Healthy ABC's

Almonds

Breakfast

Chruch

Dark Chocolate

Exercise

Fish

Green Tea

Health Screenings

Inhale deeply & blow it out

Judge portions wisely

Keep yourself well hydrated

Laugh out load

Milk

Never give up

Oatmeal

Pause for prayer

Quiet time

Read

Stretch

Time out

Use olive oil

Vitamins

Walk, Walk, Walk

X Kisses

Yougurt

Zzzzzzzz (sleep)

Sister Act

Throughout the years, I've tried many times to get off dialysis.  The first time was in 1985.  It was the day after Thanksgiving when many holiday travelers lose their lives.  Sadly, the kidney didn't work.  About 2 years later I was called for a second transplant.  Again the kidney did not work.  Later in 1989, I went on a form of home dialysis, but this was not a good choice for me.  I returned to hemodialysis 9 months later.  By this time, St. Elizabeth's transplant program was up and running.  So I got another kidney.  Unfortunately, it didn't work out.

My sister wanted to give me her kidney, but I was afraid.  I didn't want anything to go wrong.  She was very brave.  She convinced me to do it.  We were a perfect match.  Better then twins.  In 1998 we went under the knife at Pittsburgh's Presby.  

Tina, my sissy carried out the most selfless act of love.  Our chances were slim, but she was determined we try.  In the end, the kidney did not work, but it remains my "Golden Goose".  

I still carry her kidney on my left side, not too far from my heart, where sisters meet and share their lives.

Winter Blues

Hello Dialysis Friends,

"Winter Blues" got you?  Try to stay positive.  Fun movies are a real picker upper for me.  Order a pizza that's really cheesy and yummy.  Forget the phosphorus, this time.  Grab your favorite blankie and curl up with one of my funniest movies.

• Planes, Trains and Automobiles
• Uncle Buck
• The Money Pit
• Raising Arizona
• Best In Show
• A Mighty Wind
• Election
• When Harry Met Sally

High Phosphorus Foods

• Milk
• Dairy Products
• Dried Beans
• Colas
• Cocoa
• Hot Dogs
• Whole Grain Products
• Peanut Butter
• Waffles
• Pancake Mix
• Biscuit Mix
• Sausage

Remember to always take your phosphorus binders EVERYTIME you eat a meal or snack.  This is VERY important.

Keep Your Bones Healthy

Phosphorus is a mineral found in your bones and along with Calcium, it keeps your bones strong.  When your kidneys fail, eating foods high in phosphorus can cause your blood phosphorus levels to get too high.  This will pull calcium out of your bones and make your bones weak.  Also, if the phosphorus and calcium levels get too high in your blood, your heart, blood vessels and lungs can harden due to calcium deposits.

A safe level to keep your phosphorus is between 4.0 and 5.5.  Dialysis removes very little phosphorus so it is important to limit high phosphorus foods in your diet.

Nephrologist

A Nephrologist is a specialist who works with the kidneys. Since 1981, a long time, my Nephrologist has been Dr. Roberto Bacani, out of Youngstown, OH. (Hi Dr. B) I have achieved a state of wellness that many people find hard to believe. Some say I'm a miracle, or I have an angel on my shoulder. They are right. The miracle is Dr. Bacani. The angel is Dr. Bacani.

The Dominican

He came,
a Dominican
in a white robe.

He looked over us
from the top
of a ladder.

He made it crystal clear,
we are washing
their feet.

We were sinners at the well.
He sang, and we drank
living water.

We were fathers - yearning.
Where is my little,
lost one?

He took the drudgery
out of
my work.

He took the shame
out of
my sin.

He showed me
the way
to go home.

~

My deepest love
and appreciation,
Jodi

Tips 16 - 20 For Good Clean Living

16.  Call your Mother (or someone)

17.  Take care of your nails and toenails

18.  Visit people

19.  Throw road rage out the window

20.  Chicken soup a cold

...more to come

Jodi

Hi Dialysis Friend,

Many years ago when I first got sick with my kidney problem, I had to stay in the hospital for a long time.  My dietitian was a really nice fellow by the name of Ted Powell.  I really liked him. 

 Anyhoo, he told me something to do, and I never forgot it, and I've continued to do it to this day.  He said, "Jodi, don't ever stop pushing yourself."  

Listen friend, I don't know your situation, but what I do know is every second that passes in your life is gone forever.  "Someday" is not a day.  LIVE.  Do it today.  Right now.  You'll have plenty of time to sleep when your dead.

Love ya......Jodi

Growing Up In The Sixties

Remember:

1.  Home Milk Delivery

2.  Party lines

3.  Metal ice trays with lever

4.  Blue flashbulbs

5.  Drive-in's

6.  Soda machines with glass bottles

7.  Candy Cigarettes

8.  Wax lips

9.  Chilly Billy

10.  Pixie Sticks

11.  5 digit telephone numbers

12.  Record players and 45's

13.  Clackers

14.  S&H Greenstamps

15.  Silver aluminum Christmas trees with color wheel

16.  Ice Cycles

17.  Bazooka Bubble Gum

18.  P.F. Flyers

19.  Godzilla movies, The 3 Stooges, Gumby

20.  The Veg-O-Matic

.......can you think of any?

Jodi

Chapter 3 Mom

I enjoyed my childhood very much.  There was always a good time to be had.  My Mother was very domestic.  She cooked and cleaned and washed clothes a lot.  It was great having a mom that was home all the time.  Growing up in the 60's was still good even though times were crazy.  My Mother was a good cook, and we always had lots of food.  Living above the store made that easy.  Mom loved to try out new products and recipes.  We loved fried french fries, so Mom got a Veg-O-Matic.  It didn't work like it did in the commercial.  I think that potato is still stuck in that iron grid thingy.  

My Mom took real good care of us kids, and we were bad too.  We weren't scared of our mom because we knew she was easy.  We were petrified of my Dad, and she would say, "I'm gonna call your father!" or "Wait till your Father gets home!".  There were times when we got the belt.  (We won't go there).  My Mom always felt bad when we got the belt. (We won't go there.)

My Mom has had it tough.  We lost my Dad when she was in her early 30's.  She raised all four of us, and we turned out really very good.  

Kudos to Mom!!!  She always said we are 'her greatest accomplishments'.  I feel very fortunate to have had a good start.  I needed that solid ground for what was to come later.

5 More Tips For Good Clean Living...

11.  Smile

12.  Get away for the weekend

13.  Be a good tipper

14.  Walk a dog

15.  Eat blueberries

...more to come

Jodi

Sunday

Christ teaches that there is something in us that lifts us above this life, with it's hurries, it's pleasures, it's sorrows and fears, hurts and disappointments.  

The one who understands Christ's teachings feels like a bird that did not know it has wings and now suddenly realizes that it can fly, can be free, and no longer needs to fear.

6 Quirks

I got tagged by Pa Wild Woman

Here are my 6 Quirks....

1.  I always have to have the toilet seat lid down.

2.  I kiss my dog on the lips, the inside of his ears, and his belly.

3.  I pull out my hair when somethings bugging me.

4.  I don't just tell stories...I act them out.  I'm a one-woman theatrical production zone!!!

5.  I love to tell dirty jokes.  VERY dirty jokes.

6.  I have to sleep with my panties on.  I can't sleep if I don't have my panties on.

More Tips for Good Clean Living...

6.  Send a card

7.  Make some Jello

8.  Wash & Wax the Car

9.  Plant Something

10.  Dance

Look for more....coming soon.  Love, Jodi

The Symphony

I have been working so hard lately, so it was a wonderful change of pace when my very dear friend Maureen (Hi Maur) asked me to go listen to the Pittsburgh Symphony led by Marvin Hamlish. I really enjoy orchestra music, and I needed a break. Little did I know that Maur had other things up her sleeve. Let me explain.

Maureen is an identical twin and growing up a twin has made her very mischievous. She has the face of an innocent little angel, and you would never know how bad this 'high school teacher' is. We almost got thrown out, because Miss Maureen was misbehavin'. I really wanted to just listen to the music. The trouble is when Maur starts doing bad stuff, I do it too. we got to giggling, and making fun of people, to making animal shapes in the spotlight which was right behind our heads. We were in the peanut heaven (2nd balcony). I got dizzy and almost fell over the railing. Thank goodness I didn't have a little nip before we went.

I was really blown away when Maur put a pez dispenser on my knee.

Remember that Seinfeld episode? After intermission she put another Pez dispenser on my knee. She is so bad. I love it. I love her. Getting crammed in the elevator with a bunch of blue-haired old ladies was no picnic either. I hate elevators, and I really don't like them with more than 2 people.

Anyhoo, the symphony was beautiful. The company wonderful. Marvin was Marvelous, and the evening was a side-splitting success. Laughing hard is great for the immune system. The symphony will be back in January. Me and Maur will be there and anyone else who wants to go, let me know. Don't forget your Pez. See you in the second balcony, under the spotlight. Thanks Maureen, Love you. Jodi

My Tips For Good Clean Living

1.  Love Yourself

2.  Count your blessings

3.  Celebrate the seasons

4.  Save for a Rainy Day

5.  Sing in the shower

...many more to come...Jodi

Surgery Tips

I've had to go into the hospital  for revisions on my arm.  I was told these would be Outpatient Surgeries, so I expected to be released.  I have learned the hard way to always prepare for a change in plans.  Sometimes going home that day is just not possible. 

When having outpatient surgery, I always pack a small overnight bag and leave it in the car.  I include some toiletries, slippers and a robe.  Most importantly, I always bring along a few doses of all my medications, as well as Tylenol or other pain relievers.  Chances are, you will be discharged before they are able to bring any of your proper medicines.  If they do bring your pills and you've already taken them, just accept them and add them to your stash.

Getting something to eat after that long day of fasting can also be tough, especially when on a special diet.  I bring along crackers and other easy edibles, as well as a bottle of water.  It may be a long, long time before you get a tray or even something to drink.

A magazine or newspaper is good to include just in case you can't sleep, and the television isn't available yet.

I always carry a written list of all my medications and their dosages.  Also list any allergies you may have.  When the nurse asks for this information, just slip her the list, and she can copy it onto her sheet.

Being prepared makes a hospital visit much more tolerable.  Be sure to request everything you may need (extra blankets, pillows) when the nurse is admitting you.  It may be a very long time before they answer your call light...

Good Luck...Your Friend...Jodi 

The Comfort Zone

Getting comfy on dialysis can be tough at times.  Gone are the days of freshly laundered sheets, pillowcases and blankets.  Oh well, these items used to become bleached into transparency anyway.  Happily, the new blankets have arrived along with carrying case and all.  I have found them to be DELUXE and quite capable of keeping us toasty and warm, even while the air conditioner is blasting at a cool 32 degrees.  These temperatures are necessary to prevent meltdown of our beloved caregivers.  Let's keep hot flashes out of this.  None the less, without new super thermal covers, everyone should be content.  For extra added warmth, I find that a blanket and a sheet together, make all the difference.

On the other hand, how about those chairs.  Everyone knows there is no love loss between me and my "chair".  Honest Abe sits more comfortable chair in the Lincoln Memorial.  I admit, I am spoiled from long ago when we all had Lazyboy recliners.  "Those were the days my friend".

All in all, we are lucky to be part of a great unit.  It's fun to kid and complain about the little things, but when it comes to the important stuff, our care is still the tops... "We've come a long way BABY."  Believe me, I know.  I'm a 27 year veteran.

Stay warm...Jodi

Easy Apple Crisp

Serves: 10 (aprox. 1/2 cup servings)

Ingredients:

8 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored & thinly sliced

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons margarine or butter

1/2 cup walnuts

Preheat over to 370 F.  Toss apples, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg to blend in a large bowl.  Transfer to a deep-dish 9" glass pie pan which has been sprayed with non-stick spray.  Let stand for 10 minutes.

Put the brown sugar and butter in the food processor and pulse for 10 seconds, add the oats and walnuts and pulse for an additional 5 seconds.  Place the topping onto the apples and bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles, about 45 minutes.  Cool slightly and serve.

Analysis:

Calories 207

Carbs 35 gm

Sodium 32 mg

Potassium 192 mg

Phosphorus 65 mg

Renal Exchanges:  1 Starch, 1 Fruit, 1/2 Renal Fat

Note:  To convert this recipe for diabetics, replace sugar with equal amount of Splenda.  The Calories will be cut by 38 and the Carbs by 10 gm.

St. Geraldine

Every so often, a patient comes along that displays tremendous strength in light of their illness.  One such person comes to mind, her name was Geraldine.  

From the start, Geraldine's' treatments never went well.  I thought she would improve eventually, but she never did.  One problem always followed another.

During dialysis she always had to sit in uncomfortable positions in order for her machine not to alarm.  Many days she couldn't complete her treatments due to access trouble.  Over time this took it's toll on her.  On a few occasions, she experienced access failure and had to be whisked away to the hospital, only to be returned hours later to finish her dialysis.  Throughout her troubles, she never complained.  I dubbed her Saint Geraldine, the patron saint of non-complainers.  This tickled her and she jokingly laughed, but I really meant it.  The last time I saw Gerry they were taking her to surgery to remove her leg.  Somehow I knew that would be the last time I saw her.

I wish dialysis could have helped her the way it does so many of us.  All in all, Gerry enabled me to see my situation differently, and I realized there is always someone else who has it worse.

A story comes to mind of a man who was sick and tired of all his problems.  He says to God, "Lord I can't carry this cross anymore.  The burden is just too great.  Could I trade it in for someone else's?"  God replied, "Of course my son, if your burden is too great, switch crosses with whomever you wish."  The man searched and searched.  He returned to the Lord and said, "Father, I'll keep what I got."

In Memory

Of

Geraldine Stitt

1936-2001

The Machine

My dialysis machine is a perfect example of modern medical technology. They have come such a long way in the last few decades. The first dialysis machines were made out of washing machines. Amazing isn't it. The machine basically acts like a big pump. It circulates our blood around and around pushing it through a dialyzer which is where all the cleansing of our blood takes place. When I say cleansing of our blood, I mean the toxins are removed. It is done slowly, that is why the treatments take 3 to 4 hours. Our technicians attach us to our machines via an artery and a vein. Unless the patient has a permanent catheter to plug into, we have to be stuck with 2 needles. The needles are somewhat large in order to accommodate the thickness of the blood. Some of our dialyzers are rinsed out and used again up to 35 times as long as they pass tests. Other dialyzers are thrown away. Mine is thrown away after each use. I prefer it this way. I'm very sensitive to sterilants. The machines are amazing and I am lucky to have one. Before they had enough to go around, many people died. I know it's a tough break, but what is the alternative. Don't take your machine for granted. It keeps us alive, and life is good.

Half A Hundred

EPO

For your information, every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at approximately 10:30 AM, the pathetic yelping and yammering you hear is me receiving my EPO injection.  Like the hot sting of a killer bee, they nail me hard and heavy.  Much as I enjoy complaining about these nasty little pricks, the truth of the matter is, EPO saved my life.  Years ago, there were no drugs to build blood.  Many patients were anemic, so transfusions were quite common during dialysis.  Unfortunately, this only rendered the situation temporarily.  My blood levels were so low, I required a unit of blood every week.  One year, in the midst of the AIDS epidemic, I received 52 blood transfusions.  This was frightening for me, until I heard about an amazing new drug that would produce blood cells.  I could hardly wait for the FDA to approve and release it.  It seemed like forever, but when they finally did, I was first in line.  Immediately, I responded to the injections and have not looked back since.  My blood levels are very good now and transfusions are a thing of the past.  I consider EPO to be a miracle drug.  How great to have the energy healthy blood supplies.  Yes, EPO is an ongoing treatment with explosive results.  It builds new life into the body and although the shots hurt, in the end, it's all good.  Until next time, OUCH!

Your friend, Jodi

Patience

They say patience is a virtue.  I say patience is a positive trait.  It is the ability to bear delay with confidence and calm.  This means maintaining a fine balance between inward peace and outward control.  It takes time and patience to reap the benefits of dialysis.  Minutes pass like hours and hours pass like days.  In our world of instant gratification, waiting is a learned behavior, and some people are just better at it than others.  Maybe we would automatically become more patient if we were to dismiss our exaggerated expectations of what is due us.  God's timing does not always meet with our own, and sometimes we are required to wait.  With this comes the trust and hope that God has a bigger plan for us.  Sometimes he removes us from a situation and other times he takes us through it.  Whatever you are waiting for, be it your treatment to end or your transplant to begin, know that, "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecc. 3:1-2)  As for myself, I've always believed that "Good things come to those who wait..."

Hang in there...Jodi 

From Ma

Little did I know that when I woke up that morning, it would be one of the worst days of my life. Jodi called me from college and told me she was sick, so I took her to the doctor. I thought the doctor would prescribe something that would solve the problem. I was never so wrong. Our family doctor sent us to a Kidney specialist in Youngstown, OH. He is a nephrologist named Dr. Roberto Bacani. This doctor has saved my daughter's life many times over. he has commonsense, intelligence and a strong bond with Jodi that has lasted all these years. When Jodi is ill I have complete faith in any decision he makes for her. When Jodi first got sick, she was in the hospital for almost 3 months. I had 3 other children to worry about, and I had to work and run a house. Everything is in total turmoil and you run on fear for your child's life. I had a wonderful, supportive family and friends especially Mike, Don and Tina. Many nights they drove me to the hospital. It was 25 miles one way and they didn't want me to go alone.  I wish I had kept a daily journal because you tend to forget the times you don't want to remember.

Like sitting in a surgery waiting room for hours, praying the doctor will solve all your problems and knowing he won't.  Or the time spent in a car going to and from the hospital using your time to cry because you hated leaving someone you love alone and scared.  How about the times I lay awake at night listening for her to call or seeing her get up early to drive to Slippery Rock College which is 25 miles one way in the snow and ice with legs so swollen she could hardly walk.  She wanted her teaching degree and she got it.

I told her that she was my hero once, and she was surprised.  But, I also have another hero, and that is my youngest daughter, Tina.  She gave Jodi her kidney.  She is such an unselfish person.  It broke my heart to see her go under surgery, and know that she has only one kidney now.  Tina is doing fine.

Jodi has come a long way, and matured into a beautiful person who is a lover of life.  She lives alone and takes care of herself and her dog "Puddy".  Although she is on the machine, she is healthier than I have ever seen her.  I could go on forever, but I'm done remembering.  I'm a worrier.  It's a lousy job, but someone has to do it.

Love, Mom

Questions?

Hey friends,

Leave me your comments or questions, and I will be glad to answer them on future posts.  Did you know there is no such thing as a stupid question?  It's debatable.

Always your friend, Jodi

Thought for the Day

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet,  your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring.

He sends you a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He listens.

He can live anywhere in the universe, but he chose...your heart.

Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!

A hundred hugs & a thousand kisses...Jodi

Star Fruit Advisory

Danger!!!

Star fruit or Carambola should not be eaten by anyone on dialysis!

Star fruit contains a toxin that causes:  mental confusion, seizures, hiccups, insomnia, and even death.

Several investigators have reported star fruit intoxication's in patients with chronic renal failure and end stage renal disease.  Studies suggest a neurotoxin may exist in star fruit which can be accumulated in the blood and cause irreversible damage.  The unknown toxin has been found to be non-removable by hemodialysis.

Symptoms may vary and include insomnia, uncontrollable hiccups, agitation, muscle weakness, mental confusion, seizures and cardio-respiratory arrest.  Death has been reported in patients who have eaten one to two fresh fruits.

Because there is no effective treatment, patients with chronic renal failure and end stage renal disease must be warned NOT TO EAT STAR FRUIT...EVEN IN SMALL AMOUNTS!

Chapter 2

My Dad owned a grocery store and butcher shop.  It was fun growing up above a store.  We lived upstairs and the store was downstairs.  We always had fun things to eat.  Candy, pop, chips, ice cream.  We loved Pepsi.  Man, we couldn't get enough of the stuff.  Pepsi and Snyder's potato chips went good together.  

My Dad's sister, Aunt MaryRose, worked in the store too.  She was like an older sister, and always made things fun for us kids.  She did a lot of dumb things and got in trouble most days.  Getting in trouble with my Dad was no picnic.

One day she weighed my little sister (who wasn't so little) on the meat scale and broke it.  My Dad had a fit and made her pay for it out of her meager wages.  Another time she was painting buggies with silver paint, and it somehow ended up all over my brother, Donnie.  He looked like the tin man from The Wizard of OZ.

Another time MaryRose got really scared when a customer came in with a towel covering his hand.  She thought he had a gun, and when Daddy pulled the towel away it was a hook hand.  Poor guy was so embarrassed.  My Dad wanted to kill her.

Yet another time MaryRose got the shock of her life when she came face to face with a raccoon that was under the counter eating cigarettes.  My Aunt can scream louder than anyone in our family.  My Grandmother was a good screamer too.  We found that out when a giant sewer rat joined us for Thanksgiving dinner, but that's a whole other story.

My childhood was so fun.  My best friend was Carol Gardner.  She taught me everything.  How to play jacks, Chinese jump rope, hopscotch, canasta, badminton, croquet, mother-may-I, Simon says, rollerskates, pickup sticks, all kinds of stuff.  Carol was the best.

I remember wanting a hoola-hoop.  One of the best memories I have of my father was when he drove me all around looking for one.  He took me in his brand new big, green 98 Olds with push button windows.  What a car.  it took a long time, but we finally found a shoop-shoop hoola-hoop at Gaylord's.  It had beans in it, and make a cool noise.  It was hot pink, an no one else had one like it.  I was in my glory.  Thanks Daddy.

Us kids could play outside all day, but we had to be home before that streetlights came on.  If we didn't make it, my Mom was on that back porch screaming, "Michael, Donnie, Jodi, Tina!"

People never bothered us back then.  I'm sure there were lots of perverts around but they knew better than to come near us.  My father could easily castrate them in the back where the meat room was.

It's funny they never called them pedophiles.  My Aunt called them dirty old men, and she could spot them a mile away.  And just like my Dad, don't even think about coming near a loved one.  she will eat you up and spit you out.  She's kind a like Janice from the Sopranos.  Know what I mean?  

Anyhoo , I had a great childhood growing up at the store.  (Hi Aunt Mary Rose)

So much more to come......

Tylenol and Benedril Cocktail

Hello Dialysis Friends,

When I arrived at dialysis this morning something was wrong because all of the patients were sitting in the waiting room.  Not a good sign.  The Bicarb was messed up, so they had to mix new jugs of the stuff before we could get on.  Usually we start getting on around 5:30 am.  Today I got on about 10 min to 7 am.  That's okay.  Things happen.

My arm is working really good today since they put in the new stint.  I was so tired last night from all the excitement, I took 2 Tylenol and 2 Benedril and went to bed.  I feel much better, but i'm still a little sleepy.  I'll catch up on the weekend.  So, how were your treatments this week?

A hundred hugs & a thousand kisses, Jodi

Arm Stuff

I have good news about my arm.  Yesterday they were able to place a stint in my graft and strengthen the vein so I can get some more time out of it.  It was a rough day.  I'm really beat today and a tad bit sore, but I went to work.

I work at Curves, an exercise club for women.  Love my job.  Love, love, love my Ladies.  Hey girls, you HOT THANGS!!!

Anyhoo,  I was on the table for 3 hours.  First they took pictures of my right arm.  I'm shocked they got an IV started, because I have no veins.  (Thanks Eileen!)  Second they took pictures of my left arm.  During that procedure the machine went on the blink, so they called a repairman.  Finally they started the angioplasty and the doctor decided to put the stint in.  Things were going great until I got light-headed and almost passed out.  (Sorry Kathy).

After that, things went pretty smooth and next thing I knew I was eating a turkey sandwich and chocolate pudding.  Friday we will use the arm for dialysis, and hopefully it wont hurt anymore.  Okay......that's a wrap!

Prayer Power

Prayer is the spiritual communication between ourselves and the divine.  It is impossible to pray without living faith in the presence of God.  Praying are our souls sending "knee-mail".  When a prayer is created on Earth, actions begin in heaven.  For prayers to be heard, we must listen.  Are we speaking too much, that we do not hear?  The most important line in the Lord's Prayer is, "Thy will be done."  Say this with surrender, and peace will fill you.

It is written that Jesus rose early every moring and went off by himself to pray.  We remember his final cry, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?"  How many of us have uttered the same?

The 23rd Psalm always comforts me.  It begins, "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want..."  ending with "...Yea thou I walk through the valley of death, I fear no evil for thou are with me."  We've all been there, and what a beautiful way to consider our own mortality.

Daily, I pray this prayer that sits on my nightstand.  "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."  Because god clearly hears the cries of the heart; the fewer the words, the better the prayer.  Ben Franklin once said, "Work as if you were to live 100 years, Pray as if you were to die tomorrow."  In conclusion we pray, "O heavenly Father, protect and bless all things that have breath; guard them from all evil, and let them sleep in peace."

In Memory of Ron Thomas, Jodi

Arm Update

A little quickie....

Going to the hospital tomorrow.  Not really sure what they are going to do yet.  Could be an angioplasty or could be surgery for a new arm graft.

More to come...

Arm Graft Problem

Hello friends!

Oh boy.   Not good news.  Trouble in doggie-land.  The arm is on the blink.  After many years, it is ready to be replaced.  My Venus needle did not want to work today, so my treatment was cut short this morning.  Not good for a Monday, but I'll be okay.  

I'm getting ready to call my surgeon, so stay tuned.  To me, it looks and feels like I'm going to need a brand new arm graft.  I've had a total of 4 (in 27 years) in my left arm, and he says there is room for 1 more.  Having a good access makes dialysis so much easier, but when you don't it's a real big pain in the *** you know what.  

Well I better give the doc a call.  I'm procrastinating you know.  Do you do that?  Stay tuned, I'll let you know how it all plays out.  (Hi Mike!).

Bad Day

Hello my friends on dialysis.  Did you have a bad day today?  I did.

I got stuck 4 times this morning because my techs were evidently having a bad day too.

At least it's Friday, and I have an extra day to heal.  I'm sure I'll have purple bruises.  They take forever to go away.  If this happens to you post a comment.   I'd love to hear about it.  (Boo Hoo)

"Hey Misery, your Company is here!"

Anyhoo.  It's really not always the technicians fault.  (yeah right!)  I know that blaming someone always feels better, but sometimes we just have to suck it up, put on a little ice, and bitch to everyone we see....."Oh man...stupid techs...bad day....got stuck 4 times...bummer."

Let me know how many times you got stuck today.

A hundred hugs and a thousand kisses....your friend, Jodi

Tips on Longevity

Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, "The best way to ensure a long productive life is to have a chronic disease and take care of it."  An article was published last year featuring the success tips of patients who have used the machine 25 years or longer.  Here is a summary of that article and how they take care of their chronic disease.

1.  Attitude is everything.  Stave positive and optimistic.  Always remember, bad times will pass.

2.  Get smart.  Learn all you can about your body, your disease and your treatment.    Understand how the machine works.  Take control and stay informed.  Keep an updated medical history and a list of medications ready at all times.

3.  Don't keep secrets from your health care professionals.  They are not mind readers.  Report any changes in wellness immediately, and always follow Doctor's orders completely.

4.  Eat well, feel well and never miss taking your food binders.  Foods normally eaten with a spoon, use a fork instead.  In other words, watch the fluids.  Stay on the dry side of the road.

5.  Be active.  Move around.  Get fit and stay fit.  

6.  Dialyze as much as you can.  Don't ever shorten your treatment time.

7.  Replace tears with humor, surround yourself with great people and always keep a smile on your face.

8.  Get creative with your down time.  Find a hobby, take a class or learn the computer.  Remember, life goes on with dialysis.  Be sure to get a life and live it to the full.

9.  Establish a strong faith.  Think God, and thank Him for His many blessings.

10.  Read, "Dialysis - An Unanticipated Journey" by David Axtmann, a 32+ years Veteran of Hemo.  Know that you are not alone and that there are people everywhere with problems.

My favorite quote came from musician Eubie Blake who said, "If I'd have known I was gonna live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."  This remark was made on his 100th birthday.  

A hundred hugs & a thousand kisses....your friend, Jodi

Why Worry?

We worry.  Worrying is something we do.  It's a way of life.  It consumes us like a great fire.  We worry about everything.  Our jobs.  Bills.  The weather.  Our children.  germs.  The dog.  Our hair.  Traffic.  War.  Prices.  The car.  Our weight.  The Boss.  Our spouse.  The IRS.  The end of the world.  The list goes on and on.  

We dialysis patients probable worry the most about our health.  This would be valid except that all the worrying in the world will never effect the outcome.  Worrying wastes time and doesn't produce anything but more worry.  Worrying will not add one more hour to your life, but instead will steal precious minutes from everyday.  Worrying instantly transports you to another day that you are not prepared for.  This being a day that may never come.  

More than anything, worry insults God.  It clearly says, "I don't trust you, you can't handle this."  God provides on a daily basis.  Why would God teach you to walk, just to watch you fall?  Take one day at a time, one step at a time.  Psalm 91:11-12 states:  "He has put angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go.  They will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."  Free yourself of worthless worry.  Don't fret, for He is worthy of our trust.

A hundred hugs & a thousand kisses.....Your friend, Jodi

Survivor

I get a kick out of the TV show Survivor.  The object of the game is to be the last remaining person on a deserted island, and the payoff is one million dollars.

To survive means to keep going, persist, carry on, outlast, stay afloat, pull through, endure, tough it out, persevere.  What does it mean to persevere?  To persevere means to continue in a state of grace until it is succeeded by a state of glory.  

In the real world, we see all kinds of survivors.  We have seen survivors of war, cancer, abuse, the Holocaust, 9-11 and the list goes on.  Proudly, I say we are survivors too.  I see good people with a common link arriving regularly to their dialysis units.  Taking meds, monitoring diets, giving blood work, having surgeries, fighting battles and winning wars.  It's a daily struggle.

I heard a story about a terribly troubled Mom who had lost her badly battered daughter to an abusive husband.  The mother sought help from a spiritual medium, who was able to contact the daughter beyond the grave.  the mother only wanted to know if she had suffered badly at the bitter end.  The medium was able to retrieve an answer which provided the mother with peace and closure.  the daughter replied, "Tell my mother that living is hard and dying is easy."

Wow!  Is that profound or what?

As dialysis patients, we prove each day that living IS HARD.  Still we persevere.  Keep pushing, hang on and grasp every priceless breath.  This is our payoff.  We are the ultimate SURVIVORS!

A hundred hugs & a thousand kisses...your friend, Jodi

My Story Ch. 1

On April 28, 1961 my mom pushed me out into the cold cruel world.  Right away my father didn't want me because I had carrot colored hair.  He really wanted another Son to help in the family grocery business.  After a few days I'm told he fell madly in love with me and decided to keep me.  Story of my life.... You gotta know me to love me!  Anyhoo, my Dad thought I hung the moon, red hair and all.

I have two older brothers (Hi Mike & Donnie!) that were always getting into trouble, and two years after me, my little sister (Hi Tina!) came along.  There were four of us rug rats, all two years apart.  My poor mother.  My mother is Irish-Catholic (Hi Mom!), my father was full-blooded Italian.  When worlds collide...

Anyhoo, I grew up like most kids in the sixties.  We made our own fun.  We played outside, beat each other up, and called each other names like "big fat pig".  It was great.  We loved each other very much, and still do.

My father was the kind of guy that would make you disappear if you harmed a hair on a loved one's head.  He was a hungry lion.  Nobody anywhere messed with him.  He had no fear.  He was the bravest toughest man I've ever known to this day.

One time some drifters rented a house on the next street.  They dog napped our St. Bernard, "Queenie", and tried to hold him ransom for $50 bucks.  That was a sorry day for them.

Another time some burglars tried to rob our store.  That was a sorry day for them.  

A lot of people that tried to mess with my dad had sorry days.

If his temper flared and he bit down on his finger, us kids knew to run for our lives.

What do you do when a hungry lion lives in the house?  You keep him well fed.  Weeeell FED.

to be continued........

Do's & Don'ts For People With Disease

Don't spend your lifetime trying to cure your disease.

Do Manage your disease, on the side.

Don't let your illness become your identity.

Do get into the habit of being a person instead of a patient.

Don't use your disease as a scapegoat.

Do everything you can not to let your disease consume you.

Don't succumb to your disease.

Do seek a higher quality of life.

Don't poison significant others with your disease and make them sick too.

Do pull yourself out of your illness.

Don't allow your illness to dominate your life.

Do live comfortably with it.

Don't dwell on it for hours and hours.

Do fill your life with more interesting things to do.

Don't allow your disease to become anymore infectious than it has to be.

Do control your disease...and...your live!

Don't waste anytime.

Do, do it today...

A hundred hugs & a thousand kisses.....your friend, Jodi 

Life is Like A Box of Chocolates...

"Life is like a box of chocolates."  Forest Gump was right.  You never know what you are going to get.  I never thought at the age of 19 I would get sick.  I never thought I would spend the rest of my days depending on a machine to survive.  Well here it is 2008.  Twenty-seven years have passed.  I'm 47 years old now, and I've only got a hundred years to live.  My friends, I want you to know, you are not alone.  I've been thought the fire, and now it's time to share.

I have sat for thousands of hours in my chair, hooked to my machine.  This is my time.  No one can interrupt it, or take it away.  It's all mine.  I'm sure in this busy world, many people would kill to have some 'my time'.  

My time consists of four hours of just hanging out.  I bring a snack and watch TV.  I love old movies.  I read a lot, and write this blog.  Sometimes I listen to music or talk on my cellphone.  I paint my fingernails and toenails.  I love to gossip and goof around with my fellow dialysis buddies. A lot of times, I just tilt my head back, and take a nice snooze.  At some point during my treatment I organize my thoughts and my day.  

Most days I solve all the worlds problems.  (Dialysis makes you smarter.)  Always, I talk to God, and he talks to me.  Most of the things you can do at home, are things you can do while sitting on dialysis.  That time is your time.  You have a great excuse to sit back and relax.  Do not sit in that chair and watch the clock.  I learned a long time ago those hands refuse to move when you are staring at them.

Remember, this is your time.  It's for you and the good health of your body and blood.  Don't piss it away.  There, I made a pun for those of us who can't pee.  I love the old Spanish proverb, "How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward."

A hundred hugs and a thousand kisses.....your friend, Jodi