Who's got two thumbs and no working kidneys?

[Fire Me Boy!]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/This_guy.jpg

So some of you know, most of you do not, last April I went into renal failure. I've been doing dialysis since then, first hemo three times a week, and now peritoneal while I sleep.

A week from today, I go to Atlanta to go through a full evaluation for kidney transplant – tests I’ll repeat in Birmingham in June – to determine if I’m a viable candidate. Even if I get on the list, it’s a long road ahead. I'll be honest: I'm more than a little concerned that I won't be approved.

So if you can spare a prayer to whatever higher being to which you subscribe, good vibes, or thoughts, I’d appreciate it.

[mikeyis4dcats.]

good luck bud, sorry to hear this is in your future

[KC Dan]

Good luck! Thoughts, vibes and prayers coming your way

[The Franchise]

I wonder if kidney transplants are covered by normal healthcare.

[Lzen]

You got it. Will say a prayer for you.

[Katipan]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/This_guy.jpg

So some of you know, most of you do not, last April I went into renal failure. I've been doing dialysis since then, first hemo three times a week, and now peritoneal while I sleep.

A week from today, I go to Atlanta to go through a full evaluation for kidney transplant – tests I’ll repeat in Birmingham in June – to determine if I’m a viable candidate. Even if I get on the list, it’s a long road ahead. I'll be honest: I'm more than a little concerned that I won't be approved.

So if you can spare a prayer to whatever higher being to which you subscribe, good vibes, or thoughts, I’d appreciate it.

You tell me the kidney you need and I'll go find it.
How long does it have to stay on ice?

Wishing you nothing but love.

[Rain Man]

Good luck to you. I wish you the best.

As a backup plan, perhaps you could make a high-stakes bet with someone around here about Alex Smith. Win and you get one of their kidneys.

[Rain Man]

You tell me the kidney you need and I'll go find it.
How long does it have to stay on ice?

Wishing you nothing but love.

Umm, I'm no longer available to meet you for lunch next week.

[TimBone]

Man. Good luck and strength to you, FMB.

[Sofa King]

i'm literally sitting in a hospital since wednesday. my girlfriend just donated a kidney to her dad. been a long few days.

[kepp]

My prayers are with you. Do you have a relative that can spare one?

[The Franchise]

There has to be someone here who could give one up. The ultimate way for CP to help out.

[Eleazar]

Good luck sir. Are you going to Emory? You'll be in good hands there.

[Eleazar]

There has to be someone here who could give one up. The ultimate way for CP to help out.

Can we volunteer someone else? :evil:

[BlackHelicopters]

Prayers for you.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

This is really turning into a shit day. I'm sorry man.

[Fire Me Boy!]

My prayers are with you. Do you have a relative that can spare one?

Not immediately in the blood line, but the wife wants to get tested.

[Old Dog]

Damn, this ain't a good day on CP. Prayers for you and yours.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Good luck sir. Are you going to Emory? You'll be in good hands there.

Yes, Emory in ATL and UAB in BHM.

[digger]

Prayers for you. Good luck.

[morphius]

Stay away from pot, kept my nephew off the list and ended up dying because of complications with infections and the like. Prayers for you!

[ModSocks]

Good luck man.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Stay away from pot, kept my nephew off the list and ended up dying because of complications with infections and the like. Prayers for you!

That's not a problem.

[DaFace]

Sorry to hear that man. My cousin lost both of his about a decade ago, and he was only about age 22 at the time. After a few years on dialysis, he was able to get a transplant for his mom and is now doing fine for the most part.

Here's hoping you will find a similar path.

[Spokane Chief Fan]

Good thoughts headed your way

[Just Passin' By]

Best of luck to you, FMB

[cosmo20002]

fuck. Lotta shit happening on here. Best wishes.

[Fire Me Boy!]

I wonder if kidney transplants are covered by normal healthcare.

Yes, they are. Though it's also covered under Medicare, which I'll have until I get a transplant.

[Perineum Ripper]

Good thoughts for you man..stay strong and positive..hopefully all will work out

[Ming the Merciless]

Awe shit dude...I didn't know / missed this somehow...


Praying for you and thinking good thoughts

[bdj23]

Good luck brother. Wishing you nothing but the best

[Coochie liquor]

Good vibes coming your way!

[Demonpenz]

I can definitely understand what you are goin though. Keep your head up and look it as a challenge. You can do anything you put your mind To.

[ping2000]

This sucks! Members of Chiefsplanet are having a tough week. Just don't ask the Chiefs to dedicate a game to you. They suck at it. Prayers for your recovery.

[srvy]

Positive thoughts and Prayers your way FMB.

[Donger]

I hope I'm not the only one who came into this thread thinking it was some awesome kidney pie recipe...

I wasn't aware, FMB, but I wish you all the best.

[LoneWolf]

Good vibes headed your way, FMB.

[seclark]

thoughts and prayers, fmb.
one of the good guys:thumb:
sec

[Graystoke]

I hope I'm not the only one who came into this thread thinking it was some awesome kidney pie recipe...

I wasn't aware, FMB, but I wish you all the best.

That's what I thought to!
Anyway best of luck finding that special kidney.
Good thoughts your way

[Dartgod]

Prayers your way...

[Meatloaf]

Sure thing. Consider yourself added to my daily prayer list.....and it's one powerful list too!!!

[Dallas Chief]

Positive thoughts and prayers headed your way man. Keep the faith that you will make the list!

[mikey23545]

Best of luck, FMB!

[Gonzo]

Good luck man. Hang in there.

[Nightfyre]

Good Luck FMB.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

How do you determine a kidney match ? Is it by blood type ?

[BigMeatballDave]

Wow. Sorry to see this.

Good luck and good thoughts.

[Bwana]

Done deal bud, best wishes.

[Radar Chief]

Damn FMB. That blows.
I mean that be-llllooowwwzzz!
Best thoughts and wishes to you and yours.

[Iowanian]

I hope for the best possible outcome for you.

[Ming the Merciless]

How do you determine a kidney match ? Is it by blood type ?

no I dont think its just blood type...even siblings with the same blood type dont always match perfectly..

I think it has to do with antigens but i dunno


i fail at biology

tl;dr no i dont think its JUST blood type

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

http://www.matchingdonors.com/life/ppc.html

[Fire Me Boy!]

How do you determine a kidney match ? Is it by blood type ?

no I dont think its just blood type...even siblings with the same blood type dont always match perfectly..

I think it has to do with antigens but i dunno


i fail at biology

tl;dr no i dont think its JUST blood type

Blood type, then antibodies.

The cool thing with living donors is they can form chains. Say Diane wants to give her brother Andy a kidney, but Diane and Andy aren't matches. But Diane is a match for Kelly. Kelly's living donor Bob isn't a match for Kelly, but he is for Dave. Dave's living donor isn't a match for Dave, but he is for Andy. Three-way swap.

Coincidentally, UAB currently holds the world record for these types of chains, something like 30+ people involved that started by one woman wanting to donate a kidney.

[Rukdafaidas]

Prayers your way.

[LiveSteam]

Prayers.

[Fire Me Boy!]

I hope I'm not the only one who came into this thread thinking it was some awesome kidney pie recipe...

I wasn't aware, FMB, but I wish you all the best.


WTF is kidney pie?!?!

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

Prayers sent.

[Bugeater]

Good god, I had no idea you were dealing with anything like this. Best of luck to you.

[Just Passin' By]

WTF is kidney pie?!?!

Steak and kidney pie....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steak_and_kidney_pie

[Bowser]

Good God, I had no idea. Hang in there, FMB. All will work itself out in no time.

I'm going to go give Dick Tracy another shot just for you.

[Zebedee DuBois]

Best of luck to you FMB!

[cabletech94]

sorry to hear this fmb! prayers your way. very good friend of mine had her brother give her a kidney just before xmas this year. both are doing great. let's get you a donor ASAP!!

[BucEyedPea]

Sorry to hear FMB, but best of luck.

[cdcox]

I knew you were having a tough time of it for a while now, but nothing like this. My thoughts and best wishes are with you.

[ThaVirus]

This is some pretty serious stuff.

I hope you find a match and everything goes smoothly!

[Buehler445]

JFC. Sorry to hear man. That's real damn tough.

Keep your head up though. Modern medicine kicks ass. My grandpa lost all kidney function late in life. The doctor gave him 2 years to live, he lived 9 and 8 of it he was living on his own and driving 90 miles each treatment.

[007]

Damn man. You have my prayers FMB.

[big nasty kcnut]

Damn prayers sent!

[Dave Lane]

Damn sending some beach boys good vibrations. This place is turning into a leper colony. Best of luck my friend.

[DaneMcCloud]

Good luck, Dude!

[Marcellus]

Hang in there man. Kidney disease is rampant in my family due to Alports syndrome on my mom's side. I have 2 cousins who recently had transplants bringing the total number of transplants in my family to 6.

Its a bitch but a very winnable situation, technology for transplants has come a long long way.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Hang in there man. Kidney disease is rampant in my family due to Alports syndrome on my mom's side. I have 2 cousins who recently had transplants bringing the total number of transplants in my family to 6.

Its a bitch but a very winnable situation, technology for transplants has come a long long way.

Jebus, six?!?

[Fire Me Boy!]

Good God, I had no idea. Hang in there, FMB. All will work itself out in no time.



I'm going to go give Dick Tracy another shot just for you.


It's a good movie, dammit!

[Hoopsdoc]

Good luck, my friend. Praying for you and yours. God Bless.

[PHOG]

My word! Prayers sent.

[SAUTO]

Jesus man, good luck and prayers on the way.


I've been sitting in a hospital for days, my pops is going to have a leg amputated. Fucking sucks.

[BigOlChiefsfan]

Good vibes galore.

[Buzz]

I know you mentioned this in the "What's for dinner thread", I will continue to pray for you.

[teedubya]

Sorry to hear about this FMB! Will send you good vibes and prayers.

[Sully]

Any news, here?

[OnTheWarpath15]

Wow. So sorry to hear this. Thoughts are with you FMB.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Just got into Atlanta. Tests tomorrow, more tests to be scheduled.

[Meatloaf]

Just got into Atlanta. Tests tomorrow, more tests to be scheduled.

Thanks for the update, FMB. Hope everything goes better than great!!!

[Fire Me Boy!]

Thanks for the update, FMB. Hope everything goes better than great!!!


Thanks, man. Really appreciate it.

[SAUTO]

Just got into Atlanta. Tests tomorrow, more tests to be scheduled.

Good luck.

[Buehler445]

Best of luck bud.

[Fire Me Boy!]

I've been approved financially. Now I just have to be approved medically.

[Buehler445]

I've been approved financially. Now I just have to be approved medically.

Good news man. Any reason they wouldnt approve you?

[Fire Me Boy!]

Good news man. Any reason they wouldnt approve you?


No idea, which is why I'm nervous about it.

[shakesthecat]

Best wishes, FMB!

[bevischief]

I wonder if kidney transplants are covered by normal healthcare.

If Liver transplants are I can't believe Kidney is not.

[bevischief]

Prayers and good thoughts heading your way.

[Earthling]

Hope all goes well and the wait for a donor is a short one.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Got through today. Second phase of the evaluation d more testing will be in May, so I should know by the end of May if I'm approved. Thanks all for your kind words and thoughts.

[cdcox]

Glad things are going well so far

[Meatloaf]

Glad you got through these tests; sounds like it went well too. No doubt May tests will too! Hang in there buddy. (Gonna keep you on my prayer list.....just because)!!!

[Fire Me Boy!]

Just a quick update, I have 2nd phase medical evaluations at two hospitals in May and June. No news until then. Thanks for all the well wishes, I really appreciate it.

[threebag]

Hope everything goes well FMB

[Gonzo]

Just a quick update, I have 2nd phase medical evaluations at two hospitals in May and June. No news until then. Thanks for all the well wishes, I really appreciate it.

Hey, I have a question. I know a lot of this red tape is to get on the list...
Let's say, (for sake of argument) something keeps you from qualifying. (God forbid)
Can someone still donate directly to you or would you have to go get a back alley transplant in Mexico?
IMHO the way UNOS organizes this can be a complete clusterfuck. If you don't follow their instructions to the letter, you're done.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Hey, I have a question. I know a lot of this red tape is to get on the list...
Let's say, (for sake of argument) something keeps you from qualifying. (God forbid)
Can someone still donate directly to you or would you have to go get a back alley transplant in Mexico?
IMHO the way UNOS organizes this can be a complete cluster****. If you don't follow their instructions to the letter, you're done.

Negative, you have to clear the red tape for the doctors to do the surgery, living or deceased donor. This is why some go overseas for transplants (in addition to wait times - UAB wait list is 6-8 years).

[kepp]

Negative, you have to clear the red tape for the doctors to do the surgery, living or deceased donor. This is why some go overseas for transplants (in addition to wait times - UAB wait list is 6-8 years).

That's just screwed up. If someone close is a match and wants to give you a kidney, you should damn well be able to get it.

[Fire Me Boy!]

That's just screwed up. If someone close is a match and wants to give you a kidney, you should damn well be able to get it.

While I understand the sentiment, if you're not medically cleared, they're saying it's not safe for you to undergo surgery. At least as far as I know.

I could be wrong on the living donor part; I know for sure with the deceased donors, there are so many people that need an organ they want to make sure it goes to someone that will do what is necessary to take care of it and will benefit from it.

[BigOlChiefsfan]

Here's to a world soon where they can clone/grow kidneys, hearts, whatever - overnight and stick 'em into the sickly and wounded. If they could give Luke Skywalker a new wrist and hand, why not 'whatever we need' for the rest of us?

But enough of my wishlist. Meanwhile - best vibes to you, FMB.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Tomorrow I go to Atlanta for the medical evaluation. Really hoping this goes well.

[TimeForWasp]

Best Wishes

[Shaid]

I wonder if kidney transplants are covered by normal healthcare.

They are but there are a bunch of different rules about who covers what and when. ESRD(End Stage Renal Disease) basically has a clock from when you start dialysis to determine if your group health insurance or Medicare is primary.

[Al Czervik]

Tomorrow I go to Atlanta for the medical evaluation. Really hoping this goes well.

Thoughts and Prayers for your evalution FMB....

Good Luck!!!

[In58men]

Good luck FMB. You got this, don't worry.

[Rain Man]

Good luck to you. Hopefully they discover that your kidneys just need to be turned off and then back on.

[Fire Me Boy!]

They are but there are a bunch of different rules about who covers what and when. ESRD(End Stage Renal Disease) basically has a clock from when you start dialysis to determine if your group health insurance or Medicare is primary.


Yup. Basically 3 years. You're eligible for Medicare after 3 months; if you keep your private insurance, it remains primary for 33 months, then Medicare becomes primary.

[Hootie]

best wishes FMB!

[PHOG]

Prayers and best wishes for the evaluation, good luck!

[GloryDayz]

Tomorrow I go to Atlanta for the medical evaluation. Really hoping this goes well.

Good luck, prayers, and best wishes my friend...

[GloryDayz]

Oh, and remind them that playing extra noise at football games is gay!

[cmh6476]

damn some of you guys got some tough shit going on. I'll say a prayer for all the fellow planeteers

[srvy]

Good luck FMB. Prayers your way

[Bowser]

Good luck, man. Best wishes.

[Pants]

Good luck, FMB. I hope everything goes well for you, man. Thoughts and prayers coming your way.

[RJ]

Prayers, positive thoughts, good vibes......whatever works, I wish you the best.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Best wishes bud

[cdcox]

All the best, FMB!!

[Eleazar]

Good luck sir, it probably won't be any sweat this time, just an evaluation. Hopefully they find you to be well suited for transplantation.

[Fritz88]

Best wishes
Posted via Mobile Device

[cabletech94]

best wishes fire me boy!!!

[Chief_For_Life58]

You'll be in my prayers bud i hope the best

[TimBone]

Good luck, FMB!!!!

[J Diddy]

Man brother best wishes. I got you in my prayers.

[BlackHelicopters]

Prayers to you.

[BigMeatballDave]

Good luck, Fire! We're pulling for you!

[Meatloaf]

Good luck, FMB. Some powerful thoughts and prayers being sent your way!!!

[burt]

Ditto, all the above FMB!!!!!

[Buehler445]

All the best FMB!

[Fire Me Boy!]

Thanks for all the thoughts. Got through yesterday OK, so now it's just waiting. Will be at least 2-3 weeks before I hear anything. Maybe longer.

[Mav]

Thanks for all the thoughts. Got through yesterday OK, so now it's just waiting. Will be at least 2-3 weeks before I hear anything. Maybe longer.


Thoughts and prayers!

[IA_Chiefs_fan]

Fingers crossed for you, Sir.

[GloryDayz]

Thanks for all the thoughts. Got through yesterday OK, so now it's just waiting. Will be at least 2-3 weeks before I hear anything. Maybe longer.

Just enough time to dry-age a few steaks!

[Buehler445]

Best of luck. Are you diabetic?

[Fire Me Boy!]

Best of luck. Are you diabetic?

Yes, I am. But I have pretty good control, my last A1C was 6.9. Excellent control if you consider I put roughly 18L of dextrose solution through my body every day.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Tomorrow is the last bit of testing.

Side note, I got a statement from Emory for how much my insurance is being charged... We're at $26K and rising. The cost of medical care is insane.

[Bowser]

Good luck tomorrow!

[Gadzooks]

Best of luck FMB!

[SAUTO]

Good luck bud

[In58men]

Either know you hate me, like most people here do. I still care about you man, go get'em

[DaNewGuy]

Either know you hate me, like lost people here do. I still care about you man, go get'em

Inmem put down the booze, you get depressing when you drink

[In58men]

Inmem put down the booze, you get depressing when you drink

I'm not depressed............

http://media1.giphy.com/media/AauJT0w8cJoSQ/giphy.gif

[GloryDayz]

Goof luck Sir, I just finished a prayer, will say another in the AM when I wake up...

[Fire Me Boy!]

Looong day of testing yesterday. Met with a sh'load of doctors and got the impression there probably are a couple things I'll need to get checked out and some weight loss, but "nothing showstopping" regarding the transplant. Because of my age (36) and the fact I have a living donor, they said I'm exactly the type of patient they really want to transplant. Not sure if that's just lip service, but it was nice to hear.

I should hear next Wednesday or Thursday one of three things: 1. Approved; 2. Approved pending the three things they told me about; 3. Denied. Once Emory gets the stress test results from UAB, I should hear back from them, too.

[kappa72202]

Good luck and God bless you!

[In58men]

Looong day of testing yesterday. Met with a sh'load of doctors and got the impression there probably are a couple things I'll need to get checked out and some weight loss, but "nothing showstopping" regarding the transplant. Because of my age (36) and the fact I have a living donor, they said I'm exactly the type of patient they really want to transplant. Not sure if that's just lip service, but it was nice to hear.

I should hear next Wednesday or Thursday one of three things: 1. Approved; 2. Approved pending the three things they told me about; 3. Denied. Once Emory gets the stress test results from UAB, I should hear back from them, too.

You're really 36?

[Fire Me Boy!]

You're really 36?

Yes. How old did you think I was?

[scho63]

GOOD LUCK TO YOU! o:-)

[GloryDayz]

Looong day of testing yesterday. Met with a sh'load of doctors and got the impression there probably are a couple things I'll need to get checked out and some weight loss, but "nothing showstopping" regarding the transplant. Because of my age (36) and the fact I have a living donor, they said I'm exactly the type of patient they really want to transplant. Not sure if that's just lip service, but it was nice to hear.

I should hear next Wednesday or Thursday one of three things: 1. Approved; 2. Approved pending the three things they told me about; 3. Denied. Once Emory gets the stress test results from UAB, I should hear back from them, too.

OK, this avatar does NOT go with a 36-year-old!

http://www.pitch.com/imager/daily-briefs-three-stories-about-the-man/b/original/2568775/9f6e/monocle.jpg

But good luck man, I'll keep praying...

[Buehler445]

Not bad news for sure. Here's to hoping for good test results.

[Fire Me Boy!]

OK, this avatar does NOT go with a 36-year-old!

http://www.pitch.com/imager/daily-briefs-three-stories-about-the-man/b/original/2568775/9f6e/monocle.jpg

But good luck man, I'll keep praying...

LOL

I went to that avatar years ago when Clay kept suggesting I needed a monocle.

[GloryDayz]

LOL

I went to that avatar years ago when Clay kept suggesting I needed a monocle.

OK, poll thread coming soon...

[Fire Me Boy!]

OK, poll thread coming soon...

Ummm... what?

[GloryDayz]

Ummm... what?

Yes, poll made...

[Bugeater]

LMAO Dumbass put the thread in DC.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Yes, poll made...

LMAO Dumbass put the thread in DC.

Heh. I have that place on iggy, but I found the thread.

But... I've had this one for a long time. No one would know me if I switched.

[In58men]

Yes. How old did you think I was?

I honestly thought around 50-60 ROFL

[GloryDayz]

LMAO Dumbass put the thread in DC.

Meh, didn't seem very football-like.

[GloryDayz]

LMAO Dumbass put the thread in DC.

Oh, and fuck off!

[Bugeater]

Meh, didn't seem very football-like.

Yes, because all non-football threads belong in DC.

Dumbass.

[Amnorix]

Good luck!!

[Pablo]

The poll should have went in Draft Planet, obviously.

[ROYC75]

Good Luck, prayers are with ya.:thumb:

[GloryDayz]

Yes, because all non-football threads belong in DC.

Dumbass.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lh37ltrn391qzwt0go1_1280.png

[lewdog]

Well put me in the group that thought you were in your 60's. Not necessarily your posting style, although it is borderline, but someone your age shouldn't be having these types of medical issues! Damn, hope they can do something.

[GloryDayz]

Well put me in the group that thought you were in your 60's. Not necessarily your posting style, although it is borderline, but someone your age shouldn't be having these types of medical issues! Damn, hope they can do something.

This, and he impresses me at the same time.

[Fire Me Boy!]

This, and he impresses me at the same time.


Sorry, folks. Born in 1978. Yes, I'm very much not a typical kidney patient. Dialysis sucks, but it's better than my alternative.

[lewdog]

Sorry, folks. Born in 1978. Yes, I'm very much not a typical kidney patient. Dialysis sucks, but it's better than my alternative.

Is there a cause of your kidney failure? Sorry if it's been addressed already.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Is there a cause of your kidney failure? Sorry if it's been addressed already.


I've had CKD, so they were damaged and weakened, but still functional. Double pneumonia last year knocked them out for good. Plan was to put me on dialysis for a month and let them rest and recover, but they didn't. So I was on hemodialysis for a few months, then switched to peritoneal dialysis in July. Been doing that for 10 hours a night since.

[lewdog]

I've had CKD, so they were damaged and weakened, but still functional. Double pneumonia last year knocked them out for good. Plan was to put me on dialysis for a month and let them rest and recover, but they didn't. So I was on hemodialysis for a few months, then switched to peritoneal dialysis in July. Been doing that for 10 hours a night since.

Oh ok. That's usually caused by high blood pressure and/or diabetes right? Do you have those under control a bit now or were they not the cause of it?

You can answer PM if you'd like or not at all. I hope everything goes well for you.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Diabetes, well controlled and has been for a long time.

[GloryDayz]

Diabetes, well controlled and has been for a loner time.

Credit the Vitamix... Woot!

[Bewbies]

Good to hear!

[srvy]

I've had CKD, so they were damaged and weakened, but still functional. Double pneumonia last year knocked them out for good. Plan was to put me on dialysis for a month and let them rest and recover, but they didn't. So I was on hemodialysis for a few months, then switched to peritoneal dialysis in July. Been doing that for 10 hours a night since.
Damn dbl. Pneumonia your a tough not as old as we think bird.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Damn dbl. Pneumonia your a tough not as old as we think bird.

I don't recommend it. I spent 8 days in the hospital and lost 40 pounds - roughly 6L of it accumulated water from after my kidneys failed.

[Fire Me Boy!]

UAB called this morning and said they need some more testing done, which is really what I expected. They need a cardiologist and endocrinologist consult and possibly a couple procedures before they can proceed, but “nothing showstopping, nothing that can’t be fixed” that would prevent a transplant.

So that’s that. I guess I’m not done with testing.

Folks, I do not recommend renal failure. 0 stars.

[Otter]

UAB called this morning and said they need some more testing done, which is really what I expected. They need a cardiologist and endocrinologist consult and possibly a couple procedures before they can proceed, but “nothing showstopping, nothing that can’t be fixed” that would prevent a transplant.

So that’s that. I guess I’m not done with testing.

Folks, I do not recommend renal failure. 0 stars.

Keep on keeping on brother. Easy for me to say I know. Keeping you in our thoughts.

[GloryDayz]

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=JN.%2btH%2f0U4XVa11oqAe8biDkQ&pid=15.1

[BigMeatballDave]

Sorry, folks. Born in 1978. Yes, I'm very much not a typical kidney patient. Dialysis sucks, but it's better than my alternative.

How often do you need dialysis?

[Fire Me Boy!]

How often do you need dialysis?

I do peritoneal, so every night. 10 hours.

If I did hemo, it would be 4 hours, three times a week.

But hemo sucks ass, big time. Travel is much more difficult (and I still work, and travel for my job), but the physical effects are worse. I'd do a round of hemo and would feel exhausted for 24 hours, was usually kind of achy from it. And dietary restrictions are tougher.

[BigMeatballDave]

I do peritoneal, so every night. 10 hours.

If I did hemo, it would be 4 hours, three times a week.

But hemo sucks ass, big time. Travel is much more difficult (and I still work, and travel for my job), but the physical effects are worse. I'd do a round of hemo and would feel exhausted for 24 hours, was usually kind of achy from it. And dietary restrictions are tougher.

JFC All of this would suck a giant one.

[Fire Me Boy!]

JFC All of this would suck a giant one.

Hence my zero star rating. ;)

I mean, really... you get used to it. I've been doing PD since July of last year, and dialysis since April of last year. It pretty quickly just becomes part of your life. Mainly affects your social life.

My work had a "family night" Tuesday at the minor league baseball game. It's usually on a Friday; since it was on Tuesday, I couldn't go. If I get on my treatment late, I still have to get my 10 hours, so that means I get off late. I usually start getting hooked up around 7:30 p.m. every night, which means I get off around 5:45 a.m. the next morning. If I don't get on until 10 p.m., that means I can't get off until 8 a.m. And I still have to do my morning routine to get ready for work.

I have family coming down in July. That's going to suck, having to leave them in the living room while I go sit by myself in the bedroom.

Anything I do that gets me out of my schedule, I pay for the next morning. And I typically would rather spend time at night lying around vs. lying around in the morning. I'm an early riser, and once I'm awake, I want to get up get going.

But there are some benefits. I get to read more; and because I'm tied to my bedroom for 10+ hours a day, we upgraded the TV (actually, moved the living room TV to the bedroom and upgraded the living room TV). I have doctor and a nurse ready and willing to see me at a moment's notice, for anything. I'm on Medicare now, so anything my primary insurance doesn't cover, Medicare picks up.

[Buzz]

So your on dialysis while you sleep, you plug in and go to bed?

[Fire Me Boy!]

So your on dialysis while you sleep, you plug in and go to bed?


Basically. I usually plug in around 7:30, go to sleep around 10, wake up at 5. Unplug around 5:30.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Hey everyone. I initially wrote this after a discussion on dialysis tech (this new belt-style 24-hour dialysis device) and donors. I was going to post on Facebook but chickened out. I can't really explain. But I feel somewhat compelled, so if you take the time to read it, thanks. It's kind of stream of consciousness, so sorry for the wall of text.

Anything that can improve the process is needed. I have a perspective that I think most don’t know, and I want to take the opportunity to maybe help illustrate for some of you willing to read this whole post why we need to do more. This isn’t a pity party. Don't pity me. Dialysis sucks, and it's not just the time commitment. There's emotional stress, physical stress, even social ramifications - not just on the patient, but on family, too. One in 10 people in the U.S. has some type of kidney disease; some 400K on dialysis, 100K + in the U.S. alone on the kidney transplant list, but only 20K donors. The math doesn't work, never will. We need better technologies. One day we’ll have 3D printed kidneys from our own tissue, but until then, we need more people willing to be donors. I'm one of the lucky ones. I've got an incredible wife who actively wants to give me a kidney. I'm genuinely astounded at her generosity. I had two close friends offer one of theirs. That kind of support is overwhelming, and I don’t think I can adequately explain how much the offer means. It's on me now to lose the weight I need to lose. For three months I did hemo, three times a week for 3-4 hours at a time. I took a laptop or my iPad and worked to pass time. I saw people – young and old – come in, do their time in relative misery and leave, just to come back in 2 days and do it again. I saw a young woman, 25 at most, who was back on dialysis after her body rejected her third kidney. She’d been on and off dialysis since she was 9. I can't imagine. I hated hemo. Every second of it. It was sometimes painful. It was always exhausting. About the time I would recover from a session, I had to do another. I switched to peritoneal dialysis (PD) in July 2014; it would allow me more freedom, they said. It wouldn’t make me feel tired. I wouldn’t have as many dietary restrictions. I’d be more in control of my own healthcare. It was the right move for me, I don’t regret doing it. I still work, and I travel. And PD is about 100x better than hemo, at least for me. But my reality is I go to my bedroom around 7:30 p.m. every night to get hooked up to a machine. I have a 12-foot tube that goes from my access port to the dialysis machine, and for the next 10 hours, I’m tethered. I can get anywhere within 12 feet I care to go (that’s enough to go to the bathroom or across the room to turn on the ceiling fan). If I’m traveling and I need some extra mobility, I can add an extension, but 24 feet is the max. I'm self conscious about the bulge where my port sits on my stomach, certain that everyone can see, though I doubt most actually do. But I rarely tuck in my shirt just in case. It means early dinners, no late night movies, no unplanned trips out of town. It means declining dinner parties and missing meteor showers. It means my wife suffers, too. She wants to be with me, and I have to be in the bedroom. I see the nurses and nephrologist at least twice a month, sometimes more. Any cold symptom could be a cold, or it could be a symptom of peritonitis, so at even the suggestion of illness I’m put on antibiotics. I take lots of meds. We have to keep the area where I set up treatment very clean, which means we had to ban our pets from the bedroom. It took me several months to not feel terrible when the cats would cry outside the door because they wanted to sleep with us. I still feel bad about it – they don’t understand why they can’t sleep with us anymore. I mentioned the weight I need to lose. Every day, I walk around with 2 liters of dextrose solution in my body, which means I absorb 400-700 calories just standing here. I don’t tell you all this for pity. I share this with you in the hope that if you know someone in need, and you can help, that you try. It’s important. There is currently one kidney for every five people in need. That math will just never work.

[Sully]

I had no idea.
That sounds very restricting, and i can imagine very isolating.

[SAUTO]

at least you have us idiots to keep you entertained.
Tell the wife to just kick it with you in the bedroom, watch tv in there

[Meatloaf]

Hey everyone. I initially wrote this after a discussion on dialysis tech (this new belt-style 24-hour dialysis device) and donors. I was going to post on Facebook but chickened out. I can't really explain. But I feel somewhat compelled, so if you take the time to read it, thanks. It's kind of stream of consciousness, so sorry for the wall of text.

Damn, that's quite an ordeal, but I guess you've gotta do what you've gotta do. Sounds like you've adjusted pretty well to this situation. Thanks so much for sharing your plight with us here on CP. Hang in there, bro!!!

[Fire Me Boy!]

Damn, that's quite an ordeal, but I guess you've gotta do what you've gotta do. Sounds like you've adjusted pretty well to this situation. Thanks so much for sharing your plight with us here on CP. Hang in there, bro!!!


It is what it is. The alternative really sucks.

[Meatloaf]

It is what it is. The alternative really sucks.

Yup, let's please stay away from the alternative. Heck, sooner or later tissue engineering will evolve so that organs will be 3D printed from stem cells and such. Actually, my daughter is a grad student doing tissue engineering and related 3D printing! So, hang in there....less intrusive solutions are on the way!!!

[Mennonite]

On the bright side, you've still got your thumbs. So, if you ever need to hitchhike, or do a Fonzi impersonation, you're golden.

[Rain Man]

It's a tough thing to have to do. I feel for you.

[BigRedChief]

Hang in there. Sounds like you are doing the best that could be expected.

Someone is getting my kidneys when I'm gone. Hope other will or did make the same choice.

[aturnis]

Good news FMB. http://biotechin.asia/2015/11/13/artificial-kidneys-could-be-in-patients-by-2020/

[lewdog]

Yup, let's please stay away from the alternative. Heck, sooner or later tissue engineering will evolve so that organs will be 3D printed from stem cells and such. Actually, my daughter is a grad student doing tissue engineering and related 3D printing! So, hang in there....less intrusive solutions are on the way!!!

It's amazing stuff what they are going to be able to do with stem cells. It's the future and it's amazing. Awesome stuff your daughter is doing.

Now if we can just get the religious freaks in this country to support science over a 2,000 year old book, we might be able to accomplish shit!

Celebrate science!!!

[cabletech94]

continued well wishes, SIR. can I get a "POE-TAY-TOE" over here!!!!!

[Fire Me Boy!]

continued well wishes, SIR. can I get a "POE-TAY-TOE" over here!!!!!

<--------

[threebag]

Rudy Rudy Rudy

[LoneWolf]

Well shit, FMB, that sounds like a huge amount of suck to endure everyday. Hopefully there is a better alternative in the near future. What do you think would be the best research center I could make a donation to, to help out people in your situation?

[cabletech94]

<--------

best birthday evah!!!! well played!!

[threebag]

Happy belated cabletech