Big D and Me

About

I’d be perfect if not for two useless kidneys.

Greg

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 win back their life. 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.

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.

6 Comments

6 responses so far ↓

  • Max Smith // April 19, 2009 at 5:09 am | Reply

    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 | Reply

    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 | Reply

    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 | Reply

      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 | Reply

    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 | Reply

    Very informative, Greg. I am envious of your great information and research. I’ll be following.

    Rock on.

    -Jason

    http://ineedakidney.wordpress.com

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