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NO MATTER WHAT AGE

09/12/2008 20:35:34

willis

7 posts

NO MATTER WHAT AGE
(N/A)

hi guys I'm new to this site so please excuse any mistakes. Although I'm a lot older than most of you of the posts I've read I do know what it's like to have CKD at a young age. I was diagnosed with nephritis at the age of 14 and by the time it was discovered I was rendered with a GFR reading 25. I am now 47, happily married with two grown children and two beautiful grandkids! For the past 6-7yrs my health has not been the best, it has invovled countless visits to my Nephrologist, medications and being worked up for a prospective live donor transplant. Thankfully my conditioned stablised and my GFR rose slightly (I put that down to putting more effort in my diet and sheddind a few excess pounds) my transplant that was set down to happen on 20/08/07 was cancelled. My last visit to my doctor did not go well, my GFR is now 12 and it is expected I will be on dialysis by Feb if not before. My AV Fistula was created three years ago so it's all ready to be used. My doctor has encouraged me to have home heomo, so depending on my next set of bloods which I'm having on Friday, I could be off for training for 6-8 weeks. I will train to self dialyse every second night for around 7-8hrs at a time. To say I'm scared and apprehensive is an under statement, but I'm determine not to allow my condition control my life! I am hopeful of a transplant in the future but for now I just want to make the best of my situation not only for myself but my family also.I hope to be able to communicate with others no matter what age who also have CKD. I live in a small country town 2-3hrs away from renal team so I get to feel a little isolated at times. I have chosen to keep my condition relatively quiet, choosing to share it with only my family and a few close friends. Because I live in a small town everyone knows everyone and there's a lot of "BUSH DOCTORS" so to speak, I just enjoy some privacy afterall we don't get to escape our condition, we live with it everyday.

11/12/2008 08:50:12

Kidney Kat

11 posts

Re: NO MATTER WHAT AGE
(Australia)

Dear Cathy and to many who have read this entry

You are NEVER to old to post on the YAP Forum, and everyone here at Kidney Health Australia would agree, no matter what age, kidney disease has a major impact on one’s life, their relationships and the roles that they undertake on a day to day basis. But your words and story are also one of encouragement and perseverance for others to read.

It is wonderful to read about your children and your grandchildren from whom you receive great joy and love. Here at Kidney Health Australia, we hope that stories like yours are shared so that you are not left to feel alone, or isolated. We understand your need for privacy, particularly living in a small rural town, but we hope that the YAP forum gives you and others the opportunity to speak loud and proud about your journey (both its up and downs), yet maintain your privacy and security of posting on this site.

We hope that the transplant you await will come soon, and you will continue to have a fulfilling life with those around you. We wish you and your family a happy festive season, and to all those who regularly read these forum posts, a safe, healthy and festive season and new year.

Warm regards - Wayne Green - KHA Health Programs Manager

17/11/2009 14:51:57

laikin

3 posts

Re: NO MATTER WHAT AGE
(N/A)

Hi, thought I'd put in my bit for "being of the older ones". I empathise with you and how you feel. I am also 47 and with two, but younger children who keep me very young indeed. I recently celebrated a year on PD at home and have booked a trip to WA for Christmas. Natually, I am a bit anxious about travelling and procrastinated for long time. Everyone has been very encouraging even though I tried to talk myself out of it. Yes, it has been challenging at times with the nightly treatment, medications, learning to give myself injections etc, however, I embrace each day as it comes and life is full of wonderful surprises, and the kids keep me going (whether I like it or not!). I didn't even feel unwell when I started dialysis and my GFR was 11 or something and falling quite rapidly so it was quite devastating for me but I am more accepting now. So, for those of us who are older out there, we still have a lot to give and certainly not too old to be yapping away on a computer. Thank goodness for technology that can break this isolation. I'm not sure how this site works as I am new to this. All the best to you all.

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