@susan76@hatetocook

good idea to search for a new nephrologist. I am on the downside of 8 months waiting to see a new nephrogely doctor because I don't think I'm getting enough from the one I have. Also waiting for referral to renal dietician. I takes so long to get anything done, but that's the way our medical system is. Hang in there. Things will get better. Pulling for you.

@cehunt57 Thank you Cheryl! I genuinely appreciate your background and suggestions. And, yes I do have access, but I've been having problems with my doctors ever since I got sick. I've only been hospitalized 4 times in 76 years, and not for anything serious. Most of my doctors are fairly new to me, and I didn't know that this hospital has their own doctors, rather than mine. And, because of the opioids, I mostly slept, and wasn't very lucid when I was awake so I never spoke to the four doctors who replaced each other during my first five days at the hospital. My former nephrologist had moved to a different state two weeks before all of this started. I formerly saw a diabetes nutritionist, but just a few times at the beginning. I saw an endocrinologist whom my cardiologist recommended, but she said my case wasn't complex enough for her skill level, and she recommended the nutritionist.

My PCP has been a great disappointment, and I'll have to replace him when I can. It's my life, and I need to be a major part of the decision-making team. And, the only biggest remaining problem is that I suffer from depression, am mostly medication resistant, and all of this triggered a bad episode. But, I've lived with it for the majority or my adulthood--on and off--and still was able to make decisions when I needed to. It's just much more difficult without my late husband's support.

In answer to your questions, I finally can start all these processes anew. Now that I can think again, I can use the same skill-set I perfected during the last five years of my late husband's life. He had a constellation of medical problems, and I was on top of everything. I've learned it's much more challenging to be my own medical researcher and patient advocate, as it is to listen to doctors, respond, ask questions, and remember what they've said. I used to be able to do all of it for my husband, and take notes as well.

But, now that I've got a functional brain, and more energy than I have had, at least I'm back in the game--so to speak. But, I've also learned to take things one step at a time. I appreciate all of your advice, and it makes a big difference to feel like I'm not alone!

@cehunt57 In reply to @cehunt57 "Susan76 @hatetocook I too want to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. You are definitely in..." + (show)

Thank you Cheryl! I genuinely appreciate your background and suggestions. And, yes I do have access, but I've been having problems with my doctors ever since I got sick. I've only been hospitalized 4 times in 76 years, and not for anything serious. Most of my doctors are fairly new to me, and I didn't know that this hospital has their own doctors, rather than mine. And, because of the opioids, I mostly slept, and wasn't very lucid when I was awake so I never spoke to the four doctors who replaced each other during my first five days at the hospital. My former nephrologist had moved to a different state two weeks before all of this started. I formerly saw a diabetes nutritionist when I was first diagnosed, but it was easier for me, then it is now, and I need someone else. I saw an endocrinologist whom my cardiologist recommended, but she said my case wasn't complex enough for her skill level, and she recommended the nutritionist.

My PCP has been a great disappointment, and I'll have to replace him when I can. It's my life, and I need to be a major part of the decision-making team. And, the only biggest remaining problem is that I suffer from depression, am mostly medication resistant, and all of this triggered a bad episode. But, I've lived with it for the majority or my adulthood--on and off--and still was able to make decisions when I needed to. It's just much more difficult without my late husband's support, but such is life.

In answer to your questions, I finally can start all these processes anew. Now that I can think again, I can use the same skill-set I perfected during the last five years of my late husband's life. He had a constellation of medical problems, and I was on top of everything. I've learned it's much more challenging to be my own medical researcher and patient advocate, as it is to listen to doctors, respond, ask questions, and remember what they've said. I used to be able to do all of it for my husband, and take notes as well.

But, now that I've got a functional brain, and more energy than I have had, at least I'm back in the game--so to speak. I've also learned to take things one step at a time, which helps with an aging body and mind. Cheryl, I appreciate all of your advice, and it makes a big difference to feel like I'm not alone!

This too will pass: Meet @boatsforlife

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