New to Group

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherry,

Welcome to the group

I am pre-op like you...I am also about the same age (I'm 27) and looking to have

children in the next few years. So I cant speak from the other side, but I can

tell you that I am told the same exact thing by my Dr.--that I will need to wait

for about a year post op, and I can try to get pregnant once my weight

stabilizes.

I am thinking (and hoping) that pregnancy will be easier and healthier if I get

pregant at a healthy weight.

Surgery with Dr. Randall

12/20/00

272/272/

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherry,

Welcome to the group

I am pre-op like you...I am also about the same age (I'm 27) and looking to have

children in the next few years. So I cant speak from the other side, but I can

tell you that I am told the same exact thing by my Dr.--that I will need to wait

for about a year post op, and I can try to get pregnant once my weight

stabilizes.

I am thinking (and hoping) that pregnancy will be easier and healthier if I get

pregant at a healthy weight.

Surgery with Dr. Randall

12/20/00

272/272/

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherry,

Welcome to the group

I am pre-op like you...I am also about the same age (I'm 27) and looking to have

children in the next few years. So I cant speak from the other side, but I can

tell you that I am told the same exact thing by my Dr.--that I will need to wait

for about a year post op, and I can try to get pregnant once my weight

stabilizes.

I am thinking (and hoping) that pregnancy will be easier and healthier if I get

pregant at a healthy weight.

Surgery with Dr. Randall

12/20/00

272/272/

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat. There is a guy Marc who had bpd/ds but in NY with Dr. Gagner. I

don't think he is on the list anymore but someone might have his email for

you. I don't know of any in MA unless they've started doing it lately. I

believe there is one in ME but I don't have the info .. sorry I can't be of

more help but welcome!

Good luck!

Lyssa

New to group

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here has had the BPD/DS wls? If so did

you use a DR in MA? IF so which one? Thanks so much for your help!

Pat

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat. There is a guy Marc who had bpd/ds but in NY with Dr. Gagner. I

don't think he is on the list anymore but someone might have his email for

you. I don't know of any in MA unless they've started doing it lately. I

believe there is one in ME but I don't have the info .. sorry I can't be of

more help but welcome!

Good luck!

Lyssa

New to group

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here has had the BPD/DS wls? If so did

you use a DR in MA? IF so which one? Thanks so much for your help!

Pat

[Guest guest]

Welcome Pat!

No I don't but I think some of us on here have! Anyone willing to share???

Sorry sweetie, but glad to have you!!!

Dawn

New to group

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here has had the BPD/DS wls? If so did

you use a DR in MA? IF so which one? Thanks so much for your help!

Pat

[Guest guest]

Welcome Pat!

No I don't but I think some of us on here have! Anyone willing to share???

Sorry sweetie, but glad to have you!!!

Dawn

New to group

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here has had the BPD/DS wls? If so did

you use a DR in MA? IF so which one? Thanks so much for your help!

Pat

[Guest guest]

Welcome Pat!

No I don't but I think some of us on here have! Anyone willing to share???

Sorry sweetie, but glad to have you!!!

Dawn

New to group

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here has had the BPD/DS wls? If so did

you use a DR in MA? IF so which one? Thanks so much for your help!

Pat

[Guest guest]

Pat,

Hi hon, I am still trying to get approved for my surgery. Congrats on

your date. I am new here also and have learned so much, as you will

too. This is a GREAT support group. You will definately get tons of

support here. Welcome aboard.

Terri Sas

> Hi everyone, I am new to this group and i would appreciate any

hints

> on what i should be doing to get ready for my surgery and what i

> should have on hand when i get home.My date is 9/25/02 and i am

> getting a little nervous and excited at the same time. A little

about

> me...I am female, 58 years old,weigh 315lbs and 5'6'' tall.I am

> looking forward to having the surgery and getting on with the rest

of

> my life,a new me!I would appreciate anyone who would write yo me

here

> as i am bascially alone in this endeavor.My family, i am divorced

> after 28 yrs of marriage, isnt really supporting me too much.

Please

> I could use some support.Thanks, God Bless, Pat

[Guest guest]

HI Dana you might ask the DR office you have chosen if Medicare will pay for

the lap band and also Water drinking is a necessary thing so yes you will be

able to drink your water . Good luck on your journey

TN

New to Group

> Hi Everyone

>

> I signed up with this group last night and feel a bit overwhelmed by all

the

> info. Here are the few questions that I have. I am 51 year old female. I

am

> about 80 to 85 pounds overweight and have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure,

> Arthritis and autoimmune diseases. I am on Medicare (based on my

autoimmune

> problems--Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjogrens) with Medicaid as a supplement

> because my monthly income from SSD is low. I live in South Florida and go

to

> The Clevland Clinic in Weston. My endochronologist and cardiologist

referred

> me to the department that does gastric bypass. My appointment is on

> September 24th. I have done alot of reading and feel that the lap band is

> what I want. Will Medicare pay for this procedure and what do I have to

do

> to notify them? Has anyone in this group had the lap band and if so, what

> has your experience been? Because of my Sjogrens I need to drink water

> during the day--will I be able to do so with the lap band? Well that's it

> for now--I know I will have more later. Glad to be a member of this

group.

>

> Dana

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Pat,

::Big ole hugs from Virginia:: You've found a wonderful

support/information group here. Take care and I'll tell you what it's like

on the " other side " in just two days.

Love,

Trace

Surgery date -- 9/5/02 (Two days and counting!)

Starting weight -- 351.2

Current weight -- 342/ /145?

Dr. Schechner,

Va. Beach and Norfolk, VA

Gal. 2:20

[Guest guest]

Dear Dana,

Welcome to our support/information group. My surgeon told me that

most of his high blood pressure and diabetes patients reduce their medicine

greatly or take NONE at all (after surgery and weight loss). Isn't that

great news?

Hope our consultation goes well. Good luck and God bless you!

Love,

Trace

Surgery date -- 9/5/02 (Two days and counting!)

Starting weight -- 351.2

Current weight -- 342/ /145?

Dr. Schechner,

Va. Beach and Norfolk, VA

Gal. 2:20

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group! 45lbs is a lot to lose. Congratulations on getting that

far. Hopefully the medical problems have subsided for you? Keep up the good

work.

Jon

--- " Tina " wrote:

Hello to all of you. I would like to introduce myself to you. My

name is Tina, from the fingerlakes region of New York.. I am a 32

y.o. wife, and mother of one, beautiful, almost 3 y.o. I started ww

on October 15 2002. I started at 275lbs, and am now 45lbs lighter!

I was 50lbs lighter, but due to some medical problems I had gone OP

for 4 weeks. It really was an eye opener for me. I learned that

without ww I will be back to where I was. I am a lifer!!! I am

really looking forward to sharing this journey with all of you!!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group Tina :-)

Steph

New to Group

Hello to all of you. I would like to introduce myself to you. My

name is Tina, from the fingerlakes region of New York.. I am a 32

y.o. wife, and mother of one, beautiful, almost 3 y.o. I started ww

on October 15 2002. I started at 275lbs, and am now 45lbs lighter!

I was 50lbs lighter, but due to some medical problems I had gone OP

for 4 weeks. It really was an eye opener for me. I learned that

without ww I will be back to where I was. I am a lifer!!! I am

really looking forward to sharing this journey with all of you!!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to you also! Your experience of not being treated after you first

became symptomatic is not unusual unfortunately. I myself was not treated for

about 15 years after I first became symptomatic, and not officially diagnosed

until I had my second biopsy 20 years after my initial early recorded symptoms

of blood and protein in my urine.

I am glad you found a new Nephrologist that you do feel comfortable with.

That is really important since this is a chronic disease.

I am so glad you are feeling better with the acupuncture. Just make sure

with your busy schedule that you don't forget to take care of you too! It may

be

a good idea for you to also be referred to a dietitian who can help you make

sure you are getting a well balanced diet within the requirements recommended

to you by your doctor. It is important to make sure you get adequate protein,

regardless of the source of that being animal or plant protein.

The blood pressure medication he prescribed you is probably an Ace inhibitor,

which is known to have renal protective measures.

It sounds like you are in very good hands.

Welcome again to our group .

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I am glad that the website could be of some

help, I know it has done the same for me! You have a wonderful

positive attitude...which is definitely the best medicine

Take care of yourself,

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I have been enjoying the group for the last few weeks and am really

> grateful to everyone for how much I have learned from reading the

> postings. I was diagnosed with IGAN this last August after a

biopsy.

> Protein was first seen in my urine about 10 years ago, but nothing

> was recommended in terms of treatment and I never really `got' that

> the condition was something that could be serious. Five years ago,

> when I was pregnant, the doctor told me to see the kidney doctor,

> which I did. I was told to come back after the baby was born.

>

> Well since I am busy with our business which involves thinking and

> some traveling, a husband and daughter who compete for my

attention,

> and 4 older step kids that are out of the house, but still very

much

> a part of my life, and given a propensity to putting myself at the

> bottom of the list, I am embarrassed to say that it took me over 3

> years to get there. I didn't really hit it off with the neph—he

said

> that he would call me back after some blood tests. He never did and

I

> let it go. It was after I started eating a high protein diet to

loose

> some weight that my health started giving me concern. Fatigue, back

> pain, and numbness in my feet at night, along with aches and pains.

>

> I found a new neph, who is a fantastic guy—reminds me of a

> grandfather. He was the first doctor who really took the time to

talk

> to me, share some information. I asked him what I should be eating—

> more protein or less. He said none, (this was before the biopsy). I

> changed my diet immediately to whole grains, vegetables, fruits,

> little sugar or refined foods or drinks. I noticed a difference

right

> away.

>

> After the biopsy, and the diagnosis, I went on BP med, although my

BP

> is typically low—a hereditary thing. My neph told me he believes

that

> we can control this. He said, " We're in this together over the long

> haul. " I love that guy!

>

> What prompted me to write was Darren's question about the

> acupuncture. With the aches and pains that I mentioned above, it

> became clear that I needed to bump myself up to the top of the list

> and I started taking weekly acupuncture treatments, along with the

> diet changes and exercise

>

> I believe that the acupuncture really makes a difference,

especially

> with the fatigue and the back pain. If I miss an appointment, I

> notice a difference. I don't consider the treatments a `cure' but

> they seem to stimulate the energy flow through the body and I seem

to

> have more vitality, as well as sleep better, think better, and feel

> all around more stronger.

>

> Again thank you everyone for being willing to share yourselves,

your

> ups and downs and what you know or are learning—and letting me be

> involved in your lives.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to our community. I'm sorry you have reason to be here, but very

glad you found us. Let's hope your disease progression stays example where

it's been! Good show for keeping that BP down

Your neph sounds so wonderful. It's always good to feel like the doc is on

your side! He sounds like a real gem.,

Cy

new to group

Hi Everyone,

I have been enjoying the group for the last few weeks and am really

grateful to everyone for how much I have learned from reading the

postings. I was diagnosed with IGAN this last August after a biopsy.

Protein was first seen in my urine about 10 years ago, but nothing

was recommended in terms of treatment and I never really `got' that

the condition was something that could be serious. Five years ago,

when I was pregnant, the doctor told me to see the kidney doctor,

which I did. I was told to come back after the baby was born.

Well since I am busy with our business which involves thinking and

some traveling, a husband and daughter who compete for my attention,

and 4 older step kids that are out of the house, but still very much

a part of my life, and given a propensity to putting myself at the

bottom of the list, I am embarrassed to say that it took me over 3

years to get there. I didn't really hit it off with the neph-he said

that he would call me back after some blood tests. He never did and I

let it go. It was after I started eating a high protein diet to loose

some weight that my health started giving me concern. Fatigue, back

pain, and numbness in my feet at night, along with aches and pains.

I found a new neph, who is a fantastic guy-reminds me of a

grandfather. He was the first doctor who really took the time to talk

to me, share some information. I asked him what I should be eating-

more protein or less. He said none, (this was before the biopsy). I

changed my diet immediately to whole grains, vegetables, fruits,

little sugar or refined foods or drinks. I noticed a difference right

away.

After the biopsy, and the diagnosis, I went on BP med, although my BP

is typically low-a hereditary thing. My neph told me he believes that

we can control this. He said, " We're in this together over the long

haul. " I love that guy!

What prompted me to write was Darren's question about the

acupuncture. With the aches and pains that I mentioned above, it

became clear that I needed to bump myself up to the top of the list

and I started taking weekly acupuncture treatments, along with the

diet changes and exercise

I believe that the acupuncture really makes a difference, especially

with the fatigue and the back pain. If I miss an appointment, I

notice a difference. I don't consider the treatments a `cure' but

they seem to stimulate the energy flow through the body and I seem to

have more vitality, as well as sleep better, think better, and feel

all around more stronger.

Again thank you everyone for being willing to share yourselves, your

ups and downs and what you know or are learning-and letting me be

involved in your lives.

To edit your settings for the group, go to our Yahoo Group

home page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/iga-nephropathy/

To unsubcribe via email,

iga-nephropathy-unsubscribe

Visit our companion website at www.igan.ca. The site is entirely supported

by donations. If you would like to help, go to:

http://www.igan.ca/id62.htm

Thank you

[Guest guest]

Hi . Welcome to the group. Nice to hear from another IgAN old-timer.

It also started in the 1970's for me, late 70's. I only reached the point

where I needed to start dialysis a little over a year ago. You will see, we

have a few others like you in the group. I hope you still have a long while

before dialysis or transplant.

Pierre

New to Group

> Hello everyone! It's good to be a part of a support group again.

> I have had Igan since 1971 but did not know what it was till a

> biopsy in 1975.I have had it 28 years and I am just now starting to

> reach critical levels.I have read some posts on reducing activities

> and would like to say,don't let it stop you from leading a normal

> life.I have played sports all my life and still do. Golf,softball, &

> flag football to name a few.The progression of Igan in everyone is

> different.I am definately very blessed to have gone this long with

> good kidney function.This is only my opinion.I am looking forward to

> reading about all of you and wish you well!

>

>

> MERRY CHRISTMAS

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi . Welcome to the group. Nice to hear from another IgAN old-timer.

It also started in the 1970's for me, late 70's. I only reached the point

where I needed to start dialysis a little over a year ago. You will see, we

have a few others like you in the group. I hope you still have a long while

before dialysis or transplant.

Pierre

New to Group

> Hello everyone! It's good to be a part of a support group again.

> I have had Igan since 1971 but did not know what it was till a

> biopsy in 1975.I have had it 28 years and I am just now starting to

> reach critical levels.I have read some posts on reducing activities

> and would like to say,don't let it stop you from leading a normal

> life.I have played sports all my life and still do. Golf,softball, &

> flag football to name a few.The progression of Igan in everyone is

> different.I am definately very blessed to have gone this long with

> good kidney function.This is only my opinion.I am looking forward to

> reading about all of you and wish you well!

>

>

> MERRY CHRISTMAS

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome..... Yeah, I've pretty much decided to have as much fun as

long as I possibly can. My neph told me I could work out as long as

I didn't lift really heavy weights. Well, he didn't specify how

heavy was too heavy. I guess as long as I don't go too crazy.

Anyway, I'm going to get back to working out and get myself back

into shape (not the somewhat squishy one I'm in now). But I'm still

playing in my band, jumping around like a fool on stage.

[Guest guest]

Good for you .

The thing with weightlifting is primarily what it does to blood pressure, as

far as I know, and we're talking about real heavyweight, olympic-style

weightlifting here. BP's measured intravenously have been known to jump as

high as 300 for systolic - and that's for a person who doesn't have high

blood pressure to start with. But I doubt normal iron pumping would really

be a problem, within reason. Jumping around is probably a great aerobic

exercise for the cardiovascular system, as well as a visual treat for your

fans

Pierre

Re: New to Group

> Welcome..... Yeah, I've pretty much decided to have as much fun as

> long as I possibly can. My neph told me I could work out as long as

> I didn't lift really heavy weights. Well, he didn't specify how

> heavy was too heavy. I guess as long as I don't go too crazy.

> Anyway, I'm going to get back to working out and get myself back

> into shape (not the somewhat squishy one I'm in now). But I'm still

> playing in my band, jumping around like a fool on stage.

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Hello everyone! It's good to be a part of a support group again.

> I have had Igan since 1971 but did not know what it was till a

> biopsy in 1975.I have had it 28 years and I am just now starting to

> reach critical levels.I have read some posts on reducing activities

> and would like to say,don't let it stop you from leading a normal

> life.I have played sports all my life and still do. Golf,softball, &

> flag football to name a few.The progression of Igan in everyone is

> different.I am definately very blessed to have gone this long with

> good kidney function.This is only my opinion.I am looking forward

to

> reading about all of you and wish you well!

>

>

> MERRY CHRISTMAS

>

>

You are soooooo lucky to have good kidney function! I am 21 years

old, and I had discovered that I have IGAN about 6 months ago;

meanwhile, I've been on dialysis since February. A lot of you are

so

lucky that your disease didn't strike as fast as mine did. I've

probably only had it couple years, (at least, I was feeling sick for

a couple of years before they discovered it) and already I have total

kidney failure. Really, I'm kind of curious how the disease

affects

most of you who don't get kidney failure. What kind of symptoms do

you have, since my igan hit me like a ton of bricks! I can't say

I'm

as active as you, but I would like to be, but it's just most of the

time I feel lethargic. I do try and fight it as much as possible!

Keeping myself busy is super important! I think it's great that

you

have such a positive out look; I can't honestly say I feel

positive

everyday myself, but I try not to let it get to me as much as I

possibly can, or else I really won't be able to function!

Thanks for sharing your story. =)

[Guest guest]

> Hello everyone! It's good to be a part of a support group again.

> I have had Igan since 1971 but did not know what it was till a

> biopsy in 1975.I have had it 28 years and I am just now starting to

> reach critical levels.I have read some posts on reducing activities

> and would like to say,don't let it stop you from leading a normal

> life.I have played sports all my life and still do. Golf,softball, &

> flag football to name a few.The progression of Igan in everyone is

> different.I am definately very blessed to have gone this long with

> good kidney function.This is only my opinion.I am looking forward

to

> reading about all of you and wish you well!

>

>

> MERRY CHRISTMAS

>

>

You are soooooo lucky to have good kidney function! I am 21 years

old, and I had discovered that I have IGAN about 6 months ago;

meanwhile, I've been on dialysis since February. A lot of you are

so

lucky that your disease didn't strike as fast as mine did. I've

probably only had it couple years, (at least, I was feeling sick for

a couple of years before they discovered it) and already I have total

kidney failure. Really, I'm kind of curious how the disease

affects

most of you who don't get kidney failure. What kind of symptoms do

you have, since my igan hit me like a ton of bricks! I can't say

I'm

as active as you, but I would like to be, but it's just most of the

time I feel lethargic. I do try and fight it as much as possible!

Keeping myself busy is super important! I think it's great that

you

have such a positive out look; I can't honestly say I feel

positive

everyday myself, but I try not to let it get to me as much as I

possibly can, or else I really won't be able to function!

Thanks for sharing your story. =)

[Guest guest]

> Hello everyone! It's good to be a part of a support group again.

> I have had Igan since 1971 but did not know what it was till a

> biopsy in 1975.I have had it 28 years and I am just now starting to

> reach critical levels.I have read some posts on reducing activities

> and would like to say,don't let it stop you from leading a normal

> life.I have played sports all my life and still do. Golf,softball, &

> flag football to name a few.The progression of Igan in everyone is

> different.I am definately very blessed to have gone this long with

> good kidney function.This is only my opinion.I am looking forward

to

> reading about all of you and wish you well!

>

>

> MERRY CHRISTMAS

>

>

You are soooooo lucky to have good kidney function! I am 21 years

old, and I had discovered that I have IGAN about 6 months ago;

meanwhile, I've been on dialysis since February. A lot of you are

so

lucky that your disease didn't strike as fast as mine did. I've

probably only had it couple years, (at least, I was feeling sick for

a couple of years before they discovered it) and already I have total

kidney failure. Really, I'm kind of curious how the disease

affects

most of you who don't get kidney failure. What kind of symptoms do

you have, since my igan hit me like a ton of bricks! I can't say

I'm

as active as you, but I would like to be, but it's just most of the

time I feel lethargic. I do try and fight it as much as possible!

Keeping myself busy is super important! I think it's great that

you

have such a positive out look; I can't honestly say I feel

positive

everyday myself, but I try not to let it get to me as much as I

possibly can, or else I really won't be able to function!

Thanks for sharing your story. =)

[Guest guest]

Hi

Welcome to our group! I am glad you found us. It looks like we are on a

similar path, although I think you have had it a few more years than I. What

are

your current levels?

I agree completely with you that it is imperative to live life to the fullest

extent possible and not let IgAN dictate who you are! I love your attitude!