I’d be perfect if not for two useless kidneys.
Hi, I’m Greg Collette and I write the BigDandMe blog, about living with dialysis from the recipients’ viewpoint - yours and mine. I have been on Big D for 14 years, off and on, and I’ve learned that regardless of changes in technologies or practices there are some fundamental actions that anyone can take to live well on the Big D.
I started this BigDandMe blog on Easter Monday, 2009, to help other normal people whose kidneys have let them down (“kidney failure” is so judgmental!) deal with the daunting prospect of dialysis and transplant.
If you have just joined the BigD club, there’s much you’ll want to know: what to expect, how to stay healthy, actions to take to win back your life, what’s happening in the world of dialysis and kidney transplants, and much more.
So checkout BigDandMe: there’s a new post every week.
In the other part of my life I’ve had my own business for 23 years, working first as a technical writer, then as a knowledge and business process management consultant. I’ve had two transplants, and I recently returned to the Big D when my last transplant failed in November 2008.
I dialyse at Diaverum at Diamond Valley in Melbourne, Australia.
To contact me, please email greg.collette at gmail dot com.
10 responses so far ↓
Max Smith // April 19, 2009 at 5:09 am |
Greg, Like you I have I also have Renal failure and have been on Dialysis for almost 4 years. You website is a very helpful reminder about how important a positive attitude is when on dialysis.
I now go to a gym 2-3 times a week and lead a “normal” life. I spend 3 hours a day (on dialysis) looking after my health and the rest of the day I can do what ever I like.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the rest of us.
Ellen Grouis // May 14, 2009 at 4:52 am |
Greg,
You are an inspiration to all on Dialysis, keep up that great attitude, so nice you are sharing it, I will pass this on to the Big D person in my family too!
Truly amazing…
Cindy Martin // August 6, 2009 at 9:23 am |
Hi Greg
I love your site. I started on dialysis about four months ago and I am doing it at home. I still have fairly good residual function so I am only doing three hours every second day. I get up at 3.00am in the morning and I am done and dusted by 7.30am and on with my day.
I think I make the dialysis fit in with my lifestyle rather than the other way around. It is great doing it at home. I am really well right now and for that I am grateful.
Thank you for sharing. It is really terrific you have gone to that trouble to support people like me. xx
dialyblog // August 6, 2009 at 10:48 pm |
Thanks for your comments Cindy. It’s great to hear that you are doing so well so quickly. Keep well, keep going and keep in touch!
Jenny // October 13, 2009 at 12:42 am |
Hi Greg,
Im a nurse at the new North Melb Diaverum, LOVE your blog, will be recommending it to all our clients and nurses. Great information, you are doing a fabulous service to the ‘renal community’.
Jen
jasonhamlin // November 9, 2009 at 10:55 pm |
Very informative, Greg. I am envious of your great information and research. I’ll be following.
Rock on.
-Jason
http://ineedakidney.wordpress.com
James joyner // February 1, 2010 at 8:00 am |
I went on hemo march 07 following open heart surgery.Went on manual home after short hemo.I finally had too many infections (the catheter becomes infected and has to be replaced). Iam back on hemo. I have had 2caths installed and removed from my abdomen. I had a fistula which was ruined by a pacemaker which created scar tissue in the wrong place. I have also had 2 shoulder caths installed and removed. I now have an implant which is working great. It has allowed me to go from 4 hrs to 3hrs and 15 mn. I am fortunate not to have diabetes. I eat eggs almost every morning to help keep my protein level up. I eliminate orange juice,bananas, tomatoes and potatoes. Sometimes I splurge a little on these as long as my figures stay within bounds. I keep my phosphate in bounds most of the time by watching milk products, chocolate, nuts and dried beans. I take two binders after each meal and three if eat say dried beans. Extra binder for snacks. I know high phos can cause itching and I may be into that a little now. I need to know if phos itch is accompanied by a rash.
Thanks Jim joyner
Peoria Ill
dialyblog // February 2, 2010 at 12:10 pm |
Wow Jim, what a ride you’ve had. A tough mix of heart and kidney problems. Thank goodness you and your team persisted, and your implant is working for you now. Do you know what kind it is or what it is called?
Your diet sounds a lot like mine, a mix of being good and enjoying yourself! Whatever works eh? Yes the itching can be a real trial, but strangely enough, I have never had a rash where it itches. If you have a rash, it may be something else.
Great to hear from you Jim, keep in touch.
Greg
James joyner // February 4, 2010 at 6:03 am |
Greg,
I feel I had one of the best surgeons for open heart here in Peoria.And perhaps the best renal surgeon around.No problems at all.
I don’t have rash with the itching Inow have.So It might be Phos.Jus trying to distinguish it from a rash that I had for nearly a year.The dermo doc did pathology on thAT AND NEVER CAME TO ANY DEFINITE CONCLUSION . A NOTE ON THE PLEASANT SIDE. I PLAYED MY HARMONICA AT DIALYSIS YESTERDAY.
i GET DIALYSIS AT FRESENIUS ON MAIN STREET EAST PEORIA. IL IF YOU AREWONDERING i AM 84
James joyner // February 4, 2010 at 1:23 pm |
Greg, inviting those who wish to visit my blog.
Jim Joyner