First day of dialysis

[Ziggydoodah]

HI Everyone. Im a newbie to the dialysis thread. Just about to start my first dialysis today. Gfr is at 6% but apart from fatigue, I feel fine. I am an absolute bag of nerves. I have been to the dialysis unit for an induction but that seems to have made me more anxious. I cant believe the day, I have been fighting for 7 years has finally arrived. I know its saving my life but im still having problems accepting this is going to be my new "normal". Especially trying to fit it in around work. Sorry just needed a little vent!! Hope you are all having a good day.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Hang in there. I found its never as bad as I worry it will be. I worried I would feel worse as the blood circulated outside my body. Truthfully I felt nothing at all. It's strange to have a new normal and I tell others it's okay to grieve for their old lifestyle. You aren't alone. Blessings

[Ziggydoodah in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you for your reply KidneyCoach. I cant believe im saying this and I know it was just my first dialysis but...i can actually feel an improvement!! I still feel exhausted but for the first time in months, I feel positive about life. Last week I felt like death warmed up. Today I'm counting my blessing and actually looking forward to my dialysis tomorrow!!! I know things can change but right now, im feeling good and I plan to savour this moment!! All the best

[LeesKees_NJ in reply to Ziggydoodah]

Hi Ziggy,

I have been doing home hemo for 2 months. I fought starting dialysis every step of the way. Once I finally started, the improvement was remarkable. I felt a difference right away too! I didn't realize how sick I had become – it crept up on me so slowly.

I trained to do my HD at home, solo. I have also tried going to the center a few times . I too work full-time still and am figuring out how to balance it all. The challenge is finding out what works best for you. Everyone is different and a lot of people do this. I figure I can too. I just haven't found my groove yet.

Good luck I'm glad you are feeling so much better

[Tissybell in reply to LeesKees_NJ]

Have you considered doing your home hemo in the evening? I did home PD for 2 1/2 years, and recently had to remove the catheter doe to a fungal infection. I'm doing Center hemo until I find out what options I will have . I found it harder to fit in work with draining for 1-1/2 hours in the am. FIlling up in evening was ok. Also, is it possible to work at home? Overnight dialysis with a machine is something else you could do. Best wishes for a solution.

[HipHopQueen]

I just want to offer encouragement. I haven't started yet, but I believe in the power of optimism. I'm so glad you can say you feel an improvement. Hang in there. I hope were ever you are the sun is shinning!

[Ziggydoodah]

Thanks for the replies 😁😁...i was actually getting dialysis, when i noticed your comments!! Because I only got my fistula fitted about 5 weeks ago, I am having issues getting my second line in. My arm has the most amazing bruise on. I only managed 3 hours yesterday as there have been issues with clotting etc. Still feeling very tired but i know its all just teething problems. I am learning so much from being with other kidney patients. They are a lovely crowd. Yes it is inconvenient, trying to fit work around dialysis but its not been as bad as I thought it would be. I was even reassuring a newbie yesterday 🤣🤣🤣. Hiphop Queen I had to laugh when you said i hope where ever you are the sun is shining....there was a major downpour, when i read that 🤣🤣...it is Scotland after all. Hope you are all well xxx

[raeernisse]

Hi, hang in there. I have a question for you. My gfr is 13 and I too am fatigued a lot. Other than that I am ok. I was wondering how rapid of a decline in my gfr I should expect. I know everyone is different just looking for some sort of timeline. I would welcome comments from all.

[missy55 in reply to raeernisse]

Hi I went from 40 to 19 in two months after changing my diet, water intake and exercise to help keep it stable. I was not expecting it to go so low so fast. Im not sure what I did wrong. Im confused as to how it goes up or down

[Ziggydoodah]

Hi RaeernisseI was at 15% in December. I then got Covid and a bad viral infection in January. My gfr plummeted to 9%. Ended up in hospital and an iv drip. Gfr went back up to 11%. Then down to 9% then down to 6%. The only symptoms I had was fatigue. No swelling, itching or breathlessnes. Have you had your fistula done yet? I would definitely push to get this done sooner rather than later. I feel as if mine was done a bit last minute and it hasn't had time to mature properly. I have to admit I feel as if i was fighting the thought of dialysis, so long that I over looked the benefits it could bring Its not ideal but its no longer the "enemy" now. I look at myself as a mobile phone that just needs charged 🤣🤣..Wishing you sll the best and I hope your gfr remains steady 👍

[Blackmidnight]

Zingy, I am in my 3rd month. It is overwhelming. I am more comfortable with home routine, but had several anxiety attacks during the education but my confidence is building daily along with the acceptance.hang in there. If you want to talk, compare experiences, expectations, contact me back.

[Ziggydoodah in reply to Blackmidnight]

Hi BlackmidnightThanks for your reply. I am now nearly 2 months into haemodialysis. Cant say its been easy but I am getting there too. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned "acceptance". I find this has been the biggest struggle. I was so determined not to end up on dialysis, that I considered it as sign that I had "failed". I still sometimes sit during dialysis and feel a bit sorry for myself and think how the hell did I end up here ☹☹. However i know I am one of the " lucky ones". I dont have diabetes and I can still pee 🤣🤣. Thanks for reaching out to me. I get such reassurance from other dialysis patients and of course members like yourself. If you need to talk or are having a bad day, feel free to contact me too. Wishing you all the best xx