Checking In...

I am just writing to ease some concerns. Due to my absense, a lot of people are checking in to make sure I haven't "lost it" or "stopped dialysis".

I usually have a lot to say and want everyone to know what is going on, but recently nothing at all has changed. I am STILL doing Dialysis at the clinic three days a week. I go every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 to 8. It STILL sucks and I hate it, but in 2 short weeks I will be learning how to do Dialysis from home. The month of April has been the longest month... or has seemed like the longest month. Nurses think I will be able to learn and catch on with the new stuff in a few days. Should be doing everything from home around the 1oth of May! Hooray!!

My wound has "healed" as best as it can. The nurses and doctors say that it looks good and I will just believe what they tell me. They are the professionals. I still have my port and that area is irritated and annoying. I guess I am allergic to the stickers they use, and since they are pulling them off every couple days, my skin could no longer handle it. I have some scabs and sores, but hopefully when the port is taken out, those will heal themselves!!

My hair is completely jacked up. It is all frizzy and is still thinning out... one of the nurses/doctors thought that "Heparin" was causing it. "Heparin" is a medication that I get during Dialysis, and although I won't be getting it as often when my treatment changes, I just won't be getting it as often. I guess a side effect of that medication is thinning hair and I guess I just have to deal with it. I reminded them that I wasn't OK with this answer and that they needed to fix it soon before I went even more bonkers then I already am. Another nurse thought it was stress. I didn't like that suggestion and I told her she was wrong. I am good at blaming other people for problems... so I blame the medication.

Other then that, nothing else is happening. Patti is still planning the Kidney Klassic and evening dinner. I want to thank everyone for their assistance and for helping out. My friend Melanie even made my favorites... T-shirts! I love T-shirts for a themed party... yes, I was in a Sorority... but come on, it is fun!! She wants people to wear them the day of the event and will be selling them all day. Isn't she creative and awesome?!? She will be selling them for 12 and all of that will help me with the hospital bills.

Another comment that yes, I am on the transplant list. I "could" (use that term loosely) get a phone call at any time that says "lets go". but i am being very realistic and know that phone call will not be taking place anytime soon. The waiting list is 3 to 5 years for a match of a dead donor. And if a living person wants to donate, there is a lot of time off of work. A lot recovery. A lot of money. Giving a Kidney isn't like giving blood... it is a lot more work and not something that should be just tossed around.

I hope everyone is well and once my new Dialysis starts I am sure I will have a lot to say along with a lot of bitching and moaning.