Guest guest Posted July 28, 2005 Report Share Posted July 28, 2005 Genevieve, Just wanted to say welcome to the group. You've been through so much and I'm sorry to hear about the chemo too. I'm kind of a " lurker " too..I've been here a couple of years and the group has helped more than I can ever express. I hope the support here helps you as much as it's helped me. Thanks for your post. Hang in there! ~Dana another lurker unveiled Well, I don't know where to start. First I want to say thank you to everyone for the messages appearing in my inbox all day. They've been a tremendous support and let me know I'm not alone in this. I signed up for the group when I was first diagnosed with IgAN in March 2004. I posted a few times, but was in total denial about what was happening. I couldn't relate to the e-mails, the medical world was so foreign to me. I was 27 and thought, no way, there's no chance I'll advance to those levels. Looking back I just roll my eyes. My protein at the time was 11 grams, my ankles and feet were so swollen I couldn't put on my shoes. My blood pressure was literally getting higher every day. My GFR was about 70, creatinine 1.4. Still, I didn't believe it. Now, I'm preparing to go in next week for my sixth treatment of intraveinous cytoxan chemotherapy. I've been loaded up with prednisone, Cellcept, Imuran, and cyclosporin (not at the same time). I'm on 2 blood pressure medications. I have shots of Lupron every month during chemo, which threw me into menopause ( " put your overaries to sleep, " as my doctor puts it) to protect my ovaries from the cytoxan so I can hopefully have kids later. Talk about nasty dispositions -- between Lupron and 100 mg of prednisone, I'd challenge Janell and . My boyfriend is an angel. Since my diagnosis, my mom has had 2 minor strokes, and I've moved across the state for a new job. Three months after moving, my gfr dropped from 70 to 50. I was just popping pills every day until the new doctor freaked and called in the chemo (I did get a second opinion). It's been the craziest time of my life. The new job, however, was a blessing. I'm a reporter, and jumped to a newspaper with about twice the circulation -- great news career-wise. The benefits and pay are tremendously better, as I wouldn't be able to afford the chemo on my old plan. Now I live in Santa Cruz, CA, where I'll never be able to afford a house but receive amazing therapy walking by the ocean. I tuned back into the group a little while ago to battle the loneliness. I'm used to having a large group of friends but because of the chemo, haven't had time or energy to get out and meet a lot of people. Fortunately, I started dating a new guy right before therapy started and he has been my biggest blessing. Little did I know when I thought, " wow, he's cute and fun, " he would hold my hand every time they insert the IV needle. But no one I've met so far understands that bone-deep exhaustion, or the fuzzy thinking, or the panic...my friends are all getting married, having kids, traveling the world, getting ahead in their careers. I go in next month for a transplant consultation appointment. Sorry this is going on so long, it just feels really good to vent and, well, I am a writer. I've been reading all the posts from 20- somethings and thought maybe I could help them with that feeling of, " this isn't supposed to happen to me now, my life is just getting started " and maybe they could help me too I guess. I had some questions but after typing all this I can't remember what they are. I'm sure I will as soon as I send it, so I'll write them later. I appreciate anyone who's read this far! Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for the support and I hope I can give something back in return. Genevieve 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2005 Report Share Posted July 28, 2005 Well, I don't know where to start. First I want to say thank you to everyone for the messages appearing in my inbox all day. They've been a tremendous support and let me know I'm not alone in this. I signed up for the group when I was first diagnosed with IgAN in March 2004. I posted a few times, but was in total denial about what was happening. I couldn't relate to the e-mails, the medical world was so foreign to me. I was 27 and thought, no way, there's no chance I'll advance to those levels. Looking back I just roll my eyes. My protein at the time was 11 grams, my ankles and feet were so swollen I couldn't put on my shoes. My blood pressure was literally getting higher every day. My GFR was about 70, creatinine 1.4. Still, I didn't believe it. Now, I'm preparing to go in next week for my sixth treatment of intraveinous cytoxan chemotherapy. I've been loaded up with prednisone, Cellcept, Imuran, and cyclosporin (not at the same time). I'm on 2 blood pressure medications. I have shots of Lupron every month during chemo, which threw me into menopause ( " put your overaries to sleep, " as my doctor puts it) to protect my ovaries from the cytoxan so I can hopefully have kids later. Talk about nasty dispositions -- between Lupron and 100 mg of prednisone, I'd challenge Janell and . My boyfriend is an angel. Since my diagnosis, my mom has had 2 minor strokes, and I've moved across the state for a new job. Three months after moving, my gfr dropped from 70 to 50. I was just popping pills every day until the new doctor freaked and called in the chemo (I did get a second opinion). It's been the craziest time of my life. The new job, however, was a blessing. I'm a reporter, and jumped to a newspaper with about twice the circulation -- great news career-wise. The benefits and pay are tremendously better, as I wouldn't be able to afford the chemo on my old plan. Now I live in Santa Cruz, CA, where I'll never be able to afford a house but receive amazing therapy walking by the ocean. I tuned back into the group a little while ago to battle the loneliness. I'm used to having a large group of friends but because of the chemo, haven't had time or energy to get out and meet a lot of people. Fortunately, I started dating a new guy right before therapy started and he has been my biggest blessing. Little did I know when I thought, " wow, he's cute and fun, " he would hold my hand every time they insert the IV needle. But no one I've met so far understands that bone-deep exhaustion, or the fuzzy thinking, or the panic...my friends are all getting married, having kids, traveling the world, getting ahead in their careers. I go in next month for a transplant consultation appointment. Sorry this is going on so long, it just feels really good to vent and, well, I am a writer. I've been reading all the posts from 20- somethings and thought maybe I could help them with that feeling of, " this isn't supposed to happen to me now, my life is just getting started " and maybe they could help me too I guess. I had some questions but after typing all this I can't remember what they are. I'm sure I will as soon as I send it, so I'll write them later. I appreciate anyone who's read this far! Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for the support and I hope I can give something back in return. Genevieve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Hi Genevieve Our lurkers are as valuable to us as anyone else. Every time I reply to a message, I automatically assume the reply will be read by one original poster, and a thousand lurkers :-) I think denial is a natural defense mechanism we all use when initially faced with something like kidney disease. I certainly went through that myself. In my case, it lasted more than a decade, although, it was perhaps justified in that my symptoms were pretty mild at the time. More ominously though, my denial extended to the severe hypertension I eventually developed. I'm probably lucky I'm still here with the kind of pressures I had! Welcome to the group once again, and enjoy your ocean. I wish I had one nearby. I've always found the seashore to be a kind of spiritual experience. Pierre another lurker unveiled > Well, I don't know where to start. First I want to say thank you to > everyone for the messages appearing in my inbox all day. They've been > a tremendous support and let me know I'm not alone in this. > > I signed up for the group when I was first diagnosed with IgAN in > March 2004. I posted a few times, but was in total denial about what > was happening. I couldn't relate to the e-mails, the medical world > was so foreign to me. I was 27 and thought, no way, there's no chance > I'll advance to those levels. Looking back I just roll my eyes. My > protein at the time was 11 grams, my ankles and feet were so swollen > I couldn't put on my shoes. My blood pressure was literally getting > higher every day. My GFR was about 70, creatinine 1.4. Still, I > didn't believe it. > > Now, I'm preparing to go in next week for my sixth treatment of > intraveinous cytoxan chemotherapy. I've been loaded up with > prednisone, Cellcept, Imuran, and cyclosporin (not at the same time). > I'm on 2 blood pressure medications. I have shots of Lupron every > month during chemo, which threw me into menopause ( " put your > overaries to sleep, " as my doctor puts it) to protect my ovaries from > the cytoxan so I can hopefully have kids later. Talk about nasty > dispositions -- between Lupron and 100 mg of prednisone, I'd > challenge Janell and . My boyfriend is an angel. > > Since my diagnosis, my mom has had 2 minor strokes, and I've moved > across the state for a new job. Three months after moving, my gfr > dropped from 70 to 50. I was just popping pills every day until the > new doctor freaked and called in the chemo (I did get a second > opinion). It's been the craziest time of my life. > > The new job, however, was a blessing. I'm a reporter, and jumped to a > newspaper with about twice the circulation -- great news career-wise. > The benefits and pay are tremendously better, as I wouldn't be able > to afford the chemo on my old plan. Now I live in Santa Cruz, CA, > where I'll never be able to afford a house but receive amazing > therapy walking by the ocean. > > I tuned back into the group a little while ago to battle the > loneliness. I'm used to having a large group of friends but because > of the chemo, haven't had time or energy to get out and meet a lot of > people. Fortunately, I started dating a new guy right before therapy > started and he has been my biggest blessing. Little did I know when I > thought, " wow, he's cute and fun, " he would hold my hand every time > they insert the IV needle. > > But no one I've met so far understands that bone-deep exhaustion, or > the fuzzy thinking, or the panic...my friends are all getting > married, having kids, traveling the world, getting ahead in their > careers. I go in next month for a transplant consultation appointment. > > Sorry this is going on so long, it just feels really good to vent > and, well, I am a writer. I've been reading all the posts from 20- > somethings and thought maybe I could help them with that feeling > of, " this isn't supposed to happen to me now, my life is just getting > started " and maybe they could help me too I guess. > > I had some questions but after typing all this I can't remember what > they are. I'm sure I will as soon as I send it, so I'll write them > later. I appreciate anyone who's read this far! > > Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for the support and I hope I can > give something back in return. > > Genevieve > > > > > 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 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Hi Genevieve, I felt as if I were reading about myself when I read your post (except for the amazing boyfriend). I was diagnosed in May 2004 and have been on Cytoxan IV treatments and massive doses of prednisone since my diagnosis. They have actually weaned my prednisone, but my neph will not let me come completely off until I finish the cytoxan treatments. One thing I was surprised to read in your post was that you were going for a transplant consult soon. When I was first diagnosed my creatnine was 5.2 and my GFR was 15. Fortunately, that has turned around and my creatnine is holding at 2.2 with a GFR of around 27- 28. My neph has not mentioned anything about dialysis possibilities or transplant at any time during my treatment, so I was assuming everything was wonderful (thanks for letting me borrow your rose colored glasses!). I was wondering if any of our long time board members think this is something that my neph should inform me of how much time I may have. My blood pressure has been awful to control. About every other month we are having to make adjustments. Is this something I should start thinking about or can I keep my rose colored glasses? Thanks for listening! J. > Well, I don't know where to start. First I want to say thank you to > everyone for the messages appearing in my inbox all day. They've been > a tremendous support and let me know I'm not alone in this. > > I signed up for the group when I was first diagnosed with IgAN in > March 2004. I posted a few times, but was in total denial about what > was happening. I couldn't relate to the e-mails, the medical world > was so foreign to me. I was 27 and thought, no way, there's no chance > I'll advance to those levels. Looking back I just roll my eyes. My > protein at the time was 11 grams, my ankles and feet were so swollen > I couldn't put on my shoes. My blood pressure was literally getting > higher every day. My GFR was about 70, creatinine 1.4. Still, I > didn't believe it. > > Now, I'm preparing to go in next week for my sixth treatment of > intraveinous cytoxan chemotherapy. I've been loaded up with > prednisone, Cellcept, Imuran, and cyclosporin (not at the same time). > I'm on 2 blood pressure medications. I have shots of Lupron every > month during chemo, which threw me into menopause ( " put your > overaries to sleep, " as my doctor puts it) to protect my ovaries from > the cytoxan so I can hopefully have kids later. Talk about nasty > dispositions -- between Lupron and 100 mg of prednisone, I'd > challenge Janell and . My boyfriend is an angel. > > Since my diagnosis, my mom has had 2 minor strokes, and I've moved > across the state for a new job. Three months after moving, my gfr > dropped from 70 to 50. I was just popping pills every day until the > new doctor freaked and called in the chemo (I did get a second > opinion). It's been the craziest time of my life. > > The new job, however, was a blessing. I'm a reporter, and jumped to a > newspaper with about twice the circulation -- great news career- wise. > The benefits and pay are tremendously better, as I wouldn't be able > to afford the chemo on my old plan. Now I live in Santa Cruz, CA, > where I'll never be able to afford a house but receive amazing > therapy walking by the ocean. > > I tuned back into the group a little while ago to battle the > loneliness. I'm used to having a large group of friends but because > of the chemo, haven't had time or energy to get out and meet a lot of > people. Fortunately, I started dating a new guy right before therapy > started and he has been my biggest blessing. Little did I know when I > thought, " wow, he's cute and fun, " he would hold my hand every time > they insert the IV needle. > > But no one I've met so far understands that bone-deep exhaustion, or > the fuzzy thinking, or the panic...my friends are all getting > married, having kids, traveling the world, getting ahead in their > careers. I go in next month for a transplant consultation appointment. > > Sorry this is going on so long, it just feels really good to vent > and, well, I am a writer. I've been reading all the posts from 20- > somethings and thought maybe I could help them with that feeling > of, " this isn't supposed to happen to me now, my life is just getting > started " and maybe they could help me too I guess. > > I had some questions but after typing all this I can't remember what > they are. I'm sure I will as soon as I send it, so I'll write them > later. I appreciate anyone who's read this far! > > Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for the support and I hope I can > give something back in return. > > Genevieve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2005 Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 Hi Genevieve, A very warm welcome to you! I have had my protein spill up as high at 10 grams in 24 hours, so I have some idea of the edema you were facing. As to the fatigue, I know that can be overwhelming too. I am sorry you are having to endure Cytoxan now on top of all the other drugs. Thank goodness you have been blessed with a great job, and a great boyfriend to support you too. Santa Cruz is beautiful, especially this time of the year when it gets so hot over the hill in Almaden Valley where I live. I can only express my hope and prayers that your treatment will help you achieve stability in your kidney function. Regardless, you have found a support group that really does understand what you are going through and we will be here for you each step of the way! Welcome again! In a message dated 7/28/2005 8:11:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, gbookwalter@... writes: Well, I don't know where to start. First I want to say thank you to everyone for the messages appearing in my inbox all day. They've been a tremendous support and let me know I'm not alone in this. I signed up for the group when I was first diagnosed with IgAN in March 2004. I posted a few times, but was in total denial about what was happening. I couldn't relate to the e-mails, the medical world was so foreign to me. I was 27 and thought, no way, there's no chance I'll advance to those levels. Looking back I just roll my eyes. My protein at the time was 11 grams, my ankles and feet were so swollen I couldn't put on my shoes. My blood pressure was literally getting higher every day. My GFR was about 70, creatinine 1.4. Still, I didn't believe it. Now, I'm preparing to go in next week for my sixth treatment of intraveinous cytoxan chemotherapy. I've been loaded up with prednisone, Cellcept, Imuran, and cyclosporin (not at the same time). I'm on 2 blood pressure medications. I have shots of Lupron every month during chemo, which threw me into menopause ( " put your overaries to sleep, " as my doctor puts it) to protect my ovaries from the cytoxan so I can hopefully have kids later. Talk about nasty dispositions -- between Lupron and 100 mg of prednisone, I'd challenge Janell and . My boyfriend is an angel. Since my diagnosis, my mom has had 2 minor strokes, and I've moved across the state for a new job. Three months after moving, my gfr dropped from 70 to 50. I was just popping pills every day until the new doctor freaked and called in the chemo (I did get a second opinion). It's been the craziest time of my life. The new job, however, was a blessing. I'm a reporter, and jumped to a newspaper with about twice the circulation -- great news career-wise. The benefits and pay are tremendously better, as I wouldn't be able to afford the chemo on my old plan. Now I live in Santa Cruz, CA, where I'll never be able to afford a house but receive amazing therapy walking by the ocean. I tuned back into the group a little while ago to battle the loneliness. I'm used to having a large group of friends but because of the chemo, haven't had time or energy to get out and meet a lot of people. Fortunately, I started dating a new guy right before therapy started and he has been my biggest blessing. Little did I know when I thought, " wow, he's cute and fun, " he would hold my hand every time they insert the IV needle. But no one I've met so far understands that bone-deep exhaustion, or the fuzzy thinking, or the panic...my friends are all getting married, having kids, traveling the world, getting ahead in their careers. I go in next month for a transplant consultation appointment. Sorry this is going on so long, it just feels really good to vent and, well, I am a writer. I've been reading all the posts from 20- somethings and thought maybe I could help them with that feeling of, " this isn't supposed to happen to me now, my life is just getting started " and maybe they could help me too I guess. I had some questions but after typing all this I can't remember what they are. I'm sure I will as soon as I send it, so I'll write them later. I appreciate anyone who's read this far! Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for the support and I hope I can give something back in return. Genevieve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2005 Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 Hi , You post has given me hope that my creatinine may come down in two weeks and I can perhaps hold off on dialysis! That is a significant drop going from 5.2 down to 2.2! WOW! That is fantastic news. My question back to you is how long have you been holding steady at 2.2? I think certainly if you are bouncing up around the 4's and 5's, it would be prudent to discuss ESRD options, but if you are steady at 2.2 hopefully those discussions are still in the future. It is very difficult to predict when someone will reach ESRD, and much of it is not scientific but rather based on symptoms and how your body is tolerating the lower renal function. The more muscle mass you have, the higher creatinine you will likely be able to tolerate. And by the way, the rose colored glasses are really wonderful and you can borrow them any time you need to :-) In a message dated 7/29/2005 11:48:35 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, arjessup@... writes: One thing I was surprised to read in your post was that you were going for a transplant consult soon. When I was first diagnosed my creatnine was 5.2 and my GFR was 15. Fortunately, that has turned around and my creatnine is holding at 2.2 with a GFR of around 27- 28. My neph has not mentioned anything about dialysis possibilities or transplant at any time during my treatment, so I was assuming everything was wonderful (thanks for letting me borrow your rose colored glasses!). I was wondering if any of our long time board members think this is something that my neph should inform me of how much time I may have. My blood pressure has been awful to control. About every other month we are having to make adjustments. Is this something I should start thinking about or can I keep my rose colored glasses? Thanks for listening! J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 It's important to note that with any kidney disease, there can be a certain amount of acute renal failure on top of the chronic one. This is usually what happens when serum creatinine improves significantly. Pierre Re: Re: another lurker unveiled > > Hi , > > You post has given me hope that my creatinine may come down in two weeks > and > I can perhaps hold off on dialysis! That is a significant drop going > from > 5.2 down to 2.2! WOW! That is fantastic news. My question back to you > is > how long have you been holding steady at 2.2? I think certainly if you > are > bouncing up around the 4's and 5's, it would be prudent to discuss ESRD > options, > but if you are steady at 2.2 hopefully those discussions are still in the > future. It is very difficult to predict when someone will reach ESRD, > and much > of it is not scientific but rather based on symptoms and how your body is > tolerating the lower renal function. The more muscle mass you have, the > higher > creatinine you will likely be able to tolerate. > > And by the way, the rose colored glasses are really wonderful and you can > borrow them any time you need to :-) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 You are right Pierre, Thanks for the reality check. I am just shooting for enough of an improvement to hold off on dialysis. My Neph took me off Cozaar to see if that will help get it down some. In a message dated 8/1/2005 4:49:39 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, pgl-groups@... writes: It's important to note that with any kidney disease, there can be a certain amount of acute renal failure on top of the chronic one. This is usually what happens when serum creatinine improves significantly. Pierre Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 Hey everyone, Thanks for all the kind words. Sorry it's taken a couple days to get back, of course I post and then am away from my computer for the weekend! Jill -- I know what you mean about the alcohol. Last summer for me was way out of control, I was in total denial and decided I was going to do everything I could to prove I was still strong and could keep my normal pace...or exceed it. I was partying like a sophomore in college. I've slowed down since I moved and started chemo, and just come to terms with taking care of myself. While I hope you find a way to cope besides alcohol, it was nice to read I'm not the only one. And hey, you're not either. my cytoxan buddy - when is your last treatment? Mine is this Friday, woohoo! Then I'm weaned off the prednisone, too. I'm going to the transplant consultation because I have a few relatives who would be willing to donate their kidney and my nephrologist wants to get testing going as soon as possible. He'd rather skip dialysis if we can and go straight to the transplant. We'll see... Cathy -- I'm sorry to hear about all the hard times you're going through. I was thinking about your relationship with Janell and comparing it to the relationship I have with my mom...we've just started to get better, but it sounds like I was pretty comparable to your daughter there for a while. What helped me was a long talking-to from my sister, who pointed out how rude I was acting. But to explain my mother and I's issues, I felt like this disease was already threatening my independence and when my mom started freaking out and telling me what to do to take care of myself, etc, i knew she was doing it because she cared and was scared to death but i was so sensitive that i felt like she was treating me like i was 12. So I snapped right back. I didn't want the presents, the consolation, any of that, i just wanted to be healthy again. Her constant questions, " are you tired? do you need sleep? " were just more reminders that i was sick at a time in my life when i'm supposed to be the healthiest. I hope that makes sense....what also helped with me and my mom was thinking of us as a team. For a while it was almost like a competition, after she had her stroke...you're the sick one, no, YOU'RE the sick one....now we try and help each other through. Maybe that would work for you and Janell, she could help you with your back and you could help her with her kidney disease. It could help give her back a sense of independence and worth that she might be missing right now. It worked for us, anyway, I hope it helps you. sorry i write such long posts! Thanks again to everyone for all the kind words. And one question -- does anyone have any advice for stomaching fish oil? One capsule is my limit before it just gets really bad in the digestive system.... thanks! hope you're all having a great evening... genevieve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2005 Report Share Posted August 2, 2005 Hi Genevieve, It sounds like you went through the normal stages of grief, which includes going through denial. You are not alone in going through that. Congratulations on Friday being your last Cytoxan treatment and being weaned off the Prednisone. I am glad you will be able to close that chapter in a few days. Re: another lurker unveiled Hey everyone, Thanks for all the kind words. Sorry it's taken a couple days to get back, of course I post and then am away from my computer for the weekend! Jill -- I know what you mean about the alcohol. Last summer for me was way out of control, I was in total denial and decided I was going to do everything I could to prove I was still strong and could keep my normal pace...or exceed it. I was partying like a sophomore in college. I've slowed down since I moved and started chemo, and just come to terms with taking care of myself. While I hope you find a way to cope besides alcohol, it was nice to read I'm not the only one. And hey, you're not either. my cytoxan buddy - when is your last treatment? Mine is this Friday, woohoo! Then I'm weaned off the prednisone, too. I'm going to the transplant consultation because I have a few relatives who would be willing to donate their kidney and my nephrologist wants to get testing going as soon as possible. He'd rather skip dialysis if we can and go straight to the transplant. We'll see... Cathy -- I'm sorry to hear about all the hard times you're going through. I was thinking about your relationship with Janell and comparing it to the relationship I have with my mom...we've just started to get better, but it sounds like I was pretty comparable to your daughter there for a while. What helped me was a long talking-to from my sister, who pointed out how rude I was acting. But to explain my mother and I's issues, I felt like this disease was already threatening my independence and when my mom started freaking out and telling me what to do to take care of myself, etc, i knew she was doing it because she cared and was scared to death but i was so sensitive that i felt like she was treating me like i was 12. So I snapped right back. I didn't want the presents, the consolation, any of that, i just wanted to be healthy again. Her constant questions, " are you tired? do you need sleep? " were just more reminders that i was sick at a time in my life when i'm supposed to be the healthiest. I hope that makes sense....what also helped with me and my mom was thinking of us as a team. For a while it was almost like a competition, after she had her stroke...you're the sick one, no, YOU'RE the sick one....now we try and help each other through. Maybe that would work for you and Janell, she could help you with your back and you could help her with her kidney disease. It could help give her back a sense of independence and worth that she might be missing right now. It worked for us, anyway, I hope it helps you. sorry i write such long posts! Thanks again to everyone for all the kind words. And one question -- does anyone have any advice for stomaching fish oil? One capsule is my limit before it just gets really bad in the digestive system.... thanks! hope you're all having a great evening... genevieve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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