One year into it!

[rascal01]

Have been on HD a yr. now. Done pretty good up to now. I use to urinate 3 cups a day, now i dont even do half of that. was taken off lasix and now my wt. is up. I have lost over 40 pds. 65, I have chronic pancreatis, diabetes. Does anyone know of a different vitamin than dialyvite? is too expensive and medicare does not cover it. My labs. are faif. I try to watch fluid intake but I get too thirsty at night and have to give in a bit. Tips on this? My diabetes is under control. Going to start transplant process soon. I would like to have pancreas and kidney both at same time. Was told by one dr. i could never have this. was only one dr. would like to get second opinion. Is there a age limit on this? Have many questions to ask. Have had 5 fistulas surgeries. This one seems to be working. My dialysis clinic is very good, but no one talks to one another, clients that is, i find that very strange. Looking forward to communication with others on this site.

[Jayhawker]

I'm a type II diabetic who is currently going through transplant eligibility testing. They are not considering a double pancreas kidney transplant option for me, that I know of at this point. Instead, they made it clear that I would need to be placed back on diabetic medications immediately following a transplant should I qualify for a transplant. (I'm currently not taking diabetic meds. My A1C has been in check without medications for close to 6 years now. That may mean that I would not qualify for a dual pancreas/kidney transplant; but I don't know. I'll visit with my team about this when I see them for the second appointment on Sept 24th.)

Are there transplant centers that specialize in dual transplants such as pancreas/kidney transplants? It might be worth checking.

Jayhawker

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

I don't have diabetes, have polycystic kidney disease. I have been on hemodialysis for almost 3 years and urinate about a cup or so a day now. You could try fixing yourself a glass of ice cubes at night - that's less fluid to suck on. I also have had several fistula surgeries - that seems to be typical for a lot of patients. As for the situation of no patients talking to each other, I would try saying hello to them and to talk about something other than dialysis (pets, hobbies, things you enjoy doing, etc.). Maybe that would encourage people to start talking and gradually you could start talking about dialysis and transplant. I started a patient support group with my social worker that was slow to take off until we started meeting in the lobby before dialysis treatment. I guess I would advise you to get involved in your treatment and to be very determined and don't give up! I know a patient who got both a kidney and pancreas transplant and others who are interested in this. Thanks for sharing and welcome to our group!

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

I agree with those who've already responded here. I will add that overall most nephrologists don't have all the necessary information regarding transplant evaluations, requirements or protocols. Don't rely on a non-transplant doctor's opinion on what will or will not be done for you regarding transplant. I'm on my 14th fistula/graft surgery. I've also had over 3 dozen neck, chest, groin catheters. Its part of dialysis life. If you're struggling with fluid intake I would suggest filling a pitcher, large glass, bottle with the total amount of fluid you're allowed daily. Then drink only from that for a few days and when you're out, know you cannot drink anymore. Use ice, frozen fruit, lemon wedges to help. Avoid salty and sugary items as those will kick your "thirst" up several notches. Blessings