How long before feeling the benefits of Dialysis?

[Autumncolor]

My husband recently started dialysis. His GFR was in the range of 6-9. He's also anemic. He's 62 and his uncontrolled diabetes is the reason for his CKD. His A1C is in the normal range now, but the damage is done. Today will be his 8th dialysis session. So far he isn't feeling better. He's still got very low stamina and energy. We would love feedback from those here who have been on dialysis much longer and can give us an idea of when he may start to feel the benefits of dialysis in his everyday life. He would love to feel good enough to do things like go fishing or out to meet a friend for lunch.

[Porter20]

What type of diaylsis is he doing?

[Autumncolor in reply to Porter20]

He's doing hemo dialysis at the center 3 times a week. He has a graft in his upper arm. Another issue they are sorting through is his hand has been numb ever since the surgery on June 1st. They did an ultrasound on it a couple days ago and want him to try using a heating pad several times a day to help with circulation and to wear a mitten. The graft is working great his surgeon said - too great. It's stealing some of the blood flow to his hand.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Been on home hemodialysis for 20+ years. I think he may feel punky until his anemia (hemoglobin and iron stores) are improved, also once they've determined his target weight and no longer challenge it will also help. Generally things didn't improve for me until 3 month mark. It's a process requiring patience. Blessings

[Autumncolor in reply to KidneyCoach]

His hemoglobin is currently 7.9 and his albumin is 2.9. His albumin has gone down since starting dialysis. Is this usual? His hemoglobin A1C is 5.7. Potassium 3.3He feels terrible and is hoping dialysis will eventually make his life more enjoyable. Thanks for your reply. 😊

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Autumncolor]

Hgb should be above 10, albumin should be 4.0 or above. Eating more protein and getting injections of Aranesp, Epogen or Mircera should help. Dialysis process removes protein so eggs, protein drinks or zone type bars could help. Ask to talk to dietitian. Kidneyschool.org is a great resource also check out this book at Amazon

Have you considered home dialysis?

Colors

[Autumncolor in reply to Autumncolor]

We discussed both types with his nephrologist and my husband decided the home dialysis was not for him. He didn't want to be responsible for the process. Now that he's lost the use of his right hand after graft surgery, it would be impossible even if he did favor that type.He had IV iron infusions at the hospital a couple months ago but if hardly impacted his numbers at all.

I'll get him to ask his nephrologist about the injections you mentioned. He's only been going to the center for 2 weeks so I imagine they're still working out his individual treatment.

His BUN has been in the 60's and 70's over the past year. Does that go back into the normal range once a person is on dialysis?

[Ziggydoodah]

Hi Autumncolour

I started haemodialysis approx 4 weeks ago. Gfr was at 6%. So ive had approx 12 sessions. My first dialysis only last 90 mins as I started clotting badly. However i felt great. I had energy and my brain fog disappeared. I actually felt normal for the first time in years. Unfortunately I havent felt that way again. I havent felt worse but I havent felt any improvements either. I have had loads of issues with my arm fistula. I only got it done 6 weeks ago. Its string but clotting and blow outs are causing issues. Im surprised at your husbands hand still being numb? I had feeling back in mine after 1 hour. I hope your husband starts to see improvement afyer more dialysis.

[Autumncolor in reply to Ziggydoodah]

Thanks. He's really depressed about losing the use of his hand. He said that's bothering him more than starting dialysis. I hope the surgeon can sort it out.His first session was in the hospital and it was maybe 2 hours.

Did you ask your doctor why you felt such improvement after the first session but not since? I hope you feel better soon too.

[Highgfr in reply to Autumncolor]

SO sorry to hear about your husbands hand. Bless his heart. Did the fistula/port cause the damage to his hand. My Dr just did the ultrasound to look at my arms for hemo and am so scared as I already have carpel tunnel. Has the surgeon said how they can fix his hand and what caused it?

Praying for you both and for miraculous healing in his hand. Thank you for anything you can share. God bless! 🙏

[Autumncolor in reply to Highgfr]

Yes, when he woke up after the arm graft surgery his hand was numb. We thought, and they said, it wasn't unusual for that to happen. But that was June 1st and it's STILL numb. No improvement at all. He literally can't use his hand at all.

We went back to the surgeon for a follow up visit and he did an ultrasound. He said to keep his hand warm with a mitten and use a heating pad and come back in 3 weeks that it could improve on its own🙄

[Highgfr in reply to Autumncolor]

Praying his hand returns to normal. So sorry that happened after the surgery and thank you so much foe explaining. Really helps to know what can happen. Please keep us posed on his progress. God bless! ❤️

[Sharon421]

I have been on dialysis for nine months and am still waiting for the lethargy and lack of stamina to go away. They say, typically, you should start feeling better at six months. It's a marathon,not a sprint. It will take time.