I've noticed that on-line support groups tend to slow down a little when the holiday season draws closer. Hope everything is going well for you. Kelley

support groups are like friendships, some are for a day, a week, some for a season or a reason, some become lifelong friends.
often people come when first diagnosed, learn coping skills and move on until they later find their function dropping. some come looking for reassurance that they really don't have PKD or whatever the support group supports, then get angry when they don't get it and stick their head in the sand.
some come and stay, learning that support is not only a gift to receive but one to pass along to others. that there is as much or even more joy in giving than receiving.
as Kelley says, there are busier seasons and holidays tend to slow down, post holidays often get busier as people get their lives back to normal.
hang in their Norma, your support of others is invaluable, regardless of quantity, quality counts.

Hello all, I am in alaska, freezing my butt off. I am stoking the fire and imagining how beautiful summer was.

I have been going through the battery of tests to get on the transplant list. Often times I wonder if my sluggishness is my health, or just the issues of life. I don't know.... but working on "cleaning the closets" in more ways than one. Working on living a realistic life where you toss the fears and worries that don't help, but actually hinder. Also, cleaning the real closets, so as to simplify life.

I am wondering, when I DO get on the list, how long it will take, with my O+ and whatever typing, to get up there on the list and find a match. I doubt that anyone can tell me, but, I still wonder. And yet, try to not make life all about PDK. But sometimes you can get in a rut, and it's hard to get out.

So, that's just some of my ponderings today.

Blessings all
Heather

Hello! I am still here!
Still trying to make some headway with things. Pleased to say that my GFR was up from 7% to 8% on my last blood test. Had another one done yesterday and expect to get result on Friday. Hoping things are no worse.
Am trying my best to keep to low protein and low potassium diet and sick feelings have eased. Still tending to be nauseated and bilious at times - not very pleasant.
Have started on iron tablets and yet another blood pressure tablet. Have also been prescribed artificial tears for dry eyes which had been causing the stinging effect. Not sure that this is related to PKD. I also have arthritis which is quite painful. It may be related to this.
I have a problem with restless leg syndrome which is making things difficult. It is why I am up just now when I should be sleeping. It is quite uncomfortable and makes it hard for me to sleep when it flares up. It does seem to be associated with renal failure.
Overall I am still very tired and really slowed down. It is a real effort to walk. Sometimes I just feel like I could collapse on the spot.
Well enough of the moaning. I am thankful for all the years that I had before all these symptoms became so troublesome, thankful that I was able to bring up my son without being too ill. He is 21 now. It is hard for him to have me like this but at least he is not an infant. He did not have an easy time on account of my medical problems but we survived to tell the tale!
Thank you to all who have helped me by kind words.
Patricia.

Thank you Patricia, I can feel all your problems, although I am much older than you. I too have restless leg syndrome and spend most of my nights walking or putting hot clothes on my legs but I didn't know that it was related to PKD. I guess it really doesn't matter, we have it anyway. I'am going to hop in to bed again and try to sleep, thanks again for writing. I will write more tomorrow.

Lots of hugs,
Norms..

hi Norma,

I've been nursing a feverish 3 year old!

I was really bothered by restless legs for a while. I didn't feel the need to walk as much as the need to stretch. My neph told me to drink some tonic water (with quinine) and take vitamin E. That actaully helped. He also gave me a scrip for restoril, which is a sleep aid that realxes the muscles. I use it a coueplf of time a week and it really helps too. Strangely enough, as my function gets worse, my legs have gotten better!

Cyber (hug) to you!

I'm still here, just plugging along, very slowly. My latest challenge is my liver is trying a new escape route...via uterine prolapse. It's ludicrous that my liver so large that it's not only in the base of my pelvis, but it's pushing internal organs OUT of my body! I don't even want to think of what's next.

Oh joyous day.
Ruth

Yes, Norma,

We're stil here!

Plugging away at life, one step at a time.
I was just diagnosed with a herniated disc causing my sciatica.
I'm going to physical therapy three times a week.
It's been helping a bit, but I still experience pain when I walk for any length of time.

Ruth, nit seems like you're ready for further adventures! ;-)

Peace and Blessings!
CoachRichie

Hey Norma,
Still here busy with the kids but were all still here. Getting ready for the hoildays, but havent forgot about everyone who needs us and everyone we need! Hope your doing well, if you ever need me just hollar! Thanks for getting all of are butts in gear, its nice to feel needed and advice and conversation wanted! Wish you all the best, Happy Thanksgiving!
Your Friend Chasity

Family always comes first. I only have two kids, one of which lives with me. The other son lives in Md. with his family but is coming home for T-Day so I'm busy with that. I have dialysis three days a week and am a widow with a house so everything pretty much falls on me; no one to share things with. It does get busy but I try to check in here at least once a day for a few mins... Lin.

Hi Norma and all my old friends in this group. You guys know who you are...... Groups do tend to slow down during the holidays, pick up in January and stay pretty active till it gets nice and warm, then people want to be outside so it slows down again.

Ruth, I am so sorry to read of your latest trial or as the coach say your latest adventure. I wish youd stop being so darn adventerous. LOL How is your quest coming along and are you at least on the list yet? Catch me up!!!

A special Hi to Spidey and LIn tool

PKD Mom DIanne