As some of you are aware....a few months ago I was told by my family Doctor that my kidneys were shutting down.... he sent me to a kidney specialist for futher testing. I had Nuclear Imaging,(very Far Out!)..... a slew of blood work (Very Dracula!)....yatta-yatta-yatta.

I have been pretty blase about the whole thing as I feel fine and I am expecting to hear good news. It could have been anything from a kidney stone to a botched first attempt at my original blood work.....or....it might be something more serious.

I tend to lean towards the not so serious......but I can't help but think....as my appointment draws near.....that perhaps I have just been a proverbial Ostritch. Certainly I am expecting to hear good news......but it doesn't hurt to lean on my sisters of Da Surge to send me some.......

Geez, Dot. I had no idea. I hope everything comes out okay. I will be holding your hand in spirit. Let us know how you make out.

Hugs,
Meryl

Sending up prayers for you, Dot.

Miss Tibbs

Dottie...

I didn't see this earlier.....I'm glad I saw you in the Insta Chat. I'm waiting to hear the results of your test. Saying prayers for you.

Hugs,
Karen

Dot

Oh I'm sending you mega good vibrations all the way from England. Fingers crossed, well everything crossed really.

love and hugs

robin

..Dottie..

I am holding you in prayer,,I am believing for a GOOD report,,You yourself are a sweetheart and so encouraging..

Big Big (((HUGS)))

Pamela

I am sending goog vibes and happy thoughts. Also, a biig bunch of hugs!

Dear Sweet Dot....Your always there for everyone else with wonderful words of good cheer and inspiration. I'm sending up lots of prayers for you and "expecting" to hear good news regarding results. (Had no idea you were going through this or would have been sending up lots of prayers sooner).

Hugs to you!!
Gramz

Dot ... Major good vibrations going out to you today. I hope that all goes well. I have been thinking a lot about you regarding this issue, and am SO crossing fingers, toes, legs, eyes for good luck.

Love, Witsie

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dottie. Keep us informed - and best of luck.
Hugs,
Di

Dottie, I never knew you were going through this..... You have my prayers and good wishes. I just know everything will turn out ok !!!!! ((((((((((((( dot )))))))))) Big hugs to you sister !!!!!!! Love ya Keep us posted of the results

Many prayers for GOOD news! Please, please keep us posted. [[[[[[[hugs!]]]]]]]

Kleeo

Hey Dottie, add me to the long list of Power Surgers who are very concerned about you. I'm sending you good, healthy vibes and wishes, and LOTS of hugs... RedFox

Dear Dot...........

You always think of others before yourself!! You are a "True Gem". I've had positive vibes all day & waiting to see how your appointment went.

You're #1................. (((Hugs))) to my Friend!!!


Love

Shannon

Dot my dear i have a feeling your gonna hear good news i am sending you good vibrations and hugs to you!!!! Lizardlover

Dot...I hope you got good news today. I will be praying for you and your family.

Deb

My Dear Sweet Loving Surge Sisters

I am quite frankly.....in a word....overwhelmed..... by your kindness, your caring ways and in short....your luvin' good vibes and heartfelt prayers.

The Bad News:
It would appear that my kidneys are indeed in bad shape. I am still trying to comprehend everything this wonderful specialist told me......My kidneys are at a 'high' risk factor for failure and clearly are not functioning at an acceptable level. The puzzler here is that everything else indicates that I am in great health. Excellent urine out take.....drinking 2 litres of water a day....Not retaining water......Excellent blood pressure 122/70....excellent weight......120lbs......excellent diet.....and I am not diabetic.

The Good News
This could have been a problem that has been within my body for quite some time but was never tested or diagnosed by my previous 3 Doctors in 30 odd years. I just changed Dr's a few months ago and bless his pointed little head....this guy is one thorough medical maniac
I have lived in third world countries and it could very well be that my bout with para typhoid or drinking the water....or a number of other things may have contributed to bad kidneys......Or it could be (although unlikely .... the 4 years that I took Vioxx for my RA).

The Prognosis
I will be re-tested at the end of November to see whether my numbers go up...or remain the same. At that time IF they go up....then my next step will be to see a dietician to revue my protein intake.

I was reading my book this evening and came across this line...... "Everything seems so simple until you think about it" (The Time Travelers Wife)

I refuse to let this situation guide me or define who I am.......I feel fabulous....as fabulous as a crazed Meno-Mama CAN feel .....and I will continue to be grateful and thankful for each and everyone of you.....and to enjoy my life to the absolute fullest!!

It is what it is......and there isn't anything I can do about it.

Mucho Big HUGS to you all.
Don't know what I would do without you ~ Don't EVEN want to try.

Dottie

Oh, Dot, I'm sorry to hear this. On a brighter side, it's wonderful that you still feel so well and really aren't experiencing any adverse effects. A friend of my sister's has the same problem, and did go to a dietician. Unfortunately, the diet is extremely limiting, but happily it seems to be keeping everything in check. Good luck, my sweet friend. I know you have the discipline to work with the experts to stay well. You are always in my prayers.

Many hugs,
Meryl

Dot,

Did the doc provide you with an idea as to how "bad" your kidneys are? I know from researching (family with bad kidneys) that you can function pretty well even when you kidneys are functioning at even half their capacity. I also know that in the worse case scenario people can live quality lives for many many many years while taking dialysis.

God gave us two kidneys and we can function with just one...so we have double the capacity. I really love your attitude and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless and please keep us posted on your future tests and feedback from the doctor.

TeeJay

Thank you for the follow up on your appointment, Dot. I'm sorry to hear what your doctor told you, but you have SUCH a wonderful and positive attitude so I think you are going to 'combat' anything that comes your way. You are obviously in excellent health with the exception of this little issue, so I'm sure you are going to have no problem adjusting to whatever it takes to keep those kidneys functioning for you. You inspire me with your positive outlook!
HUGS!
Kleeo

Dotcalm2u, I went through your posts and cannot find your thread about all of this. What were your symptoms, since you're otherwise healthy, that took you to the doctor for this in the first place?

I've an appointment tomorrow with my primary physician because I started experiencing a bloom in weight after I stopped HRT. There seems to be no other change in eating habits and am more active. The only other differences are that my shoes fit tighter (I've been getting larger sizes and cutting out the toes and backs of some), I am more bound (bowel) than I have ever been in years (actually, that part doesn't bother me because I'm not nauseated anymore and rarely in pain).

It was my family who got a bit worried when they saw me altering all my clothes. The trouble is, I'd just altered them a while ago. Clothes just purchased a month or two ago are not fitting either.

I also lived in third world countries for many many years (I grew up in them). And my mother's healthy history are also difficult. She had complete kidney shutdown when we lived in Benghazi, Libya and had to be flown to Tripoli where she was treated and lost 60 pounds of water over a 2-day period. She was on thyroid medication as well for decades.

I just cannot see this with myself though since I feel great all the way around except for this.

What were your symptoms?

Dottie....Thanks so much for the update from your appointment. I will be continuing to pray for you and send good vibes everyday. Please keep us posted on how your doing.

Deb

Dot....

Well, I'm sorry to hear that your kidneys aren't working up to par.....your attitude is super and I certainly can learn from you....as I have already. You are a positive, upbeat, wonderful woman who will overcome any adversity. There's no reason to "be" sick if you feel so wonderful. Like you said, just live your life to the fullest. See you in the Insta Chat.

Major Hugs,
Karen

Hugs to you Dot. What a positive attitude you have! That is half the battle...

Meryl ~My Dr told me that the diet that I would have to be on IS restricting especially since I love my beef!! But I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Not to mention the fact that I am extremely anemic and who knows ...what with my RA.... what kind of diet I can be successful on.....does this mean I have to give up my red wine? :::::Shudder:::::

TeeJay ~ He just said it was marked with an "H" for high...See I am not as dumb as I look. WOW I have SO left myself w-i-d-e open now!!!
Seriously though next time I am taking someone with me when I have my appointment....I can NEVER remember everything that Doctors tell me and I forget to ask important questions.

Buttercup ~ I hadn't started any threads on my kidneys as I was in a 'waiting mode.' This problem was picked up when I went to a new Doctor and he did a complete workup on me. I had/have NO symptoms whatsoever so it was a 'bump' in the Dottie road to find out that I was having some kidneys problems. Some of the questions that my Dr asked me were;
Was I craving more salt? (no)
Was I going to the bathroom on a regular basis? (all the friggin time)
What did I eat?
What medication(s) was I on and what had I been on in the past?
I can't remember what else he asked me....it was a marathon of questions....and we all know how much I love to talk about me!! Ha Ha Ha
I am sending you Majorily ((((BIG HUGS)))) that the outcome of your kidney results are positive!!

Thanks ever so much for all your good vibrations and words of advice during this bizarre time.

Dottie

((((Loganbil))))((((Karen))))((((Deb))))((((Kleeo))))((((Witsend))))
((((CathyM))))((((Gramz))))((((Liz))))((((Meryl))))((((Teejay))))
((((Buttercup))))((((Miss Tibbs))))((((Robin07))))((((Thinkpink44))))((((ShakinInHouston))))
((((diluvlabs))))((((RedFox))))

(((Dot))) - I've kind of stayed away from this thread because kidney issues are too close to my heart

I have some experience with living with one kidney, meds you can't take (and a few you can) and food you can't eat.

You can live quite well with one kidney. I don't notice much of any difference except for those meds I can no longer take.

Hopefully, all will be well for you in November but if you have questions you know where I am

Best of luck and big hugs!

Dot,

I'm so sorry, I had no idea that you were going through this, somehow I must have missed the posts. I'm also sorry that you didn't get the results that you were hoping for but it sounds like you are in very good hands. Your attitude is an inspiration to us all and I willl definitely think twice before I whine about a hot flash again. I'm praying that everything works out for you. Keep us posted. ((((HUGS)))) Arla.

Dear ((((MaryO))))
Interestingly enough I just found out last night from our dear friend Dearest, that you had gone through some kidneys issues....to say the least. I was thinking about you ALOT last night. You are such an inspiration for so many of us.....and I thank you for being there---here---and everywhere for us I admit that all these well wishes and good vibrations, prayers and loving thoughts and words....... from everyone has me a tad weepy today.

I think I do better when........ eyes are crossed............ AKA Witsend

Thank you MaryO for your wisdom and I may just take you up on your kind offer of a PM.

Dear ((((Arla))))
Thanks....I am going to clean my house......that always puts me in a better state of mind......I am SUCH a NERD!!

HUGS

Dottie

Dot,

I, too, had no idea about this, and pray that you'll find your numbers improved on your next round of bloodwork.

Your attitude is amazing - you are an inspiration!

Keep us posted, okay? You're special around here, if you haven't already noticed.

Love and (((HUGS)))

JJ

Hi Buttercup7

I'm afraid I'm feeling a little as you do at the moment as I have a blood test sheet to have a kidney function test also and I'm scared shitless to say the least. I'm feeling rather well apart from gaining some weight recently but that is due to the fact that my anxiety has died down alot and I'm on a mild AD so now my appetite is back full force. But I have noticed that I have some fluid retention at times in my legs and fingers and toes. They don't look puffy but feel kind of puffy and tight especially when it's hot. I'm trying to drink more water each day but it's hard when it's cold and you don't feel like drinking cold water. I've become neurotic about looking at my urine to see if it has changed colour etc and counting how many times I go pee each day and the frequency of it etc etc etc.

Is there a link between thyroid medication and kidney problems as in your mothers case?? Did she fully recover after her kidneys shutdown and they treated her???? Sorry bout all the questions but my health anxiety is through the roof at the moment with the fluid retention and edema problems even thought when I look at other women I see that a lot of them have edema problems too with their lower legs above the ankle, my doctor calls it's idiopathic edema and it seems to affect mostly women for no aparant reason.

Oh gosh look at the time I got to get ready for work again urgghhhh.....

Rox

Dear Rox and Buttercup
I am sending you both GOOD VIBRATIONS and POSITIVE VIBES!! Please DO keep us posted. Rox I am off to read your E-Mail....

(((((((((((JJ)))))))))))
I have been missing you so much....BUT I do understand that you are feeling better these days and for that I am so happy for you. Just check in with us from time to time........I worry when I don't hear from my friends.
Hugs
Dottie

Dear Sweet Dot,

so sorry to hear about kidney. you know i send mucho mucho hugs
and you know alot of us are here for you. you take it easy and for once do as new dr tells ya .hee hee
see i know how you are. I am glad you feel well and praying for you for November. you are a very strong woman
you will get thru this i know you will. please keep us updated as to how things are going.
mucho hugs and love to you my dear friend, and you got to get better we got this future wedding to think about lol
*C* AND*S* . LOL love ya buddy Pam

Dottie your such a good person, So sorry about your bad news and happy that everyhting else is fine. My prayers are for you and your family, keep up your good spirit. We love you here at ps. Lizardlover

Dear (((NC)))
You brought a smile to my face....thanks for that, my friend. YES indeed we DO have a wedding to organize
Dear (((Liz)))
You are so sweet and I thank you for your concern.

I have to admit I am feeling a little sorry for myself today.....I hate it when I get like this.....pity party of one please
I guess I needed a few days for all of this to sink into my thick skull. I admit I am scared and worried about all this and that is not like me. I am usually a pretty upbeat person......mostly......ok ....ok....I try.

I get the most enjoyment in my life from helping other people cope with pain and difficult situations. I can't help but think though.....am I doing this to avoid my own pain? I'll have to continue to think about that ....for a spell.

This is our Thanksgiving weekend and my husband and I are taking a trip to see our daughter far-far away at university. I am really looking forward to the plane, ( I love plane rides) I am looking forward to spending time with our daughter. I am looking forward to the whole trip. I am looking forward to smelling and seeing the ocean. I can not let this bring what was and is going to be a wonderful time..... into a 'what is going to happen to me.....time.

I am rambling now and I apologize.
Incase I don't see you all later.......have a wonderful weekend. Thanks so much for your loving ways and your caring words.
You all mean the world to me.
Dottie

Hi there Dottie Do, Happy Thanksgiving to you !!!! You have a great weekend and enjoy you time away !!!!! I'm sorry about you news and I will be thinking about you and sending good vibes your way until you go back next month.I'm sorry you have to go through this, you are such a caring person and always have good words for everyone else. I'm sending you the biggest hug I could find (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( DOITE ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) . Love ya, Cathy.

P.S. I only wish I lived closer so I could do that in person , you skinny bean that makes me jealous with you beauty !!!

Hi there Dottie!

Zowie, I just found this thread! Psh. It's what I get for not checking in often enough....So sorry I wasn't here sooner to send you my prayers and love!

And even through your difficulties, nearly everything you say is still uplifting to the rest of us. It just would never be the same withou-- oh dang, that sounds morose.....I mean, I SOOOOOO enjoy hearing from you. Thanks for blessing me and everyone else with your wit, charm and strength.

Having to worry about health is lousy, huh? I told someone once, at a time when I was hosting a fabulous pity party of my own, that Father Time is a wacky old twerp. It seems one moment, I'm 22 and can see the world at my feet like a gorgeous tapestry carpet...then poof! next moment this crazy geezer has YANKED the rug out from under me. And I'm 40-something, rubbing my bruised bum and wondering what the heck happened to me??

What I mean to express is, it is certainly okay to go introspective at times--especially since life can deal us the last thing we expect sometimes.

I have a two daughters hundreds of miles away--one married, one single, both in college. Time I get to spend with them is rare and precious! I sincerely truly hope you have a really great weekend visiting your daughter, you certainly deserve it Dottie. And let me say that, as well as praying for you, I'll pray for your Doctors, that they'll be blessed with perception and wisdom in taking care of you.

wuv

Lavender

Bless you (((Cathy)))
You DO put a smile on mee wee face
I wish I lived closer to you as well, my friend. We could go on long walks and comiserate about all that is.....and is not....and will be....and Hiedi-Ho....Hmmm....did I just mention Ho-Ho's? Have never had one of those Can we share?
Hugs to you my dear.
Dottie

Dear ((Lavender Fields)))
I just love your name....it puts me into a field gently swaying with glorious purple lavenders gently bending with the wind.

I love what you wrote about Father Time...he really is a nasty ole bugger...isn't he? I am starting to pack in anticiaption of my trip and I am going to put my bad news on the shelve....wayyyy up there....
Thank you kind lady who lies with the lavender gently swaying in the fields.....for your kind and meaningful words.
Hugs to you
Dottie

Good morning ladies!!!

Besides going through perimenopause, I am an insulin dependent diabetic, have been for the past 13 years. I found out yesterday
that I am in stage 2 kidney disease.My doctor said it is very mild. I'm very upset , I have been reading up on it.Has anyone experienced this. I need some advice. Please help!!!!

Thanks
RhondaP

She recovered BUT, she could only drink distilled water. We lived between the Mediterranean Sea and the dessert on the other side, so the water carried some salt in it. My father built a distillery with copper tubing and she was the only one allowed to drink the water from this set up.

I don't know if there was a connection or not. My lovely mother was never forthcoming about her medical history. However, since she'd had thyroid problems from about the age of 30 and onward, there may have been a connection. She had to be on fluid medication and then potassium for so many years.

I won't know the results of my tests until Tuesday when I meet with my doctor again.

I will be checking to see your news!!!

Dottie: How could I possibly have missed this entire thread about your kidneys? I feel like a complete fool. You're such a darling...I really admire the way you've handled this--you are an inspiration to us all!

Hope you're feeling well...I need to be more attentive!

((((HUGS))))

Robin

Dearest, Dottie Doo,

Nearly missed this thread but nothing gets past me too long ... Well, as always, its hard to be hit with news like this, BUT, it's good that it can be controlled at least by a reduction in protein intake.. ... our organs are very resilient and can take a lot of 'bashing' ...you'll get through --- we both will. Now, how about some Kidney and liver pie??? Sounds absolutely scrumptious!

Take care darling,


Love Gez~

Dottie :

Had no idea that you weren't feeling well. You are always so cheerful and lovely - I only saw this post today... Have not been lurking much on the boards - All my best vibes are comin' your way - LOVE POOKISH

Hi Dottie & Buttercup7


Just an update on my test results....... I finally got the courage up to phone the doctors office this morning to find out results (they usually only ring if there is something wrong here) and everything is absofreakinglutely NORMAL (she says with a huge sigh of relief).

Thanks Dot for your prayers & kind words and concern via e-mail I will be responding personally back to you shortly...........

I'm off to work now urggghhh but since I'm feeling in a much better frame of mind this morning it's not going to get me down

Rox

Dottie & Rox,

Rox~ Good to hear that your test's results are "perfectly normal", I'm sure that is a huge relief.

Dottie~ I am sorry to hear about the kidney problems, my prayers do go out to you, and I hope that in Novemeber the numbers will be better, you sound otherwise very healthy, that is the good part. Glad to see that you have such wonderful support here at PS, just having others to share with. Take special care of yourself, stay strong and positive (as you are).

Juliann

Dear Dottie,
I have not been reading through every post lately, so I was not aware about your kidney problems. I am so sorry to hear about it and amazed by your upbeat attitude, you are really inspiration for all of us. I hope your next test will show improvement and your dr. is right about watching your protein. I am sure that as slim as you are, the weight loss should not be a problem, but taking care of kidneys is. Good luck to you and very best wishes.
I.

Sa-weeeetums Dot...........

You know I got you covered with swirling masses of lavender love, hibiscus hugs, and patchouli pinches! Good gawd, I think I might have just had a flashback ..........so glad I was able to share that with you................you know I love you baby!!!! And let's not forget what Brother Marley says in song: Don't worry.....'bout a thing, cuz everylilthings....... gonna be alright"..........yeah mon!

and now for some tequila kisses............SMOOCH!!!


booboolena

For some reason I have been avoiding my thread on Kidneys. I suppose I have been swimming in that 'river in Egypt' I called my family Doctor to arrange a sit down to fully explain to me my results. It was stupid of me to leave with a "high' rating without further expanation. Although my kidney specialist very well may have explainned it to me.....I was in a daze.

Now on to more important matters

Conratulatrions Rox-Your-Sox!! I am SO over the hill of happiness with your good news!!
Robin ~ Gez ~ PookUms ~ Iradan
Relieved to know that I am not the only one that misses posts and Mucho BIG THANK YOU's for your warm and gentle words.
Julian
What a sweetheart you are.
Buttercup7
Have you gotten YOUR results yet? I are anxiously awaiting to hear from you!! In the meantime I am sending you my prayers and my positive good vibes.
Last but by no means least....
Boo-liscious-ness
I am feeling the lavender of love...the hibiscus hugs and the patchouli of pinches
Insofar as the tequila kisses.......I got you babe!

Now.... does ANYONE have some words of wisdom or experience with the question posed by our 'sister'.....RhondaP? She has just been diagnose with Stage 2 kidney disease. Sending you heaps of Hugs {{{{Rhonda}}} Please keep us posted.

Dottie

please excuse all my typos today. I am feeling fragile and insecure. I hate days like this......must be time for a looong walk....off a short pier?

((((((((Dottie))))))))))))))
I just assumed you would have some course of treatment for your current kidney situation. When you go to the doctor, please bring someone with or bring a tape recorder. When my anxiety level is high, it's hard to hear what someone is telling me. I wish doctors would ask us to repeat back what they say to make sure we're clear and understand them...especially after they tell you some shocking news. Please let me know what you find out.

Hugs,
Karen