How do you cope with In center Hemodialysis

[Frankie24]

I was in center hemodialysis for two years then i switched to home peritoneal dialysis which I loved. After two years it stopped working. I have been back on hemodialysis in center for the past year. I can’t make peace with it . Tried working on my iPad, watching movies, writing, reading, taking College course online. Nothing helps !! I dread every session. I have to keep going as I have a beautiful son I need to stay alive for. Otherwise I wouldn’t continue dialysis. I have been on a transplant list for the past four years. I take anti anxiety medication before and during my treatment but it does not help. Does anyone have any helpful suggestions on how to manage better in center hemodialysis. I want to do at home but I don’t have a partner and they don’t allow solo. Thanks in advance.

[LeesKees_NJ]

Hi Frankie,

Why are they saying saying no to solo home demo? I do it and I live alone. I have PKD too.

I still work full-time remotely so I choose to do home hemo. I do it through Fresenius, they have NxSatge1 home hemo units they'll set up for you. You need to do a 6 week course on running the machine and learning to successfully cannulate yourself.

After the you're able to do it on your own. All supplies are shipped to you. It is so much less depressing that going to center. I don't think I could thrive like I do if I had to go there.

If my doctor would not allow it, I would have entertain the idea of looking for a new dr.

Your happiness is important to be able to deal with having to do dialysis to live while waiting for the call that a new kidney is finally available for you. Be your own advocate, you have to do what's best for you! I'm sending you some positive vibes today, hang in there Frankie!!

[Frankie24 in reply to LeesKees_NJ]

Thanks for your reply. I have investigated it thoroughly and no Dr.s in my area will allow it. 😔

[LeesKees_NJ in reply to Frankie24]

Curious to their reason why? Where are you located?

[Frankie24 in reply to LeesKees_NJ]

I am in Massachusetts all the centers I have checked with will not allow it.

[Bassetmommer]

See if your health insurance will cover a nurse or aide to come into your home. Check also with the local medical center to see if they have support for home dialysis through a visiting nurse program.

[Frankie24 in reply to Bassetmommer]

I have looked into all that with no luck 🙁

[LeesKees_NJ]

I'm sorry Frankie, maybe it is only Fresenius Kidney Care that does it. I'm in south Jersey right across the river from Philadelphia. If you ever want to chat while you are on, maybe I can help pass the time. We could be like electronic pen pals in real time, lol.

My Name is Lisa, nice to meet you Frankie.

[Frankie24 in reply to LeesKees_NJ]

Hi Lisa, thank you !!

[mingmiley in reply to LeesKees_NJ]

Maybe you can chat with me also :-), I'm on my 14th years dialysis, but sometimes especially on the 4th hour is very difficult, my heart tightened up, my blood pressure will go down, I just don't feel good until they lowered the target. But lately I found watching an interesting movie might help. Usually the first two hours are easy to pass, I reviewed my Bible study lessons or just relaxed, watching the techs or dozed off, it's the third and fourth hour that can be hard.

[NurseRed]

I have had exact same experience im fighting for my daughter but deal with extreme anxiety i take a nerve pill 1 hour before treatment with no help ive tried many things ive wven had to be taken off treatment early because i couldnt handle anxiety ill pray you find peace as i know your struggle

[Frankie24 in reply to NurseRed]

Thank you. The struggle is so painfully real ! I wish the best to you

[LeesKees_NJ in reply to NurseRed]

I used to get ridiculously anxious beforehand. It is really hard to plant your needles when your hands are shaking like a leaf. But I kept at it, it was hard at first but I persevered and it has gotten better. There's no actual pain with the numbing cream, just nervous to have to do it. My blood pressure still goes up right before hand but once everything is in and I am taped up...I settle down. it has been about 6 months that I have been on my own.

[horsie63]

I'm glad you asked this Frankie as this is a huge worry of mine. So far I'm not on dialysis and just got evaluated for a transplant. I'd like to do PD so I can keep working but I'm so small (4'9" and 92 lbs) I worry it won't work. I also have dogs and cats and wonder if they'll accept my home...same with home hemo but add the worry that my arms are too small for the fistula.

[Frankie24 in reply to horsie63]

I was able to do it with my cat, that was never an issue. As for your size, I am 5’7” and 120 lbs. and it was never a problem with pd.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

Have you tried any nontraditional methods of relaxation during your treatments? I'm talking about simple things like taking a deep breath for 4 counts through your nose and exhaling for 4 counts through your mouth, pursing your lips. You can gradually increase the exhale to 5, then 6 counts. I learned this in my chair yoga class. I would use this during the worst moments in your treatment. It really helps your body calm down. Also, do they give you oxygen during your treatments? That can help, too. If you're able to meditate during your treatments while listening to soothing music on your headphones I would try that, too. Maybe look for a meditation app on your phone?

[Frankie24 in reply to cs65]

Thanks for your helpful ideas. I do listen to soothing music and have considered taking a yoga class to help me learn to self soothe. I will also ask about the oxygen. Currently I take Ativan for anxiety but it really does nothing helpful. Again thanks for your reply !