Dear MyKidney.com Readers,

Yes, yes, I know, I haven't updated recently - I am alive and well and mostly caught up in everyday life without much time to "blog".

I wanted to place an entry in my blog as an open invitation to those of you who might want to contact me for support - I've recently received several emails from some of you reaching out for advice and help. I want you to know that I am interested and concerned about each and every one of you and that I want to always offer my ideas, suggestions and support whenever I can. Kidney disease and failure can be confusing, difficult and upsetting to you and your family and its nice to know someone has "been there and done that" - Please email me even if you just want to tell me your story or share with me your thoughts about this website.

If you need someone to talk to, or just someone to vent your frustrations to, please email me at krissi@mykidney.com .

I love you all and wish everyone continuing good health.

Krissi

Was in the hosptial again on the 21st and 22nd for another declotting of my fistula in radiology. They added a stint (?) up high where the narrowing occurs under my collar bone. I will probably have to have my entire fistula revised in surgery in a few weeks unless things settle down. They removed the temporary chest cath on the 22nd after a successful dialysis treatment via my arm. I'm sore but at least I'm home again. This time Mary (from CA) was here to mommy me. She fed me ice and made me feel loved :) before she had to go back home.

Was in the hospital March 13, 14 and 15th - started off as a declotting in radiology and then turned into a surgical declotting. Doing OK now, although I got a little anemic from the two proceedures. My arm is sore, but I'm fairly OK none-the-less :)

I did have to have a temp chest cath put in until my arm is working again. I've never had a cath so its a completely new experience. I had a major reaction to the tape/bandage they used over the top of it and my whole neck, face and upper arms broke out in a horribly itchy rash. Otherwise the cath works great. Its actually a nice change from needle sticks.

This post contains graphic pictures of a medical proceedure called a "fistulagram"

My fistual has been "sluggish" all week. Today we couldn't get one of the sticks to flash at all. Only after it was propped up nearly vertical into my vein did it work. Called my doctor and he was upset - said I should've called sooner (and he's right, I should've). Scheduled for a declotting at Morton Plant Hosptial on Monday morning. Will do dialysis right after and will hopefully be decharged same day. As long as there are no complications warranting a longer stay. Wish me luck!