should get her to a doc or ER? Her next neph. appt. is in 5 weeks.\nThanks for reading,\nEscoe",
	"I'm pretty new to this forum, but have been reading posts from so many people going through the various stages of kidney disease and dialysis and my heart just goes out to everyone, the patients and their families. I have had diabetes for 32 years and ckd for 13 years. I was on dialysis for 1 1/2 years and just received a kidney and pancreas transplant 3 1/2 months ago. I would love to share my experiences with anyone who has questions about any aspect of the process. I am an RN and feel that one of the reasons God had me go through all this is that maybe with my experience with kidney failure and my nursing experience I could educate and uplift some folks along the way. My prayer is that God will bless all of you who are struggling with kidney disease and the other issues that come with it.",
	"We went out to dinner tonight. I just started my \"2 grams of salt per day\" diet. We haven't never eatten at this place, so didn't know what it was like. It specializes in Columbian food, and today is Columbia's Independance Day! They had a band and were celebrating by having a buffet tonight.\n\nThere were foods on the menu that I've never eatten before, yucca for one, plantains green or sweet, cactus, and very different kinds of salsa and so many really yummy sounding dishes. One of the things which had a Columbian name of course, the waiter explained was basicly sweet corn bread stufed with white cheese. I didn't order that but it sounds good. I figured it would be loaded with salt. I didn't have a clue as to what some of the foods were, let alone sodium content!\n\nI had to ask the waiter about which items would be the most salt free. He helped me choose and the chief did the tilapah without any salt and the salad dressing, a mango, olive oil and vinegar was always made fresh without salt. He told me the Chilian black beans that were included with this entree would be salty, as would be the yucca. He offered that the fried sweet plantains would be a better pick.\n\nNow that was service with a smile! I was so surprised at how much he helped, and I have to say it was the best food I've eatten in a restaurant.\n\n\"Pricey\" I thought we were just going to Sonics! I'm glad I read some of the information about eatting out here, before we went there. I would never have asked about the salt content and just would have hoped I'd pick something myself that was okay. Thank you so much for your forum about eatting out. You made me brave enough to help myself\n\nWonder if that is what it's like to be Oprah and have a personal chief?",
	"Didn't know where to put this question. Sorry if it's in the wrong area.\n\nI have signed up for an experimental trial here in Ohio to have IV treatments to try and lower my extreamly high antibodies and hopefully match up with my donor daughter we are almost a perfect match except for one antibody. The treatments are done in 2 phases, hopefully one phase of 4 treatments in 32 days will be enough. This is break thru research for all kidney patients with high antibodies and I am grateful & excited to be picked as one of the 50 patients they are testing.\n\nIf anyone has tried this or knows any one who has I would love to hear the stories, otherwise I will update you. I start the trial Aug. 3 and it could take a little over 2 mths.\nSend a prayer or two my way....Thnaks",
	"My dad has 2 heart problems and only one kidney, which is bad. So, the cardiologist as well as our regular doctor was very clear about having a NO salt diet. Not a low salt, but a NO salt diet!\n\nThe problem is, we can't find anything the is 0mg sodium! We literally don't know what to fix, except oatmeal. Even lettuce has sodium in it! Pretty much every vegetable has sodium in it naturally.\n\nEvery renal diet cookbook I've seen has sodium in the recipes, they are more \"low sodium\" recipes.\n\nIs there nothing that has NO sodium in it???",
	"hi all\n\nwell its happened, been trying my best to aviod it as i have stage 4 ckd, i now have swineflu, dont know how bad it will get this is my first day with it, and i feel like s**t, hope the tamiflu tables work,\nhas anyone on here had swineflu with ckd,\noh well back to my bed, if you dont hear from me again you know i never made it\n\nbye all\ntony",
	"I started my manual pd with 4 exchanges a day about 3 weeks ago and all is good with it. It's time consuming for sure and the heating pads are never reliable as far as getting the bags at right temp at the right time for your exchange, but over all not bad. It's not too complicated and doesn't hurt except for the little tiny pinches or cramps when dwell is done. That's ok though, to me they are just telling you your empty and I close tube and that's it. I however do have a problem and I'm wonder if anyone out there has it also and what they did about it??????? I had neck surgery (2 fused disk in neck about 4 - 5 years ago and I have had low and high back pain in past. They said people with history of back pain might have a problem and I sure do. Ever since I started PD, my low back hurts so bad all the way around into my stomach and all the way up to my neck causing neck/tension headaches.... PD nurse and my neck doc says that the weight from the bags can definately do this. I just put a call into my neck doc and they are scheduling me for MRI, but all I know so far is the weight (2000 L) is causing havoc on my poor back/neck/stomach. Has anyone had this problem and what have you done to help it? If it wasn't for the back and neck pain the PD would be a piece of cake. It's definately wonderful because I have more energy and do more than I did before, but now kinda staying home and stuff cause of pain level.. Oh well, guess nothing is perfect, huh....\n\nCharli",
	"I had my fistula placed last week in my upper arm.... my lower arm is numb from the incision which is close to the bend in the arm to the wrist.... I am concern about the numbness... its just numb on the bottom side of my lower arm...... Is this nerve damage... I am worried as its such a large area.... I have had surgeries before and I know that usually the area right around the incisions are numbe but this is the whole lower part of my arm...... It tingles alot and sometimes feel very funny...... but I do have the thrill about my incision where the fistula was connected and I think that is a good thing.... I have no problem using my hand and my color and temp in the lower are seems ok.... just worried about the numbness..... any idea....??? thx kathy",
	"As you may know, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is now working on making changes to the way dialysis is paid for. Congress passed a law last summer that requires Medicare to make a plan to improve the quality of dialysis care and reduce costs of dialysis treatment.\n\nThis will have a direct impact on YOUR dialysis. It is vital for you to stay informed and get involved to ensure that your treatment will not be affected.\n\nTo Read More, Visit:\n\nMedicare Bundling Q&A",
	"hi all if a product states sodium nill and nothing about salt dose that mean there is no salt at all in it jenaveve",
	"Hello to all.... I have tried to research treatment for anemia for people who are not on dialysis yet.... I have had low RBC and Hemoglobin for several months now and this last blood test was the lowest and I am feeling really tired..... like I want to sleep all the time.... I am not liking life ... I am tired of being tired... I did talk to my doctor about this trend last month but she said that I should not feel the way I do... my hemoglobin now is 10.1 and my RBC is 3.07.... I know that there are others that have had numbers much lower... but I am thinking that I could feel much better...... with treatment.... but I dont know what kind of treatment... I know that dialysis patients take EPO shots, and I am not sure if that is something that pre -dialysis people can do....or are there other treatments. I am taking vit b12 shots ( from my primary doctor as I have some numbness in my feet now ) and I just stopped my vit d ( 50000IU) a few weeks ago. Have any of you pre dialysis people been treated for anemia..... if so let me know what treatment you did....... I am going to be talking to my doctor about the anemia and feel that I need to have a good argument for treatment..... I feel that we to have to continue to try all sorts of things to get the treatments needed and try to keep us healthy too.....",
	"Not sure what my total condition is at this point. My creatine has been 1.5 and has jumped to 2.01 in 4 months. I had blood drawn again Monday but do not have the results yet. But he did say be prepared to go in the hospital in 3 weeks if the test shows more signs of failing kidneys. Needless to say this has had me worked up since it was mentioned. I'm also diabetic but have improved my A1C to 6.7. While I am over weight (5-10 - 285) I enjoy mountain bike riding. With the heat we have the past couple months I started taking essential electrolytes. I very concerned taking this is what has caused a jump in my creatine level. Primary doctor also put me on Crestor and Actos between last two kidney doctor appointments. Kidney doctor on Friday had me stop taking those meds and the edema in my ankles is all but gone. I'm a single male 45 trying to read as much as I can online and not work myself up so much with the scary facts.\n\nWould also like to know if there are any support groups in Phoenix I could attend?",
	"Hey folks, I just learned something that I'd like to share with you.\n\nI finally have something to contruibute. \n\nWhen I went for my usual 3 month medication check-up today with the doc who treats my long time depression, I told him about my new dx of CKD. I asked if my current medication was okay to continue. I use Pexeva (very much like Paxil).\n\nHe said the only antidepressant he knows that is processed (or whatever the correct word is) through the kidneys is Cymbalta. The others are processed through the liver.\n\nI asked if it is all the drug in that class (SNRI, rather than SSRIs) and his answer was it is just Cymbalta. So for anyone out there who is currently on Cymbalta, please talk with the doctor who Rxs it to you and to your nephrologist.\n\nGod bless all of you.",
	"While waiting for hubby to go in for dialysis, i notice that most if not all of the patients have dark feet and lower legs. What makes it like that? Thanks if anyone knows...",
	"There's still a little time to put your deposit down at the great prices we negotiated. August 5th is the date. At that time we will have to give up some of our cabins. There's a chance you can get a cabin after that at our prices and the extras we're getting like a $75 on board credit and up to a 2 category upgrade. But once the cabins are gone, one would have to pay the prevailing rate and not get the extras.\n\nGo to the cruise blog for more info.",
	"I have seen Nepro with carb steady in many recipes. What is it and where can I find it. I ahve called health food stores , and no one know s what is is or where to find it. Just starting to get use to the diet. Help!",
	"i receive dialysis in the woburn facility,for the most part its been ok. my only complaint is the attitude of some of the caregivers,in particular a woman named \"jocelyn\".she makes it known that patients r a pain in her psterior and she has no time to get any thing ready because shes very inefficient at best.when quetioned about procedures and their changes she gets defensive and makes me feel like i shouldnt need to know about my care.she has a small grasp of the operation of some new equipment and spends most of the time asking others for help.my session is 3.5 hrs ...with prep and final care other techs have me out in 4 hrs +/- 5 minutes...if i draw jocelyn im there almost 5 hrs.thas my stroy and i hope no one else runs into that",
	"Hello my name is Christi and my husband Kevin has been diagnosed with CKD. He is only 33, has no family history... It is bizarre. He is being placed in the tranplant list. Anyway, he has started training for hemo hemo because we were told how much better it would be for him. However, so far it seems very scary. The supplies are delivered once per month, and it is a huge amount of boxes, he will be taking his own blood , will be given a spinner and will have to send off to the lab, the idea of having to deal with the cath is scary to me due to the high rate of infection. Its almost like a job. We have an 11 year old and a 19 month old and there is no way I can see this working. Is in center dialysis really that bad? He is willing to give it a try. If we didnt have a toddler at home and had more space it would be ok. I would appreciate any advise.",
	"Hey all, Ive been on dialysis for about a year and a half and I start my home diaysis this Monday. My problem is that I also have a rare blood diesease called (Porphyria Cutanea Tarda) it causes blisters to pop up all over your hands and then spreds. Luckily the doc's jumped on it really quick, keeping my out of the sun and takeing blood weekly from me lowering my iron count.Everything is going great but I need to find out what foods are high in iron count, I cant find anything so far. Any help out there ?",
	"my mom started dialysis 2 months ago it seems she was doing fine until 2 weeks ago\nstarted seeing a change in her she is talking slower and cannot use her legs to much she\nkeeps saying they are paining. she is very tired all the time.does this sound familiar to anyone? if anyone has any advice as to what to do please write back.",
	"My husband will probably be starting dialysis after the first of the year, if not sooner. I found a video showing the procedure for inserting the PD catheter. How long a procedure is it? Does it involve inpatient hospitalization, or is it done on an outpatient basis? Thanks for your help!",
	"I decided to try some of the recipes on the website, but have run into a bit of a dilemma. Has anyone tried the Pineapple Angel cake? It's relly easy, but it calls for a 9 x 13 inch pan to cook it in. I used that size pan and, well........I now have to clean my oven! \nI'm just wondering if it should call for an angel food cake pan instead. Anyone else have this problem?",
	"I was looking up various nutrition values and thought to look up my favorite low fat chocolate bar!\nAnd surprize! surprize! it has decent numbers.\n\nSo whoever said you can not have any chocolate was wrong!\n\nThis is for the reg size 3 Musketeers bar! they are pretty good frozen.\n\nhttp://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcom...st_nut_edit.pl\n\n----------------------------------------------------------------\nCandies, MASTERFOODS USA, 3 MUSKETEERS Bar\nNew Search\nRefuse: 0%\nNDB No: 19159 (Nutrient values and weights are for edible portion)\n\nNutrient Units Value per\n100 grams Number\nof Data\nPoints Std.\nError 1.00 X 1 serving 2.13 oz bar\n-------\n60g\nProximates\nWater g 5.80 7 0.171 3.48\nEnergy kcal 428 1 0 257\nEnergy kJ 1789 0 0 1073\nProtein g 2.60 1 0 1.56\nTotal lipid (fat) g 12.75 1 0 7.65\nAsh g 1.07 0 0 0.64\nCarbohydrate, by difference g 77.13 1 0 46.28\nFiber, total dietary g 1.5 1 0 0.9\nSugars, total g 66.89 1 0 40.13\nMinerals\nCalcium, Ca mg 54 1 0 32\nIron, Fe mg 0.67 1 0 0.40\nMagnesium, Mg mg 29 2 0 17\nPhosphorus, P mg 69\nPotassium, K mg 133\n sodium 194\n\n-link only goes to nutrition search,but if you enter MUSKETEER you can get the same info!",
	"I have polycystic kidney disease. I went to my family doctor and blood work shows that my creatinine is 1.7 and my BUN is 21. My GFR is 33. My family doctor says that I need to start seeing a nephrologist and that I will be starting on dialysis soon. I thought you had to have a much higher creatinine and I thought your GFR had to be below 15. I don't know what to think. I go next week to the nephrologist. I am 42 years old.",
	"My name is Jeffrey and i am a 32 year old kidney paitent. I have been with Davita before they were Davita. If your not new to davita dialysis the old name was Gambro. I was born with a birth defect. There was tissue built up in my urinal tract and that is what made my kidneyfail.\n\nI made some poor choices and i am paying for it. But giving up has never been in my forefront\nI love to write i write every day and it gives me a peace of mind that is very fullfilling. There's\nmy ride i have to go now.",
	"After my second knee replacement in the last year, my GFR dropped from 90 to 27. There was something about the second surgery that my kidneys DIDN'T like !! I knew I was tired and listless but just chalked it up to two major surgeries. After 4 months of feeling like this I was due for a checkup with my PCP. I had the labs done early in the morning, and she called me late that night, saying she hoped to keep me out of the hospital. CT (no contrast) showed no stones or tumors. After an exhaustive lab workup I saw the nephrologist. I had to stop my metformin and am on glipizide now. My kidney failure isn't related to my diabetes; it had always been well controlled. I followed the kidney diet (with only a couple of handouts) to the nnth degree, and my GFR has come up to 40 and seems to have leveled off. I graduated from labs every two weeks to every two months. To anyone needing better nutrition info, I recommend the American Association of Kidney Patients. They offer a great nutritional guide (pocket-size) that gives you the potassium, sodium, and phosphorus content of just about everything. I appreciate hearing about other people's experiences and know I will learn a lot from this forum.",
	"I am 53 years old, in otherwise good health (other than pretty severe arthritis in my knees and can't take NSAIDS) But I have a GFR of 28 - stage 4. At times (perhaps about every 2-3 months) I have periods that I don't feel well. Fatigue, slight nausea, dizziness. My kidney specialist assures me that it is not from my CKD. (CKD is from unknown cause) He said that I will not have smyptoms until I am in complete failure. (He thinks that I will be referred within next 5 years for possible transplantation or dialysis.)\nIs this true with everyone.....no symptoms until the end? I have no idea why I have these occurances of being unwell.",
	"As I read all about kidney diseases, sometimes a biopsy is done and at other times, not done.\n\nIs it done just to confirm a correct diagnosis? Are some causes more difficult to diagnosis or is it sometimes just left as CKD without a particular cause?\n\nWho out there has had a biopsy done, and what were the circumstances.\n\nWhen you have had your ultrasounds, were you able to watch the monitor?\n\nAt my first consult, my nephro said he ordered labs tobe done 2 weeks prior to my follow up appointment. After that point he mentioned, like he was thinking to me out loud there may need to be some other tests, \"not so pleasant testing done\".\n\nI'm not getting meself worked up, just real curious about all this. When I stay curious with the thinking stuff, it helps me cope emotionally.\n\nAnyone here with analgesic nephropathy? I don't know what my cause is yet, he thinks it may be analgesic n. or maybe even PKD, since I have multiple liver cysts.\n\nthanks for being here for those of us whe are newly diagnosed.\n\nVicki",
	"For those interested in the proposed HealthCare Bill, you can view a full pdf of the Bill at www.nxstageusers.com\nThere is a pdf attachment you can read located at: http://www.nxstageusers.com/forum\nIt is located in the Advocacy and Education Section.\n\nYou will probably need a PHD to understand it. Happy Reading!!!",
	"To read the proposed HealthCare Bill, visit www.nxstageusers.com. or click HealthCare Bill and navigate to Advocacy and Education. there you will find a full pdf attachment of the ?HealthCare Bill.\n\nHH",
	"That's right gang! Pepsi Cola has come out with a cola that is free of the phosphorous that many of us have to avoid in our diets. It's also a completely natural drink, and it's called, Pepsi Natural. The only problem is, it's not available anywhere near us here in Maryland. This is something that should be brought to the attention of the marketing department at Pepsico, so the can take advantage of this lucrative market. There's no way they wouldn't make a ton of money here in Maryland selling Pepsi Natural, with it's all natural ingredients. I'd buy it for sure! Someone told me that these blogs get read by people like the marketing directors at places like Pepsi, so I'm hoping.",
	"Hello to all... I am trying to make a decision on incenter nocturnal verses home short daily with nxstage.... My insurance (kaiser) does not allow nocturnal nxstage use or extended ... they only offer short daily at about 2.5 hourse per day.... That is what I was told when visiting the nxstage training center. They told me that if I wanted to do nocturnal then I would have to go in center three days a week.... I am not on dialysis yet but I will be in a few months..... waiting for my fistula to mature (just got it last week). I like the idea of doing a dialysis treatment that will be the best for my body. I am thinking that slow speeds with my new fistula would be great..... I think they said with the short daily they run speeds of 450.... I want my fistula to last and I want to feel good.... The feel good is the goal.. I am going to have to start with either incenter nocturnal or use the nexstage and would like some input from some of you.",
	"Hello all, my father has been receiving dialysis for 5 months now. He had a stroke and heart attack so he has a trach to make sure he is coughing up any secretions. All the meds have caused his kidneys to fail. He is ready for discharge from hospital but no outpatient dialysis clinic will accept him due to his trach. I dont understand. My mom is a nurse and can handle the trach while at the clinic. But we are stuck, and feeling forced to remove the trach (which for now he needs) or stay in hospital, or go to a nursing home. By no means is a nursing home a option, and I will not take the trach out until he shows he can live w.o it. Has anyone heard of this or have any advice?",
	"Hello all, my father has been receiving dialysis for 5 months now. He had a stroke and heart attack so he has a trach to make sure he is coughing up any secretions. All the meds have caused his kidneys to fail. He is ready for discharge from hospital but no outpatient dialysis clinic will accept him due to his trach. I dont understand. My mom is a nurse and can handle the trach while at the clinic. But we are stuck, and feeling forced to remove the trach (which for now he needs) or stay in hospital, or go to a nursing home. By no means is a nursing home a option, and I will not take the trach out until he shows he can live w.o it. Has anyone heard of this or have any advice?",
	"Hi all. We are new here, but have Bern browsing for awhile. We just started cape about 3 weeks ago. We where using three1.5bags and 1 2.5bag. But our weight went up and swelling in the ankles got worse. So went to two 1.5and 2 2.5. Same thing. Now we are using three 2.5. And wight is slowly slowly going down.\nIs it ok to use 2.5 bags one after another? In training they said to not use them back to back. But if we don't we can't use 2.5 three times\nAny advice is soooo welcomed !!!!\nThanks",
	"I am going to have a MRI and the doctor may order the contrast. Is dye safe for CKD patients? Please advise.\n\npal",
	"I have another question about solution selection.\nCurrently using three 2.5's. Then 1.5 at bedtime overnight.\nOh we are new to capd. Been doing it for about three weeks.\nWe are reabsorbing fluid féin the overnight dwell. Only getting back\nAbout 1600 ml.\nIs it better to use 2.5 during the day to pull off the extra fluid\nOr is it better to use extraneal at night bcause of the long dwell\n\nThe nurse mentioned they don't like to use extraneal during the\nFirst month due to a possiblity of tearing or leaking.\nI am not sure what is better.\nThanks for all advice and support!!",
	"I've been doing CAPD for about 3 weeks now and all is goind good with no problems except I am still trying to figure out the % of the bags that I use. I started with 3 1.5% and 1 2.5 at night and now I use 1.5 morning, 2.5 lunch, 1.5 dinner and 2.5 bedtime and leave in approx 10 to 12 hours. It's not terrible, but the numbers don't ever even out. No mater what I use it's either -100 or -200 and then evened out with +100 or +200 and my total UF is always - or + something........Does anyone have any suggestions? Please tell me if I'm thinking right also, - #'s mean retaining fluid and + #'s means pulling out fluid right?",
	"My partner who has CKF and I are about to launch a new support group in our community. We have arrived at this intersection as there is little support and information resources on finding a kidney donor, kidney transplant and renal dialysis. If you have any ideas on a mission statement I would love to hear from you.\nEverlasting",
	"I have been researching anemia managment with CKD and ran into several written docs describing that people who do nocturnal dialysis do not need or have a reduced need for EPO.. which I guess would mean that your anemia is much better because of the nocturnal dialysis..... Is this correct.... Has this happened with any of you ...... I was trying to find more information on the subject.... I thought that our kidneys did not produce enough of the hormone because of CDK and that is why we needed the EPO shot so that we have that added hormone... to help with our Hemoglobin/HCT..... I am puzzled as to why a person would not need the EPO just because of the nocturnal.....",
	"I am new to this site and for the life of me I cannot find the button that enables to post a message.............your advise please\n\nResearching information is stressful enough and when I scanned this site I felt it was one that I could find comforting. However, my first task of posting is not obvious. It certainly is not answered under troubleshooting.\n\nPlease give me direction and e-mail me at carpe.diem@ns.sympatico.ca\n\nSigned: frustrated!!!\nEverlasting",
	"Hi,\nI am concerned. Are you OK or on leave? I hope you are not ill. You mentioned that you were in hospital to have your electrolytes checked/balanced ?Please let us know.",
	"I couldnt find the right place for this , so here I go . Chefnancy was such an inspiration. she had a large impact on alot of lives. I miss her and just had to say it here. I get on here and I know she wont answer my problems anymore . but I still think an awful lot about her. Sorry ,, but I just had too.",
	"K, I have no prob eating this diet, however to do it really right...its expensive!!!!!!!!!!!!\n\nExtra lean meat for $5.00 a Lb vs ground chuck at .88 cents a lbs.....low sod bread for 3.99 a small loaf vs .99 of meijer brand......you all know what i mean...\n\nAnyways, I was doing great when my bank acct could support my grocery bill...now I can only afford hot dogs, mac n chz, bread.....How can i eat right on a less than $50 a week grocery budget??? plus this 50 includes food for my growing 12 yr old son....Im eating really bad right now and getting worried bout the damage im doing...any advise out there?\n\nThanks -- Shannon",
	"Hi all. I was wondering.....\nThe doctor has given us a target weight to achieve. We have been working on it but just can't seem to get. We are pulling off more fluid than we put in. Like yesterday we got 660ml more. But our weight actually went up aliitle. I thought it would go down for sure. It's so frustrating. Why is that happening? What can we do?\n\nAlso I have read that weight gain is quite common on pd. Our target weight is less than aloud starting weight. So if pd makes you gain weight how can our weight ever get to the target weight?\n\nPlease help so confused. The clinic nevertold us about weight gain. They tend to dismiss my questions quite easily.\nThanks for the advice!\nOh we just started capd about three weeks ago.",
	"I need your help and advice on how to deal with my son’s high school teachers and administration.\n\nMy son was born with only a portion of one kidney. He is now 16 and for most of his life his creatinine levels usually ran between 2.5 and 3.3. In January we saw a dramatic jump in his Creatinine-BUN level and we began testing possible living donors (with no success). During the school year his creatinine went to 15 and his BUN was 85 before he started dialysis.\n\nFor the first three semesters of High School, my son was on the honor roll and doing very well. But this past semester he was very anemic and too tired to finish homework or study for tests. He would often come home from school and sleep until the next morning. Additionally, he was frequently absent from school due to sickness or appointments with transplant centers and doctors. Most of his teachers were accommodating and understanding, however one was not.\n\nIn one of his classes he received a failing grade and the teacher is unwilling to allow my son to makeup or redo any school work to improve this grade. Throughout the semester my wife and I made several attempts to communicate the physical and psychological effects ESRD is having on my son, as well as the times he would be absent. And in March we asked each teacher to make a reasonable accommodation to my son’s school and homework.\n\nAfter appealing the grade we were told by the administration that since no specific accommodation was requested under ADA, the school was under no obligation to offer any.\n\nHopefully my son will receive a deceased donor kidney during his junior year, but this will require him to miss several weeks of school. My son will be very disappointed if he fails all his classes due to the fact he missed school for a much needed kidney transplant. What accommodations should we be requesting? Has anyone else experienced this situation with a teacher or school? Is anyone performing dialysis at school?\n\n\nThank you for any advice you have to offer.",
	"I need ideas from all of you that dialysis at home...... chair.... why time..recliner.... fabri.. plastic..... make ... model that you like.... bed.... bed sleep number or fold up..... what do all of you like to use....",
	"Hello my name is Lisa I am 30 years old and this is my story short and sweet. I was really sick for about three days, I went to a ARNP who did some labs on me my BUN was 37 Creatinine was 3.62 and GFR 15. I was sent to the hospital where after 2 days my kidney function continued to decline. I was functioning at less than 10%.Diagnosis Acute renal failure. Needless to say I started dialyisis the next day. Since then which was last week i have started outpatient dialyisis. They say my disgnosis is end stage renal disease whicj I thought was the end of CRF. Im confused as to what my diagnosis and outcome really is.Can anybody give me any input?:",
	"Hi i am a 55 yrs male patient sufering from Chronic Kidney Disease and also underwent a open heart surgery 1 year ago.I recently went for a checkup and found that the potassium level in my body was above 5 which is a red alert and also Blood urea is high as explained by the doctor.I am taking the medicine calcium polystyrene sulfonate Powder (Kbind) yet i went for another check up and found my results to be very much the same inspite of following a strict Diet.I am also having very High B.P 140/90-160/90 which is not reducing although i am takin Norvasc Tablet and also went for GFR test with result of GFR of 18 mL/min/1.73m2 which i beleive is to be extreme and serious.I please you to suggest me the Best diet which i can rely on evry day and with your added suggestions for me to consider and maitain my health.I would be kindful in receiving you reply.Writing to you from Muscat.(Oman)",
	"Hello,\n\nI've already been reading ...and reading and reading. What an amazing group of people. I've learned so much already.\n\nWell, I was low GFR last year ( 50). I was the one who called my Doctor asking if there was anything to be concerned about. Bascially, she thought it was due to dehydration. Anyway, cut to last month when I was going to have some blood work done for my Gyn Doc and I asked if she would throw in a metabolic panel. It happened again!!! GFR was 53 and Bun was 28, creatinine was 1.1. So then I called my regular Doc and insisted on a 24 hr CC test. This showed my creatinine higher then the blood test at 1.2 and my GFR at 59. I have been researching the 24hr CC test and found out that it tends to bump up/over-estimate the GFR but is more accurate with the creatinine level. So, lets say I am in the middle 50 range in my GFR.\n\nReading what seems like hundreds of medical abstracts on the web ( I've done plenty of research in the mental health field) made me want to jump off a tall building without a net. Holy moly.. I almost felt sick to my stomach I had such a feeling of foreboding and dread.\n\nI've since calmed down a bit and this site has been invaluable in helping me see that there is life after a diagnosis of CKD. But, there is certainly an intial feeling of overwhelming sadness, grief and sense of disbelief. I think I said to myself \" it can't be true\" about a gazillion times. I see that some of you later on down the road with CKD are meeting new challanges as they come. I never cease to be amazed at peoples courage.\n\nDeep in my heart I wonder if I will ever have that happy as a sparkler on the 4th of July feeling. It is such a life changing event when you learn you have a chronic and progressive illness.\n\n Like the proverbial dog with a bone, I am trying to learn all that I can. Also trying to decipher the incredible amount of information out there. As yet, I am not absolutely sure of the cause. Think strongly it was the media contrast from way too many Scans. I see a Nephrologist on the Aug 21st. I have my LIST.... he is going to cringe when he sees me lugging it in to his office.\n\nOh, I do not have high blood pressure or diabetes. I know that the cause ( if it can be ascertained) will give me some answers as to my prognosis.\n\nIn most of the depressing research it says that CKD is always progressive and irreversible. That doesn't sound good.... Yet, there are a few ( very few) that allude to the fact that sometimes it can actually be stopped/halted. That seems to fly in the face of most of what is written out there. Now ( if anyone is still reading this long winded post) I have noticed that a few on you have written a comment such as \" Not everyone ends up on dialysis and that some can live their lives with managable CKD\". Or something like....'everyone does not end up at end stage and many will live out the rest of their lives with CKD'. ( Now I understand from my readings so far that some will end up with heart disease before CKD would bring them to endstage Kidney failure)\n\nOh...so sorry for being so wordy. **** What I mean to say/ask?...while there are no promises and many complex factors in regards to prognosis....IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THERE IS A PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE THAT LIVE WITH STABE DISEASE FOR 20 YEARS AND MORE???? I ask this specifically because it has been said on this site by some and there is so much negativity on the web.\n\nWhew... I took forever to say that. I guess I am looking for something to hope for. I like it here on earth ( as crazy and heartbreaking as it can be). I don't wanna' go out too soon!!!\n\nYou can see I am a little ( a lot) emotional over all of this. It is certainly going to take some adjusting. Thanks for letting me share.\n\nDiane",
	"Hi,\nMy husband had both of his kidneys removed in March. The Drs insisted that this had to be done prior to a transplant. I was his donor and the transplant was scheduled for May. My A1C spiked and the transplant was cancelled.\nThe problem is that now he is extremely sick. He has a constant bad taste in his mouth which makes most food unpalatable. Does anyone know if there is anything that can help with this. He was told to take a zinc tablet everyday and it has helped a little. It's bad enough to be on the restrictive diet, but nothing tasted like it should. He says even garden ripe strawberries taste bad.",
	"Anybody on here that used to be on dialysis transplanted recently?\nMy living donor is going through the evaluation procedure and I am curious as to how anyone is surviving with a transplant.\n\nI know Shay was transplanted, I believe, last year - sent message but have never received a response from her. So, if anyone else has been, please give me a summary as to how you are doing and how was the transplant experience?",
	"Hi, I am new to this forum although I am not new to CKD. Been reading a lot of it this week - have been on the diet helper for about a month or so which has helped tremendously on how I feel! Still amazed so many others are in similar situation. I have had CKD (stage 3 now) for about 18 years. When diagnosed I am told I was worse than I am now. I also have had diabetes for 39 years and high BP for about 30.\n\n\nOk, numbers,\n\nCreatine is 1.73, Urea is 33 GFR is 31. (according to labs in June - go for 24 hr urine soon which should tell me more) My Parathyroid Hormone is out of whack - it is 126 which is very high according to the lab results. Anyone know what this means? also my Vit D is very low - 29. I live in Florida - maybe some fun in the sun is in order? \n\nThe actual questions I have (with the two above) are,\n\nI saw on the TV news something about deoderant having a warning about \"If suffering from kidney disease, consult your kidney doctor before using.\" (They actally showed the deoderant I have used since I was a teenager!) and when checking the labels at the store - every single one listed the same advice! does anyone know what this means? I forgot to ask my doctor when I saw him.\n\nAlso, what is the advice about herbal tea? I have found I love Celestial Seasonings Berry teas but not sure if it is ok to drink. I don't have a nutritionist - the one I saw a few years ago was NOT a renal dietician and told me I wasn't getting enough protein! Needless to say I didn't go back.\n\nAlso, what is the difference between a Senior Member and a Junior Member?\n\nlove this! so excited to have found this forum! \n\nGod Bless,",
	"I am looking for someone with experience in training and/or doing In Center Self Dialysis. I am not in the program to do home dialysis. I will be staying at my facility where I will eventually do everything but connect my lines and remove myself from the machine since I will have techs and nurses available to do the things that I do not need to do. For now, I am in plan 4 where I cannulate myself, set my own parameters on my machine, push my own heparin, and document my own pre and post tx information. While I do push my own heparin, my nurses still push my dialysis meds.\n\nWhile I wait for a proctor to be free to train me for plan 5(setting up and tearing down machine), the question came up as to whether in the state of Illinois a patient can legally verify his/her own reuse kidney. If so, how would that be arranged in the ChairSide Snappy program for the patient to be able to do his/her own electronic data collection and dialyzer verification?\n\nSo my main questions are: 1) Does the State of Illinois allow patients to verify their own reuse dialyzers? 2) Does ChairSide Snappy allow for self-care patient limited access rights for data collection and dialyzer verification? 3) If 1 and 2 are \"Yes\", when in his/her training can the patient be given this access? 4) If only 2 is \"No\", what plan allows for the patient and teamate to sign off on hardcopy form if the patient can't sign off electronically? Also, does a nurse always have to be the second verifyer, or can a tech be the second verifyer.\n\nFor now, I have to have a Nurse or Tech who puts me on or takes me off, sign my data collection sheet. It then gets filed in a folder located where any patient can open it up and look at my information. I have yet to address that issue, but for now I just need my curiosity satisfied. We are all new to this program, so we are learning as we go with me as the guinea pig. Thank you in advance to whoever can answer this question.",
	"Hello,\n\nI am new to this site as well as to forums. I'm not even sure if I am doing this correctly or if this question is on the right page. I have recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney disease. I was told to watch my potassium and phosphorus levels. Not sure how I will be able to keep my weight up when I won't be able to eat cheese but was wondering if anyone could recommend a resource that has the amount of mg of potassium in foods. I looked on-line but nothing was consistent and my dietician only has a sheet listing high or low potassium foods. What do you do to keep track of your potassium. I have a strange health history, had a double lung transplant in 2007 due to Cystic Fibrosis, have diabetes, and now am being considered for a kidney tranpslant. I am 37 years old. Not sure what else to say.\n\nThanks for any experiences you can share with me!!!",
	"Does anyone know of a good Vegetarian Cookbook for Kidney Disease? I recently was told I have to change my diet and my husband and I belong to a cooking group in which I'm afraid I won't be able to participate. Wondering if there are any recipes that have been adapted from other cultures. We make a lot of unusual foods and I have been having difficulty trying to figure out how to make them. Plus, I come from an all Italian family and not being able to eat tomatoes and cheese is really difficult. Especially since every Sunday my entire family gets together for a spaghetti dinner.\n\nAnyone have any ideas beside the recipes on Davita?",
	"Hello,\n\nI am wondering if anyone would be willing to share their experience with me. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease after having antibiotics due to Cystic Fibrosis. In 2007 I had a double lung transplant, I have diabetes but the kidney disease began with the many drugs I have used since I was born due to CF being genetic.\n\nI am looking for experiences from the time you developed kidney disease, what your treatment plan was, how dialysis affected you, and if you needed transplant how you decided to have a transplant.\n\nMy doctors really did not give me a choice, they simply told me that I was going to have a transplant because I am a good candidate and have such a positive attitude. Since I have been through so much already I want to be able to make an informed decision.\n\nAny shared stories would greatly appreciated!\n\nThanks so much!",
	"Hello All,\n\nI am new to Dialysis, and have a few questions for anyone. I have been doing this since May 18, 2009 and I always feel tired, and weak after treatment. I get cramps or some say its blood clots after some treatments, is this normal? I have chills many times, and when I get up to stand I feel dizzy. I really don't know if I should think that this is normal or should I be concerned? PLease Help!!\n\n\nThanks,\nAntwone",
	"Is it possible to have a recent \"normal\" 24 hour creatinine level and yet have an eGRF of 38.2?\n\nand have decreased blood creatinine over the past 2 years?\n\nthat's what the lab teck told me when I called to get the results of my 24 hour urine test,that the creatinine level was normal. But he would not tell me the results of the creatinine blood test, or any of the other parts to the 24 hour urine test. He said I had to wait until I see the nephrologist and he would go over all the results with me. Like i've posted several times before on other threads, I don't see him until Oct 1. At least now i have a date for my 2nd follow up appointment.\n\nAny reply is appreciated. I hate the waiting, but I have seveal new questions to ask when I go see the neph.\n\nBless you all and Thanks.\n\nVicki",
	"Here is something new that is happening. Last Wednesday morning about 2AM, I woke up to a stabbing pain in my left upper arm I checked out the area. There was a small bulge in my arm in the area that has been worked on numerous times to clear blood clots. I put an ice pack on the area in hopes that the swelling would go down. By the time that I went to dialysis, it was feeling a little better. I showed it to my favorite nurse techy and then to the DR. as he was making his rounds. The swelling went away almost but I kept putting on cold packs for the next two nights by Friday it was almost gone. But Saturday night it came back with a vengence so I drove myself over to the ER at the closest hospital they put me on a guerney with the gown opened to the rear. I got an IV put in and I was given an anti biotic IV and then later the pain became almost unbearable and so they gave me a vicodein after they gave me three tylonol pills that weren't doing much good. So I was in the ER for four hours and then they sent me home. I stayed home from church and had cold packs on this big owey all day long and I was taking the antibotic and the vicodein. I am afraid that the AV connection maybe clotting. The trill is very weak. I don't want to be operated on again. It has been two months since they operated on it. the surgeon wasn't very happy that the graft had clotted again. Well I just took my vicodein and the Keflex pill and I am nodding off as I write this. Gotta go and get another clod pack to put on my arm. Cheers.",
	"Hey everyone! my name is Taylor and I found out that I have Meduallary Cystic Kidney Disease. I was born with this disease but just found out about it a few weeks ago. I was starting to feel really tired for a couple of weeks and then one morning I woke up really dizzy and fatigued. I thought I might have had mono so I went to the doctors and they did many blood tests and they found out that my cretin level was at a 9 and I only had 6% of my kidneys working. All my levels were messed up because my kidneys were poisoning my blood. I was rushed to ICU and put on many meds to try to stabilize my levels. After many doctor appointments in Iowa City and at Convenant Hospital I found out that I need a transplant and my sister was tested and found out to be a perfect match.\nI am so excited that my sister is my match! I am praying that things speed along so I dont have to go on dialysis.",
	"I am a diabetic. I lost enough weight a year ago to get off insulin and just do oral meds. Last September I got a Lap-Band implant, so my food quantity is restricted. Just recently my GP changed my oral medications and said I had somewhat \"dry\" kidneys. Anyone know what this is? He tells me I need to drink more fluids. I thought if you had kidney disease you were supposed to avoid fluids.\n\nI am slowly losing more weight, but the balance in my diet can be strange due to the restrictions from the band. Frankly, I'm growing more depressed than ever. Anyone know what \"dry\" kidneys are?",
	"Hello I am Parisheel. My father, in India, has been undergoing dialysis for about 2 years now. But there have been complications right from the beginning, the fistula took major time to mature and even now the arm gets swollen after dialysis. He often experiences cramps in the hands and in the legs too. My dad lost color since dialysis began, is this normal? I needed help with the exercises one can do to avoid the problems with the fistula and I would be grateful if anyone can give me tips on how to make the whole process a little less painful for my father. Also if there are any diet tips, it would be a great help. I am new to this forum, and I am looking forward to the help i might get. Thank you all.",
	"Hello, all. I am a rookie in the caregiver league. The time has come for my siblings and I to help my parents and I am determined to do this with the same love and devotion that they give me.\n\nMother was diagnosed with kidney failure this past spring. She was not to a point that she needed dialysis but was involved in a car accidents several weeks ago that sent her into full kidney failure and emergency dialysis. She is still recovering from the injuries from the accident in addition to trying to adjust to the effects of the dialysis. It pains me to see mother so weak. Right now we are having a hard time trying to get her to eat anything. Any ideas on how to encourage that?\n\nI will be co-caregiver along with my father. We have arranged our schedules as much as possible to make sure that someone is always at home with mom in case she needs anything. However, there may be at least 2 days out of the week where we may need some additional help. How do I go about finding out about home health cares, etc. I know my state has a department of aging but I can't make heads or tails of who to speak to, etc. Since everything is still so recent, we are still trying to set up her Medicare, etc.\n\nI would greatly appreciate any words of wisdom. My parents are everything to me. Feel free to even privately e-mail me if you wish.",
	"I just recently found out that I am in CRF. I lost a kidney in 1997 to cancer. I am also diabetic but have always been in good control. I have also had high blood pressure but it has been in control for a long time. My serum creatinine is 1.9, BUN 48 and my doctor never told me what stage I was in....just changed some meds and told me to come back in a month. I researched the GFR equation myself and did it and it puts me in stage 4. Needless to say this blew me away!!!!!! I just called his office today to see if he would talk to me and of course all I got was the nurse. She told me not to worry my labs looked good and wait till my appt. on 8/27 for any questions I may have. This tells me I need a different Doctor!!!! Do you all agree??? I am 57 and caucasian.....you do the GFR and tell me if I am crazy or accurate. I feel so helpless right now......and totally overwhelmed by all this and how it has been handled. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I also have Major Depreesion and Anxiety Disorder which sure doesn't help, so I am afraid and scared as hell to find myself so advanced before I was diagnosed. So far no diet restrictions have been made.....should I start some?? Should I restrict fluids?? I drink lots of water and always have....a few diet sodas a week. Prayers please for strength to calm down and center myself, and God to deliver some wisdom through this site. My prayers are with all of you too!!!!! God Bless, Debbie",
	"Hello I am Parisheel. I am new here. My father, in India has been undergoing dialysis for 2 years now. He has been facing many complications right from the beginning. I was wondering if I could bring my father here to see if there will be any change in the way dialysis is done here than in India. How much does each dialysis cost? And are there any insurance providers who provide coverage for the dialysis? I would be grateful if anyone can answer my questions. Thank you.",
	"I know there are a lot of people on this forum with experience that would be helpful and so I am seeking advice. My husband is having graft surgery this Friday in preparation for future home hemo. Fistula is not possible at this time. I would appreciate help on where to gain information on how to maintain a healthy graft access after this surgery. I know they will give us information at the hospital, but would really like some people who have been through this to respond. Thanks for your time.",
	"Hi all,\n\nSome people call me Stretch. I am 54, and about 6'4\". About 31/2 years ago, I was dx with CLL, a chronic form of Leukemia. I was shocked, scared, mad, and all of the other normal reactions expected from news of bad health. However, after 6 treatments of chemo, I went into remission and have had no problems since. My Dr. told me to go back to living a normal life and so that's what I have done.\n\nAbout six months ago, at my normal 6 month check up at the cancer center, I was told that my creatinine levels were high. At that time, I think it was 1.4. Dr. I was on an antibiotic at the time and he said that was probably all it was, and I need not be concerned. So I just let it go without much thought. Then, about a month ago, I had a minor unrelated health concern and went to my PCP. I told him about what the Oncologist had said, and he suggested we repeat the kidney test, and it was now 1.6. He then suggested that I see nephrologists and scheduled an appointment for this August on the 18th. Then, today, I had my normal 6 month follow up again with my Oncologist and my levels were up today to 1.7, and GFR at 42. I told him that I had already seen my PCP and had an appointment with specialist in a few weeks. He agreed that was the proper action and did not say much more about it.\n\nNow, after reading a lot about CKD, which I knew absolutely nothing about, and educating myself a little, I realize that the nephrologists will tell me that I do in fact have CKD. I wonder if it is from the chemo, but it does seem strange to have no problems for 3 years.\n\nAnyway, I am really in shock. After being in remission for 3 years, I just wasn't ready for another battle, and a new one at that. I remember a few years ago when I first found out I had cancer being devastated and spent months reading everything I could find on CLL and trying to deal with the changes in life that one must make after being told that you have a life threatening disease. But now, to start all over again with something else, it's just a little overwhelming.\n\nBut, I will continue. I will learn, and I will face whatever is ahead. My first step was to join this group, because I remember how much it helped previously with a similar cancer forum.\n\nPlease feel free to share any advice, as I am wide open learning all that I can prior to my first Dr. visit, and official DX.\n\nStretch.",
	"Hi,\n\nMy father is 96 and was diagnosed with ESRF about 2 years ago. Although we didn't have an outright discussion with dialysis when the doctor asked him if he wanted to go on dialysis he said no.\n\nSo I have watched him slowly deteriorate and in the last 4 months he has gone from going out with us for breakfast or dinner, shopping and working in his shop. He just gets up in the morning, goes to the bathroom and sits in his chair, smoking his pipe and watching TV.\n\nI have now called Hospice to help us. But they need to know whether my father has stated his wishes about dialysis. Other than that conversation with his doctor he has never said anything. But here is the QUESTION I would like answered: Even if my dad wants dialysis, do you think we should let him at this advanced age. Will it get him up and out of his chair and walking again? Or will the whole process just be too much for him.\n\nThanks.",
	"My coughing is getting so bad it causes me to have panic attacks when I can't catch my breath. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions for helping it?",
	"My dad started Dialisys last week. The first time they were able to use his fistula. The second time it did not work. He was sent for a balloon. Today it took 1 1/2 hours to get him connected via the fistula. So... that may not work for him for now. He was not aware that he should still be squeezing the ball. Will he always do this?\n\nAlso, the center he goes to does not allow food. He is a diabetic. This is problem for him because of his schedule. For example, today he arrived at 10:30, started dialisys at noon, will finish at 4. He has not eaten since about 9 am. This will not work for a diabetic. Do other people have this issue and what have you done to work with it? Are there centers out there that are not opposed to eating on dialisys?\n\nAny feedback will be appreciated.",
	"Hi my mom has been on Dialysis now for over 2 years. She lives alone and does not feel like cooking all the time. I was wondering if there is any pre-made meals that she could eat. I know it would have to be diet specific. In case you don't know what I am referring to, I am talking about something like Jenny Craig or weight watchers where you can buy your weeks worth of food and have it shipped to you. That way she can just pull something out and heat it in the microwave. Any information on something like this that I could get for her would be wonderful! Thank you for your time",
	"My dad has just had his catheter placed at the end of July for his PD to start. He starts treatment on 8/18 and has to do 8 manual exchanges before he can go home and start the machine PD. Forgive me if my terminology is not right. My mind is not all here right now. He has recently started feeling worse, which we all expected, but now it has gotten to the point where he is throwing up every day ( I just found this out tonight) and feels all in all like crap. Should we make him go to the hospital? He keeps saying that he doesn't want to go and that he wants to just wait and see how he feels once he starts treatment, but I'm scared to death that he isn't going to be here for treatment if this goes on. All the stress that my whole family has been through in just the past 2 weeks.....I don't think I can take much more right now.\nIn the past two weeks, I have found out that my oldest sister (aged 39) has had a stroke, but it wasn't a bad one. Enough to where she lost a little strength on her left side, but did not affect her mental capacity (what she has anyway lol) or anything like that. Found out that my dad is not only facing the decision to start dialysis, but has also been told that he might possibly lose part of his foot. Then have found out that my mother has a brain tumor, thankfully it's benign but still scary, and my son has a heart murmur. I know heart murmurs are something that kids can grow out of, but all of this news being told to me within 2 weeks....I honestly don't think I can handle much more right now.\n\nWhat is the advice that you experts can give me? Should I try to convince my dad to go to the hospital or would they just send him home? Should I try to convince the doctor to start the orders for dialysis sooner? What should I do?",
	"My dad is going to be starting PD within the next week and a half and was previously told by his nurse or social worker that because he has a 401k plan that has some money in it, he's not going to be eligible for Medicare. I was under the impression that if a person was diagnosed with ESRD, they qualified for Medicare and that Medicare was not income or asset based. Am I incorrect? I went to the website and did that little \"Am I eligible\" questionnaire and based on that, my dad should be eligible, but it never asked me specifically about income or assets. The only thing that mentioned money was a question about household income and the options were $170,000 or less a year, $170,001 - something, and then an even higher amount\". Does anyone know if Medicare goes anything by income or assets when a person applies? He is planning on using the money from that 401k plan to pay the house off and pay some other bills off. So it's not like it's going to be sitting in the bank and Dad is taking advantage of the government or anything. He's trying to pay off bills.\n\nAny advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.",
	"My husband has only been on dialysis about 2 weeks, this came on sudden due to a blocked bile duct. He usually is feeling pretty good before he goes to dialysis, but after he feels bad and has no energy. Is this normal?",
	"My 88 year old mother stopped dialysis 4 weeks ago. She is in a nursing home under hospice care. She is still urinating. She is eating but is very thin and frail. She has relatively good days and bad days when I think it must be the end. I called her dr and wanted to know what her life expectancy is and she told me another week. I just don't understand why she is still living. But most of all she doesn't understand why she is still living. There are times when she is delusional and times like today when she can carry a normal conversation. This roller coaster is taking a toll on us. Has anyone experienced what we are experiencing? The nurses at the home reassure me she will pass soon but everyday I question it and most of all I question if she really needed dialysis. Thank you for any guidance.",
	"Hi, I look after my dad who is 82 and has stage5 renal failure. We have only just found out that his kidney function is only 13% and he does not want to go on Dialysis. He does have other serious health issues, so would have problems getting through it. His specialists agree with us and we have opted for Conservative care.\nThis is all still a shock for us as we never new the level of his kidney function till a couple of weeks ago. He is having alot of pain in his lower back at the monment and struggles to get up in the morning. It can take him anything up to an hour to get imself out of bed into the bathroom and to start getting his breakfast ready. I go in each day to do what dad needs after work as he does not want other people going in his home. i am finding out a lot of information and trying to deal with it all but its still a shock at the moment.\ni know he may not have long left, but i want to try and do as much as i can for him,, so any advice words anything would be greatly appreciated. Just talking or putting this down on here is a little relief.\nNot sure what is ahead for Dad but i will be with him all the way and what ever he wants i will do my best to give him. thanks for listening thats if any one does. Take care hope to do this agian soon, cheers Barb xx",
	"Hi,\nI for one am tiredof having to look up every single food I want to eat and then having to remember the numbers for each packaged item.\nOr for new products having to guess what the numbers are if they are not listed.\n\nI think that phophorus and potasium should be listed on packaged products.\nHopefully enough people will email health Canada so that they will think about this and know this would help the thousands of people with kidney problems.\nNot just people on this forum,but people with kidney issues and others in general and the family members that shop for them ect...\n\nI will try and find the US info to send letters or emails to later today.\nnot too sure where to post this but thought it would be more visible here.\n\nhttp://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/.../commene.shtml\n\nI'm also going to contact the local kidney foundation about this. Hopefully they can bug some people to help have this changed.",
	"I have some questions about my ckd. Have been seeing a kidney doc for the last year my numbers is down to 19 or so now, am tired all the time and short of breath, at times I get sick to my stomach and have a bad taste, was told 4 wks ago that He was setting me up with a surgeon to have a fistula or something like that implanted in my arm and to talk to a kidney team about a transplant in the future, He also talked about in home dialysis or if I wonted to go to a center 3 times a wk. Have been bumed out since He told me all this have been reading a lot of post on here since then and thought I would see what response I get back. thank you so much.",
	"",
	"",
	"Hi All,\n\nI have only been on hemo-dialysis for 2 months. The first 1.5 months were okay. I won't say great  but after treatment I would feel better. The last 2 weeks however, my bp has been really high, i've vomited (at the center and at home) and a major headache that doesn't go away for a few days. But since I do dialysis MWF, the headache has been continuous.\n\nNurses and Drs keep telling me that it takes months for the body to get used to dialysis and that it's just my body reacting. But I was fine for the first 1.5 months.\n\nI was hoping some on here can talk about their first few months of dialysis and could tell me if they had side effects such as these that eventually went away.\n\nThanks for the help.",
	"Does anyone know if using (drinking) filtered, bottled water, that contains no impurities, such as what is put in water by municipal water facilities, would help the kidneys in terms of their function, and longevity?",
	"Anyone have concerns on how the current Health-care debate could effect those with the need for dialysis or transplant?",
	"I'm new to this site after googling for kidney disease support forums. My dad (61) was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last July after an eye exam found diabetic retinopathy. He was referred to an endocrinologist who said he could control his glucose through dieting. His fasting glucose levels were between 100 and 140s usually although there were days that it spiked some. All the blood work came out ok as well. BUN and creatinine were within normal range and so was potassium. Same deal with the November follow up checkup he had. 2 weeks ago in the last week of July he went for his 6 month checkup. When he was in there, they took his blood pressure which was 210/106. Doctor wanted to admit him immediately to the ER to get it under control. He ended up taking Azor and another one whose name eludes me. A week later after his lab work came back, she told him he needed to make an appointment to see her soon to discuss his lab results and that his potassium was too high and to avoid high potassium foods. Next check up his BP was down to about 140/72 and she ran blood work again. This morning, she called back which I thought was strange for a Saturday and said he needed to stop taking Azor immediately and switch to Norvasc because his potassium was too high and that he needed to see a nephrologist ASAP.\n\nWell tonight around 10:30 my mother and I were downstairs and we heard a thump. I ran upstairs to find him lying on the floor. Called 911. They hooked him up to an EKG his BP was ok but pulse rate was down around 38 and he was admitted with renal failure. Creatinine level was 5.7, BUN 108, and potassium 6.1. They've given him something to lower the potassium. He'll have a nephrology consult in the morning. I just don't know what to do. This is a total shock to me and all I have left right now is posting on internet forums at 4 in the morning.  I hope things turn out.",
	"I've had a low blood pressure reading for past 2 days, lowest 73/52 up to 80/58. I called ER to see if that was a problem. She (ER person) advised me if I thought it was life threatening, go to the nearest ER, don't drive myself.\n\nI didn't think it was life threatening so I didn't go.\n\nWhat do you think, I wrote a longer post, but it disapeared, so this is a short version, just in case the other one shows up somewhere else?\n\nthanks,\n\nVicki",
	"Yesterday - a week-end day of course, I had bp measurements of 73/52, 88/67, 74/57, along with a general feeling of not feeling well, dizzy, and over the past few days, the skipped heart beat has been more noticable.\n\nIt scared me so I phoned the ER to see if that should be of concern. I do have a history of a skipped heart beat, which has been checked out over maybe 24-18 months back. And it is okay, nothing life threatening about the skip....but the low bp seemed pertty low for me. I was thinking it is because the changes in diet since my diagnosis of CKD has been to reduce my sodium. I've been trying to eat with no salt, that way I know it is under the 2 grams per day allowed, plus I've cut out as many carbs as I can and eatting a better diet to control my glucose.\n\nI'm on bp lowering medication, (have been for years, and it has been working) and my reason for the close watch on it is because I've recently been diagnosised with pre-diabetes and of course, good old CKD. My bp goal is to be lower than 130/80. In the last 3 weeks I've been checking it, it has been as high as 120/87 by usually below 100/70, in that range.\n\nThe person at the ER put me on hold and asked someone, came back on to tell me that, \"Yes that is a low blood pressure, and asked if there was someone to drive me to the closest ER, and then restated it as \"if I felt it was a life threatening problem, go to the closest ER\". that was her advise (she stated it was what she legally had to tell me, that she agreed my bp was low.\n\n I didn't feel it was a life threatening event, so I didn't go to the ER.\n\nIs this connected with my CKD do you think? I hate to go to the ER, but bp was 78/55, 74/52 and then 80/58 over a 2 hour period this AM.\n\nthanks for your help.",
	"The summer has come and just about gone - school is starting back for some and I was wondering what everyone is up to these days. I would like to hear from anybody - whether you're pre-dialysis, on dialysis or transplant - what have you done lately? I'm putting this post out here because I think we all need to write a little, vent a little, cry a little and just talk occasionally.\n\nLet's hear the good with the bad because without the bad, the good would never appear all that great would it?\n\nAs far as my situation - I'm doing wonderful without the wine. Alcohol restriction is great - it makes you feel 100% better and you never have to worry about a headache ever again. I'm restricted my protein down to 3 ounces a day and have veggie nights. I'm feeling good even if my GFR is down to 10%.\n\nSo people...let's hear your stories.\n\nP.S. I know this isn't what this place is about - but I believe with all good forums, a time for people to communicate and share is what it's about.",
	"Hi All,\n\nMy grandmother is a hemo patient and is very sick. She has decided to stop dialysis. She has been in the hospital since Tuesday and the doctors said there is not much left they can do. Her blood pressure is staying too low to do dialysis and her body is no longer accepting hemodialysis. She has COPD, heart disease, kidney disease, she had a stroke in March that left her left side with paralysis, and now some kind of infection that the drs can't find. The drs told us her options were she could be put in ICU and have a tube inserted into her neck and have a special kind of dialysis for 24 hrs a day or she could choose to go home and stop dialysis. As of right now, she has decided she wants to go home a spend her time there. My question is what can we expect when she comes home. We don't want her to suffer anymore than she already has and we are trying to prepare ourselves for whats to soon come. Thanks to all who can respond.",
	"For nearly four years, Patty Yeager’s life consisted primarily of three things: dialysis, sleep and TV.\n\nLike thousands of others with kidney failure, the 57-year-old woman spent about three hours a day, three days a week on a machine having her blood filtered. When she wasn’t at the dialysis center, she was too tired to do anything but nap or sit.\n\nThat changed in March when Yeager signed up for a new way of getting dialysis that removed the drudgery and, more importantly, the crippling exhaustion from her routine. Simple as it may sound, that was dialyzing at night. ..CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY",
	"For nearly four years, Patty Yeager’s life consisted primarily of three things: dialysis, sleep and TV.\n\nLike thousands of others with kidney failure, the 57-year-old woman spent about three hours a day, three days a week on a machine having her blood filtered. When she wasn’t at the dialysis center, she was too tired to do anything but nap or sit.\n\nThat changed in March when Yeager signed up for a new way of getting dialysis that removed the drudgery and, more importantly, the crippling exhaustion from her routine. Simple as it may sound, that was dialyzing at night. ..CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nI have read several people have tried Dr. Walzer's low protein dier (Coping with Kidney Disease: A 12-Step Treatment Program to Help You Avoid Dialysis). I picked up the book yesterday and went straight to the 7 day menu - it looks awful!  I also read the lists of foods with phosphorus and protein content and I see that he mentions several companies that make low phosphorous foods (cheese etc). Has anyone tried those? Can anyone who is following his guidelines tell me what you are actually eating?\n\nI want to try this diet to delay any more loss of kidney function but I am not sure I can follow it.\n\nThanks in advance for any input!\n\nGod Bless,",
	"I have read many, may posts from friends who do not have acceptable access to their lab results. These are YOUR records, and you have a right (and obligation as a kidney patient) to get them and get them in a timely manner. Don't let yourself be put off or condescended to (\"oh, these results are complicated and you really wouldn't understand them\") Bull-s**t !\nWe are much more intelligent than some of our docs give us credit for being. And someone(sorry, I don't remember who) posted that no one is as interested in our health as we are.\n\nI am ever so grateful to be a Kaiser member. When I have labs done, I can access them online almost immediately. If I have a creatinine drawn early in the day, I will have access to the results that afternoon or evening. I can even print out a chart showing the last 10 results for any given test. I consider this a blessing indeed.",
	"Hello everyone. Let me start by saying I am 29 years old and 3 years post transplant YEAH!!!! Everything is going great had a little trouble last year and had to do about 4 days of Plasmaforisis(hope spelling does not count) but after that all is well. Now I have to something new I want to have a baby. I have no other children so this is kinda scary for me. My docs say I can but I have to stop taking meds and it has to be really planned out. Is there anyone out there who has had a baby post transplant or knows someone who has, I have a lot of questions. Thanx",
	"Can anyone help my Dad he is 82 and his kidney function is 13% this was measured around 6 weeks ago. He is only going to the loo a couple of times a day now. He says he never realy feels like he has to go its just he gets up and see's if anything happens. When it does he says its not like it use to be there is no pressure and it takes over a minute before it starts then when he stops he says he feels as thogh his bladder is still full. Any ideas? is this part of the stage 5 part.\n\nHe has had a lot of pain in his back the past week. We are due at the hospital on Friday this week, so i will be aksing lots of questions this time, as after reading lots of threads i am full of information now.\n\nDad has chosen not to start Dialysis. He does have quite a few other health issues, and it is his choice \"Quality not Quantity of Life\" is his saying.\n\nThat has given me an idea i may use that as my signature in future just for my dad.\n\nThanks for being there and good health to all. :0) xx Barb",
	"Hi all. I am new to this site. I found it a few days ago and I've learned a great deal already. My name is Billy. I am 53 years old. I start dialysis next Monday, the 17Th. My Doctor said they were going to put a tube in my chest by my collar bone and I would start dialysis later that day. I thought it would be in my arm but his nurse said they don't do that for a few months. I work construction. I drive a concrete truck and I was wondering how this is going to affect my job? The Doctor told me last week they were going to put me on disability and I told him I can't do that. If I don't keep my job I will have no health insurance. I talked with my boss today and I don't feel good with their attitude. He said i would have to maintain 32 hours a week to keep my insurance and they would have to give my truck to someone that will be there full time. I have worked for this company for a long time. I have been very sick and I am constantly tired yet I put in 12 to 14 hours a day and never late. I am very afraid I am going to loose my job and health insurance. Then I don't know what I would do. I am afraid, by reading some of your post, that I am going to feel worse than I already do after dialysis. Can anyone tell me what to expect when I go in to the hospital next Monday? What questions to ask and what to avoid. That sort of thing.I would appreciate it. Thanks",
	"My foot is killing me! I thought it was Gout but it has not gotten better in a month and it's not in the toes. More like an issue with the 5th metatarsal! Left side of foot and heal have pain while walking or placing weight on it. I been doing a lot of stationary bike riding lately but that is low impact. Anyway I made an appointment for tomorrow. My question, is there anything I should watch out for besides nsaids? I concerned they might want to inject something which could harm my kidney's, I'm stage 3 CKD.",
	"Hi All,\n\nMy younger brother who is now 24 yrs old suffered from accute renal failure in Jan 2008 following a tonsillectomy (GFR fell below 30). He has also had high blood pressure most of his life. Nephro but him on blood pressure meds, and did loads of blood tests and ultrasound but could not diagnose root cause, but suspected he had chronic CKD of some form before the operation. He also was taking creatine/doing heavy weight training before the surgery.\n\nHis kidney function recovered to GFR in the low 50's with the blood pressure control over the next year. He was sceduled for a kidney biopsy in april this year and then almost miraculously his GFR was measured at 70 so nephrologist cancelled it as felt likely diagnosis was glomerulonephritis and damage seemed to be reversing with the BP control.\nIt was probably the happiest day of our lives! we thought we were out of the woods.....\n\nLast week, he went for quarterly checkup and his GFR is back down to 56  and nephro wants to schedule biopsy for October. He admitted to me he has been taking protein shakes and I know he has been very stressed at work and not monitoring his BP regularly since he got the good result.\n\nI am very worried, he has been terribly angry, depressed and mostly in denial through all of this - and not having a concrete diagnosis/knowing if it's going to continue to deteriorate is taking a huge toll on all of us.\n\nMy question is should I encourage him to go for the biopsy given the risks involved and the fact it may not give us any answers? Is it possible that the 20% drop in his GFR is from him going back to protein supplements and stress rather than anything more sinister???\n\nHas anyone out there had a similar experience and have any advise?",
	"Looking to talk with spouses of patients to share coping challenges. My husband has had kidney failure for over 15 years now, 2 transplants and I found myself unable to envision a future. I need help getting back on track.",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nMy husband was recently lucky enough to get a kidney/pancreas transplant after about 6 years of waiting. He had the surgery on July 27th, and so far, while the pancreas is working beautifully, the kidney is not.\n\nThey have run a battery of tests and there are no signs of rejection whatsoever, but yet, he is still barely urinating, and due to low blood pressure, they have only been able to do small amounts of dialysis to keep his fluids down.\n\nAnyone who has gone through a transplant, or is close to someone who has - have you had this problem with delayed function after transplant? How long did it take for the kidney to start fully functioning? I know it's only been 2 weeks, and this is probably not unusual, but it still worries me.\n\nThank you.",
	"There aren't any favorite foods listed in this thread so I'm gonna take a stab at starting something. \n\nMy favorite foods that I am not allowed being non-relevant (unless you tempt me at just the right time with a bowl of ice cream), My favorite food is pretty much any solid meat (steak, pork chop, chicken) cooked on my grill. Usually I add Mrs. Dash and cook it with the lid closed and on the top shelf. Just a cheap Wal-Mart propane grill but it does the trick. I use the steak flavor on red meats, chicken flavor on chicken and pork. I also like to add the original blend and garlic and herb Mrs. Dash flavors for variety to any foods I prepare.\n\nMy favorites that I'm not supposed to eat are Tilamok Extra Sharp cheddar, Pizza, Spaghetti with red sauce, and anything sweet.\n\nDon't know about you folks, but being a diabetic as well as ESRD means I'm technically not allowed to eat anything so I just do what I can to reduce all the unwanted pre processed foods.",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nMy husband was recently lucky enough to get a kidney/pancreas transplant after about 6 years of waiting. He had the surgery on July 27th, and so far, while the pancreas is working beautifully, the kidney is not.\n\nThey have run a battery of tests and there are no signs of rejection whatsoever, but yet, he is still barely urinating, and due to low blood pressure, they have only been able to do small amounts of dialysis to keep his fluids down.\n\nAnyone who has gone through a transplant, or is close to someone who has - have you had this problem with delayed function after transplant? How long did it take for the kidney to start fully functioning? I know it's only been 2 weeks, and this is probably not unusual, but it still worries me.\n\nThank you.",
	"Please join us for the next FREE Home Dialysis Central Webinar!\nTo make a truly informed choice about a treatment option, you need information. Dr. Robert Lockridge, from Lynchburg, VA, will guide us in a discussion about dialysis options and informed consent. He wants to hear from you! We're setting this up as a 90-minute session, because we think there's a lot to talk about.\n\nDr. Lockridge is one of the most renown nephrologist on the subject. Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications and future consequences of an action. In terms of kidney failure Informed Consent is the process where patient and physician work together to make the best decision regarding treatment. Instead of the nephrologistr basically making the important life decisions and setting up the treatments, they talk about all of the possible modalities with the patient learning the differences, especially regarding survivability. In cases where an individual is provided insufficient information to form a reasoned decision, serious ethical issues arise.\n\nPlease register at\nhttp://www.instantpresenter.com/PIID=E954DA8484\n\nTUESDAY, August 25, 2009\n -- 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Pacific Time)\n-- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (Mountain Time)\n-- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Central Time)\n-- 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Eastern Time)\n\n-- 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM WEDNESDAY - Western Australia\n-- 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM WEDNESDAY - Melbourne/Queensland/Sydney Australia\nPlease Click Here to Register and Receive Your Log-in Instructions: http://www.instantpresenter.com/PIID=E954DA8484\n\nWin Door Prizes! Several companies who have listings in our Helpful Products Catalog (http://www.homedialysis.org/hpc/) have donated door prizes. Five lucky winners will be able to choose from:\n\nESBA LABORATORIES - Topicaine\nFORECARE, INC. - DuoCare blood glucose & blood pressure monitor\nGENESIS WORLDWIDE - Headsets\nHEMA ASSISTANCE PRODUCTS - Hema Strap\nMED ACTION PLAN - Pack-M-Ups for pills\nSMITH BIO MEDICAL - Anacept skin and wound cleanser\nTHERAWORX - Theraworx foaming skin cleanser\nVITAL REMEDY\n- Kidney Assist dietary supplements\n- Dialysis dietary supplements\n- Vital4 Cholest dietary supplements\n- Protein Bars\n\nHope to see everyone there!!!\nAny questions contact m3riddler@nxstageusers.com\n///M3R",
	"Was wondering what others have done to prepare for the upcome flu season..... There has been alot of talk about this and to prepare a possible big outbreak.... Have any of you put together supplies, or medical things, or mask, water, or just junk food to eat for awhile....... was wondering what everyone thought were....",
	"I was tolf I am Vitamin D insufficient. Doc put me on a oill. I was complaining of weakness in my legs. I am not on dialysis my gfr is 31 up from 14. Does anyone know how long the pill will take to help me. I can't hardly walk.",
	"I have a big decision to make and don't know what to do:\n\nI have been on PD dialysis for about 1 1/2 months now. It's going great and I do mean absolutely great. It's so much easier than I thought, it doesn't hurt, it's not hard and it's working (I feel great) (much much better). I'm on the Active Transplant List which I had second thoughts about that due to the fact that I cannnot swallow pills and there are a lot of anti-rejection pills after and the moon face and weight gain does not appeal to me. I'm 4'11 and already am short and round. I had been thinking of taking my name of transplant list because of my hesitation with pills and side effects, but everyone said don't do it, so I didn't..... My kidney doctor, transplant people, dialysis people, family, you name it, everyone is telling me that if I get offered a kidney transplant I should take it cause I'm only 41 years old and the transplant is better than dialysis any day. Well, the transplant coordinator called yesterday to say my mother is in the process of a donor evaluation and if all is good I could get surgery within 2 - 3 months. I am so so very torn. I don't know what to do. I dread kidney transplant so much because I can't swallow pills and I feel chewing them up everyday or taking liquid everyday will be horrible and have even worse side effects (nausea) and the moon face is absolutely horendous to me, but I don't want to be stupid about a life changing thing, but at the same time the dialysis is so great right now and I feel so good and only side effect I have is I look 6 months pregnant, but that's better than all over with big round fat face.........I would appreciate some help. I am so torn and don't know what to do??????? Sorry this is so long (:\n\nCharli",
	"My 16 year old son has ESRD and has been on dialysis for 6 months. All our options for living donors have been eliminated. Has anyone had any success with livngdonorsonline.com or matchingdonors.com? I would like to hear your experiences. My son is an O and I am an A, so I can't donate to him.",
	"I have the results of my blood work and now I am down to GFR 11. I am concerned about having to start dialysis before my fistula is ready as I had it placed only 4 weeks ago..... I was wondering if I go on a very restricted diet (calorie wise) if I can possibly increase my GFR.... I am thinking of loosing roughly 30 lbs in the next few weeks.... I am going to increase my exercise to several hours a day.... I already walk my dogs for 1-2 hours a day, but I think I will get on the treadmill and start walking more...( I usually use the trendmill in winter when its raining ), maybe start riding the bike...( I haven't done that in a few years). I am scared of starting dialysis...... I have completed my transplant evaluations and I am now sending in my live donors to be tested...They said that can take a few months too... I have been planning to go on a trip in two weeks to a secluded forest service cabin in the woods to spend a couple of weeks, hiking, fishing, and most of all relaxing. I am concerned about my health.... all of this has come so fast..... as I had good GFR in March and now....well gee..... So has anyone has any experience with weight loss and increased kidney function.... Will exercise buy me some more time...... I need to buy some time....I am not ready.......",
	"Two years ago I had total renal failure due to dehydration while on active duty with the military playing simulated war games in black flag heat wearing chemical war gear and all. I landed in the hospital for 4 days and was told by the doctor that he wasn't sure my kidneys would ever return to full function. At that time I was 55 years old had diabetes and hypertension and later found out that I shouldn't have been sent on that trip by the national guard. However, prior to the renal failure I (which the doctor at the hospital that treated me for the renal failure states was not caused by my diabetes or hypertension) never had any issues with my GFR being low or my BUN being high and my fvCREA being high. I now have my primary care doctor telling me I'm in state 3 renal failure (VA doctor) more than likely due to my diabetes & hypertension but possibly due to the renal failure and a nephrologist at the VA telling me I have mild renal problems but nothing to be concerned about that it's probably related to my diabetes & hypertension but you can't rule out the renal failure. But with the test he ran he didn't find any signs of diabetes or hypertension causing the problems with the renal issue because there wasn't any signs of Microalbuminuria in the test.\n\nSo....should I worry? I have one doctor saying stage 3 one saying not to worry. People in my national guard unit are telling me I should file a claim on this because I have a Line of Duty Determination on this incident and the evidence shows that it was due to the dehydration and heat exhaustion. If they hadn't got me to the hospital when they did, I would have not made it. I'm pretty angry about what happened but I'm more concerned about my health now and not sure what to do to get a correct diagnosis. Neither of the doctors have taken a 24 hour urine sample. Only the nephrologist has done an ultra sound and I've been told that the ultra sound only shows that the kidneys are normal size and have no tumors and I'm not sure that is correct\n\nCan someone help me with this?",
	"I just recently found out I have CKD. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the same time. I have been put on 6omg of prednisone, along with various other meds, to treat both. This is all new to me and happened so fast, I'm still in a daze. My Nephrologist has been very vague about what is going on, but my Urologist broke things down for me just a few days ago. She said I'm at stage 4 and I will have to receive dialysis and eventually a transplant. Probably sooner than later is how she put it. I don't know if she's right or what to expect. My last labs had my creatanine levels at 2.3, which from what I've read, doesn't seem that bad. Am I wrong? To make matters worse, I am a Police Officer and she told me I would need to make a career change. She said it wouldn't be safe for me to continue with this line of work once I start dialysis, due to risk of disease and infection and the risks of being assaulted or having to fight with someone. I am only 37 years old and I'm not ready to give up my life like that yet. I'm sure there are other cops out there going through this right? I’ve looked for articles on it, but I can’t find any. I'm sure they've been able to maintain their jobs. Any advice or information would be very much appreciated. I am very down about this and I can't seem to find any answers, especially pertaining to the job issue. The Prednisone has been bad enough as far as the job is concerned. The side effects have made working pretty miserable. I've been able to do it, but the risks of having no immune system when it comes to doing this job are very frightening. Now having been told that it will get worse, it's hard to wrap my head around it. Thanks for listening.",
	"From reading some of the posts, I realized that I never said anything about how I found out about this or the back story behind it all. I thought it might help some of you with providing advice if you knew, so here it goes.\n\nAbout a year ago, I threw my back out and I was off work for 2 weeks. While recovering, I began having flu symptoms. (Fevers, night sweats, etc.) I went to my family doc. who didn't even examine me. He just gave me antibiotics and sent me on my way. When they didn't work, I went back and he did the same thing. When that didn't work, I went to another doc. who began lab work. He found I had white cells in my urine, I was passing protein and my creatanine levels were 1.9. He sent me in for a CT and found that I had something on my right kidney that he couldn't identify, so he sent me to a urologist.\n\nThe urologist couldn't ID the spot on my kidney either, so she did some other scans. Still no luck. While reviewing the films, she found my appendix tucked behind some other organs, kind of hidden, and found out it was enormous. I was immediately in for surgery and had it removed. The Surgeon said it was the largest he had ever seen and it was strange it hadn't burst. (God was looking out for me.)\n\nAfter the surgery, I started getting sick again. My creatanine levels were still climbing; I was still passing protein and white cells. The urologist sent me to a nephrologist who said I have kidney disease, but never really elaborated from there. I had no idea what was going on and didn't even know what to ask. He also couldn't ID the spot on my kidney, so I was sent in for a biopsy. After the biopsy, I was told that they had lost 2 of the 3 kidney tissue samples that were taken and had no idea what had happened to them. The tests performed on the one they had left showed negative for cancer and I was told I definitely have CKD and was also told I have a duplex kidney. That's all the info I got They didn't even take the sample from the kidney that had the unidentified spot, regardless of how much I debated this with them. I was put on 60mg of prednisone, Diovan and some other drugs and had more scans and lab work done.\n\nI was called back in by the surgeon who said I still had GI issues and wanted to do an upper and lower GI, as he thought I had either Chrons or Ulcerative Colitis. After the procedure, I was told I have Ulcerative Colitis and was put on even more meds. I was also told my Gallbladder was bad and had to have it removed.\n\nJust before the surgery, I went back in to see the Nephrologist. He said he had given up on trying to find out why I had developed CKD. The fact was I have it and now he has to figure out how to treat it. He left me on Prednisone and said I'll be on it for at least another 6 months. He also said I still have white cells in my urine, indicating infection. He doesn't think it's on the kidney side, so he sent me back to the urologist and wanted her to scope my bladder.\n\nI just went back to the urologist a few days ago. She told me she would not scope my bladder for fear of infection, because of the Prednisone and she will not do another CT using the chemical stuff, because she doesn't think my kidneys would be able to handle it. She said my Creatanine levels are now at 2.3, even with the meds and said dialysis and a transplant are inevitable. She told me to find a new line of work, as I should qualify for medical retirement. I'm not ready for that though.\n\nI have since set up an appointment with a new Nephrologist for a second opinion, and I am hoping for some different news. I'm sure many of you probably already have an idea where I'm headed, so that's why I'm here. I have no idea what's going on or what to expect. I'm trying to educate myself the best I can, but I guess I'm also trying to find a new answer, one that doesn't include me giving up my career. I'm sorry this is so long. I appreciate all of you for helping out people like me who are ignorant to this disease and I wish everyone the best. Thank you.",
	"My husband has only been on his fistula for 3 weeks, and he has started getting hand cramps, and sometimes foot. He had been on the neck cath for a few months previously, and didnt seem to have nearly the cramping he's gettng now. Does anyone have some reliefe they can share with us as to how to curb them. Thanks to anyone...",
	"I've written before and thanks to those who responded and even other posters. My quest is knowledge so that I can stop the 'poor me' feelings before they turn to resentments. My wife was diagnosed with ESKD and placed on the transplant list in Jan. I was reading some posts about how some folks feel overwhelmed assuming all of the duties in the house. I can certainly relate to that but I'm going with the flow (so far!).\n\nMy wife's latest symptoms are severely impacting both our lives. I'm wondering if these are common or not so common. Nasal congestion which has her sleeping in a sitting position every night. Insomnia, restless legs, neck and lower back muscular pain. I've been trying to help with these symptoms but I'm not even sure if they are associated with ESKD. I took her to an allergist and yeah, she allergic to dustmites and mold. Never had allergies in her life before though. Maybe the muscle aches are from her sleeping position.\n\nAug. 27 is our next hypertensive-nephrologist appt. Would dialysis help to alleviate some of her problems? Her docs want to hold off for as long as possible, stating that transplants are more successful on patients who've not yet undergone dialysis. I see her quality of life now, and it's not very good. I could use a good night sleep myself!\n\nHope I made sense. Any comments are welcome.\nEscoe",
	"Hello and welcome to our survey. The purpose of this survey is to learn about gamers with disabilities in order to better understand how you play, why you play, and how we can make better games to meet your wants and needs. The folks at Blue Marble Game Co. are interested in designing games that are both fun to play for leisure and benefits both your brain and your body! Participation is strictly voluntary and you are not required to participate.\n\nThe risks involved in taking this survey are no different than any other risk you may have with computer interaction or other daily activities. You may not benefit directly from taking this survey, however, with your input, you may directly influence game design and development and thus benefit from new games in the future if you choose to play them. You will receive no payment for participating in this survey. There are absolutely no costs to you for participating.\n\nAll information collected will remain confidential and accessed only by the researchers involved. You can rest assured that your personal information will never be shared with anyone. Your privacy will be protected to the extent allowed by law. We will however use this information to educate others about gamers with disability and as such, non-identifying information you provide will be used in presentations and publications. The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete (or longer depending on typing speed).\n\nIf you are under the age of 18 we would like to hear from you, however you must have your parent's permission.\n\nBy completing this survey, you are agreeing to participate.\n\nThank you in advance for your participation and your generous gift of time.\n\nIf you need help with this survey or have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact the Blue Marble Staff at bluemarblegameco@yahoo.com\n\nAnd thank you to all of those who volunteered their time, energy and creativity to make this survey a success!\n\nCLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY NOW!\n\n-----------",
	"My son, Evan, has been struggling w/ Chronic Kidney Failure for 6 years; he's had his transplant scheduled and cancelled twice(due to a sudden lowering of his creatinine just before the surgery). He had held out at 22% for an entire year before jumping up to 30%, then crashing down to 17% in just two weeks. It's been a roller coaster. He's scheduled now for Oct. 6th and my husband is done w/ the donor testing..just one more appt. w/ the surgeon!\nI do have a strange concern. My son has been a vegetarian for the past 2 years, normally even the smell of meat made him queezy and if he tried to eat any meat it wouldnt even stay down 5 minutes. Now that he's dropped in kidney function he has suddenly been able to eat meat and keep it down. I find that very strange..if his function is lowered, I expected more nausea.\nMy son's fear is that his surgery will be cancelled again. It's been such an emotional time for him and he's finally 'ready' for the surgery...another cancellation would really send him into depression, I fear.\nHas any of you experienced this change in eating habits in stage 4/5? Just wondering if maybe the meat aversion was kind of a survival mechanism to keep his kidneys from having to process all the protein ......maybe now the kidneys are too far gone and his body has given up?(ultrasound shows that both his kidneys are shrinking/have shrunk from lack of usage....so it didnt sound like he would be able to gain back too much function from them).\nI'd appreciate your opinions!",
	"Hi Folks,\nI am new here to DaVita. I've been thinking that it would be nice to be able to ask questions of other folks with kidney disease and here I am. I also feel I should share my positive feelings with you all.\n\nMy troubles began with hearing loss. I was almost deaf before we found out that I had polycystic kidney disease, which was causing my hearing loss. A blood test taken to rule out other diseases came up with the evidence that my kidneys were impaired. I found out in July of 2008 that my kidneys were down to 20% of function. I was told that I would have from 2 to 5 years until my kidneys failed and I needed dialysis or a transplant. The year of 2008 was hell for my husband and myself.\n\nNow, a little more than a year later, I have two cochlear implants and my hearing is great. I am completely deaf without the implants, but I only take them off to shower or sleep, so I live the life of a hearing person. My husband and I are learning sign language for those times when I'm unplugged. My kidney function was down to 13% in July of 2009. Starting about Jan. of this year I've been losing 1% a month. I'm probably at 12% now. Besides the success with the cochlear implants, we found out that my husband is a match for my kidney transplant. These two things have given me hope, though at first I didn't want to accept my husband's kidney. I don't want him to have to go through the operation, but he insists that he wants to do it and it would be easier for him to do it than watch me go through dialysis for who knows how many years till a donor came along.\n\nEver since I woke up from my ear surgery in April 2009 I've been filled with hope and have lost my fear of my future with kidney disease. I still work, though usually 5-6 hours a day, not 8 like I used to do. This is partly because of the economy and also because I tire easily. I have faith in today's science, and I just have a feeling that it will all turn out right in the end. I think I have become a better person having gone through these challenges. I realize now that the only important things in my life are my husband, family and friends (and my kitties). All of my worldly possessions can be sold, as long as I have my husband, my family and friends (and of course those kitties). Love my dear people is truly what makes life good. I could be happy living in a trailer as long as I was loved. I still have my house but it remains to be seen if we can still afford it after my transplant operation. Whatever happens, I'm still loved and valued and I can never be truly hurt if I have love in my life, can I?",
	"Limited Space Available\nRegister to protect your spot\n\nlease join us for the next FREE Home Dialysis Central Webinar! To make a truly informed choice about a treatment option, you need information. Dr. Robert Lockridge, from Lynchburg, VA, will guide us in a discussion about dialysis options and informed consent. He wants to hear from you! We're setting this up as a 90-minute session, because we think there's a lot to talk about.\n\nDr. Lockridge is one of the most renown nephrologist on the subject. Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications and future consequences of an action. In terms of kidney failure Informed Consent is the process where patient and physician work together to make the best decision regarding treatment. Instead of the nephrologistr basically making the important life decisions and setting up the treatments, they talk about all of the possible modalities with the patient learning the differences, especially regarding survivability. In cases where an individual is provided insufficient information to form a reasoned decision, serious ethical issues arise.\n\nPlease register at\nhttp://www.instantpresenter.com/PIID=E954DA8484\n\nTUESDAY, August 25, 2009\n-- 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Pacific Time)\n-- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (Mountain Time)\n-- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Central Time)\n-- 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Eastern Time)\n\n-- 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM WEDNESDAY - Western Australia\n-- 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM WEDNESDAY - Melbourne/Queensland/Sydney Australia\nPlease Click Here to Register and Receive Your Log-in Instructions: http://www.instantpresenter.com/PIID=E954DA8484\n\nWin Door Prizes! Several companies who have listings in our Helpful Products Catalog (http://www.homedialysis.org/hpc/) have donated door prizes. Five lucky winners will be able to choose from:\n\nESBA LABORATORIES - Topicaine\nFORECARE, INC. - DuoCare blood glucose & blood pressure monitor\nGENESIS WORLDWIDE - Headsets\nHEMA ASSISTANCE PRODUCTS - Hema Strap\nMED ACTION PLAN - Pack-M-Ups for pills\nSMITH BIO MEDICAL - Anacept skin and wound cleanser\nTHERAWORX - Theraworx foaming skin cleanser\nVITAL REMEDY\n- Kidney Assist dietary supplements\n- Dialysis dietary supplements\n- Vital4 Cholest dietary supplements\n- Protein Bars\n\nHope to see everyone there!!!\nAny questions contact m3riddler@nxstageusers.com\n///M3R",
	"Hi all. We just got our Baxter cycler for use at home.\nI was wondering where do you all put your transfer set after you have connected?\nDo you tape it to your stomach? Put it into a pd belt?\nOr just leave it hanging after you connect?\nI don't want it to get caught or have it positioned so that when I lay on my side it gets kinked and the alarm sounds.\nI can't believe all he tubing with the machine.\nThanks for any suggestions or advice!",
	"Hello,\nI am Parisheel. My father has been undergoing dialysis in India for the past couple of years. He has had complications with almost everything related to dialysis right from the beginning. Even now after almost 3 years he is facing a new kind of problem. His knee hurts bad and is swollen. His doctor gave him some anti-biotics and the swelling subsided but came back on again. The doctor then said he'd have to use injections to remove the water from the knee and also said once that is done, he has to keep doing this forever. This was very disturbing for the family. My question is does this happen to dialysis patients?\nI would love to receive any tips I can get for my father. Anything related to diet or exercises. My mother told me about a certain kind of chewing gum available for dialysis patients that reduces thirst and that she read about this on this very forum. If anyone knows anything about this, kindly enlighten me. Also, if there are any general guidelines for dialysis patients or any hard and fast rules to follow ,kindly let me know. Thanks in advance for your help.\n\n A worried son.",
	"Hello all, I am reading the forum but have been very busy lately. MM's GFR is down to 6 now, Createnine is 7.1. We saw our new Nephrologist today (yes, this makes the 8th Nephrologist since we started this ride Sept 2007). He said dialysis is not far off and we talked about what kind MM wants to do. MM said PD. This new Dr said that because MM has membranous glomeruloniphritis (spelling?) he leaks a lot of protein in his urine and he is not a candidate for PD because of this. He said PD causes protein leakage. Anybody know anything about this? Our 2 previous Dr's never mentioned this when we discussed PD. Thanks so much for your input.",
	"I am stage 4, my GFR is at 23. I have to cut down on Potassium and Phosorus. I can't find any complete charts on the amount of potassium and phosorus in all food. The National Kidney Foundation has a limited amount but not enough of all the foods for both. Can any one help?",
	"As some of you may know, I have been trying to find out some information or my dad who is in ESRD and was getting ready to start dialysis. Well, on July 29, he went in for surgery to have his PD catheter put in. Did great. Worked up until July 28. Surgery went well, he was recovering nicely at home and was my Dad, the grumpy old man that I grew up with and love with all my heart. Then, he started getting weaker and weaker. Sleeping a lot and not having any energy at all....walking 10 feet would make him gasping for breath. And then the other symptoms started...nausea and feeling sickly. Then he started vomiting two or three times a day and was even weaker, obviously.\nHe finally agreed to have Mom take him to the hospital...she told him she was going to take him or she was going to call an ambulance. Well, he agreed and on Monday, August 10 he went to the hospital. He woke mom up at 5am to start getting ready (Dad is one that has to take a bath, shave, cologne, etc. before going anywhere). She helped him get ready and he was so weak that it took them 5 hours to get ready to leave. I met them in the hospital and Dad was so weak and pale. It broke my heart and scared the living daylights out of me. Remember, he is diabetic and has osteomylytis (not sure if i spelled that right) which is an infection in the bone from an ulcer on the bottom of his foot. He had been going regularly to a wound care doctor to get his ulcer cleaned, dressed, etc. Then at home, him and Mom would dress it twice a day following the doctor's directions. Anyway, they admitted Dad to the hospital and Monday afternoon they put a temporary port in his neck for Hemodialysis while waiting for the PD catheter to heal more. They said that they could use the PD catheter, but it wasn't all the way healed and they didnt' want to take a chance on damaging it. So, Tuesday he got his first treatment of dialysis and was doing a lot better already. Upon admission, his potassium was over 7. Doctor said normal range is between 3-5. Then Wednesday, my mom called me and told me that they were going to be doing surgery on dad's foot. We were thinking amputation of the foot as the doctor had said that was a possibility. I left work and went immediately to the hospital. I got there around the same time that the doctor was finishing up and came out to talk to the family. They did not take the foot, but they took two toes off of his foot. Dad was pretty cool with that considering that they had told him it was possible that they would have to take his foot.\nSo he had a treatment before his surgery and then they let him skip Thursday because his numbers were looking so much better. The doctor said that since Dad was a bigger guy, he was going to start off slowly and only do two hours to start off since he had been so used to living with all of the toxins in his system. Doing a full four hour session could cause other problems and make it worse. Friday, they did another treatment and we found out that they took off two pounds of water. Sounds like a lot at first, but then once you get to thinking about it, two pounds is the size of a quart.\nSo, he had to stay in the hospital over the weekend and came home Monday. They removed the temporary hemodialysis port and he went to the Davita dialysis center on Tuesday to start training on the PD procedure. He is doing great!! It is my turn to take him to the dialysis center on Friday this week and be with him. He says that he can drive himself, but I tell him that it would make me feel better if I took him and learned how to do everything in case he ever needed me to do it. He knows that I am taking him because we want to help him and take care of him, but it helps him keep his dependence and strokes the ego when he thinks that he is giving in to something to make me feel better.  I play sneaky tricks sometimes! Anyway, I'm excited to see how all of this goes and learn how to do everything, but I have a cold right now so I don't want to be in the room with other people because I don't want to get them sick. They have enough to worry about without adding a cold to it. So, I'll probably take some serious cold medicine the next 24 hours and if I still have a cough, I'll ask the center for a mask and if they can't give me one or don't have any, I'm sure I can run to Walmart and get one to protect everyone. It's just a cold to me, but I know that for some of the people that I will be around, it could be detrimental.\n\nSo, I just wanted to keep everyone updated and let everyone know that Dad has started dialysis and is doing great. Some of his doctors have said that he will go through a depression during the first part of treatment because of the changes that he has gone through recently. I tell ya....this man is one of the strongest people I know, mentally, physically, and emotionally. He is an amazing man and I am thankful that I have him in my life still. I know the day is coming when he will not be here physically, that's inevitable for everyone, but I am going to make sure that I make every visit count and cater to his needs more. So, Friday after dialysis, I am going to take him out to eat to one of his favorite restaurants, if he feels like eating. If he doesn't feel like eating right then, I'll get it to go and he can eat it later. \n\nThanks you guys. I love being on here and hearing all of the experiences.",
	"Hello,\nI am Parisheel. My father has been undergoing dialysis in India for the past couple of years. He has had complications with almost everything related to dialysis right from the beginning. Even now after almost 3 years he is facing a new kind of problem. His knee hurts bad and is swollen. His doctor gave him some anti-biotics and the swelling subsided but came back on again. The doctor then said he'd have to use injections to remove the water from the knee and also said once that is done, he has to keep doing this forever. This was very disturbing for the family. My question is does this happen to dialysis patients?\nI would love to receive any tips I can get for my father. Anything related to diet or exercises. My mother told me about a certain kind of chewing gum available for dialysis patients that reduces thirst and that she read about this on this very forum. If anyone knows anything about this, kindly enlighten me. Also, if there are any general guidelines for dialysis patients or any hard and fast rules to follow ,kindly let me know. Thanks in advance for your help.\n\nA worried son.",
	"Went in the hospital Monday morning the 17Th. They put in a permcath about 9:00 am and took me to my first dialysis right afterwards. I did dialysis for only two hours the first time and I got a bad cramp in my foot. I told the nurse and they stopped drawing water. My cramps stopped and I started feeling better. The second day, Tuesday, I was on the machine for two and a half hours and it wasn't to bad. Yesterday morning I did dialysis for three hours and they let me go home last night. I have to go to a Divita clinic Friday morning at 11:15 for my regular treatment and then I have to go Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It's not as horrible as I thought it was going to be but I know I am very depressed. This is a tremendous life change for me and I know it is/was for everyone else as well. I admire all of you for the courage you must have to deal with this and I hope I can follow in your foot steps. I think my biggest problem is dealing with the depression I am in and I can't even look at the permcath. I hope I start feeling better soon.\nBilly",
	"THE CANADIAN PRESS\n\nA new study suggests that home treatment for kidney failure is just as good for survival as a patient receiving an organ transplant.\n\nIn the study conducted by Canadian researchers, a total of more than 1,200 patients were followed for up to 12 years.\n\nPatients who were receiving hemodialysis at home at night were compared to patients who had received a kidney transplant from either a deceased or living donor.\n\nNight home hemodialysis is an intensive form of treatment done while the patient sleeps which lasts for six-to-eight hours a night for up to seven nights a week.\n\nResearchers found survival for patients on night home hemodialysis was comparable to that of patients who had received kidney transplants from deceased donors.\n\nPrincipal investigator Dr. Christopher Chan of Toronto General Hospital says the study shows home hemodialysis provides a suitable alternative for patients who may not have access to a kidney transplant. The study is being published in the international September issue of Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation.\n\nSOURCE: TheStar",
	"Good afternoon. I went to see the surgeon yesterday and he will be putting in a fistula in Friday next week, said it will take 3 months to heal and before it can bu used so I guess I am getting closer to the big D. See the neph on the 16Th of Sept, Surgeon said its a 30 minute procedure and that I will be mostly awake for this. Is there anything I should know?",
	"Hi,\nI've pretty much had a nightmarish experience trying to deal with the medical people in my city.\nIf their goal was to get me to see doctors anywhere else,it has worked quite well.\n\nI am hoping to get a Hero graft or a graft sometime in the US.\nI know there was a post earlier about how some people on here had the Hero grafts,but no ones posted anything about that lately.\n\nI was just at my doctors today and the doctor was being very useless as usual today.\nDon't know why I bothered to go-exept maybe because if I don't the medical staff in general where I am will be even more rude...anyways.\n\nSo, now the vascular people can not make up their minds on wether or not I should get another fistula.\nAnd on top of that one of the vascular coordinators at my dialysis centre-she is making up that I have had many surgeries on my fistula and tons of problems when I in fact should know I had no issues at all w my fistula for 10+ years.....so just more BS there to deal with.\n\nSo then today at my apt I decided to bring the info on the Hero catheter and see what they would say.\nI was pretty much told the same lame line that since it is not available here in Canada it is not good (gee briliant response for something you've never heard of).\n\nI actually ended up speaking to the company that makes the product earlier this week and they were very helpful with refering me to a doctor in Miami (have family in florida).\n\nNow if I go to the US the sucky part is that the device apparently costs $2,500 without the surgery (not exactly cheap).\n\nLuckily if I can do this dialysis in Florida is almost free for me as the gov't here pays $200 of costs and in florida the place I went to was $200 or $220 each time.\nIt sucks that I have to prepay though (so lets see an expense of $2,000 for 3 weeks,but get back $1,800)\nAlso don't have to pay rent either  thankfully.\n\nSo, now mainly just wondering does anyone have any of the Hero devices or know anyone that uses them?\nI've seen some opinions online but not from actual people I know just from what was on here last year---anything recent?\n\nJust looking for some more info before I decide what to do.",
	"Newswise — Researchers are developing a Wearable Artificial Kidney for dialysis patients, reports an upcoming paper in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN). \"Our vision of a technological breakthrough has materialized in the form of a Wearable Artificial Kidney, which provides continuous dialysis 24 hours a day, seven days a week,\" comments Victor Gura, MD (David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA).\n\nThe device—essentially a miniaturized dialysis machine, worn as a belt—weighs about 10 pounds and is powered by two nine-volt batteries. Because patients don't need to be hooked up to a full-size dialysis machine, they are free to walk, work, or sleep while undergoing continuous, gentle dialysis that more closely approximates normal kidney function.\n\nCLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"Hi everyone!! Today was the craziest day since my Aunts diagnose of CKD3 weeks ago??!! She had a Heart Dr;s appointment. As I have been learning and educating my self more and more in Kidney School I have learned that I need to ask the questions I or we want answers to, and there were plenty for her Heart DR. So I prepared my list of questions and took in the paper work I had on Labs of my Aunts and was prepared not to leave without answers to my questions. As the Dr. came in and obcessed about a cellulites problem on my aunts foot, I tried to keep my cooland let him talk and then we he began to end the appointment and didn't even check her out Cardiac wise I told him I had some questions. Oh sure was his reply, what do you want to know?? I started with her lab work from June when she was in the hospital for a possible heart attack which he after doing an Angiogram said wasn't a heart attack. I questioned him on the facts I had discovered here that according to her GFR she was a stage 4 renal failure. Why was a Nephrologist not called in, he couldn't give me an answer except based on the labs he didn't think it was necessary! He actually acted shocked that I knew that information. I proceeded with the last Lab results from her July Hospitalization which aren't current explaining that according to them she is stage 5 renal failure. [ According to the Gfr index she should already be on dialisys like yeaterday, last week, lst month!!!] He seemed even more surprized and ask where I got my info from. I told him about this web site and that I decided to take a proactive roll in my Aunts Health care because we were not getting the answers from him that we felt we deserved. Before I knew what happend he was telling my Aunt it was time she found another Dr.. He was resigning from her case, he does not like it when his patient lose faith in his abilities... All I asked was is it possible somone... not necessarily him missed something in the June Hospitaliztion that should have been picked up and wasn't??? My tone was calm, but questioning. My Aunt and I left there looking at each other shaking our heads. By the time we got home we were laughing about it all and making jokes. We are already in search of a new Cardiologist with some great leads, but I still am in shock and so is everyone I have talked to about this.. Has anyone had an expierence like this with any of your Dr's I'm sorry, but if your gonna get your nose bent out of shape over a patient that comes in prepared and asks questions and makes you earn your bazillion dollars you get for a visit then your not the kind of Dr. for us!!!!My Aunt can't get in to her new Renal dr. until the end of this month, but the picture is not good. Prayers and good thoughts to all who are dealing with Renal disease and any info is welcomed cause I'm my Aunts caretaker and a newbe to all this myself.TTFN glo",
	"I have been doing pd for almost a year, and before that I was doing hemo for a year and a half. I have been sporadically sexually active, but since the last time (3 months ago) i havent had my period. I understand thats its not unusual for a woman to stop menstruating while on dialysis, but the timing of it is freaking me out. How likely is it that I could be pregnant? I havent had any real symptoms besides some wait gain and cravings. I have 2 kids that were born prior to doing dialysis, and sometimes I think I feel movement, I dont know what to do, I dont urinate anymore so a home test wouldnt work. And if Iam would it make it more difficult for me to find a match for a kidney transplant? Help!!",
	"I find walking very helpful to lower the blood pressure. Sometimes, mine hit the 180/100 but when i walk for 30 min it shoots down to high 150s / 90s.\nI would like to know if anyone here know a good BP medication. My BP is uncontrollable. I am currently on 4 meds but seems they are doing the job: Clonidine, Norvasc, Labetalol, Minoxidile ...used to take Lisiniprole but not working either.\n\nthanks",
	"I find the generic vitamin supplements works better then Nephro pills. I think there is a company called \"Nephrotech.com\" or something like this that sells Calcium Acetate 667 mgs for a reasonable price. Mine went from 10 to 4 which is good especially if you eat cheese and eggs daily for breakfast.",
	"Hi everybody..I am very new to kidney failure and the major problems it causes in the human body...My husband is 66 and he was diagnosed with kidney failure and prostrate cancer and if I told you his numbers from the blood test you would all faint...We are running into swelling with major edema of the feet, legs and face not to mention how much I have to watch his diet like a hawk...I know that I will lose him eventually, I too have been reading Dr. Walser's book and also your questions and comments...They have been very helpful....Bless you all for having to go thru such a difficult trial....Rochel",
	"Hi Everyone, I'm not real new to CKD Stage 3, was diagnosed last year in August. Have been doing pretty good so far, until recently. I've been on medication for the last 9 years for depression and had been doing very very well until March of this year when i just couldn't keep anything together. After a month of not dealing well with anything, i went to my pcp and told her that i thought i needed to update my depression meds which she did from Celexa to Cymbalta. Within the first month, i was a new person. Sleeping well, no more aches or pains, can actually deal with everyday life now, and feel good. HERES MY PROBLEM.\nMy labs i had yesterday came back - GFR still at 49, Creatinine at 112, everything else normal range EXCEPT for carbon dioxide - low at 18. I have an appt with renal nutritionist next week and nephro following week, but i wondered if anyone can shed light on this as to whether this is diet/nutrition caused or just another little shift in how the kidneys are working (or not)\n\nThank you for any light you can shed on this.\nHave a great weekend Everyone",
	"Have known for 6 mos. Most difficult adjustment...changing from \"heart healthy\" multigrain everything to white bread, dropping lentils, etc. Initial dietitian did not have exp.with CKD so referred to DaVita sites. She also said I could eat2000 cals p/day when a successful weight loss program began at 1500 cal. DaVita sites very very helpful, but managed care also needs to provide more effective support. I am not diabetic so can I have my home grown tomatoes????",
	"The following are entries from ChefNancy's obituary page. Her sister, Kathy, sent them to me to forward to everyone because the page has since expired. I told her I would post them here for everyone to read...for safe-keeping and prosperity. Fiona (I have to post them a two separate entries because there are too many of them.)\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:mtapia from Davita\nmtapia713@msn.com\n\nYou are missed.\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Jody\nladibg@aol.com\n\nGod bless to you and your family. I met Nancy on the Devita Forums and her knowledge about dialysis was very comforting to me. I am very sad to hear of this news. She gave me strength when I needed it most and I will miss her dearly. She truely was and still is an angel.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:George Bakley\ngrilldog@grilldog.com\n\nI'm George Bakley, better know as \"Grilldog\", I host a popular Public Access TV Show that is very popular around the world. Nancy and I became internet friends many years ago via publicity about my show. She was one of my biggest fans and critics! I loved it. I always sought out her advice and she would always be a true friend and direct me when I was out of line. I've made many posts about her and for her and we have bantered a lot. Dispite her illness she would come on line and send me unsolicited comments, just because she cared. She will always be in my heart as one of the great people in the world, I regret never having the opportunity to meet her. I heart goes out to her family, relatives and friends. Nancy will always live in my hear as a true friend.\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Linda Griffin\nsimindalin@sbcglobal.net\n\nI have known your sister only a little while, but she helped me calm down and not feel alone when I entered my plea on the Da Vita forum. She was right there to welome me and help me start the journey of CKD. If all of us miss her so very much, I know that your heart is breaking with her loss. Be proud of your sister, she has helped hundreds, maybe thousands of people all over the world with her kind, instructive words. From what I could see, she was always on hand to welome a new person and help them deal with their worries. I will dearly miss her. God bless you.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Marilyn 1947\nNancy, as a member and later a moderator of a kidney foruma, helped me through so many difficulties in the past three years it is so difficult to imagine her not being with us. I hope her fsmily knows just how much good she did for people she never met but felt as though they knew her as a close friend who never let them down.\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Fiona (FMBK)\nfiona0916@hotmail.com\n\nI am so sorry to hear about Nancy (ChefNancy.) She befriended me on the DaVita forum very soon after I was first diagnosed and ended up on dialysis a year ago. Her voice was one of comfort, wisdom and great caring. I listened to what she had to say with great interest and valued everything she said. In this new world of mine, one I had to quickly adapt to, ChefNancy was the voice of reason and experience. There was always a guarantee that what she had to say on any subject related to kidneys and dialysis, would be honest and informative. I was so shocked to hear she died. I will really miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFromee Dee from Kidney Fun\ndeirdrebagley@att.net\n\nMy heart goes out to all of Nancy's family and friends. I knew Chef Nancy from Kidney fun. She was an amazing person for all that she did for so many people and just keeping up with one kidney site is hard for me and she not only touched people in so many other forums but she helped the friends around her and at church. I didn't know until I read her obit, that Nancy was so highly educated and did so much with her life. Even changing careers. She always was the most down to earth person and always ready to give advice to anyone in need. I am devestated that we have all lost such an incredible person who has touched and enriched so many lives. Nancy was loved and will be missed profoundly, but never forgotton.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Joanne Zolner\nChefnancy (as you were known on the kidney forum), I will miss you! Your wisdom and caring helped me in so many ways. You were always there, a rock, and I knew that I had a friend who understood kidney disease and it made me feel less alone. Your legacy is that you touched the lives of so many people and really made a difference in their lives - I know you made a difference in mine. My condolences to your family and friends.\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Helen (NelW per DaVita)\nhelen.west@nottingham.ac.uk\n\n(Chef)Nancy - your intelligent advice, kindness and inherent ability to give hope and love to the DaVita Forum members will be so missed. The amount of help you gave everyone is immeasurable and we will not forget you. You made a difference to real people and that is such a wonderful legacy to leave behind. Your personality shone through your postings and we all felt you were a good and trusted friend. May God keep you at peace and bless your family.\n------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Audrey (Telford UK)\nakendall48@fsmail.net\n\nNancy will be missed by so many of her so called \"kidney friends\" she was an inspiration to us all. She was my \"secret santa Dec 08\" I will treasure her wind chime she sent me.\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Phyllis (phyl1215)\ndpherm@cinci.rr.com\n\nI will miss her daily posts and all the help she has given me with my coping with kidney disease. She will be greatly missed on our on-line groups. May she rest in peace. Prayers for her family and friends.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Jenaveve from Davita\njeannette07@hotmail.co.uk\n\nI feel so sad to hear about Chef Nancy she was an insperation to everybody ,She will be so missed by everyone my thoughts and prayers are with Her family . God bless you Chef Nancy x\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Malibu from davita.com forum\n\n'chefnancy' was in inspiration to everyone on the Davita.com forum. Without her help I would be lost today as how to deal with caring for my husband who has kidney disease. My condolences go out to her family. I wanted you to know that she helped many people who are sick.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Wendy from Davita\nwrwagner@comcast.net\n\nChefnancy was a gift from God, she inspired us to strive to be and do the best we could, and still does. Her unconditional love will always be remembered.\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFromarleen Perry\ndarleen_perry@yahoo.com\nI am sorry for your loss of Nancy. I know that anyone who knew her will be hurt. I knew her from a kidney website. She was very helpful and kind. I will miss her very much. She was an inspiration to me.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:boswife from divita\n\"ChefNancy\" will be missed by so many who have come to depend on her.. She was so loved and respected by people all over the world... Im going to miss her... God bless you helper lady, and have a special place for your precious soul.... with love \"boswife\" jill\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFromebbie Peters\nmdpeters@cableone.net\n\nMy sincere condolences to Nancy's family. I have never actually met Nancy, but I feel like I have known her for a long time. When I was first diagnosed with kidney disease and found the DaVita website forum, I was devastated. She quickly became my friend and my rock. She understood how I felt, and she encouraged me, educated me and lifted me up when I needed it. My heart is broken and she will be greatly missed. God bless her, and her family.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFromiana (Getlife and Kidneysp)",
	"Diana@rsnhope.org\n\nTo the family of Nancy. Known to us in the renal community as \"ChefNancy\". We at kidneyspace.com grieve your loss, a great loss to many renal patient forums throughout the world. May your hearts be comforted at a time as this. God Bless. The Renal Community at www.kidneyspace.com\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Jeff Strailey\nNancy was known throughout the renal community as someone who understood it's issues and did much to help patients everywhere. Her invovlement in many online patient support forums made the illness easier to tolerate and understand. We'll miss Nancy's unique intelligence and wit. Rest in peace Nancy.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Angie\nangieskidney@gmail.com\n\nNancy was known all over the renal community as an extremely helpful and encouraging prayerful person who always looked out for others. It is such a shock that she has been taken away from us so suddenly and she will be deeply missed.\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Gustine (Per Davita Forums)\nunrealprojects@gmail.com\n\nMy condolences to Nancy's family, we truly will miss her from Davita forums where Nancy supported and helped many people facing dialysis due to kidney failure. Nancy has been a great inspiration to many of us coping with kidney failure and the steps she has taken helping others has helped us better ourselves in helping others as well. May GOD Bless Nancy... we will always remember you.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Jo (Bikerchick per Davita)\ntriggerfish29@yahoo.com\n\nNancy - you will be solely missed by the Davita members board and my soul is torn to hear of your passing. Nancy was someone who simply listened, instructed and guided me as a newbie to the world of chronic kidney disease. She was always there to answer every question, no matter what your issue. The Davita board will never be the same. Her presence will be solely missed... Peace and prayers.\n------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Kathy Marciarille\nKathyMarciarille@gmail.com\n\nI would like to express my condolence's on Nancy's death. I knew her as the kind, caring, loyal and direct Moderator of a kidney disease website. Her advice to me and so many others has enriched my life. We will all miss her. I keep Nancy and all of you in prayers. God bless.\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nFrom:Lois Hendryx\nbobnlo2@verizon.net\n\nNancy was a dear friend. She inspired us all with her cheerful,witty,intelligence. Such a good person. We will all miss her sorely.",
	"Salaried Chrysler workers will not have to take a two-week unpaid furlough this summer because the company&#39;s expenses throughout its 41-day Chapter 11 bankruptcy were less than anticipated\n\n<a href= http://n4.dmafrek.com/pliadlirr.html > stbul</a>\n<a href= http://mm.dmafrek.com/hemmus.html > lzrfoy</a>\n<a href= http://tl.dmafrek.com/justamiad.html > totnq</a>\n<a href= http://vt.dmafrek.com/qulyesen.html > ffoima</a>\n<a href= http://gx.dmafrek.com/zdertozdnt.html > igmhvk</a>\n<a href= http://sm.dmafrek.com/lyernd.html > mkryz</a>\n<a href= http://tr.dmafrek.com/yineverk.html > mssbi</a>\n<a href= http://dm.dmafrek.com/jeasobly.html > buloez</a>\n<a href= http://ry.dmafrek.com/wistexavano.html > uoiwg</a>\n<a href= http://o4.dmafrek.com/bevedi.html > znyif</a>\n<a href= http://4j.dmafrek.com/yiklind.html > qdxshi</a>\n<a href= http://9.dmafrek.com/mbozelligiv.html > fyawkz</a>\n<a href= http://uz.dmafrek.com/ndexatinco.html > thvkkx</a>\n<a href= http://sn.dmafrek.com/qungongo.html > iirr</a>\n<a href= http://4.dmafrek.com/norrle.html > ljbgm</a>\n<a href= http://ay.dmafrek.com/arlso.html > cvmh</a>\n<a href= http://lv.dmafrek.com/fereirlla.html > uhrgt</a>\n<a href= http://je.dmafrek.com/lindran.html > nxhaz</a>\n<a href= http://dh.dmafrek.com/disthofindl.html > bpxyi</a>\n<a href= http://n3.dmafrek.com/shathavedor.html > aope</a>\n<a href= http://du.dmafrek.com/gedsa.html > ogfza</a>\n<a href= http://tl.dmafrek.com/vedsalinetle.html > ifhjm</a>\n<a href= http://9a.dmafrek.com/ntthasnarik.html > dglb</a>\n<a href= http://3j.dmafrek.com/ndespaly.html > sioi</a>\n<a href= http://ar.dmafrek.com/sthato.html > hyfx</a>\n<a href= http://4k.dmafrek.com/vidorosqusn.html > cnjqol</a>\n<a href= http://jv.dmafrek.com/fattzllsetzt.html > wysrn</a>\n<a href= http://l4.dmafrek.com/prothe.html > gaivy</a>\n<a href= http://oj.dmafrek.com/zemerin.html > wajww</a>\n<a href= http://il.dmafrek.com/ayidai.html > indog</a>\n ruqrb\n muos\n pxtb\n lngpgn\n ofsybe\n vcnvy\n szwyz\n dqvpt\n vxahx\n cjxkju\n oytqj\n vhod\n ciphs\n wfmpo\n iifgq\n jrrhpz\n jnrlii\n wpclf\n poqoa\n dpfba\n gblted\n yavhr\n uutlvi\n fmgld\n dyuudx\n mubx\n xqmg\n hrjgt\n ftaadj\n iaxh\n http://j8.dmafrek.com/kedla.html\nhttp://vc.dmafrek.com/uiseseny.html\nhttp://e9.dmafrek.com/thadrttyi.html\nhttp://xn.dmafrek.com/xanvengay.html\nhttp://1u.dmafrek.com/adina.html\nhttp://ar.dmafrek.com/jonaplyi.html\nhttp://do.dmafrek.com/meaccheresho.html\nhttp://dg.dmafrek.com/avayee.html\nhttp://xs.dmafrek.com/ererenye.html\nhttp://yg.dmafrek.com/fooring.html\nhttp://wn.dmafrek.com/kounguplo.html\nhttp://o6.dmafrek.com/esunous.html\nhttp://9s.dmafrek.com/xindenfr.html\nhttp://ku.dmafrek.com/unoratol.html\nhttp://cc.dmafrek.com/adsaiop.html\nhttp://i4.dmafrek.com/mofofeng.html\nhttp://5r.dmafrek.com/hallimouiav.html\nhttp://8l.dmafrek.com/jeevoryi.html\nhttp://5n.dmafrek.com/pthermprest.html\nhttp://d3.dmafrek.com/jesct.html\nhttp://j8.dmafrek.com/xcawadeni.html\nhttp://s2.dmafrek.com/noste.html\nhttp://mx.dmafrek.com/zledomndedr.html\nhttp://f6.dmafrek.com/keterecormer.html\nhttp://y6.dmafrek.com/miteroraze.html\nhttp://p7.dmafrek.com/gused.html\nhttp://pe.dmafrek.com/bristeelan.html\nhttp://p4.dmafrek.com/juckintof.html\nhttp://qd.dmafrek.com/queme.html\nhttp://2.dmafrek.com/ve****hi.html\n\ngfdgdfg",
	"Death panels: Republicans warn they'recoming; Democrats say such a thing is unimaginable.\n\nSomething about the health-care debate gets people arguing about improbable scenarios, such as the United States turning into Canada or the government killing grandmas. But in the case of death panels, the overheated rhetoric has some historical truth. For a decade, there actually were death panels in this country. And it was big government that ended them.\n\nBefore World War II, there was no cure for chronic kidney disease. If your kidneys stopped cleansing your blood of toxins, you died. But in the late 1930s and early '40s, a Dutch physician, Willem Kolff, hit upon an ingenious solution: pumping the blood of patients suffering from end-stage renal failure through a machine that eliminated waste. Using 50 feet of sausage casing wrapped around a wooden drum that rotated in a tank of water and salts, Kolff invented the first dialysis machine.....\n CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"Deb Lustman was late getting to work a few days every week, and often felt she wasn't thinking as clearly as she once did.\n\nThe reason: Lustman, 50, was spending four hours a day, three days a week, undergoing kidney dialysis at a dialysis center, where a machine filtered toxins and fluids from her blood. Normally, that's the job of the kidneys, but for reasons doctors have never figured out, hers had failed.\n\nNine months into her treatment, as soon as her doctor raised the possibility of home dialysis, Lustman decided to switch. So, in July 2008, after she and her husband learned the ins-and-outs from a nurse, she began dialyzing five evenings a week at her Magnolia, N.J., home, with her two Maltese, Sophie and Jake, often lounging next to her. Now Lustman, an optician, dialyzes on her own schedule, not the center's, and she's not late for work anymore. And, she says, \"I'm healthier.\"\n\nThanks to more frequent dialysis, totaling 15 or 16 hours a week, \"I feel not only physically better but… mentally better\" and no longer \"loopy,\" she says.\nCLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"Wade Britt could barely breathe, let alone walk, but he somehow staggered to the bathroom, trained his blurry eyes on the mirror and saw a man who was as gray as a corpse. Then he vomited blood.\n\nThough only in his mid-20s, Britt was swept up in a cascade of health crises that already had landed him in a doctor's office and would soon put him in a hospital emergency room. By the time he got there, his kidneys were failing, and no one knew why.\n\n\"I shouldn't have survived,\" Britt recalls.\n\nDoctors eventually diagnosed the source of Britt's problems as Goodpasture's Syndrome, a rare auto-immune disease that attacks the kidneys and lungs, but the damage was done. His kidneys had shut down for good.\n\nIn the past, Britt's illness would've consigned him to a lifelong regimen revolving around regular dialysis at outpatient centers. He would have experienced the bloated, sluggish feeling from accumulated fluids before each procedure and the draining fatigue and disorientation afterward.\n\nBut less than three years after his kidney failure, Britt, now 27, vigorously works out each day, is lead vocalist for a hard-core punk band and enjoys a broad array of foods. He even harbors dreams of someday becoming a Memphis police officer.\n\nBritt owes his independence and active lifestyle to a portable 70-pound machine about the size of a cooler or small TV. It allows him to receive dialysis at home.\nCLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"Hi Everyone,\nHas it happened to any of you before, you go along, you're doing good, you're following labels, measuring, watching, and all of a sudden, you're just plain sick of it. if you have to look at another label, you'll tear it off.  just all of a sudden got overwhelmed with all of this and feel like i need a day to just \"pig out\".\nHow do you deal with feelings like this.\n\nWould appreciate any help for anyone.  Thank you and have a great day.",
	"I am not really sure where to put this post since I am the wife of a dialysis patient. But I do have a question, and I am hoping for some positive responses.\n\nMy husband has been on hemo dialysis (at a center) since the end of May 2009. His monthly blood work shows that all of his tests are within normal limits. They say his hemoglobin in borderline (low) but they are not all that concerned.\n\nSo my questions are:\n\nDo anyone really feel good since they have been on dialysis? (The techs all tell hubby that he will feel better)\nDo you have a normal life? (aside from the time on dialysis) Do you still go places, see friends, work, and/or be active?\n\nIt seems that hubby just never feels good. He will have good days, but it never seems to last. It seems like he gets so tired quickly and is ready to go home after a short time. He does not really want to go out (movies, mini golf, Zoo, etc) because he feels it will wear him out for the rest of the day.\n\nI miss my husband. I miss our fun times together. I am tired of sitting home all the time. We have done nothing this summer except go to doctor appointments.\n\nI hate that he is always so tired and not feeling good. I just want things to be better for him (and us).\n\nWill it ever get better? Or will he always be tired and sickly?\n\nthanks to anyone who can answer this!!!\n\nB.",
	"Hello All,\n\nA few of you have already read my posts. I had to wait 6 weeks for my visit because the Nephrologist was away on vacation. It's been a loooong 6 weeks frought with plenty of emotions and fear. At any rate, let me show a couple of my lab results to put this in perspective as to why I have been so upset. I have also been reading a ton of medical abstracts/research papers on the web. They all seem to support the fact that I have CKD. It was even on my lab results page that if I had another low test I would be in stage 3 CKD.\nOk- first lab a year ago- GFR 50\nSecond Lab a couple months ago- GFR- 53\nSubsequent 24 urine- GFR 59- but creatinine was 1.2 up from 1.1\n\nOn the 24 hour creatinine test...GFR is bumped up an average of 7% percent but when CKD is more severe it is even less reliable and can be bumped up 15% or more. So, my GFR was elevated and was still probably nearer to the original lab results.\n\nHowever, going from 1.1 up to 1.2 on the 24 hour test put me in the GFR calculator on the Davita site at about GFR 47.\n\nAfter extensive reading this seemed fairly obviously to me that my kidneys are working at about half function. The hyperfiltration at this point continues to damage kidneys and it is usually progressive when calculated this low. But, still can be slowed, halted and remain stable for many years.\n\nOK...I finally see the Nephrologist. I am anxious and armed with questions ...and a head full of recent research.\n\nHe comes in after making me wait for about 15 minutes...and my anxiety is escalating a bit. I am in an exam room not his office ( which I thought I would be for a consultation). He proceeds to look at my file...until he realizes he has the wrong file. Yikes! He goes back to his office and finds my file. I offer to help him and give a brief oral history of what got me to this point. He still has his nose in my files. After about 7 minutes or so he says. \"You don't have Kidney disease\". I said HUH?. And then I proceeded to recount all the low GFR's I have had from numerous lab tests. He says \" I don't go by GFR's. I say HUH? again. I figure he has some explaining to do.\n\nHere is his take..... He doesn't believe in GFR's in the early stages. He says my 1.1 and 1.2 are in the normal range for my age ( late 50's). He actually said...1.1 or 1.2.... it's basically the same result due to lab variations etc etc. I said what about the GFR calculator's that put me so low. He says too many people are being labeled with CKD due to this formula. He again said he did not think that I had CKD and he said the only other thing he would need to back that up was if I went and gave some urine in a cup so he could check the 'protein' in my urine. I did..... and he put in a stick to check for protein and there wasn't any. That seemed to be the only thing he cared about. It was sort of a 'case closed' type ending. I wasn't sure where to go from there? He only said don't take any NSAIDs and continue to protect your kidneys. Oh...another point he made is that I do not have hypertension or diabetes and that also led him to say he did not believe I had CKD.\n\nI'm rather blown away....and somewhat disbelieving. This certainly flies in the face of all the data that is out there? The creatinine level seems to be so important in everything I read? I am down to 47 on the Davita calculator? What is accurate?...how do you know for sure? Have you all had your protein checked in your urine? Apparently there is far more weight given to this result then to the creatinine.\n\nI am puzzled to say the least. I just don't know what to make of it.\n\nAny thoughts?",
	"Hi all, I have not been on here in about a month. I feel like my whole world has turned upside-down! While finding out that I have stage 3 CKD, and trying to cope with that reality, I have suddenly been thrown into the role of caretaker for my elderly father. Talk about stress!\n\nIt all started with my stepmom having a 2nd stroke and moving in with her daughter... leaving my dad alone. I thought he would be ok by himself, but he wasn't. He came down with pneumonia, and I had to take care of some things for him. The more I helped, the more I found out that he was worse off than I thought.\n\nOn top of his pneumonia, he also had had a mild heart attack. His home was at least a 2 hour trip from me one way, and I was having to drive down there several times a week. Each time, things got worse. He would be out of groceries, or he would not have money for gas in his truck, or his phone would be disconnected, and his bank account would be overdrawn.\n\nSo here I was, just finding out I have CKD, just started a new job (part time), just moved into a 1 bedroom dump to be close to new job. And instead of paying my own bills, I was paying Daddy's.\n\nAbout 3 weeks ago, I decided what I had to do. I found a new 2 bedroom apt and moved in, with Daddy and his 2 Chihuahua's (18 and 14 years old) just a week ago. Daddy has arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, hard of hearing, and is on 15 meds. So I have had to put my own life on hold and focus on my father.\n\nI talked to him about moving into an assisted living home, but he has had these dogs since they were pups and will NOT part with them. According to all I have read, the dogs should have died of old age a LOOOOONG time ago!\n\nAnyway, I just needed to vent. I have been so stressed these past few weeks, and now that my computer is back up, I came to the one place I knew people would understand what I myself am going thru with the CKD. I have a follow up appointment with my doctor tomorrow to go over my latest labs and see if there has been any change in my GFR.\n\nThanks for listening and letting me vent \n\nMitzi",
	"Hello,\n I know i have not posted on this site. I am on other sites as well as Facebook. I have been working on my book. I was wondering if any of you would be intersted in participating in my book. I am trying to get the word out about dialysis.\n\n Life on Dialysis and Your Options\n I decided to go through with this project to try to educate people. My goal is to get the word out there to those on dialysis and those not yet diagnosed with kidney disease. Many people have heard of dialysis, but are really not sure what it is, or have many misconceptions of it, therefore denying or delaying treatment, resulting in further irreversible damage. Many people fear or refuse to acknowledge their potential future of needing dialysis. There are many people who do not know that they may have to go on dialysis in some point of their life. A lot of these people are those who have high blood pressure and/or diabetes at the moment. As high blood pressure rises, as well as diabetes, kidney disease will become even more common. Many, Many people are in the dark when it comes to this disease. I feel as though there is not enough information or education out there on kidney disease. I also want to get the word out in hopes that people who do have high blood pressure and or diabetes will do their part in trying to prevent or delaying dialysis.\nI want to reach out to those on dialysis and let them know that there are other options. Kidney disease is becoming more and more common, especially with young people, and I myself am young with kidney disease. Even though it’s common now, you still do not hear about it, like you would cancer. Very few of us kidney patients are lucky enough to know neighbors, friends, or family who have had to go through kidney failure, that we can just go to when we have questions.\n I hope you are willing to share your story so that you can reach out to someone else. Remember what it was like for you when you were told of your diagnosis of kidney failure. Know that you are not alone and there are many others who have felt the same way that you do. Know that through sharing your story or by answering just one question, that you may have reached out to someone who is feeling the same way that you did when you were first diagnosed. Or maybe they can relate their experiences or diagnosis to you.\n I have already made an example by answering some of the questions myself. Hopefully my answers might inspire you to answer one or more question(s) and share some of your experiences and thoughts from another patient’s perspective.\nThe whole point of my doing this project is to help others on dialysis as well as to reach out to them. Dealing with end stage kidney disease is very difficult, and may seem like you are the only person going through it, or at least you do not know of very many people who are actually going through the same thing. Many people on dialysis feel as though that hemo or their chosen modality is the only choice that they have. I want to see other kidney disease patients learn as much as they can about their disease as well as their options. I feel that patients who learn as much as they can are better advocates of their situation and illness, in turn feel better about themselves, and have a better outcome and don’t feel like so much of a victim.\n I have also come to realize that many patients on dialysis do not have a computer and do not know there are resources out there to help them, this can make a person feel even more alone, this limits their ability of being able to hear other patient’s stories’. I really want to put together a book to help others realize what it is like from another patient’s point of view. I want to do whatever I can to reach out to other patients and educate them as much as possible.\nAs a fellow patient, I only ask that you fill out the questions that you WANT TO ANSWER. Do not answer more then you want to. By answering one or more question(s), I do ask that you provide your age, and your occupation if employed. If it would make you feel more comfortable, as well as to respect your privacy, I do also ask that you give a false name. I would like you to provide your age so that other people your age will see that they are not alone, as well as your occupation. If someone has the same occupation as you, then they can see that they too can work or do what they are doing while on dialysis.\nIf you feel comfortable, you can add a picture of yourself, or yourself doing dialysis, or whatever you feel comfortable with. However I do ask that you take no more than 30 days from the time that I give you this questionnaire to answer the question(s).\nYou can reach me if you like, you can e-mail me Lillupie@earthlink.net, or you can mail them to my home address to 2540 Carson Detroit, Mi 48209. You can call me If you like and I can verbally give you the questions over the phone at 313-622-1379, or if you are in the metro Detroit area I can meet you in person somewhere.\n\nPlease let me know if you want to look at my questionaire. Davita wont let me attach it. It is too big",
	"I would like to hear from any one who is on Home Dialysis, how it is working for you and if you recommend it. My mom has had several bad experiences at the dialysis centers and we are considering home dialysis.",
	"Take a look a this example real life scenario when a dialysi s patient does not watch their diet.....\n \nEKGs that will soil your shorts\n\n\nI think this patient could have enjoyed the melons and potatoes if she had home dialysis.... that way she could have taken the K out that same day....",
	"I've been concerned about my wife's condition and when she should start dialysis but things happen fast. She had blood work done yesterday (Monday), and she got a call at work today to go to the ER. Creatin (sp?) was 9.4, BUN was 93, and her BP was 250/129. They're putting in a catheter and a tube in her arm (for future dialysis) tomorrow morning. Just got back from the hospital. I do believe she will be feeling better after some dialysis. She is one tough woman.\n\nOn the bright side, we don't have to take a long trek to the nephrologist on Thursday! \n\nI hope I don't sound glib but I feel much relieved that she's getting the attention she needs.",
	"Its 5:20 am I have been up since 1:30 am I am having a hard time sleeping . I know there is alot of people that cant sleep. What do you do for it. and how long will this keep on .I am pre - dialysis. I have been like this for awhile , and it is getting real old. My gfr is 19% I go by my diet as well as I can., So that shouldnt be the problem. Does anyone know what causes us to not sleep like we should?Is there anything that can correct it? Part of my problem is I dont like to go to bed, I also have a terrible cough and have had it a good while. Enoug of my rambling, If anyone has any ideas it would be appreciated. THANKS",
	"Dialysis Clinics Save Lives\n\nThe dialysis clinic had just opened in Guayaquil, Ecuador, when Juan Carlos was wheeled in, clinging to life, his body bloated. Juan’s mother, learning of the possibility of saving her son’s life, “sold everything they owned, sold the chickens for bus fare” to get Juan to the clinic for help, says Ginny Mello, executive director of Bridge of Life, which is a charitable arm of Davita, a dialysis provider in the US. Until that day, Juan had felt he didn’t want to go on living, didn’t want to burden his family with expensive dialysis treatment from a private hospital. Within days of receiving the dialysis that saved his life, Juan Carlos said that he now wants to be a doctor......\n CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY\n\n\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"Hi Everyone, I made the decision to start peritoneal dialysis!! I've been on hemo for one year and every day I go, I am wiped out the rest of the day. I understand that on PD, I should feel good every day. I am also looking forward to eating foods with potassium and especially looking forward to drinking more water.\n\nDo any of you have any tips for me in planning for PD? Or any comments about PD? My surgery will be September 11. Thanks in advance. Gail",
	"Can anyone out there share some light on if being on fluid restricted diet can lead to constpation problems??? My aunt is a newly diagnosed CKD patient still waiting for 1st appointment with Nephrologist next Monday. She has been having some constipation problems and I thought I'd ask here since the info here is so forth comming. Any info would be greatly appreicated glo",
	"Hi,\n\nMy name is Erin Kahle, and I'm the Constituent Services Programs Manager at the\nNational Kidney Foundation in New York. I work with people who have been\naffected by kidney disease, people who are on dialysis, transplant recipients,\nliving donors, and donor families on a daily basis. I work with our \"People\nLike Us\" patient empowerment movement and want to share with you a special event\nwe have coming up in September.\n\nWe are looking for people who are - or who have been - on home dialysis and\nwould like to tell the US Congress about this treatment option. The \"People\nLike Us\" fly-in to Capitol Hill will take place September 22-23, 2009 in\nWashington, DC. The National Kidney Foundation will pay for travel, housing and\nmeals to attend this event for advocates who fit the below criteria.\n\nAdvocates will attend a 1/2 day training on how to become your own best advocate\non September 22 and how to effectively share your story, followed by visits with\ntheir Senators and Representative on Capitol Hill on September 23.\n\nPlease contact me at erink@kidney.org or 800-622-9010 ext 213 for more\ninformation.\n\nAt this time, we are only seeking people on home dialysis (home hemo or\nperitoneal dialysis) or people who have previously been on some form of home\ndialysis from the following states and Congressional districts listed below. We\nare specifically looking for constituents from Members of Congress who on the\nWays and Means Committee, specifically the Health Sub Committee.\n\nTo find your Congressional district and Members of Congress, please go to this\nweb site: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd. Please forward this\ninformation to anyone you know who lives in the districts we are targeting\n(refer to the list below).\n\nArkansas (Representative Mike Ross - District 4)\nFlorida (Representative Kendrick Meek - District 17 or Representative Ginny\nBrown-Waite - District 5)\nMassachusetts (Representative Richard Neal - District 2)\nNevada (Representative Shelley Berkley - District 1)\nNew Jersey (Representative Bill Pascrell -District 8)\nNew York (Representative Joseph Crowley - District 7)\nNorth Carolina (Representative Bob Etheridge - District 2)\nTexas (Representative Sam Johnson - District 3 or Representative Kevin Brady 8)\nWashington (Representative Jim McDermott - District 7)\n\nPlease contact me at erink@kidney.org or 800-622-9010 ext 213 for more\ninformation.\n\nThank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.\n\nErin Kahle\n\nNational Kidney Foundation\nConstituent Services Programs Manager\n30 E. 33rd St\nNew York, NY 10016\n212-889-2210\n800-622-9010 ext 213\n212-689-9261 fax\nerink@kidney.org\nwww.kidney.org\n\n\nBe an advocate for yourself and others affected by chronic kidney disease,\ndonation and transplantation by joining the National Kidney Foundation's \"People\nLike Us\" empowerment movement: www.nkfpeoplelikeus.org\n\n\n\n---------------------",
	"In the United States, nearly 4,000 people wait for heart transplants on a daily basis. However, only a fraction of those actually receive a heart. Donors must be matched by blood type, medical urgency, size of the donor heart, and may wait for months or even years for a suitable heart donor.\nIn the United States, heart transplant surgery can cost upwards of $150,000. While this seems daunting, medical travelers to foreign destinations enjoy massive savings. In Jordan, whose first heart transplant occurred in the late 1960s, medical travelers can save up to 25% on costs found in the U.S. Those traveling to India or Singapore may save up to 50% to 75% on costs.\nFinding a Cardiac Surgeon\nCardiac surgeons must meet basic requirements and training for certification in various cardiac fields and techniques, as well as specialties. Cardiac surgeons typically complete a five-year general surgery residency, followed by two to three years of specialization in cardiothoracic surgeries. Various licensing boards that certify cardiac surgeons in many types of heart surgeries, including heart valve surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery , heart transplantation, and alternative to open heart surgery procedures as well as subspecialties.\nThe Jordan Hospital in Amman, Jordan is an example of the highly trained and experienced heart surgery hospital.\nAnother fine example of global heart care and\n cardiac surgery may be found at the National Heart Centre in Singapore, Singapore.\nIt’s your heart. Don’t limit your options. Consider medical travel to obtain the care you need, when you need it.",
	"Grissinger is a registered nurse and home program coordinator at Renal Advantage in Redlands. He and his staff train people with end-stage renal disease how to do dialysis five times a week at home, versus three times a week at a center or hospital.\n\n\"Home dialysis is fantastic because it gives the patient so much control back,\" Grissinger said. \"You're with your family in the comfort of your own home, and no one really takes care of you better than you.\"\n\nPeople who want to do home dialysis are trained how to use a machine made by a company in Lawrence, Mass., called NxStage. The machine is the fraction of the size of in-center machines and just as effective, Grissinger said. Patients also FedEx their monthly lab results to the center.\n\nTo start home dialysis, the patient receives a visit and home inspection, schedules a doctor's appointment and then is trained for five to six weeks. Most people are terrified when they start, Grissinger said.\n CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY\n\n\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"Hi all my aunt is back in hospital with a possible stroke. They are running a bunch of test. GFR is 2.7, and phospherous level is 5.1 What can I do different in her diet to bring it down????? She is also dehydrated!! No big duh on that ssince she is limited to 1500cc of fluid a day besides what she gets in her meals. I am trying so hard to do well with her diet and I guess I'm making a mistake somewhere!!! Any info welcomed!! Love and best to all. Glo",
	"https://secure.medactionplan.com/mym...dule/index.htm\n\nMyMedSchedule.com allows patients to create free, easy to read medication schedules.\n\n\n\n\n\nPrintable charts are easy to create and update frequently\n\n\nGet reminders to take your medications by text message or email\n\n\nRefill reminders—reorder your prescriptions before they run out\n\n\nMonitor your daily medications, their strengths and uses as well as your recommended dosage\n\n\nIdeal way to inform a new physician of the meds you’re taking\n\n\nPrint your charts in English or Spanish\n\n\nConvenient wallet sizes are simple to carry with you at all times\n\n\nMaintain med schedules for yourself, family members and friends\n\n\n\nYour information is secure",
	"I am a 46 year old male who up until the end of last year was perfectly healthy and had no protein in my urine or edema. Rather suddenly I began having foamy urine and my feet began to swell. After going through just about every kind of test possible, including lastly a kidney biopsy, I was diagnosed 4 months ago with a supposedly rare kidney disease- Proliferative Glomerulopathy with Monoclonal IgG Deposits. I've been told by Dr. Arthur Cohen (a leading Nephro-Pathologist who provided my diagnosis) that only a handful of studies have been done on a rather small subject group due to the rarity of this disease. My Nephrologist, Dr. Dean Kujubu, says that it appears that roughly 1/3 of the patients get better, 1/3 bounce around in the middle, and 1/3 go onto full renal failure. There is no evidence that any of the standard treatments available today have a direct impact on the above outcome.\n\nI was previously experiencing about a 60%GFR until just recently, which I believe would have put me in the stage 3 CKD. However, it has recently dropped down to 30% in about a 3 week period. I noticed that a few people have also come to the conclusion that this type of a drop maybe linked to dehydration. I am currently on 140mg of lasix for my edema. My doctor has suggested that I monitor my liquid intake more closely and get between 6-8 glasses of liquid regularly per day. I'll be retesting next week to see if this makes any difference.\n\nWe have been experimenting with several drugs like Valsartan and others to address the protein issue, but so far I've experienced worse side effects from the drugs than the disease- dangerously high potassium and dangerously low sodium chloride levels. I was just curious as to whether or not anyone else on the forum has the same diagnosis? I would love to compare notes and experiences.\n\nI've followed this forum for awhile before joining today and have been truly impressed with everyone's brave approach to what can be a scary disease.",
	"In June my husband's kidney doctor told him if his kidney function numbers, like potassium and creatinine, did not improve he would have to start dialysis. The numbers did improve some, up until the last four weeks. His potassium today was 4.87, but his creatinine was 6.99, the highest it's been in a month. We asked the doctor this morning how we would know when it's time to start dialysis, and he was pretty vague. He's told us late this year/early next year, but he told us today not to follow the creatinine number, that dialysis would start when Ken didn't feel good anymore. Is there any \"baseline\" point at which dialysis should start?",
	"DaVita Inc. announced Friday that it now has 1,000 patients taking part in the company's nocturnal dialysis program.\n\nThe program allows patients to receive dialysis while sleeping overnight at a clinic, allowing patients to maintain a full schedule during the day, including working full-time.\n\nThe process also takes place over six to eight hours, instead of the three to four hours required for typical dialysis.\n\n\"DaVita continues to improve care by moving toward a patient-centric approach to modality offerings, which pairs patients with the right modality for their medical needs and social circumstances,\" Allen R. Nissenson, DaVita's chief medical officer, said in a statement.\n\nDaVita (NYSE: DVA) is a provider of kidney care in the United States, providing dialysis services and education for patients with chronic kidney failure and end-stage renal disease.\n\nSOURCE: Los Angeles Business\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"Hello everyone, glad to find this forum by chance.\nwell i am new to this, i am at age of 24 now found out i have a kidney failure by chance when i was doing a usual chek up. My cri. was 5 then in a matter of days it jumped to 9.6 again i say in a matter of days. i went to the hospital get my self checked tommrow it will be done with 14 days here in the hospital. Cri. level is now 7.50 after being under heavy treatment. Yesterday i had my PD in my stomach they say its better and easier and gives more freedom moreover, will be easly removed later on if i get a transplant. Drs refuse to start dialysis even though am done with the operation they say its not the time time yet and they still hope something before starting. Now my questions are\nhow can dialysis help? chances ?\nwill i still be on strict diet during dialysis\nisnt it better to do a transplant rather than passing this dialysis thingy?\nhow long it takes to see if dialysis is working or not ?\nhow long kidneys live if i get transplant ?\n\nWell excuse me for my english. and sorry for asking too many questions but it all happened so fast.",
	"I was diagnosed with FMD (Fibromuscular dysplasia) in 1983. I am now in Stage 4. My GRF is 25%.\nI've been seeing my PCP for about 20 years now and I thought she had a handle on my condition. I didn't realize until last year that I was in Stage 4. I now get a copy of my labs and started researching the highs and lows of Stage 4 CKD. For the last 2 years, I've been bleeding under my skin, horrible bouts with gout, swelling my feet and legs, fatigue, depression. Because of the frequent bouts of gout, I told her that I wanted to try allupurinol. She should have told ME about allopurinol. I'm beginning to feel that she is not paying attention to my CKD. I do have a nephrologist and I am considering seeing her rather than PCP. The last 2 years have left me with more questions and a feeling of helplessness.  The internet has been my lifeline for some of my questions.\nI don't feel confident that my family will be supportive and it scares me. My family knows that I'm in Stage 4 and nothing more was mentioned. Makes you feel really alone.\nWhen I go on dialysis, I will chose PD for as long as I can.\nSorry for rambling-First time posting.",
	"Hi can anyone please tell me what it means to have protien in your water and what it means , is it what i am eating or drinking and how can i try to put it right jenaveve .",
	"I have been going to dialysis now for almost eight years and I think I have a routine quite set now. I am on the morning shift and I find that as i begin treatment I actually fall asleep and fifteen minutes before I am to get off I wake up. Sometimes I will atetemp to read a book but that does not last and I eventually stlip off.\nYou would think I would be a pretty rest full person but know sometimes when I am at home I find myself drifting off. I try to keep myself oocupied by getting a job but no one wants to hire me. I am now trying volunteering I have not been called back either but it has only been a week. Hopefully with some experience I get from volunteering I will eventually get hired.",
	"Since I was first diagnosed with CKD five months ago I have relied on my family and friends for support. They have been kind and generous with their time and concerns and for that I am truly grateful. I must admit, however, that no matter how good their intentions are they just can’t fully understand what I’m going through. The sadness, despair, depression, anxiety and out right fear I seem to battle with on a constant basis.\n\nI know that I have contributed to this and have tried to protect them in some way by putting on a strong front and assuring them that I’m handling things ok while the whole time, inside, I’m telling myself, “What a load of crap!”\n\nThe truth is I’m scared!\n\nOne month prior to being diagnosed I moved to a new state to be closer to some family and started a new job. After being diagnosed I tried to continue to work but soon had to admit that I just couldn’t maintain employment at this time. I also did not have much chance to develop many friendships in this new town although the people here in general have all been very nice. I do feel fortunate to have an excellent medical team behind me.\n\nI’m hoping this site will allow me to connect with others who are going through this so that I may learn from them and get some guidance, support and even a kick in the pants when I need it. I have been encouraged by the posts that I have read and am hopeful. Thank you all.",
	"I'd like to say that it is all the comments from the folks here that have helped me cope while dealing with the dx of CKD. Though I've only been around this forum since July this year, I've enjoyed everyone's friendship and them sharing their experience.\n\nSomeone I haven't seen here for some time now is annie. I miss her comments. Has anyone heard from her or know how she is doing lately?  I hope and pray that she and all of you are in good spirits.\n\nGod bless.\n\nVicki",
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	"My husband was diagnosed with IgA 2 months ago. His initial GFR was 24. The nephro started him on some steroids. Two weeks later it was at 20. Two weeks after that it was 19. The doc stopped the steroids and two weeks later it was back up to 24. He waited 4 weeks to test again, and now it's 26.\n\nWhat is causing his levels to increase? I keep asking the doctor- and he keeps saying it doesn't matter, because he has a terminal case with severe scarring, so there is no chance that he'll regain any function. He also says it's \"guaranteed\" to continue to decrease and that he's expecting him to be on dialysis by the end of the year.\n\nBut it's going up...so doesn't that mean it could keep getting better? Is it normal for it to fluctuate so randomly?\n\nHow fast does GFR usually decline?\n\nI'm not sure if it matters- but he's 27 and has proteinuria, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. He's only on meds for the blood pressure/cholesterol now.",
	"Well I had my fistula surgery on Fri, arm is still a little sore. But was wondering how long be for I can use my arm and what kind of limitations do they place on the use told not to wear a watch called doc today to see how long be for I can drive and when to start with the ball any info here would help me as this is all still new to me a new way of life.",
	"Hello all,\n\nMy lovely wife Andrea of 42 has been through a lot the last few years. She had diabetes for the last 15 years untreated, she did not know she was diabetic! Anyways, this shows how important a yearly check up is.\nShe had a heart attack and had to have a bypass surgery, 5 bypasses.\nThey also had to remove her galblatter.\nBecause of the untreated diabetes her kidney functions went downhill and now she is in training for PD home dialysis on the machine. She does not feel well and she really does not like the tube sticking out of her belly. I bought a PD belt for her so you do not have to roll it up and tape it down!!She really likes it a lot.(whomever is interested:http://www.fstubbs.com/pdbelt/index.htm)\n\nIf there are any people out there that are on PD home dialysis on the machine and would like to share experiences and have tips please do not hesitate to e-mail her: velzen@comcast.net\n\nthanks\n\nRon",
	"I was just recently told by by pcp that I have either stage one or stage two kidney disease. They are setting my up with a nephrologist but haven't got appointment yet. My mother has just started dialysis three months ago. She is no help as all she tells me is is was probably caused by high blood pressure. My pcp has tested my blood several times and said that my creatinine is stable at 1.4. I think that is at the top of the good numbers but because of the familly history he has diagnosed ckd. The first few times I was tested the creatine numbers were high but I wasn't told this until they told me to get off of my fluid pills and test again. It tested normal but three months later it tested at 1.4 and then the same 8 weeks. I am trying to educate myself so if anybody has any pointers or useful info, please let me know. Thanks",
	"I know that I need it, but the concept scares the Hell out of me. I'm having dificulty accepting that I really have to have one. Any thoughts out there? What are you feeling?",
	"Hi,\n\nMy wife has leukemia from 2 years,\n\nIn the start she refused to take treatment later she accepted and now she is doing fine.\n\n\nI found this beautiful article in the site hope it helps.\n\nAs cancer caregiver my self i found this useful.\n\nhttp://www.caring.com/articles/cancer-caregiver\n\nhope it help you",
	"Heart bypass surgery\nis exactly what name implies: a detour or bypass around clogged arteries through the use of arterial grafts around the damaged areas. Coronary artery bypass surgery is also called CABG, which stands for coronary artery bypass graft.\nThe traditional approach to any type of heart surgery used to be placing a patient on a heart lung machine for the four to six hours that the cardiac surgery took. However, updated techniques are used in the 21st century.\nAvoiding the use of a heart lung machine, cardiovascular surgery today relies on what is called an off pump coronary artery bypass, or OPCAB, which allows the bypass to be performed while the heart still beats. This method reduces the risk of memory loss and mental confusion caused by loss of blood flow to the brain.\nAnother technique used by the best cardiologist specialists avoids splitting or removing the breastbone, or sternum. This technique is called minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass, also known as MIDCAB.\nHalf a million Americans undergo coronary bypass surgery every year, and numbers are multiplying as the effects of high fat and high cholesterol diets are becoming readily apparent.\n Cardiac care in the United States is extremely expensive. A heart bypass can cost up to $130,000, with average costs of $15,000 to $30,000 per graft. The same procedures cost roughly $10,000 in India, and $18,500 at the National Heart Centre in Singapore. In South Africa, the procedure cost about $12,800.",
	"I'm in Stage 4 and just wanted some feed back about bleeding under the skin. I've been experiencing this for the last 2 years, but most more recently. I sometimes look as if a truck ran me over. My arms are the worst.\nDoes anyone suffer from stomach problems?\nYour answers would be appreciated.",
	"Hi,\n\nI am a dialysis social worker and I like to be informed about what’s going on out there so that I can inform my patients of support groups, events, etc. I want to let you know that I just came across this website. You may already be aware of it. Not sure. I thought it was pretty cool. It’s called My Access Site (www.myaccesssite.com). Check it out. It takes on a city theme and each section is a particular building or part of a city. I especially liked the forum section (under café) and the rating sections (under soap box); you can rate your nephrologists and dialysis center.",
	"Hello,\n\nMy husband has been a diabetic for about 16 years now. He had to go on dialysis about 2 years ago. We like to travel and decided to try home dialysis. When he 1st started he had to do it manually. For some reason he gained 30 lbs in about 2 weeks. They kept saying he was taking in to much liquid and he wasn't. He couldn't eat much or drink because he felt so full. Anyway, they made him go back to his regular dialysis so he could lose the weight and he did. \nA week ago Monday he brought home his dialysis machine. It's working good. Does it every night. He is not gaining any water weight, thank God. But my concern is that he is tired all the time and wants to sleep all day. We were told that he would have more energy during the day since he doesn't go to regular dialysis. That took everything out of him! Mind you, he does have trouble sleeping all the time anyway.\nDoes it take time to adjust? Is this normal.\n\nJust wondering,\n\nSilirose",
	"I'm curious to know if there is anyone else out there currently treating with herbs? My husband has proteinuria and back in April had a protein count of 7910 and a GFR of 43 and dropping. Our Nephrologist wanted him to go on Prednisone which had obvious side effects. When that no longer worked he advised a biopsy then stage 2 chemo then dialysis then transplant. We advised we had no health insurance and preferred to try Chinese herbs based on an article I had read. After 4 1/2 months of a regimen of herbs his protein is at 3334 and GFR is up to 58! Still not out of the woods but within 24 hours of starting the herbs we stopped his night sweats and his energy level is great. The dr wants to see him at the end of Sept. and hopefully he will continue to support the treatment we are using. We intend to continue to test every few months to monitor but am certainly encouraged! Is there anyone else who has tried herbs? We did not want to deal with the awful side effects from the prednisone, etc. We are working with a Master Herbalist but I am currently studying to become an Herbalist.",
	"I was reading this short article about baking soda possibly helping slow the progression of kidney disease. I've attached the article. Has anyone else heard about this? What do you think?\n\nhttp://ezinearticles.com/?Shock-Find...9169&opt=print",
	"Hello All,\n\nI am a senior citizen from India visiting the US for a month. I would have to make frequent air travel while in the US. I am wondering if I start my travel immediately after hemodialysis or should I wait till next day?\n\nI have a twice a week dialysis for 4 hrs each - Once I am done with dialysis on Friday at 4pm, can I catch a 6:30pm flight? Or is it risky? I would like to visit places during the weekend before my monday dialysis schedule and I am not sure if I should book tickets for Saturday instead of Friday.\n\nAny help is appreciated\n\nThanks\nVen",
	"Hi\n I am new, so I need some assistance.\nI found out when the NKD came to town and offered free exams. I got my results, and my primary care doc didn't even know what the GFR was. I finally talked her into referring me to the Nephr dr a month later. Anyhow, I recently read an article in one of the tabloids, but I can't find it, regarding the contrast dyes.\nSearching the engines doesn't bring up info. Does anyone know more info?\nLainie",
	"Has anyone seen articles about how Baking Soda can slow down GFR?\n Also, cannot find articles about CT Scan and MRI tests using contrasts. I am new, so I would appreciate some help.",
	"My dad has diabetes. Recently he had a blood sugar check up, and his was high: 330 mg/dL. What is the diet he should follow for his health? He eats a lot.\n\nI posted the same question in What's the best diet for my diabetic father?\n\nPlease give me more suggestions. I am looking out for as many opinions as possible.\n\nThanks,\nKristine",
	"Well let me introduce myself,\n My name is Aaron, ive been a type 1 diabetic since the age of 9. i am 34 now. last april i went into ARF ( acute renal failure ) for almost 20 hours ( but htey got em working again. before that. in 2004 my endo. found me passing protein. he had put me on a medication for that. then the state oftn decided that i dont NEED health insurance. anyhoo on to the present time/s. in december i was involved in a car wreck, IDK if i did some damage to my back at the time, ( doc at teh ED ) said eh found nothign abnormal.\nnow 3 mos ago, Was dealing with back pain , but now flank pain as well, being of low income , i saved up for a primary dcare doc to see me, i had been urinating ALOT. mostly it has been clear/odorless, to the tune of about 2.5l per day, my strength is negligible doc put me on high bp meds, ( said for my kidneys) BUT weird thign is If i saw correctly, my bp AFTEr smoking was 115/52, so i would take a quarter of the prescribed dose. any higher. i get low bp dizzy. i go back on SEP 29 and am going to get EVERYTHIGN looked at kidney wise. my appetite sucks, really no motivation for eating. ( even though i want to) a Leg ulcer taking its sweet time to heal. ( retaining water or swelling 3\" below/above ulcer, ½\" beside it ( both sides) always tired even if i can sleep 15 hours. Im here trying to get my ducks in a row. and be prepared when i go see doc. on the 29th",
	"my husband is 30 yrs old he was diagnosed with stage 3 ckd in march his gfr was 28 his creatine was 2.7 now his gfr is 3.14 and his gfr is 23 . my husband is going sept 14th to be evaluated for his fistula so he will be prepared for when the time comes for dialysis. his dr said he doesnt need to go on dialysis yet but they want to be prepared so that if his ckd progresses faster they will be ready. basically what i am looking for is an explanation of what the fistula is , looks like , feels like. even a picture if someone could show me one. i have tried to look up info but i'm not finding much. i'm pretty confused by the hole thing. i try to be as proactive as i can be but i'm not finding much to prepare myself with. any info will be helpful\n\nthanks\nmillisson",
	"If you have a spare minute, please participate in a poll for all NxStage Users and NxStage Caregivers.\n\nThe Poll is on Venous Pressures when you first start your treatment at 200 Blood Flow...\nAs you know, higher pressures during the first 2 minutes at 200 blood flow can be a sign of stenosis. The venous pressure should not rise above 120 for 3 consecutive treatments at a 200 Blood Flow. What is your very first venous pressure reading?\nSome may not monitor this. If you dont, we would appreciate it if you could for one or two treatments in order to add to our poll.\nFeel free to add any comments/questions...thanks much!!\nPlease click on the following link to partake in the poll:\n\nNxStage Users Poll on Venous Pressue\n\nthanks much!!!\n///M3R",
	"Hello everyone,\n\nMy Mom has been on dialysis for about 2 years now. She had an ileostomy about 25 years ago and now has just had her second kidney removed, so there is no need for the ostomy pouches.\n\nWondering if a product exists somewhere out there than can cover up the stoma since she is no longer producing urine. I have searched everywhere and cannot find anything. I would think that such a product would exist.....????\n\nThanks in advance!!",
	"Hi:\nMy BP was running high 220/80 and my Glucose went to 40. I crashed went to Hosp; put on Dialysis 3 days straight (gasp); then assigned to a Center.\n\nSo the bills are fluttering in like snow flakes. I have only Part A of Medicare; I do have Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which apparently will take up a percentage of the initial hit --- then in 3 months Medicare ( iIam Medicare eligible) pays 80% (Dialysis, Meds, etc) and joins with BC/BS paying the remainder or something?\n\nI don't know. I have a Social Worker saying after the three months waiting period, Medicare will retroactively, to my crash and Hosp dialysis, pay it all. [I don't think so although it would be nice] I can't get to the SS Office for some time so I sit in a hysterical confused fugue thinking how much better & cheaper if I had croaked when I had the initial BP/Gucose/Kidney Event.\n\nIt appears that the initial costs are astronomical even with my BC benefits. How does anyone other than Donald Trump survive one's first dialysis sessions: doctors, meds, etc. and so on?\n\nSincerely,\nChuck",
	"I am new to this. I will be having a new upper partial and I have been told by the dentureist that I will need to have soup or soup like foods for at least three days. This is due to the teeth and jaw muscles being sore from adjusting to the partial. Any one know or can suggest what I can consume during this time? Any suggestions would be appreciated.",
	"I started PD dialysis apprx 3 months ago and ever since I started I had this little nagging ratteling cough going on. I'm not sick, or nasel or have a fever just the rattling cough. I mentioned it to Davita nurse and she said it could be cause I'm short and the fluid in belly could be pressing on lungs or something. Any way it just has gotten worse where the wheezing and rattling and coughing are constant. I went to an express care, x-ray was ok, 2 weeks later went to pulm doc for allergy/asthma test, was ok, doc gave me inhalers and I've been doing neubulizer, hasn't helped. Cough syrup, benedryl, you name it, nothing helps. So I called Davita nurse back today. She said she thinks I have fluid retention, poss CHF, so she gave me instructions to do the 4.25 red bags every 2 hours twice to see how much water weight I could get off and she would call back and if not better I'll have to go to hospital. This is my only problem with dialysis since I started, I am terrified of hospitals.... What will they do if I have to go in? Anyone out there with similar coughing and wheezing????\n\nMary",
	"Just got my test results back today....my gfr dropped from 43 to 27 in the last 3 months. Uric acid was also still high among other results that were high and low. Needless to say I am very disappointed and angry! I've changed my entire diet I excersie all the time, I've lost weight, I've been doing everything they tell me to do and I am still getting sicker!! At this point im scared that it won't stop going down. Im not dealing with it very well right now and frankly don't really want to deal with it at all! I just want it to go away!!",
	"Hello,\n\nI had a Kidney Transplant about 6 weeks ago and am going next week to have my stint removed. Can anyone tell me about this procedure and is it very painful or just uncomfortable??",
	"We found out last week that my husband will be starting dialysis within the next few weeks. He meets with the surgeon next week, so we'll know more then when he starts. He has chosen PD at night. I am sorry that I don't know the correct name for it; I'm still learning! I have a question: do any of you on PD have pets in the house, and will having one affect the dialysis in terms of the sanitary conditions needed?",
	"Hi, First of all let me introduce myself. My name is Tina aka carebear422001 and I myself have a lot of health problems some which are hard to manage I'll just list a few, I'm on tubefeedings 24/7 due to having gastroparesis( my stomach is paralyzed and can't digest food therefore I'm hooked up to a feeding pump 24/7 and I deal with constant and chronic nausea and pain around the clock, but my reason for joining the forum is for my dad. He's having is PD catheter put in today to start his home dialysis after he has his training of course. I want to be there for him just like he's been there for me since I lost my daughter and have become so sick myself so I'm looking for ways to offer him support and help him in whatever way I can, I really don't understand all that there is about kidney dialysis the only thing that my father's doctor's have told my mom and dad is that his kidneys are only functioning at 10% so he must either go to a dialysis center or he can do it at home after the training, My mother is going to be the one going to the training with him but she will also teach me how to do it in case she can't for some reason, I have a little bit of experience dealing with someone that needs constant care my daughter was born with a birth defect called spinabifida and I took care of her for 12 years so I know about keeping thing sterile, using the hand sanitizer, and always wear your mask but one question I do have and I probably already know the answer but my father wanted me to ask anyway he has a dog that he rescued from the pound about two years ago and they have been inseparable but now I feel that it is important to keep her away from him because she has long hair and sheds like crazy so if you could let me know if it is ok for her to be around him I would really appreciate some feedback, I know she can't be on the bed where he will be but is it ok for her to still be around him or is it to risky for his health. I will do whatever is best for him of course. I look forward to talking to all of you some more. I have many more questions but that is the main one for now so I'll close with that. I hope everyone is having a great day and I look forward to meeting all of you and getting some support ideas on how I can best help my father deal with this journey. Take Care\n\nTina aka carebear422001",
	"I have been diagonosed with 4th stage CKD. I have a reading of 22. My Nephrogist wants me to have a fistula , but i think it is too soon. What do you Think?",
	"Without a doubt, India has become the medical tourism capital of the modern world. Offering the latest technological advances, experienced and expert physicians and surgeons and the very best in patient care, health tourism in India has secured her place in the world as a premier medical travel destination.\nSpecializing in orthopedic, cardiac surgery in India those looking for heart transplant and plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures as well as obesity/bariatric surgery abroad, heart care surgery , surgeons in India are also leaders in health tourism for nuclear medicine, neurosurgery and cancer procedures. American medical travelers flock to India for such treatments because of the enormous savings to be had - nearly a tenth of the cost of procedures and surgeries in the U.S. It’s no wonder that medical tourism in India is increasing at a rate of about 30% a year.\nMedical travelers looking for bariatric surgery in India, or those looking for obesity and weightloss clinics in Delhi or health centers in Mumbai are offered superlative healthcare in a wide range of techniques and procedures. Compare the affordable bariatric surgery cost in New Delhi against that offered in a clinic in California and you’ll see the difference.\nVisitors to India can see the Himalayas to the north or frolic on white, sandy beaches to the south. Visit the palaces where maharajas lived in luxury or hike the back roads to experience the rustic lifestyle that is still a part of life for many native Indians. From the Western Ghats to wildlife sanctuaries, India is a place of many surprises, each one more awesome than the last.",
	"I have been on PD since February. I have been able to continue working full time. Now I'm not so sure. Today I lack energy and am extremely tired. I'm starting to wonder if it is all too much. I tried to get some housework done yesterday and feel like today I am paying the price and I didn't do that much. I have my appointment Wednesday and I guess I really need to face the issue of being able to keep working. Anybody else out there still trying to work? How do you manage to keep your house work done?",
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	"I do dialysis at home and I am intrested in doing a colon cleanse with the Acai Berry juice. Could anyone give me any feed back on if this would be a good thing to do or do i need to avoid this all together. I spoke with the dietician at the DaVita clinic that I attend, but she didn't know to much about these products. So if someone knows anything about this and could give me a better insight about it.",
	"",
	"My function has been at 17 for the last 2 years. All of a sudden I am just tired and feel faint in the morning. My legs get weak and this lasts for about 15 minutes each day and then passes. Has this happened to anyone else and if so, what can I do about it.",
	"my son is down to 14% function and his transplant is scheduled for Oct 6th( yay!) but for now he is dealing with intense leg and arm 'cramping' , charlie-horse type pains that lock him up and paralyze him instantly. He has a high pain tolerance, but this pain has him sobbing. Any of you veterans have a remedy or advice for this? It's happend twice in the past 5 days and he has to go to high school every day until the transplant, so I am worried about him.",
	"So just HOW do people get and pay for dialysis and transplant?????????\nI have joined this site on my brother in law's behalf. He is a sweety with big blue eyes\nand dark hair. My dear sister--his wife-- is a loving soul, a caretaker at heart\nwho is feeling overwhelmed at trying to save her husband's life. BBB is at less\nthan 10% kidney function and on dialysis now through the DaVita people. He\ndoes have COBRA insurance which thank God is helped paid for by the Obama\nStimulus thing--but only through Nov of this year. He has been granted disability\nby the SS Admin. But he still wants to work so-- he works 3 days a week and\ndoes dialysis the other 3 and is free as a bird on Sunday to do \"projects\" around\nthe house. I think he is doing OK with dialysis --for the most part-- but it is a tether\nat best(my thought). The first problem--They can't drop the COBRA because\nMedicare doesn't cover transplant (he is on the list). The second problem--\nWhat if he can't get a transplant before the COBRA runs out--providing they\ncan manage to pay the nearly $900 a month through June 2010. I've read on\nboards as this where it takes about a year or more to get to the transplant stage\nand that is more time than he has coverage. Do people without $$$ just have to\ndo dialysis until it can't be done anymore??? And how long is that?? I KNOW\nthat others have done this and come out the other side--I just don't know HOW.\nPlease tell me or point me to others who can. I thank you for your help. lj",
	"Hi, everyone, I'm new to this site. and I am a stage 3 CKD, with Diabetes. I came across this dairy drink and was wondering what everyone here thinks about it. You all seem that you have much more experience than me. It is\n Hood Calorie Countdown Dairy Beverage\n\nFat Free Dairy has\n0 mg potassium\n75 mg phoshorus\n160 mg sodium\n\n 2 percentreduced fat chocolate\n130 mg potassium\n 130 mg phosphorus\n 300 mg sodium\n\n\n2 percent reduced fat\n15 mg potassium\n85 mg phosphorus\n160 mg sodium\n\nThanks for all of tour input.\n\nTeresa W",
	"My wife spent 2 weeks at a totally depressing dialysis center located in the basement of a convalescent home. Pea green walls, old equipment, no contact with the new nephrologist. We did some homework and today she went to a new center with a new doc. what an amazing difference. Modern, amenities, and nice staff.\n\nAs for the caregiving side of things, I've sorta turned into an automaton. I don't know what else to do this early in the game. I come home from work, and start working around the house. She is putting 2 days a week in at her job and she helps out where she can but I've sorta numbed myself to the fact that things are what they are and they aren't going to change anytime soon. It's depressing to know that things will never be the same. I haven't turned the corner yet to see that things can be better but different. Just doesn't seem realistic. I'm hanging in there doing the best I can.\n\nNot sure why I post this stuff. I just assume that this is a common story among many.\nEscoe",
	"Hi everyone - I was just wondering if anyone has heard anything from Cassie. I haven't seen her on here in a while.",
	"I recently moved to a new state , I had a copy of old medical records and new doc immediately got me into a nephroligst . My gfr has been 28 the last two years and now is at 25. I have tried to start a low purine diet and need to lose about 30 pounds . I will be having an ultra sound tomorrow for kidney function and have completed a huge amount of blood and 24 hour urine tests. I'm mad at the old doc and scared for the future I've read some of the comments, cried some and hope for the best. I was told by old doc I could look forward to 80 and now I'll be lucky to see 5 months to 5 years according to new nephroligst, I guess I'm just rambling but this seems to help some.",
	"The Propsed Medicre Bundling Rules have been released. This will affect many on Home Dialysis...Find your nearest lawyer to mak sense of it all and read all 547 pages..\n\nDEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES\nCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services\n42 CFR Part 410, 413 and 414\n[CMS-1418-P]\nRIN 0938-AP57\nMedicare Programs; End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective\nPayment System\nAGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS),\nHHS.\n\nACTION:\n\nProposed rule.\n\nSUMMARY:\n\nThis proposed rule would implement a case-mix\n\nadjusted bundled prospective payment system (PPS) for\n\nMedicare outpatient end-stage renal disease (ESRD) dialysis\nfacilities beginning January 1, 2011, in compliance with\nthe statutory requirement of the Medicare Improvements for\nPatients and Providers Act (MIPPA), enacted July 15, 2008.\nThe proposed ESRD PPS would replace the current basic casemix\nadjusted composite payment system and the methodologies\nfor the reimbursement of separately billable outpatient ESRD services.\n\n\nView all 547 pages of the Proposed Medicare Bundling Rules\nLocated at very top of page.",
	"http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/328451...ious_diseases/\nShowerheads may be spraying out bacteria\n\n1 in 5 tested harbored bugs tied to pulmonary disease, study finds\n\n\n\nYour showerhead may deliver more than a refreshing spray of water. New research suggests disease-causing bacteria hide out inside showerheads, hitching a ride to your face and body inside water droplets.\n\nThe grimy results come from genetic tests run on samples from 45 showerheads in homes, apartment buildings and public places from nine U.S. cities in five states: New York, Illinois, Colorado, Tennessee and North Dakota.\n\nAbout 20 percent of the showerhead swabs harbored significant levels of Mycobacterium avium, bacteria linked to pulmonary disease that most often infects people with compromised immune systems, said lead researcher Norman Pace of the University of Colorado, Boulder.\n\nPace and colleagues found that M. avium and related pathogens were clumped together in slimy biofilms that coated the insides of the showerheads at more than 100 times the levels found in municipal waters that are the origins for the showers' water.\n\nOnce the pathogen-laden water spurts from showerheads, the bugs can suspend in the air where showering individuals can easily inhale them into the deepest parts of the lungs, Pace said.\n\nFor those with immune-compromised systems, Pace recommends changing out your showerhead regularly. Sufficiently cleaning showerheads may prove difficult as they are full of hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. While chlorine-bleach products may remove some bacteria, mycobacteria are resistant to chlorine. He added that microbes attach more easily to plastics, so an all-metal showerhead might be a good investment for the immune-compromised\n\nAt the end of the day, Pace doesn't recommend steering clear of the shower. \"It's like anything else — there is a risk associated with it,\" Pace said",
	"Here's a video specificly made for some of you who have been enquiring about buttonhole needles and fistulas. Fiona, I hope this helps... thanks for enquiring about it...\n\nKeep in mind its not a training video, please consult with your Dr and clinic for guidance.\n\n\nButtonHole Needles with SteriPick\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"After Chefnancy passed away... I have seen no other moderator on here? (actively)\n\nThere are a lot of spammers and a lot of people's questions are not being attended to??\n\nWhat is happening to this site??? Or is it just me?!\n\nDid everyone go to ihatedialysis.com???",
	"I had to give up my full time job because I could not work 12 hour shifts any more. It was a huge change of pace going from that to my main \"job\" being dialysis.\n\nEven though I have now had a transplant I thought I would post my experience here so help keep the DaVita forums active.\n\nI kept myself busy by being online. I found that being online not only filled up my time but brought about the support I had been looking for. Even though I learned that I can't get along with everyone online (just like in my own city, everyone has different personalities after all, so it is only natural to clash with some and to have misunderstandings with others that may never be resolved) I gained such insight and valuable input from my new net friends. I will always treasure the great people I have met on the kidney forums I go to such as the Renal Support Network's KidneySpace or the Florida Based KidneyFun forums which has an arcade or my own site which is Canadian based but open to all. I also kept busy on blogs, online games, and emails.\n\nBut I couldn't always get online where I was so I would also watch TV, read books (found it harder once I got my fistula and stopped using a PermCath), listened to music, or sleep (I always found it hard to sleep in the chair).\n\nSometimes I found it handy to have a pen and paper near me to jot down things on my mind. After all, I was just sitting there anyway. Sometimes I had complaints on my mind that I didn't want to share but helped to get them out. Other times I just felt like keeping busy so I would write what ever came to mind.\n\nI loved it when people would visit but that was so rare. Many units don't allow visitors anyway.",
	"I am probably just venting here, but maybe someone can explain why the food processors are allowed to leave off the potassium levels of their foods. According to everything I read black eyed peas and other dried beans/peas or canned are very high in potassium, yet they do not list that potassium on their labels. How can they be allowed to do this with so many kidney patients out there trying to read labels and buy wisely?\nI actually called the customer service line of one company to ask about pot. levels. The c.s. person said that as far as she knew if something wasn't listed then it wasn't in there.\n\nI'm confused.!",
	"My neph. says at Stage 2, GFR approx. 72, that he is very pleased. But he requires me to return every 6 months AND do the 24 hr. urine. Is this excessive and too frequent considering that he is supposedly so pleased with where I am right now?",
	"Twenty two years old, and it hit. the big elephant in the room, the one veryone sees and no one talks about.  I am just a bit overwhelmed. I have a genetic diease.. and I knew this day would come... but now its here, and i am soooooo scared. twenty years of mental preparation. ugghhh I am sorry to all those it hits without warning. I am graduating in the spring, I am with my boyfriend of seven years, yes I said seven. Since we were in highschool.... everyone awwwwssss... at this point. but I know he is about to pop the question (the big one, and I will see stars).... yes.. this is it. Can I do it? I feel so much guilt. Is it fair for him to take on my problems.... there are many. many. as in all medical (genetic) dieases they come in pairs. Lovely, remind me to thank the folks. ARPKD and CHF. I can't talk about it to anyone. but... how can i marry him, slung to the ground with a more than cloudy future. I feel as though my forehead reads...CREATININE 2.8...and counting... I know I deserve happiness, but why do I feel so guilt? so that white picket fence and 2 1/2 kids he wants... ummm not going to happen. and it breaks my heart. What to do? live lonely..or let the love of my life saddle himself to a life of possible lonliness...",
	"Hi - my name is Kelly and my dad is about to have the gallbladder surgery and tube placed, and will soon begin \"home\" dialysis. This is my first time to be on this site, so please bear with me. My mom will be his caregiver and she attempted to talk to him tonight about their journey into this \"unknown world\" - he quickly let her know that he did not want to talk about \"the tube\"!!! He told her that he wasn't too worried about the gallbladder surgery, but he just did not want to talk about the other. They have attended 2 classes and have had their premlim appts with the prespective doctors, who will do the surgery and his Nephrologist (sp?) - he has seemed, during this process, to be pretty prepared for this. Maybe not. I am not aware of him going online to research or much less try to find a support group. However, after reading some of the posts that i have read tonite, \"the tube\" seems to be very bothersome until you figure out what works best for the individual. Maybe he HAS looked online and perhaps has read this - thus, the dreadful attitude. It sounds to me that most patients finally get comfortable with it within time. Here is my next concern: our family has planned and booked a family cruise for late December of this year.... that is only 3 months from now..... I am pretty sure that this is not going to be attainable???? We have all been under the assumption that he would feel 100 times better as soon as he starts his actual dialysis!! This was how his doctor explained - my dad asked this doctor (approx 2 months ago) if he could atleast just wait until after the 1st of the year to begin these plans, and the doctor said, \"do you want to feel good and enjoy your cruise or feel tired and miserable? Then we DO NOT need to wait!\" From what I have gathered from peoples comments, you do not feel better that soon after you begin dialysis!!! I would appreciate some feedback - I know this is lengthy and maybe not even making alot of sense?? Feel free to ask me any questions about this matter, if I didn't explain our situation so well....",
	"Hi,my name is Dreama..My husband Ross..just started dialysis about 5 weeks ago..Its a big change for us..Hes really tired after his treaments..of 3 days a week..but I guess that goes along with it..He's not very healthy..He also has a rare blood desease,called pnh..also a genetic one sickle cell trait.which there giving him a treatment called soliris..which isn't a cure..but hopefully will cut done on his transfusions.the pnh..kills the red blood cells.The problem I have is trying to figure out his meals..I really have a problem with this..trying to get the right combinations..for his 3 meals a day..any help on this meal planing would be a help..Thank You Dreama",
	"hi everyone. today was a bad day on dialysis. the first needle hirt real bad thenmy arm started to tremble and vibrate real bad. they changed something but the needle hirtthe whole 4 hours Then i started to have bad cramps.Bad day I am getting real tired of all this stuff.Is this normal",
	"hey guys i am just new here. wats up here guys?",
	"Hello, new member here and it has been interesting reading through many of the posts. Some I can relate with and others I cannot. I think it's interesting to see that everyone is different. I have read about pre-dialysis patients having high Bun and Creatinine numbers and they're still not on dialysis while others have a relatively low Bun and Creatinine numbers and are already getting prepped for dialysis. I just don't know what to think about where I stand. Apparently, it's not good to do a bunch of comparing. I've been stage 4 for 9 years, at least. Although I've been stage 4 for 9 years, I'm just now finding out my diagnosis. Let's just say that I knew my numbers from 9 years ago, and I was never referred to a nephrologist. That's a whole other story and we won't go there.\n\n Regardless, for the past 8 weeks, I have been on the kidney diet religiously. When it comes to eating, I'm right on the mark, because, hey, I feel \"Blessed\" to have a current doctor who insisted that I get a kidney scan and a blood test due to my father's history with PKD. Fortunately I don't have PKD, but I do have severe CKD. Talk about a wake up call! My initial blood serum kidney numbers were extremely high 8 weeks ago; 3 weeks after that test, I had another, after being on the kidney diet. Those kidney numbers were reduced significantly, although still high, and still stage 4.\n\n I'm specifically not giving my kidney numbers out because I was shocked over the people on this site who are panicked over their kidney numbers; their numbers being extremely low compared to mine. I don't want to give anyone a false hope that their numbers are \"okay\" compared to mine. I think everyone needs to take CKD and PKD seriously when it comes to eating and drinking, and OTC medications.\n\n But, I have questions for the seasoned CKD'ers. Hindsite is always better than foresight, and it would help to learn from others.\n\n Question 1: Even though I understand that kidney damage is fairly well permanent (especially after 9 years) , is it possible to increase the GFR # by losing weight? How about by decreasing the Bun and Creatinine numbers? And, can someone tell me the difference between using the GFR calculator as opposed to the Croft calculator. Does it have to do with units and measurements, or what?\n\nQuestion 2: What about blood pressure medication? What role do they play in with the creatinine numbers? I mention this because I was on a b/p med for 17 years and my physician thinks, as well as my nephrologist, that, when getting off of it, it caused my kidney numbers to decrease significally. I am now on two other kinds, very low dosage--is it possible these two medications (Bysolic and Norvasc) will cause the numbers to increase, as well?\n\nQuestion 3: Can someone refer me to a comprehensive kidney diet list that will tell me the highs, moderates and low phosphorus and potassium counts in a variety of foods?\n\n Question 4: Someone please tell me kidney friendly foods that are enriched with iron. I know Cream of Wheat is, but what else?\n\n\nI'm determined to be as agressive as I can be on this kidney diet, but I have to get beyond just eating steamed cabbage, cooked carrots, corn, applesauce, lettuce, cucumbers, etc. I've already had to give up my beloved greens; thought I was eating so good before but to my horror found out that what I was eating was about killing me with phosphorus.\nGiving up chocolate, soft drinks, salty foods, etc has only been a blessing to me--so I \"ain't\" looking back on those things. I'm losing weight and feeling the best I have ever felt in many years.\n\nThank you for listening, and answering any of my questions.\n\nI AM Blessed!",
	"I take around twenty pills a day, on phos. binders, potassium binders...creatinine 2.8, stage four... no swelling or complaints. chronic anemia therefore ejections twice a week. its scarey...but my doc continually tells me, 2-4 years... but that seems ridiculous hearing stories on here? I am on a low protein, phos, potassium diet... and thats the hardest thing. anyone can tell me anything?...p.s. I am 22... p.s. I hear so many people opted for dialysis... I am on the track to get a transplant before i need dialysis?? no one else there with me? Can I eat again after my transplant?",
	"My son is receiving his transplant in two weeks(he's 16)...I was just wondering if some of you who have already been through the surgery could give me any tips or advice. If there is something you wish you'd have known before the surgery or a side effect you didn't expect, anything in hindsight you would have loved for someone to tell you?\nAlso...colds and viruses are starting to make thier rounds here...anyone know if the transplant would be cancelled if my son had a cold? He's sniffling right now...should be over it in two weeks, just checking, though.",
	"Kayaking is one of the exercises my husband and have been doing on a regular basis for over 3 years.\n\nIS there anyone who enjoys the sport. We do strickly flatwater, not any whitewater.\n\nI'm sort of wondering about being able to keep kayaking as my CKD progresses. I'm only at stage 3, but have this in the back of my mind. I get tired is all right now, other than getting up during the night to pee.....ugh! grrr!\n\nThanks for all you out there on this forum, it is nice to be able to just talk with others who are going through the same kinds of \"thought processes\" as me.\n\nGod bless,\n\nVicki",
	"This past Sunday I had one of the best days I have had since this whole process started. I went in a walk-a-thon Called the Walk for Life to raise awarenss of both kidney disease and transplants. My daughters signed up and raised money to take part. People were very generous. I decided I wanted to walk also. It was in Ottawa, Ontario, in a gorgeous park on a beautiful day. I was there with my daughters, son-in-law., wee ones in the stroller and all these people there to support all of us. I got very emotional when I looked around and saw all these healthy happy folks out there to honor someone special to them and at the same time saying that all of us mattered to them.\nSometimes we get lost in our world of machines and worry. It was such an uplifting experience. I realize I am lucky enough to be able to walk but I would urge anyone to just go to one of these fundraisers and just see the way so many care and realize it could just as easily have been them. There were quite a few onlookers who could not do the walk but loved the day.\n\nOne of the others groups there was a family I have known for years and their 26 old daughter got hit in July out of the blue with kidney failure. I have been helping to drive her to dialysis and I know it has been good for both of us. It feels good to be able to give back. I now feel better about all who helped me. I hope it also made them feel good. So if someone out there is helping you.. you are making them feel good too!!!!",
	"In the last two weeks the dialysis unit I attend have identified 4 patients who are VRE positive. These patients have been separated and are being treated in the correct manner with proper hand washing and wearing gowns by staff.\nThere are about 50 patients all up that dialyze in this unit. Usually we all go out once a year with friends and family members at Christmas to a favorite eating place for an end of year celebration but this year the management have told us that Christmas is off.\nCan they dictate to us that we can't get together because some patients have tested positive to VRE seeing that it is in the community anyway?\nIf proper hand washing and hygiene are practiced surely what we do outside of the unit is our business.\nWhat do others think?\nGod bless- susan",
	"Hello,\n\nI am a 49 year old man. Went to see PCP last week for what I thought might be the beginning of prostate trouble. Intermittent urine stream and other typical symptoms possibly indicating an enlarged prostate. Turns out my prostate is fine but my creatinine serum level measured 1.57. My Bun was normal at 13. My GFR (based I suppose on the creatinine number) is 49. All of the other numbers were within the normal range. No protein in my urine.\n\nMy PCP sent me the lab tests in the mail. No phone call, no details, nothing but a prescription for a CT scan and a diagnosis of stage three chronic kidney disease. Took me a little bit to take in that diagnosis. All the information I have now I found on my own on-line.\n\nI have read that a high protein diet can impact creatinine levels. My diet is very high in protein...or was. I did have the CT (after which I read a study indicating contrast dye can harm kidneys) which shows kidney stones. I saw the urologist yesterday. He did not want to address the CKD. I told him I was more concerned about the CKD then the stones and tried to ask him about factors that can adversely effect my creatinine level. He didn't want to discuss any of that but did recommend a nephrologist and gave me the gear for a 24 hour urine test. After more research on-line I have decided to wait to do the urine test because of the chance that the contrast dye may at least transiently effect the creatinine number.\n\nThe only real question I have is can diet lifestyle and muscle mass/BMI effect my creatinine level. I had been training for a marathon this summer. I am 6'5\" at about 180 pounds with very little body fat. The physicians I have come in contact with have been just terrible. I realize that compared to most of you my numbers are not dire, but this entire episode is freaking me out. I am grateful for any advice or information.\n\nAdditionally, apparently there is more then one way to calculate GFR. I found a GFR calculator on-line that shows my GFR at 60...assuming that creatinine level is accurate.",
	"Hello all-\n\nI have a 12 year old son who was born with a single solitary Kidney. All has been great up until this last year with two kidney infections, 1 which we spent a few days in the hospital and one minor one that we caught early. At our last check up he is showing some crystaling on his kidney. He was put on a low protein (50g) and low sodium (2,000mg) diet.\nI have been doing great with all the recipes for breakfast and dinner but am having serious problems with lunches. He is in the 7th grade and trying to find lunch meat low in sodium is almost impossible. I thought maybe I could cook a turkey breast myself and slice it to use as lunch meat but that is even high in sodium.\n\nDoes anyone have some easy kid friendly lunch ideas for me? By the way have you ever looked at the nutrition info for school lunches? For one meal (lunch) your looking at about 1700mg of sodium which is insane.\n\nThanks for listening",
	"NxStage CEO Jeff Burbank told MassDevice that the new bundled payment proposal contains several provisions his company and the dialysis community at large were hoping for. For example, Burbank told us that he's pleased that proposal would maintain individual dialysis treatment as the unit of payment.\n\nCLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"hello i hope someone could help me out. i am born with 1 kidney, i am 19 years old now and just found out that my creatinine was 2.3. i have a very high proteinuria. and my doctor first told me that i am ckd 3 having a gfr of 31. after my 24 hour urine collection she told me that my kidney function is just 21.5%. i dont get it. how can i increase my gfr? is there any way? am i going to die soon? please help me. i want to live longer. is it possible for me not to have dialysis all my life? im so scared.  i dont know what to do. please help me.",
	"I am in-center dialysis patient (Batavia, Ohio) I am seeing a psychiatrist to assist me in dealing with my illness and adjusting to life on dialysis. She has asked me numerous times if dialysis also removes built-up medications in the body. Since she has me on anti-depressants, she was wondering if these are being removed each time I dialysis and therefore decreasing the effectiveness. I have looked and looked and have yet to find any information about this. Does anyone know what exactly is removed during dialysis?",
	"I am new to all of this. Diagnosed about 1 month ago. I'm 35 years old and I found out that I only have one kidney and my Neph is trying to determine if my kidney is stable or getting worse. My GFR is 3.4. I have had many blood tests and the only thing that is high is the Creatinine. I have changed my eating habits, especially red meat and sodium. But overall, just moderation of healthy foods. I have lost about 15 pounds since diagnosed. But my Nephrologist is telling me not to be concerned with diet, only low sodium. I hear my doctor is one of the best, but I keep hearing people talk about kidney diets and their numbers are considerably lower than mine. This is the second nephrologist and the 1st said the same thing. Am I missing something?\n\nI also don't have any symptoms. I feel fine, but I have started the process of kidney transplant paperwork. I am a little lost. Things seem to be moving fast considering I don't feel bad.\n\nI guess the reason for my post is just to talk. Anyone else feel a little overwhelmed?",
	"Hey everybody\nI am new to the sight and have some ???\nI am currently on in center Hemo and I am seriously checking out HHD.\nIs it really as good as it really sounds?\n\nCurrently I am on ICD 3 days a wk 5 hrs a day ( I am a big dude, 6'5\" 270lbs.\nThey say that I would be doing HHD for apprx 21/2-3 hrs a day 6 days a wk.\n\nI visited a man on HHD this afternoon and his dad was really trying to talk me out of doing it cause all the hassle (paperwork etc). But I've got a nursing background somewhat,(Ive finished my 1st yr of a 2 yr nursing program) so I don't really think it would be that bad. My wife will b my care giver.\n\nJust curious on what y'all have to say.\n\nThanks for any help it would be appreciated alot.\n\nString_man62\n\na.k.a\n\nRon",
	"Hey Everybody\nI am new to the forum as of tonight. I found this forum due to looking into HHD.\nI have been on ICD since Jan 08 and they suggested HHD for me.\nIve had 2 transplants in the last 10 yrs. Like I stated in one of my other threads/replies\nif anyone has any questions about any tests having to do with transplants or kidney problem I will do my best to answer them.\nI'm not saying I know everything but I have been through alot in just 10 yrs.\n\nstrings_man62",
	"hello again. its nice to know that a lot of people here cares.  im also new here. and this is my second post. i have a high creatinine level, 1 kidney and have very high proteinuria base on my 24 hour urine collection. i was told to eat a very minimum protein. but instead what i did i just ate vegetables no protein at all. is it better? than no protein at all? i want to be healthy and i do my part at my best. im really very determined to live longer. and hopefully i wont experience dialysis. im really scared about it. thanks a lot. im so happy discovering this forum.",
	"my doctor told me that it would be dangerous for me if someday i would be pregnant. because my kidney would work 200%. of course as a woman i want to have a family. i really want to have a baby someday. how can i take care of myself so that it would happen. thank you. and one more thing is there anyone here had a baby eventhough the mother only have 1 kidney? i only have 1 kidney.",
	"Hi everyone. My question tonight is about being tired, buy it usually happens after I've had a busy day. For example, after we kayak for 3-4 hours - I am so tired the next day. I was able to do this for about 2 or 3 years, but not anymore.\n\nYesterday I cleaned, really cleaned the garage. I moved all my husbands power tools, used a hand brush to \"dust\" all the saw dust off the silly things and the floor and re-organized the items I knew the names of like my garden tools and car washing equipement. The rest of his stuff, the stuff I don't even know what it does/is, I sort of piled up into differant piles of like sided things!\n\nThe entire object was to clear a space large enough to do some stapling using his power stapler tomorrow to finsh recovering some dining room chairs for my friend. She is coming over to help me hold the fabric in place whilst I shoot them! \n\nToday all I've done from 6:30am until about 5pm was sleep. Well, I got out of bed around 6:30, ironed a shirt for my hubby, went to the living room with my cup of coffee, and fell asleep by 8:00am. Woke up at 1pm or so, had lunch at 1:30, and after lunch, fell asleep again until 4:30ish.... Like I was unplugged. I hadn't slept good the night before, but that isn't unusual for me.\n\nI worked very hard yesterday, about 6-8 hours of hard work. I couldn't do anything today. And I had plans to clean my house and bake a pumpkin pie for my friend coming over on Friday.\n\nAfter dinner I got some energy back, enough to cook a nice dinner, and at about 8:30pm, even started scrubbing the front entry way where we have bricks for the flooring and it's terrible to keep clean. I scrubbed them with soapy bleach water tonight but have to finish that job tomorrow. I have to try to rinse them with clear water to make sure I get up all the rest of the dirty water that I had to let dry on - because I didn't have much energy left in me. The area was waaaaaay past doing because our great little doggie gets excited when folks ring the door bell, and she often \"pee pees\" in her excitment.\n\nI haven't got my 2nd set of what my nephrologist called \"a complete kidney workup\" labs back yet, though they were drawn on the 15th. I see the nephrologist on Oct 1. As far as I know, I don't have anemia. I do have low blood pressure, which does make me very dizzy when it gets low enough, but my primary care doc is helping me with that by switching my usual Micardis HCT with just plain Micardis without the HCT when I go too low - have symptoms etc.\n\nAnyone else with that problem, tired after a day of physical activity, but no anemia.\n\nThanks and God bless.\n\nVicki",
	"How have you been affected by phosphorus? Have you heard of it? Is it important to you? Do you want to know more? These are some of the questions focused around phosphorus. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences.",
	"i have a gfr of 31. can i increase it or possibly get it back to normal level? i really want my kidney to be normal because i only have 1 kidney.  im very sad because i fil like im too young to have this kind of situation i want to live longer. i want to reach 60 years old.",
	"i have a gfr of 31. can i increase it or possibly get it back to normal level? i really want my kidney to be normal because i only have 1 kidney. im very sad because i fil like im too young to have this kind of situation i want to live longer. i want to reach 60 years old.",
	"Dear Woods Lady\nI have been on dialysis for 4 years now and after you cross the threshold its just fine. Until then nothing is fine due to the uncertainty. I can't stop that but I came to my senses the other day and started to develop this what to do when you are told you have CKD procedure and so you are my first try.\n\n\nIf you are just diagnosed, it is a very scary time.\n\nThe fear of the unknown is worse because you don't know what to expect.\n\nYou worry and have so many questions in your head such as, \"What does this mean for my future? What am I expect? What should I do? How can I get some help or resources! I feel so lost! But I don't know where to ask for help! ... I would LOVE to have someone to talk to who has been through it who can guide me!\" Well there is someone.\n\nYes, there are a lot of questions. Very valid questions. Because of this, having a lot of information bombarded at you isn't a good thing neither. Instead take a break and realize, you can only take things one step at a time. After all .. even Kidney Disease takes steps (5 steps to be exact).\n\nSo you too can take steps:\n\nStep 1: Get a small softcover notebook or spiral notepad journal for note taking, questions and answers that you get to your questions from the doctor or research.\n\nStep 1a. Take some one to the Drs office with you. Just you will miss alot. Then have a debriefing meeting to determine all he said and what he didn't say.\n\nStep 2: If blood lab results are in then ask your doctor if you can get a copy of your results. You are allowed after all as they are YOUR medical lab results then from samples from your body and you paid for them. Don't be afraid to ask. This will help you with step 3.\n\nStep 3: Research all you can about the medical names the doctor has thrown at you. Research what those lab tests mean and what the results of them mean. Write all new questions down. Are the numbers not within range (too high or too low)? You can research what can be done to help those but also talk to your doctor. If your Potassium or Phosphate or anything is out of range, ask to speak to a dietitian. Write a note so that you don't forget to ask about those and your request for a dietitian consultation. Write notes before every Drs visit so you don't forget what you wanted to talk about.\n\nStep 4: Take a deep breath and don't overwhelm yourself with information. You can only take one step at a time just like Kidney Disease does.\n\nStep 5: As you were just diagnosed there are many resources out there to help you learn what Kidney Disease even is:\n\nKidney School:\n\nwww.kidneyschool.com\n\nAlso you can read on the National Kidney Foundation's page this article:\n\nFirst Steps After Diagnosis of CKD\n\nhttp://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/ckd/firstSteps.cfm\n\nAbove all be informed and aware and in charge.\n\nWishing you the best of luck and nerve control.\n__________________",
	"Hi Everybody,\n\nI'm excited and wanted to pass on some hope to others so I thought I'd write.\n\nYesterday morning I got a transplant surgical date from UCLA. It is going to be November 10th. My living donor is a woman I went to high school with 25 years ago. She is a good friend of a friend of mine who was the first person who was tested to be a donor for me. When she heard he was turned down she stepped up and after 4 months of going through the testing process with her we are ready to go. I am extremely fortunate. Transplant will happen before I have to start dialysis. Wish me and my donor luck!\n\nHeidi",
	"Hi Folks,\n\nI saw my nephrologist last week and he said it was time to schedule my transplant. My husband is my donor. I talked with him and he called Cal Pacific in S.F. and scheduled the surgery for December 9th.\n\nMy latest report says my GFR is 11, my Creatinine is 4.4 and I'm at stage 5. I've been losing 1% of kidney function each month, so by December I'll be down to 8% function. I'm really feeling the loss now. I'm beginning to wonder how I'll be able to work up to Dec but I'm going to give it a try. Fortunately I don't feel the same each day. Some days I feel pretty good. Other days, well, you know what it's like, don't you?\n\nI know that I am very fortunate to have a donor and even though my disease also caused me to go deaf, I still feel like a lucky lady. I think next year is going to be great! I think it's important to keep making plans for your future to keep from thinking dark thoughts. I fall off the happy wagon occasionally and get depressed, worrying about the future and whether or not I'll be here to enjoy it. But, then I give myself a good talking to and try to think about plans for the future and \"just keep swimming\" like Dorie in Finding Nemo.\n\nI hope for the best for all of you. Never give up, try to stay cheerful,\nTake care,\nRaziah (Lori)",
	"Hi, I just started cycler this week. I was doing great on manual with no problems at all so I figured wow the cycler at night will be great. I don't know yet, cause I'm having little problems. First night went pretty good and slept good. The next two nights I had to unhook and end therapy early because of cramps and pain. I did manual yesterday and today I am going to try cycler again. I heard constipation and gas could cause cramping and pain during exchange, I didn't think that's what it was cause I had been going to bathroom, but maybe it is. We don't think peritonitis, bags are clear, no temp, etc. So I'm just gonna try again tonight?? I love the putting 500 fluid in for daytime and only big fluid in at night and no day exchanges make me feel totally normal, but at the same time, the being hooked up at night and worrying if your gonna roll on tubing or waiting for beep dont let you sleep to good and the ease of the manual that I had gotten so used to seems just so easy. I guess I just need to get used to the cycler like I did the manuals. I just hope the cramping and pain go away. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.........Thanks,\n\nCharli (:",
	"I went and bought the same cart that Davita has to put cycler machine on and I think they said something about it being same height as bed but I'm not sure. My cycler sits on cart approximately 1 to 1 1/2 feet above bed on cart, is that ok or could that be causing my cramping and pain when using the cycler???\n\nCharli",
	"Hi ... I am so glad I found DaVita. I'm confident I've found the right place to get the information I need.\n\nLast week I went in to get my lab results. My Doctor (Physician's Assistant) told me that I was anemic and had stage 3 Kidney disease. That was a shock. She ordered a 24 hour urine test. My GFR is 46, down from 51 in April. My creatine is 1.2, up from 1.1 in April. My GFR has been 51 for two years but no one said anything to me. The 24 hour urine test came back @ 1.1. I have all of the labs here with me but don't understand what they mean. My blood pressure and sugars are normal. I take medication for BP. I am overweight and 60 years old.\n\nHere is my dilema. We are scheduled to leave for a 6 month trip in two weeks. My Doctor told me to go ahead and leave. She said if we weren't leaving, she would send me to a Kidney Doctor. Since we are leaving, she said that I should get labs done in 3 months and watch my salt intake. She said if my labs are the same, I can see a Kidney Doctor when we return in the spring. If they are jacked up, I should see a Kidney Doctor in Arizona. We put in a referral to a Kidney Doctor here but I'm pretty sure I can't get in before we leave.\n\nMy friend works for a Kidney Dr. in another state. She gave my stats to the nurse who told her that I should postpone my trip and go see a Kidney Dr. immediately. I questioned my Doctor again and she recofirmed what she told me, to go ahead and leave, watch my salt and get labs done in 3 months.\n\nAny suggestions?\nAny advice?\n\nThanks SO MUCH,\nAnne",
	"I am Stage four, talking to transplant Doctors. and just got put on a INTENSE diet of...limited potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. Basically everything I eat. I have always been a very picky eater... I mostly ate junk food, chips, candy, Bean&cheese burritos EVERYDAY (no joke) that was it. I NEVER ate meat, fruit or veges... my body just knew! but now... I CANT EAT ANYTHING.... I find myself going through the day not eating simply because its too hard to find \"appropriate\" food to in fact eat. I take the allotted \"naughty\" foods I am allowed to eat in a day, and STUFF it into one REALLY YUMMY GOOD MEAL. and then I eat candy and popsciles.... so basically I only eat lunch. I am actually being really good on this diet... i think?....accept I am a bird, and people constantly ask me why I am not eating. its embarassing.. and being in College... not drinking or partaking in college shenanigans...hard enough. MY QUESTION IS... WHAT CAN WE EAT THAT IS GOOD> cereal... and English muffins.... thats all I have really found. I am starving sometimes, but so scared to eat because I dont want to die. lol crazy.... ok that was my rant.... any comments?",
	"Hi everyone,\n\nWell, the leaves are beginning to fall, the days are cooling and football has begun so yet again begins a new season of change. I hope all is going well for you and I thank the Lord for the blessing of you all in my life.\n\nAs far as my health issues go there are still changes going on, some good and some bad. My knee, after surgery in June, is healing pretty well and although I still use a cane I feel it is getting stronger everyday and I've been walking for about a 1/2 hour every day for exercise. This has made my dog very happy and we both go at about the same speed so it works out well for both of us. I have still not started dialysis yet but the prognosis of my kidneys is not good and my kidney function is down to 4%. My doctor is trying to hold off dialysis till the last possible moment in order to give the fistula that has been implanted more time to heal so they won't have to put in a temporary one in my neck. The doctor said that our goal is for dialysis to be temporary with the hope of a transplant as the ultimate goal. I have a few close friends who have told me they are more than willing to get tested to be live donors for me. I have to continue to lose more weight before they can do a transplant and that process, while it is happening, is going slow and steady.\n\nOn the plus side, my diabetes and my blood pressure are now very well controlled and I have been able to lower the amount of insulin that I take. Also, I finally heard from Social Security and the learned that the Government has agreed that I am disabled and are going to give me disability benefits. I have not heard anything from Medicaid yet but I feel confident about obtaining that as well. Whenever I begin to get frustrated and depressed my brother tries to cheer me up by saying, \"Don't worry, things couldn't get any worse.\" Well, they did last week when I woke up and my vision in my left eye was completely blurry. I got in to the eye doctor that very day and also saw a retinal specialist to learn that I had a retinal hemorrhage. The treatment that I received for this was an injection of medicine. That’s right, cross my heart and hope to die, they stuck a needle in my eye. It was not near as bad as it sounds and the doctor even commented that I was a very good patient to which I informed him that I've had a lot of practice recently. The prognosis is that the hemorrhage will heal and my vision will return with time and it has already improved some. My brother picked me up from the eye doctor and as I limped out with my cane in hand and a patch over my eye he told me that all I need was a parrot on my shoulder and a peg leg and I would make for a pretty good pirate. He then reminded me that, “things could not possibly get any worse.”\n\nDan",
	"HI guys\n\nThere is this amazing Weight Loss Program that worked for my husband. The thing is, it's all natural so it is safe. It is more like a juice diet program which gives you a step by step plan to help you lose weight, cleanse your body of toxins, look terrific and boost your energy levels all through the natural goodness of juicing in just seven (7) short days.\n\nIt's called the Jump Start 7 Day Weight Loss program. I am not allowed to post any link her yet so if you are interested just do a search on the net.\n\n\n\n\n\nThanking you\n\nkaka\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n-------------------------------\ncuisine naturelle",
	"Hi can anyone tell me how to find an support group face to face in Los angeles county. Thank you this would be for a patient who is still thinking about making the HD decision thanks.",
	"Hello my name is Callie and my mother-in-law moved in with us recently after finding out she had severe renal disease and hyperkelemia(high potassium). We can seem to keep her potassium levels where they should be and she seems to be depressed much of the time. I know that there is nothing like home, but the doctor seems to think she shouldnt be left alone for the time being. Can someone please give me some advice as to how I can make sure she feels as though she is a part of our home and not a visitor or just here because she has to be..Thanks for any help.",
	"hello everyone. thank you so much for everyone who post their reply in my other threads. thank you very much.\n\ni have a new question. im 19 years old, born with 1 kidney and i have a high creatinine of 2.3. ckd 3 with a gfr of 31. how long can i possibly prevent myself from getting dialysis with proper diet? and im currently taking ketosteril.\n\nthank you so much. it is really a life changing joining this forum. thank you everyone! this forum really is a big help for me. thank you so much.",
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	"Today I went for my 2nd nephrology appointment for the results of all my lab work. I went from 38.2 GFR to 56 GFR. Even the doc was a bit surprised. My creatinine baseline was 1.4 and now it is 1.00\n\nHe told me to stop taking the blood pressure meds with the HCT in it and stick to just the plain one. He said I was \"mirco\" managing my BP with checking it too often. That I could relax a bit He was impressed with my low salt intake and how much difference it made in my BP. Of course, my BP was too low and now I should start feeling better with less medication!\n\nI will see him again in April.\n\nGrateful, oh yea!\n\nGod bless all.\n\nVickicomforting reassurance",
	"I am new and just love this forum. Great way to find answers to many questions.\nI have a question so please help, I'll keep it short.\n\nMy Dr. says I have stage 3 (47) CKD All my blood work every few months has always comes back perfect until this last few months. BUT I also in the last three months I began a new gout drug called Uloric. I have been told their is no connection. (by two Drs.)\nProblem is this is a very new drug. Just came on the market in Feb.\nI did my own research and found 1 percent of patients in the studies had blood and protein in their urine.\nThat is just what I have. What to do What to do? It works like magic on my uric acid levels when nothing else did.\nSo is their hope I don't have CKD?\nthanks",
	"hi since i have found that i have ckd. i lose weight for about 20 pounds/lbs. maybe its bec of my medication which is ketosteril and multivitamis or my diet which is low protein diet. is it good for the kidney? or not? i was calculating my gfr with the ones with weight some icreases the gfr and some really reduced gfr.\n\nthank you so much.",
	"Howdy! It's been a while since I posted. We lost 2 of our 3 dogs to cancer in June (I might have posted that already), then we did the fundraiser (it went well), now we have 2 new dogs that were abandoned in a back yard (they are very sickly and in and out of the hospital but MUCH improved over what they were), MM's most recent: Creatinine 10.2, BUN 74, Albumin 1.9, Potassium 5.2. Today we had a visit with the Neph, MM finally agreed to see the vascular surgeon. (YAY!)\n\nQuestions/Discussion:\n\n1. This new Neph told us we cannot do PD because of the protein leak associted with it. MM has membranous glomerulonephritis (sic) and has low albumin because of that. Anybody here who has membranous glom... who is on dialysis?\n\n2. Anybody have a Graft? Issues with it? Why do you have that instead of a fistula? Pros/Cons. Do you have a picture of your graft?\n\nThanks\nMalibu",
	"Who to believe these days....\n\nhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...9YalwD9AVS61G1",
	"Hi everyone. I'm Shawna & I'm 19 years old. I'm not on dialysis yet, so I hope it's okay for me to post here.\n\nI was diagnosed maybe 4 or 5 years ago. First they said nephrotic syndrome, then they said FSGS. I don't know the difference. My mom took me to the doctor because my legs were so swollen that I could barely put my shoes on. They took a urine sample & said it had protein in it, so they sent me to a kidney specialist. After a few months of seeing him, he sent me to a pediatric kidney specialist. It was there that they started calling it FSGS. I started off on prednisone, I think. The side effects were so horrible that I couldn't handle it, so they put me on a number of other things, but they never worked. My doc basically said he was going down the list, & the further I got down the list, the less chance they had of working. I've had two kidney biopsies. I apologize for not being able to remember everything, but it's a lot to go through when you're still in high school.\n\nI'm currently on cozaar, aspirin (to prevent blood clots, I think), & Lisinopril. I'm on other medication, but for non-kidney related things. I'm 5'1\", & in high school I weighed around 130 pounds. I was horribly self-conscious which led to depression. I now have panic attacks so bad I've gone to the emergency room convinced I was having a heart attack. My doctor doesn't tell me a whole lot. I know a lot of people will say what stage they're in, but I have no idea. For the last little while, he's been saying things are pretty much staying the same, & he finally took me of lasix, since I'm down to 112 pounds (how that happened, I have no idea).\n\nNext month I start seeing a new doctor, an adult kidney specialist. My current doctor really confuses me sometimes. One day he'll tell me that I'm going to need a kidney transplant, & it would be best if my twin sister donated (I refuse to let her), & the next he'll say there's no point & I'll just need dialysis. Once he even put me on a new medicine, & told me to continue taking the old medicine. When I came back in for a check-up, he said I was taking way too much & it could be dangerous. He blamed his nurse for telling me to take both, but it was him that told me to.\n\nI'm so nervous about everything. I try to stay optimistic, but I know nothing about dialysis. He told me there were two options: I could come to the hospital every time & let them do it, or I could have a tube surgically inserted into my stomach so I could eventually do it at home. After reading more about it online, I'm even more confused, because there are so many forms of dialysis, so any advice on that would be great.\n\nI'm so sorry to ramble like that. The main point I wanted to get to is this: I've been having some pretty bad health issues that my regular doctors haven't been able to figure out yet, & I was wondering if anyone else has gone through this & if it might be related to the disease. I thought it was a panic attack, but my doc said it shouldn't last this long. For like a week straight, I'll either be really exhausted, or I'll wake up after a few hours of sleep & feel extremely wired & jittery. When either happens, I constantly feel my heart beating, & I feel like it's just going to stop beating at any minute. It'll be so bad that it wakes me up, & any sudden loud noise is awful.\n\nIf you actually read all of that, thanks.",
	"My dad who is 81 with many health problems was just transfered from the hospital to a hospises,they stopped his kidney treatments which he had to have 3 days a week because they said he is too bad to handle them> I know is going to die , but I was wondering how long can he survive without treatment. I do not want him to suffer.",
	"Does anyone know of any good protein bars that are low in phos/k that I can use to supplement my diet???",
	"I have stage 3 CKD. I have a great support system with my wife a nurse and my world.\n\n\nOk I went to the dietitian only to find out I need to eat white bread, white rice etc. Seems most of the healthy foods are out. I use to juice veggies twice a week, now cannot. Most of the \"good for you foods\", grains nuts milks seem out.\n\nMy Dietitian said quote, \"Your blood sugar is great so feel free to eat as many marshmallows and jelly beans as you would like.\n\nMy close friends are health nuts and are telling me I am making a mistake. Healthy eating with lots of raw foods full of enzymes, proteins, veggies, carrots beets etc. will save me.\nYou tube is full of videos on renal diets, juicing etc that go against all we think is right.\n\nI really don't want to experiment as my GFR number does not have any room for the wrong approach.\n\nThanks for reading.",
	"My husband has just started dialysis. Has been on it for about two months. He has started having a metalic taste all the time and has now stopped eating right. He is losing weight too fast. He is on a calcium binder.( Calcium Acetate.) I have been reading about some of the other binders, and they cause this bad taste. Could the one hes on be causing this and if so is there one out there that doesn't.",
	"Hello,\n\nI'm trying to get as much information as I can to organize a support group for dialysis patients in my area. I would greatly appriciate anyone who would help me by answering the simple questions below.\n\nThank you,\nMallery\n\n1. Being a dialysis patient, have you ever had any health related questions that you needed assistance in getting the correct answer?\n\n\n2. If there was a support group available in your area for dialysis patients, would you attend it?\n\n\n3. How long have you been a dialysis patient?\n\n\n4. Do you think that attending a support group for dialysis patients would be beneficial to you?",
	"STAGE 4, predialysis, Chronic Kidney Disease\n\nHas your nephrologist encouraged you to take vitamins? For what reason?\nHas your nephroloigst discouraged you from taking vitamins? For what reason?",
	"Is it normal to have some fluctuation in your creatinine levels. My labs look like this, 1.63, 1.63, 1.63, 1.47 and now 1.57.",
	"Hi Everyone with PKD,\nAfter sharing my knowledge and experiences with many of my family members, who have developed end stage renal disease and had to undergo some form of dialysis to sustain their lives, and also fellow dialysis patients at my unit, and anyone else out there, that have concerns about living a long, productive life with dialysis, I am living proof that yes you can live a long productive life with dialysis. I also know first hand how complex this renal diet can be, From the early 1990 when I started dialysis, it still remains complex this very day, although it has gotten a little more liberal through the years, because I remember the chart that was given to me by the dietitian of the unit,and it wasn't a very friendly chart I swear that chart was screaming at me, with all those red x's marked through all the food that happen to be my favorites. I tried to follow that chart to a T. I soon grew tired of my food tasting so blaine, with no flavor whatsoever. I had to find a compromise to this, so I began to search libaries and bookstores for a renal diet book, and couldn't locate one, so I did the next best thing, I researched nutrition books, and collected those recipes cards at my neighborhood supermarket and I studied them, and began to substitute one ingredient for another, that would help in accomodating my particular renal diet needs. As I have learned through the years that every dialysis patients diet isn't followed exactly the same, however, there are some similarities. I am not a diabetic, so my recipes are geared directly towards non-diabetic dialysis patients, but a lot of my friends that are diabetics on dialysis, have tried some of my recipes, because they liked my recipes, because they were so tasty and easy to make. Even though they are diabetic, they still have to follow a renal diet, inspite of their diabetic diet issues. Most of my recipes that I share in the book are very easy to prepare and make. And I do point out some very important nutritonal facts where the intake of potassium and phosphorus is concerned. And of course throughout my book, I stress the importance of taking those binders. Sharing my experiences and knowledge in this book, I hope can help anyone out there get a grasp on this very complex renal diet, and how to continue managing their good health with dialysis and medication. I had a ten year run with hemodialysis and now in my tenth year of peritoneal dialysis. I also talk about numerous Grafts and repairs that resulted me to transitioning to peritoneal dialysis for treatment.\nMy book is available online at www.xlibris.com, just click on the bookstore and search lower righ sidebar - My Renal Life - by Gloria Ann Jeff-Moore - you can read a brief description and then click on My Renal Life - an read an excerpt and my author bio.\nThank You,\nGloria Ann Jeff-Moore, a veteran PD dialysis patient at Davita, Fairfield, CA",
	"I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this. I was going through some of the modules on kidney school (very awesome site, by the way), & I started reading about anemia & kidney disease. Apparently it's really common to get anemia with kidney failure (I'm a little concerned that I might have it, but I could be overreacting). If anyone knows anything about anemia, I was wondering if smoking effects it. Is it dangerous to smoke if you have anemia?",
	"Ever since I started pd dialysis 4 months ago I've had this cough (itchy dry cough constantly). They tested for everything, allergys, fluid, bronchitis and I've tried everything, cough syrups, benedryls, sudafeds, cough drops, inhalers (albuteral) even the big breathing machine with stronger albuteral. Nothing at all works. So they think I have gerd from fluid pushing up and causing the gerd cough. I've trid pepcid otc, prevacid, tums, mylanta, maalox and none of that works, so maybe it's not that. Any clues and does anyone have this problem??????\n\nThanks,\n\nCharli",
	"I can't find their thread. It was the same question I had before I asked my nephrologist.\n\nIt was, \"are all antidepressant medications safe when you have CKD?\"\n\nI've copied my old post and I'll paste it here for whoever it was that wanted that information, sorry I don't remember your name, and it has been a little while ago now.\n\nHey folks, I just learned something that I'd like to share with you.\n\n I finally have something to contruibute.\n\n When I went for my usual 3 month medication check-up today with my psychiatrist who treats my long time depression, I told him about my new dx of CKD. I asked if my current medication was okay to continue. I use Pexeva (very much like Paxil).\n\n He said the only antidepressant he knows that is processed (or whatever the correct word is) through the kidneys is Cymbalta. The others are processed through the liver.\n\n I asked if it is all the drugs in that class (SNRI, rather than SSRIs) and his answer was it is just Cymbalta. So for anyone out there who is currently on Cymbalta, please talk with the doctor who Rxs it to you and to your nephrologist.\n\nGod bless all of you.",
	"Has anyone tried ProRenal QD? I just ordered some. Seems ok but would like feedback. thanks.\n\n\n\n Attached Images \n\n Capture.JPG\n(75.4 KB, 1303 views)",
	"Is it recommended for non-dialysis CKD patient?",
	"Hello,\nI am new here at Davita Discussion Forums. However, I am not new to the world of Kidney Disease or Dialysis. I am 20 years old and currently on Hemodialysis at a Davita Center. I have End-Stage Renal Disease. This is my second time on dialysis and it is a whole lot rougher than the first round was. I have been on Hemodialysis since December of 2007. I also, do not have any kidneys at the moment. I am barely getting by on dialysis. I hope to meet some people who have to do dialysis and get to talk to them. I have been looking for some support for a while now, thanks to a dear friend, I was able to find the forums on the Davita website. So, please just let me know and I will love to keep in touch with everyone.\n\nDialysisgirl09",
	"Hi, this is my first time posting. I have just been diagnosed with CKD, probably caused by 30 years of Lithium. I am 47, at stage 3. My creatinine is 1.6. My Bi Polar has been very well controlled. I do not want not stop taking Lithium!! I will see my Psychiatrist next week to see what he says. Any advise or a place to get more info would be appreciated. Thanks!",
	"I probably am CKD, but am not sure. My last GFR was 54 L (>60), and the one before that was >60. I have not had a GFR below 60 for 3 months, but plan to consult my doc. in several months to be retested. [Meds I take are Synthroid w/ Cytomel & an ARB Benicar for BP]\nBecause I have had a Creatinine level of ~1.0 for several years, I assume I am CKD. What do you think? Thanks.\n\nKidney Labs: 2009-1990\nDate Creatinine BUN B UN/Creat Ratio GFR\n10-5-2009 1.0 (0.4-1.1) mg/dL 16.0 (7.0-25.0) ratio GFR 54L\n6-17-2009 0.9 (0.5-1.4) mg/dL 18 (7-23) mg/dL GFR > 60\n6-19-008 1.1 (0.4-1.1) mg/dL 20 (8-20) mg/dL 18.2 (7.0-25.0) ratio\n5-25-2007 1.0 (0.4-1.1) mg/d 15 (8-20) mg/dL 15.0 (7.0-25.0) ratio\n2-14-06 1.0 (0.4-1.1) mg/dL 16 (8-20) mg/dL 16 .0 (7.0-25.0) ratio\n12-3-1994 1.1 (0.7-1.2) mg/dL 16 (7-18) mg/dL 14.5 (7.0-25.0) ratio\n7-25-1991 1.0 (0.5-1.4) mg/dL 16 (5-25) mg/dL 16.0 ratio\n8-7-1990 1.2 (0.5-1.7) mg/dL 16 (6-23) mg/dL",
	"I know Drs. don't recommend drinking if you are on blood pressure meds. Does anyone here on meds know if it's o.k. to drink socially or occassionally?",
	"Is anyone losing their hair? I am at a lost as to what is causing this and would like to get an answer...is it the treatment or my medications? Please if anyone knows of an answer please let me know..I am new to this forum...thank you very much..Beah",
	"I am on Hemodialysis. I have had problems sleeping lately. I was wondering if anyone else has had that problem and if it is normal. If so, how can I fix the sleeping problem. I would greatly appreciate your help.\n\nDialysisgirl09",
	"I really don't like to exercise, but I have been told that I need to exercise to keep my body weight up. Are there any particular exercises to do that are easy and do not wear out a person easily? I would really like to hear what you all do.",
	"Hello again. I had my one year 'versary on 9/24. I have never had a nutritionist (self paid-doc doesn't supply or require one) and was wondering if someone would be so kind as to share their nutritional guidelines for this stage in the game.\n\nI am exercising my *** off (literally)-I am still going strong at Bally's (since Febuary) and my boyfriend of six months (I got a divorce for those who keep track of such things) has paid for a personal trainer and I love it!\n\nAnyway...I want to make sure that my eating is on target so I'm not sabotaging myself.\n\nAny takers?\n\nThanks in advance,\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n-------------------------------\nformation metiers lies aux energies renouvelables",
	"My husband has Stage 5 kidney failure and he's been under the care of the same physician for 5 years. I started to accompany my husband on his doctors visit and recently have been doing a lot of reading on the internet about the symtoms and the care of his ailments. He is experiencing the usual anemia, constipation, insomnia, itching and fluid retention, however he is not taking any medications to address the anemia and the itching. NO phosphorus binders and no IV therapy for the anemia. His GFR is 13, which I mentioned to his doctor if he should be on dialysis, but the doctor said he will be considered at 11. The doctor also mentioned that dialysis will not make him feel better, so my husband does not want to do dialysis. I feel like we're not getting the proper treatment.",
	"Hi my name is marty and i am new to all this. i had a cath port put in friday and had one 2 and a half hour treatment that night then a 3 hour one on saturday then i came home. today i start at the clinic here in town with a 5 hour treatment. i have a small lap balnket. a book and book light , a small dvd player and some dvds to watch. i am so new to all this i am still in shock. i was never sick in my life. never had any kind of surgury and now at 52 am learing i have this kidney thing to deal with. so far i have not had a real bad expierence except that there is way to much blood drawing to suit me in the hospital i am balck and blue from lab work. what a nightmare. that is the part i hate so far. in the 2 short treatments they took off 18.2 pounds of fluid and i already walk and feel bettter. i am on steriods and the doc says she believes the treatmnent is already working for me. i am not up to par on knowing all m lab work levels and what they all mean. i am still learing. i have to take things in small steps . too much info at a time and i start to flip out and panic. i told the doc to only tell me what i needed to know to get throught the day at hand . i will know more as i go along. it is the only way i can handle it. im still scared of the unknown but looking foward to feeling better as i go along. and hopefully this will not be something i must do forever . God is good and i Pray for healing to manifest . i wonder do people eat during the 5 hour treatments? i do need info so if anyone wants to email me please do. Peace to you all and God Loves us!!",
	"Recenly I was surfing the net for information about kidney failure. I found a web site that\nlisted the top 10 or 15 foods for dialysis patients. Now I can't find the site again. I thought it was on the Davita sight but I have not been able to find it again.\n\nCan anyone help?",
	"Are you fed up with fads and want a diet that can provide a lifetime of effective weight control? If so, the No-Fad Diet is the book for you! Lose weight and feel great without taking chances with your health! Learn how to Think Smart, Eat Well, and Move More to stay on track for a lifetime of successful—and safe—personalized weight control.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n--------------------------\ntechnicien conseil en economie d'energie",
	"To all PD patients, I have a beef about a supply from Baxter, I have been on PD for almost ten years now, and I have been pleased with most of the supplies used to make things easier and convenient for a PD patient, but in the last month, I was forced to use a new cleaning solution for the daily cleaning of my PD catherer and the surrounding area, and I am not very happy with it, because it doesn't work as good as surclens, in which I have used since day one of transitioning from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis. This new solution that they have changed to, it doesn't keep the gauzes lubricated to loosen the dry blood and maybe clots that can form during the cycler treatment. This new solution seem to dry up so fast that it doesn't even lubricate enough to loosen what forms around the hole of the catherer. I want to know if any of you PD patient out there are experiencing this right now. I was told by Baxter that they stop supplying this solution, and that I have to get it from my PD nurse at my unit, well I have tried this new solution for over a month now, and I am not pleased with the results, besides you have to use so much more of this new solution to attempt to keep it lubricated. I don't know about all you PD patients out there, especially if you have been on PD for more than five years, I want surclens back, could it be that they are trying to lower the cost of supplies to PD patient at Baxter, because that change really doesn't benefit PD patients at all. I'm strongly thinking about calling the distribution company to find out how I can purchase surclens on my own. Any thoughts on this situation sure would be welcomed. In my opinion, Baxter don't give a rats about PD patients welfare, all they care about is saving and profits.\nGlo",
	"Our 36 yr old daughter is starting her second week of dialysis and experiencing severe hand cramping by the evening. She had an issue with low potassium off and on before dialysis and received IV replacement as well as ptassium by pill. Her labs since being on dialysis have been \"perfect\" as quoted by nurse at center. PLEASE any suggestions for helping ease the cramping? Her fingers actually lock at times.",
	"Just wanted to touch base with a few of you that may be on dialysis. My GFR is down to 9% and my PTH is through the roof. My doctor put me on Hectoral to lower my PTH. However, my sodium, phosphorus and potassium have always been normal. Can anyone explain why my other numbers would be so great and yet my GFR continues to slide?\n\nDo most people who start dialysis have uncontrollable blood results? My only issue is I'm a bit anemic (no shots), high PTH, high CO2 and of course, my creatinine is at 5.2. Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks.\n\nDialysis is starting sometime next month.",
	"Here’s the slides CMS will be presenting tomorrow at the Open Door Forum on the proposed bundling rules.\n\nSpecial Open Door Forum Participation Instructions:\n\nThursday, October 15th, 3:30 – 5:00 pm EDT\n\nDial: 1-800-837-1935\n\nReference Conference ID#: 26811397\n\n\nESRD_PPS_Proposed_Rule_Open_Door_Forum Slides for October 15\n\nHope to see you all there....",
	"I'm a mom of a wonderful 11 year old girl. About a month ago, she began complaining about belly aches and had a low grade fever. 2 weeks later, we were told she has rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The nephrologist put her on prednisone and MMF (immune suppressant). Her creatinine fell from 1.6 to 1.2. However, this week it's back up to 1.6. She says she feels good, but her eyes look funny. Her face is beginning to puff up from the steroid. I'm so scared. I've prayed and cried and prayed and cried....I absolutely can't function. I try to keep a brave face for her, but this is just such a nightmare. I don't understand how a perfectly healthy 11 year old is fine one day and then seriously ill the next. We're on a low sodium diet. Trying to keep it around 2000 mg/day. Any words of encouragement from anyone (any parents who are coping with sick children?).\n\nMuch thanks! God bless!",
	"Does anyone know if Tinnitus and CKD are ever related. I have had as long as I can remember a little ringing in the ear but the last week it has been turned up. I have checked my meds and also BP and all is normal.\nThis constant noise that you just cannot get away from is more then I can take. It is worse then CKD could ever be. It just never stops.\nSorry, ok just wondering if anyone deals with this as well.\nthanks",
	"My husband is 62. He was born with spina bifida and fought kidney infections all his life. He finally started on dialysis last October. He has a very bad heart and had a stroke in July. For the last 10 months, we have been fighting with pressure sores from sitting so long in his dialysis chair and decreasing mobility. Last Friday, the sores became septic and he had to have about 1/4 of his buttocks removed because of the infection. The infection was into the bone and his is on IV antibiotics. The wound is very large and his sphincter was removed. His heart is too weak for a colostomy and he is being transferred to a long-term acute care facility so he can receive IV antibiotics and dialysis. The wound nurse says that there is only a very slim chance that the wound will ever heal. Under the best circumstances, we are looking at over a year to heal. The long-term acute care hospital will bill us under insurance like a regular hospital. Then he will go to a skilled nursing facility where we have 20 days of full coverage, then 80 days of $50 co-pay. After that we will have no coverage. Of course, we can't afford that. In addition, he will have to be transported to a special care dialysis center via stretcher because he will not be able to sit for more than a few minutes at a time. Insurance might cover that transportation, but it looks like we will be charged $50 a trip as co-pay. I certainly don't have that kind of money. So the only option seems to be to have a special bed at home and do home dialysis. The big question is: Can I handle it? I love him and don't want to him to die, but I am not sure I can deal with home dialysis, changing bandages two or three times a day ( in addition to when he has a bowel movement- he is currently has diarrhea and his bandages are being changed 10 times a day), cooking special meals and maintaining our home. But how do you not take care of your one true love? We have been married for 36 years. I have been in fear of his death for at least 20 of those years. I have a bad back and am not working now, thank God, but I am still not sure I can handle everything it will take to care for him.",
	"Those of you who are on dialysis might want to keep close attention to whats happening to Medicare End Stage Renal Disease changes in 2011 that may affect the dialysis care you recieve. As far as I know, the bundling seems like a good rule that will optimize how dialysis services are given and may curve over-billing, over-spending, and even over-use of renal medications. For some of us who do dialysis at home using Nxstage System One it may may be a good move as Nxstage Medical has been in favor of these changes(Boon for Nxstage medical) However, there may be some parts of the rule that may affect some of you so its important to study and keep track of progress about these changes. What are your thoughts?\n-\n-\n-\n\n-\n-\nFOR MORE INFORMATIONS VISIT:\nhttp://www.cms.hhs.gov/ESRDPayment/\n-\n-\n-",
	"Those of you who are on dialysis might want to keep close attention to whats happening to Medicare End Stage Renal Disease changes in 2011 that may affect the dialysis care you recieve. As far as I know, the bundling seems like a good rule that will optimize how dialysis services are given and may curve over-billing, over-spending, and even over-use of renal medications. For some of us who do dialysis at home using Nxstage System One it may may be a good move as Nxstage Medical has been in favor of these changes(Boon for Nxstage medical) However, there may be some parts of the rule that may affect some of you so its important to study and keep track of progress about these changes. What are your thoughts?\n-\n-\n-\n\n-\n-\nFOR MORE INFORMATIONS VISIT:\nhttp://www.cms.hhs.gov/ESRDPayment/\n-\n-\n-",
	"The AIDS epidemic is spreading its arms as time passes by; many don’t even know they are infected while many have already fallen prey to it. As of today, about 0.5% of the total population (around 40 million) is infected with HIV/AIDS. Since 2003, a company by the name of CytoDyn has devoted its time and effort to find a cure for this deadly disease. Recently, they have started working in collaboration with the Massachusetts General Hospital on their immune-based therapy for AIDS, a drug called Cytolin. You can view the current press release about this development at the link below:\n\nhttp://blog.insidecytolin.com/?p=197",
	"I am stage 4 and my calves have been hurting and I wake up with terrible leg cramps. Any suggestions?",
	"Hello everyone. My husband was just diagnosed with stage 4 renal failure and I am trying to plan adjustments to his meals. He also has type 2 diabetes. I have used the Davita site and others for information. I am finding it difficult to get enough total calories, taste and variety into a low sugar, low simple carb., low sodium, low potassium, low phosphorus, low cholesterol diet. Any information, experience and/or insight would be appreciated. He can afford to lose only a few pounds. Gratefully, Anne",
	"I'm malnourished as a result of a malabsorption problem as my overall health declined commensurate with my kidneys' decline. I've been told to eat lots of fat, sugar, calories and to snack between meals. I find myself in a Catch-22, being unable to comply with both (1) my dialysis diet restrictions, and (2) physician orders to take in excess calories. \n\nIn addition to this issue, I've been unable to tolerate any of the phosphorus binders. Dairy products carry lots of protein, fat and calories, but I'm afraid to consume them. \n\nCan anybody help???\n\nCan I somehow filter the DaVita recipes to pull up only NON-diabetic recipes??\n\nAre there Dialysis cookbooks that do NOT worry about diabetes or heart disease concerns???\n\nAgain, I'm non-diabetic; furthermore,I have a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. However, I'm currently skin and bones and MUST find a way to get more calories on board . . .\n\nMany thanks to anybody who is addressing these same issues and can help . . .",
	"I have read a few times where someone on PD has to go to Hemo after a number of years. Does PD just stop working after X amount of years?",
	"I am also new to this level of kidney function. about six months ago I hit 15%, went from 40% and bam! no more 24hour urin tests, only blood test. I have been dealing with high losses of protien for years but went to normal about 10 yrs ago from a mear 1600 then hear lately I went up to 6grams and now back down to 2400. and I only stopped eating hard to digest protiens. but I know nothing about a true diet that is kidney friendly. my doctors dietition has not been able to reschedule.\nI am putting up a green house any sugestions on what to grow?",
	"My first day was emotional. The reality of being on dialysis for who knows how long and starting it was overwhelming. I admit it that I cried, the staff was awesome but I had to work it out for myself. Unfortunately my fistula was deep and it was difficult to get the needles in. It has since been fixed so now it is easy to access it. Now, I am adjusted and actually have fun with the staff and other patients whom I've gotten to know. It is comforting to know I'm not the only one in this situation. I don't think long term, I just take one session at a time and get through that and live my life. Believe me if I can do it...you can too!!!",
	"I am going in a few days for a kidney biopsy. I have been lucky and not ever had an kind of surgery in my life.\nI am hearing a few scary stories and just wondering how bad is it really. I know it is nothing compared to what so many are facing but just would like to hear from others who have had this done.\nI also need two urethral strictures opened, wonder if I can do both at same time.\n\nthanks",
	"I am trying to travel to Jackson, Ms around Xmas. I checked the web site and Yellow pages and found no Davita facilities in or around Jackson. Has anyone been there?",
	"Going on dialysis for the first time is a cofusing, scary time for anyone. I began dialysis on September 7th 1988 and remain on hemo dialysis to this day. I was 33 that day but will soon turn 55. I went through a wide range of emotions during those very difficult first few weeks and months of adjusting not only to having a life threatning illness but the lose of income from not being able to work, the feeling I had no control over my life and what was happening to me. Thne there is the diet of all diets. To top it off my wife of 11 years could not handle this and left me the first weekof my dialysis. She left me and our 11 year old daughter. I had no family in Tyler, Texas to turn to. My wife was the only one bringing in money at the time so I was being hit in every direction and I had to face it alone and try to raise our dauhgter without a mom. Now it is 2009 I have many years experence in dealing with kidney dialysis and all the complications that can occur. I have had heart attacks, mild strokes and many infections with this Polycystic Kidney disease (PKD).\nI did not realize that my just being there at the clinic was an inspiration to others who were just starting out on dialysis. They would hear of me and want to talk to me about it. So I began to stop in at the unit on my off days and greet other patients. I would hand them a piece of gum and tell them \"hey I know what they are going through.\" I would then tell them my story of survival and this gave them hope. I found I could be useful to someone and it felt good to be able to set and listen to them and try to encurage them. I have had my share of bad times on dialysis but have always come through them. Trying to maintain a positive attitude can be hard at times. I lost a borther, sister and dad to kidney failure during my 21 years on dialysis, except dad died when I was 7. My faith in God helped me also. I know many eyes are on me at dialysis so I try to set a good example by dieting and staying upbeat even when I am not feeling like it.",
	"I see a few people are using Mrs dash but from what on read on their fact sheet (see Link) It has upwards of 1700mg of Potassium per 1/4tsp.\nThat is way to high for me. Looking for a substitution.\n\n\nhttp://doclibrary.com/MFR457/DOC/MD_...ection2702.pdf",
	"Harvey Wells plans to see every Cleveland Browns game this season.\n\nEven more remarkably, he will undergo dialysis treatments as he travels to the games in a recreation vehicle. On Monday, he touted the freedom of a home dialysis machine after watching the Steelers whack the Browns at Heinz Field the day before.\n\nREAD FULL ARTICLE AT: PittsburghLive\n\n\n\n\nYou can keep up with his daily travel update news at: http://twitter.com/nxstageharvey\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"Patients want to live as long and as well as possible. Some in the renal community have\nexpressed concern that CMS has put cost before patient health and well-being by not routinely reimbursing\nfor more frequent treatments until results of the $10 million Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) study\nare published (already delayed >1 year). We wonder how many patients would have kept their jobs, had\nfewer complications and hospitalizations, had better health-related quality of life—and survived instead of\ndied—had CMS accepted data from multiple clinical trials and routinely reimbursed for 1-3 additional\ntreatments per week during the study period.\n\nREAD FULL ARTICLE AT: MIPPA PROPOSED RULES",
	"The clock has started on the public\ncomment period. The deadline is Monday,\nNovember 16th at 5:00 pm EST. Medicare\nneeds to hear from YOU. You don’t need to\nbe a policy expert or know the ins & outs of\neach rule (most professionals don’t!). Just\nshare your story and explain how the rules\nwould change your life—for better or worse........\n\nREAD FULL ARTICLE AT: Proposed ESRD Bundle Highlights\n-\n-\n-\n-",
	"I contacted McCormick this morning to find out the potassium content of their Perfect Pinch Salt free line.\n\nPerfect Pinch Italian, Salt Free: per 1/4 tsp it is 13mg\nPerfect Pinch Salt Free All-Purpose Seasoning (recently changed from Sall Free All-Purpose Seasoning): per 1/4 tsp it is 3 mg",
	"I was just told to start taking Lisinopril. But I also take Urocit-K. Dr is aware of it and he really is an excellent Dr. My question is when i research it online it shows an ACE like lisinopril with Urocit can cause a dangerous spike in potassium.\ndoes anyone have any experience in this.\nthanks",
	"Hi im looking for help from anyone who has any info for me. My dad was recently diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and they told him that he wasnt a viable candidate for chemo and they are puttting him on Prednazone (steroids) to \"put out the fires\" in his kidneys so it doesnt create any more damage. Is there any better treatment for this? What happens after the 6mths of steroids ? Does anyone have any recommendations?",
	"Dialysis can affect a patient’s sex life. The sexual side effects can include loss of desire, erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness. Loss of desire can be a psychological side effect. Patients on dialysis may deal with anxiety, depression and a change in self-image. These mental challenges can diminish the sex drive.\n\nHormone levels while on dialysis can also lead to a loss of desire, as well as physical side effects such as erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness. Certain blood pressure medications can impair the ability to maintain an erection.\n\nPatients should talk to their social workers or doctors if they experience any of these symptoms.\n\nKeep an open communication with the health care team. Let them know about any reactions to treatment so adjustments can be made. Side effects should not discourage a patient from continuing dialysis, especially since many of these side effects can be\ncontrolled.",
	"Hello to all PKD patients, and of course anyone else on this thread that just want to better understand the dialysis life, and of course how to get a grasp on this very complex renal diet, I have been living on dialysis for almost two decades now, I had a ten year run with hemodialysis and now in my tenth year of peritoneal dialysis. I share my story and my experience, as well as my knowledge of this very complex renal diet. Here is a description of the book - My Renal Life (i know it, i live it) by Gloria Ann Jeff-Moore\n\nLiving with dialysis treatments proved to be a serious challenge for me. Almost two decades ago, I developed the end stage renal disease, which left me no choice but to accept dialysis as a part of my life. Despite the hassles, I managed to adjust and keep living with a sense of hope. In my pursuit to share with readers and renal patients my story, I self-published through Xlibris Publishing the book My Renal Life (i know it, i live it). In the pages of my book, the text focuses on three important views - my copings with the inherited polycystic kidney disease and dialysis, the renal diet, and ways to prepare renal friendly meals. The education section of this book will help the readers grasp an understanding of what foods can benefit or be harmful to the renal diet, which itself can be quite a complex diet to follow. You will get a better understanding of why it is so important to keep those very important minerals in normal range to help you in maintaining good health with this renal diet.\n\nIt is online at www.xlibris.com, just click on the bookstore and search midway right sidebar - my title - My Renal Life - you can read a brief description, along with an excerpt with more details of the book, and my author bio at your leisure.\n\nThank you,\nGlo",
	"Since I was a youngster from being on dialysis and being born with End-stage Renal Disease my right leg has grown crooked. It's the opposite of being bow legged, it looks just like a valgus deformity. The worry about having a Proximal Tibial Osteotomy and being on dialysis is a greater chance of infection or it not healing which could ultimately lead to losing my leg. My question is if anyone has anything like this done? How well did you heal? Did you have any infections? Thank You so much. Oh and yes it hurts really bad 24/7."
	]