What do I do

[Dlena55]

I was just recently inform that I need to have dialysis I am reading about it I want to know what it details is it painful to put the thing in your arm I am reluctant to do it

[Hidden]

It can be painful if the needle hits a nerve. But you can use EMLA cream (a local anaesthetic ) which helps numb the area before.

I started putting my own needles in when I was 10 years old. So if a 10 year old can do it.. Give it a try.

See also davita.com/treatmentevaluator/

And kidneypatientguide.org.uk/t...

There are 2 types of dialysis.. You need to choose which is right for yourself. Its a bit change and challenge in your life, but your not alone..

[clem556]

Hi Diena55,

I'm guessing you are talking about having a fistula made?

I did not find it painful, more of a discomfort and Paracetamol was sufficient. Pain is of course different for different people, but, in this day and age there is no need to be in pain, if Paracetamol does not do it for you, get a prescription from your GP.

by the way, I've been dialysing since 2007, it's a big change and there are lots of people around to talk to, and I would encourage that, what ever you are feeling right now, most people will have been there.

I hope this help? Good luck.

Clem

[Hidden in reply to clem556]

also esrdncc.org/ffcl/for-ffcl-p...

nhs.uk/Conditions/Dialysis/...

Fistula Fanatic:

Facebook page for better fistula care:

facebook.com/purplechick820...

[Chendapeng in reply to clem556]

Hi, I'm from China. I want to find out whether the machines for dialysis in your country is more advanced. Do you do dialysis at hospital or at home? Can you still travel? My brother has kidney failure many years ago...Thanks a lot! 

[StephenA in reply to clem556]

I have just progressed from PD to HD and have just come out of hospital with a nicely inserted fistula, no pain, and a catheter in my right shoulder for HD while the fistula "matures". 6 weeks or so. Still groggy after hospital but feel stronger each day. I have a nice renal clinic set in a private house and friendly nurses (I never complain about the friendlies. It's the others that get my BP up!)

Clem says it nicely. WE have a nice group of dialysis patients and this makes life better. Good luck and don't forget your friends on Health UInlocked.

Stephen

[StephenA]

It's not the end of the world. Try and get onto peritoneal dialysis as it can be done at home - no depressing visits to the renal unit every other day! No needles (yuk) either. Just have to suffer the indignity of having a catheter inserted into your abdomen. It's not so bad if you do not think about it! The only needle to worry about (apart from blood tests) is the monthly EPO injection for your red blood cell formation. I have been on PD for nearly 10 years (planning a party for the event in May!!). Lots of ups and downs but all manageable. Keep up some basic exercise: I play lawn bowls which is a year round sport here in South Africa. Some days I find walking extremely tiring and bowling is hard, but I persevere. I also thought my world had come to an end when I had to go onto dialysis, but that was not the case. Don't worry - be happy!

[poppydolly]

PD is not everyone and it certainly wasn't for me. Having HD is not as bad as PD users make out. You have two small puncture wounds in your arm not a gross tube in your stomach (I had one in for 9 months until they discovered it had c a used a hernia. The it was removdd). Have you got a spare room, garage, she'd, to accommodate all the bags, tubes etc? I prefer to turn up at the local Unit, sit back and leave all the work to the nurses, walk away and totally forget about dialysis til the next time. It's which ever way you think is best for. You can change your mind. Good luck

[Endurance]

Hi there Diena55,

So sorry for your recent news about needing dialysis, but here we all are, in the same boat, reaching out and hoping to be of help to one another.  Here are my thoughts...

As an experienced dialysis patient (have been on and off for 30 years, 3rd transplant has recently failed, long story...), I can tell you that throughout my life, I have not let it stop me.  The access in your arm, called an A/V fistula (which is what I'm thinking you are talking about) can be quite successful and work for many, many years.  I emphasize with your nervous apprehension in having this put in and remember when I was first diagnosed and was a tad overwhelmed.  Of course, it is  a surgery and you would not feel a thing.  I have just had another one put in my other arm to replace the old one and I was not in any pain at all.  Needles however, are another thing.  So, the biggest piece of advice is to get a prescription for Emla cream which is a numbing cream.  I put on a small amount and keep it covered with plastic wrap for about 30-45 minutes before treatment. It makes a tremendous difference and I know I could not dialyze without it.

Any way you slice it, it can be a challenge to be face this lifestyle.  Know however, that knowledge about your choices and comprehending the life-style outcomes that you will encounter will be the best weapons you'll acquire in this whole process.  Then, after you've gathered all your information, you'll be that much more prepared.  It is possible that by now you have had some kind of surgery or have actually started treatments.  If so, I hope you have transitioned successfully and are in a good routine.  Like others have said, you are not alone and sometimes, support comes in forms you don't always expect!

Think carefully and be gentle with yourself and your emotions.  One day at a time for us all.

Best of luck to you Dienna55.....

Endurance

[StephenA]

This site is wonderful for us "dialysees" and it is comforting to learn how others cope so well. Haemo & PD are definitely "horses for courses" and sharing experiences makes life so much better. There is plenty of life after CKD. I am only a beginner with 10 years experience! Life is only just starting!

Good luck and good health, StephenA

[WateryBob]

Hi Diena. It's understandable that you're reluctant and fearful about starting dialysis. The operation to form your fistula can be uncomfortable - I've had mine done four times now and two of the operations had me gritting my teeth a bit.

If you end up on hemodialysis you'll be needling every time you dialyse. This is a bit painful at first, but becomes less so as time goes on and eventually you really do stop feeling it.

Take on your challenges on at a time. Try not t worry about anything that isn't happening yet and remember to feel proud of yourself every time you pass a milestone. You'll find over and over again that you're stronger than you realised.