Great conversation from all!

[MPK0706]

I am so appreciative of everyones comments! Positive comments always help during difficult times! I started HD three times a week after putting off dialysis for months until my eGFR finally hit 8 and creatinine hit 6.56. I weighed the pros and cons of HD vs PD and thought at this time HD would be the best. Right now I am very happy with going to the in-center DaVita HD center; they take such good care! They carefully watch all blood scores and administer needed medications. They have been so educational about diet and how tow to improve your physical health. While I am upset that I need dialysis I am so thankful that the miracle of dialysis is available to me and all of you!

[Bunkin]

You’re so right! It’s amazing what positive thinking can do😀😀

[lbrmarsh]

dear ,MPK4076 I go tg o a dialysis center (DCI) 3 times a week as well. I, too, find the staff incredible. They take such good care of me--cover me with my blanket, plug my CD player into my ears, provide a "shotglass" sized paper cup with a high protein drink and a water "chaser" each visit, and necessary medications includding pillls to raise my blood pressure when it drops too low during treatment. and a fantastic social worker and dietician come around to speak to me and answer questions. Also a nurse comes to speak to me and provides help in finding doctors, making phone calls, setting up appointments and geneera;;u researching anything I ask of her. She also is always thinking of ways to help me on various matters such as a doctor to see tjat might help me on various problems.

Additionally, dialysis, itself, has helped my eyes and my legs. I used to get shots in my eyeball monthly to try to reduce the swelling which could soon be pressing against my nerve and cause me to become totally blind. Now, I no longer need them. Additionally, dialysis helped reduce the swelling in my lets that were causing blishers, discoloration (btright red) swelling, and some of the peeling skin on my legs.

THAT SAID, HOWEVER, I HATE--ABSOLUTELY--HATE DIALYSIS.. I had my fisccula installed via surgery and the surgeon, using the best veins and arteries, he chose the area of my left (I'm a lefty) which hampers my doing a lot of necessary y things. After peeling off the bandages after dialysis, the fistulrea leeds--sometiimes very heavily, and I am not allowed to pick uo many things. I need t to do around the house. Also am very very VERY exhausted the next day yet the day after diaslysis is the only time I can make appointments to meet other doctors and take care of lots of things. Also, I have a very bad back with many herniated discs (car accident) and find it very different to sit and stay on the necessary recliner in dialysis. I asked if I can sit in my wheelchair and they said NO.

I also have a very harrd time getting off the chair when the session is over, and since I have irritable bowel syndrome but cannot get off the chair for 4 hours during dialysis, I'm always afraid of what might happen or has happened, .Furthermore, getting to the center

is difficult for me. I use a wheel chair and a walker and my husband drives me there and back. Getting ready on time is always a problem--taking a shower, trying to eat something, and go to the bathroom always take up more time that I have--also so many last minute phone calls to return or make. Also lots of pain involved.

BUT GIVEN ALL OF THAT, dialysis is saving my life, and I've met a lot of find nurses and technicians at DCI.

I've looked into other ways to get dialysis including at home, but they don't work out, Since I've had so much abdominal surgery in the past, that cannot install anything in my belly to accept the dialysis. and have no way to place ore r store the multitude of necessary equipment.

Oh yeah--surprise, surprise

1 I found out that putting in the fistula i was just the beginning. I've already had to have two other surgeries to reopen the veins or arteries that get blocked of collapse. My surgeon informed me that I will probably need continuous surgery every three months or so. Oh well.

But again, dialysis is saving my life and I should not be complaining about anything! At times the thought that this will continue for the rest of my life is disheartening, I think about my wonderful husband, two great adult kids and five amazing grandchildren who love and depend on me to be around, and again, it makes it all worthwhile.

I hope my experiences, both good and bad, can give you some insight as to what goes on. Of course, everyone's experiences can be different. Good Luck and G-d bless!

[MPK0706 in reply to lbrmarsh]

I was happy to see your response! You certainly deserve a lot of credit for dealing with so many physical situations. Our spouses deserve credit, too, because without them daily activities would even be more challenging! Being positive is very difficult when you are preoccupied with pain and discomfort all of the time! Place your faith in God and he will continue to give you strength!

[MnSandy]

I am so happy for you and your decision. I have been doing Hemo dialysis for 2 1/2 years. I really appreciate the helpful personal of all the staff and nursing staff at my unit. If I ever have a question I can get it answered by intelligent and professional staff. Every month I see my doctor, a diettition, social worker, and nursing practitioner. All this helps me feel well cared for and confident for my future.

[MPK0706 in reply to MnSandy]

Yes, I feel like I am being taken good care of, too! My nephrologist visits me in the center and follows me very carefully. Right now he is concerned that I am not eating enough. I have to better figure out my diet plan. I am drinking a protein drink while in dialysis. I have to buy some over the counter protein drinks to have on non HD days.