The following people are interested in exchanging e-mail with other patients or anyone interested in renal disease and its treatment. Just click on a name to send e-mail. If you would like to be added to the list, just send us a message with your name, age, and a little about yourself. We would appreciate it if those listed below would occasionally e-mail us updates. The KT/DA takes no responsibility for the content of any messages exchanged through this page.
NOTE: We recently deleted all those who either did not respond to our recent e-mail requesting an update or asked to be removed. If we removed you in error, please e-mail us your paragraph.
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Hi, my name is Angie and I am 32 and live in southwestern Ontario Canada. I am on in-center hemodialysis which I started in July of 2005 after I got a severe case of peritonitis. I was on peritoneal dialysis for 4 years (CAPD - manual 4 times every day, and CCPD - the cycler at night). I was sick since I was born but it wasn't discovered until I was 9 years old with blood pressure about 220/180. Everything kept backing up into my kidneys for years. By the time they found out it was too late to save them. I was very sick but my doctor at that time didn't run any tests, telling my mom she was an overworrying first time mother and that I just had the flu (that often??). I had my first transplant when I was 16. It lasted 11-12 years. I am interested in talking to anyone from Canada who has been "sick" since childhood like me. Also if anyone can shed some light onto why I am losing my hair in large sized handfuls that would be nice. I was so sick this summer I went from size 14 to size 3 so I realize that could be why but I have always had thick hair and now you can see my scalp. I am starting to really worry. (11/22/05)
My name is Daniel Cronin (44 years old). I was diagnosed with medullary cystic disease when I was 16 y/o, went on dialysis when I was 20 y/o and received a transplant when I was 21y/o. Now, 23 years later, the transplant is failing and I am again facing the prospect of dialysis and (hopefully) another transplant. Although I have developed a number of conditions courtesy of the anti-rejection medication, I really would like to go though it all again. I would love to correspond with anyone about anything renal related. (10/29/06)
My name is Shari Gilford.
I am 40 and have been a kidney patient since I was 11 (1977). I have had
two transplants lasting a total of 20 years, and have been on hemo and PD,
currently on hemo after a major bout with peritonitis. I have been doing
nocturnal home hemodialysis every other night for over a year through Fresenius.
I'm happy to answer any questions about kidney disease. I like discussing
diet, especially potassium-related questions and concerns. I also would like
to be an encouragement and help to any child or
teenager who is on dialysis or who has had a transplant. I learned a lot being
a child with this disease. I am a Christian, and my faith has helped me a lot.
I currently do graphic design for a national kidney organization, The Renal
Support Network (www.RSNhope.org). You can subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.
We encourage patient involvement. (11/22/05)
Hi. MY name is Julie. I am 29 years of age. I had one transplant at age 5 that did not work I did dialysis for 9 years, now have my brother's kidney, which is working well. Allthough I am only 4 ft 4 inches tall, and that's hard to deal with. I would love to chat with anyone who's had kidney problems in my time. (3/13/08)
My name is Manny I've had my kidney transplant about 10 years now. I also did the whole dialysis thing for about 2 years at a dialysis center. Anyone can contact me to chat etc.. I'm also curious to find out what other people have for health insurance, careers.. Business owners? (7/8/08)
My name is Michael. I am a 24 year old kidney transplant recipient from a living related donor. I have lived with the disease my entire life and have been through dialysis, open heart surgery and a transplant(all within 2 months of each other!). Would love to help anyone with questions or anyone interested in talking. (11/22/05)
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My name is Pat. I am 50 years old. I have had diabetes and high blood pressure which led to my kidney failure. I began my dialysis in Jan 2005. I go three times a week for 3 hours. I am interested in talking to any one on dialysis in regards to diet and transplant. I work a full time job and have 2 dogs no children. Any information on the subject would be greatly appreciated. (11/28/05)
My name is Rich. My 31 year old partner and I are dealing with his diabetes (over 20 yrs. diabetic), related renal failure and all the issues that cascade from it. He's been on PD for about 7 months now, having started with Hemo back last June. We're both struggling to stay positive and keep the faith-- but lately it has been so hard. He's in pain. I'm at my wits end. I think we'd both benefit from knowing we are not alone. (added 4/21/05)
Hi my name is Shane. I am 39 years old and I live in in the United Kingdom I have had kidney problems now for 12 years. I have now had a transplant just over four years ago which up to now is going good and my life is quite good. I make handmade greeting cards and sell them and give the money to our local kidney unit. I did dialysis for 6 years, first of all CAPD then hemo dialysis for 6 years after having a lot of problems all my life. I also had a living donor kidney from my Mum, which I sadly lost due to a renal blood clot. I think from my own personal experiences, both myself as the patient and my Mum as my care giver will be able to help others if only a pair of ears for listening. We have started our own website, http://www.freewebs.com/sidneykidney, which we hope by telling our story will be helpful to others. Please get in touch .We would love to hear from you and hopefully be able to help you. Thanks. (11/28/05)
Hi, my name is Susan and I am 37 years old. I received a kidney transplant almost 3 years ago and I am doing very well. My husband and I are thinking about starting a family, but we are worried that it could be too big of a risk to my health. I would love a chance to talk with others about their experiences with pregnancy after transplant. (6/5/02). Update: I rec'd your email regarding the pen pal info listed. My name is Susan Cardinal and I am still interested in being on this list. Unfortunately, I am a little older now (37) but I am doing very well and am currently working full time with no real problems related to my kidney transplant. (11/22/05)
Hello my name is Tawana, I'm a 32-year-old kidney/pancreas transplant patient. It's been a little over a year since I received my transplant. The recovery process was very difficult and slow; however once I got over the complications from the surgery I felt fine. Also for anyone who would like to discuss their transplant issues or patients on dialysis I would be more than happy to share my experience as well as my expertise on the subject with anyone interested. Also since my surgery I had problems with anemia, low white blood count, low red blood count, low potassium, and phosphorus on a consistent basis. I understand that some of the anti-rejection medications can cause these problems. However I would like to know if anyone else has problems in these areas. Please email me with any questions or concerns, and please attempt to answer my questions regarding the health problems mentioned above. (added 4/15/05)
HI! My name is Teri and I am a 24 year old female. I was just released from the hospital after a successful kidney transplant. I would love to talk to someone who has been through a similar situation or who is about to go through this. Feel free to contact me with any questions or stories or if you just feel the need to talk. (2/17/05)
My name is Tonya. I am 36 years old and a transplant recipient. I had a bilateral kidney transplant on October 27, 2001. I tremendously blessed with two kidneys. I have been doing excellent. I haven't had any signs of rejection at all. I did have to start taking blood pressure medicine and wear a weekly patch. My kidneys failed in 1997 and I was put on hemodialysis for 3 weeks. I had abdominal surgery for peritoneal dialysis but had to wait for my site to heal before I could use the catheter. I tried the CCPD and the CAPD. I liked the CAPD best and was on that for 3 years and 10 months till I received my call on October 26, 2001. I would be happy to talk to anyone who has any questions or just someone who wants to talk and have someone to listen. (11/23/05)
My name is Tony and I am on hemo for 24 years and I must say in a pretty good shape. I live in Greece and I do home dialysis. Are there still people on home hemo? There used to be so many sometime ago but I think for some reason people don't like it any more. I would really love to hear from home patients and exchange experiences. (12/4/05)
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Last updated 1/7/06