I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Lucinda on March 25, 2009, 12:33:19 AM

Title: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Lucinda on March 25, 2009, 12:33:19 AM
Went to my neph today and it seems I am allergic - and rejecting - my artificial kidney so they are going to try me on a new type but they say in rare conditions some people can be allergic to dialysis.  That could prove to be a tad unfortunate. :sarcasm;  Personally, I have never heard of that before.  Evidently you can be allergic to the fibres in the kidney. Anyhow, I am going to cut my hours for the next few treatments and see if the reduced time helps eliminate the reaction I am having during the treatment.  I rang RichardMel up to let him know what was going on and he said it could only happen to me!  Anyhow, I will go back tomorrow and see what the new day brings.  My neph is now REALLY pushing transplant.  I don't want a transplant so this could get really interesting!!  I'll keep you in the loop.  Much love - Cindy. xx
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: RichardMEL on March 25, 2009, 12:40:31 AM
Well yes Lucinda of course it could only happen to you my dear. You are this amazing, wonderful person who somehow.. life likes to throw curve balls at (mmmm curves... oops, I got distracted  :rofl;) - and so far you've come through all the trials and tribulations pretty darn well it seems!!! Amazingly well I think!! So I am almost NOT surprised this seems to be going on. I mean who could go on dialysis, have 600ml taken off and come off 2 KILOS over??!! I mean.. what the...???? In a bizarre way it's quite funny really. I know it is serious too.. but as you said on the phone "You're supposed to get a transplant and reject the kidney.. not get on dialysis and reject the kidney" (dialyser I think they're talking about - the artificial kidney). Do you know what type they have been using and what type they will try? I use a FX-80, and sometimes FX-100 (a big one.. you know what they say about guys with big.. dialysers....) Anyhoo how interesting.

At least you can NEVER claim your life is dull, uninteresting and nothing ever happens!! I mean you had your house flood, roof fell in with workman on your bed, you've had all kinds of ups and downs medically with your graft, medications and so on, and now you're rejecting dialysis (but aparently doing better without it anyway). I mean WHAT IS NEXT???? I'd almost propose to you just for the amusement factor of it all, but I forget you're already married!!  :rofl;

Please keep us updated as this "adventure" unfolds. Who knows you may wind up being some PhD case study or even better still the beginning of a dialysis cure!!! :)  :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow;
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Wattle on March 25, 2009, 12:44:18 AM
Oh Cindy.... Only you could be allergic to dialysis!! I have never heard of that before either.    :cuddle;

Are there more than one type of filter they could try? There must be more than just one.

I know you are adverse to having a tube hanging out of your stomach..... but what about giving PD a go. Even if you think of it as a short term solution. PD really is OK. The tube sucks thats a given but you do get use to it.

Sending hugs. Dialysis is tricky enough without this added crap.   :cuddle;


Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: charee on March 25, 2009, 02:11:45 AM
When i did my training we had 2 people allergic to the dialysers , they changed them to a more expensive one  apparently they start us off with the cheaper one and see how we go , i went fine on the cheaper one so hang in there  a different one might make all the difference :cuddle;
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Lucinda on March 25, 2009, 02:51:42 AM
Thanks guys....and of course RichardMel it is the FX80 that I am allergic to.  They are trying a new one tomorrow so I will let you know what it is.  They have a doctor coming over tomorrow for my whole session so I thought that was pretty good of them to organise that.  I am dropping back to two hours this week and up to three next week but they are keeping me at three hours for a few weeks to get me back into the swing of things.  Hey Richard...you thought you were safe thinking of proposing to a married woman didn't you.  Hey, being the first renal bigamist is quite appealing. Just think...now I am becoming a wiz at priming and needling you could have dialysis at home.  Hey....come back here.....I haven't finished....... :rofl; 
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Lucinda on March 25, 2009, 02:56:17 AM
By the way I forgot to mention that it isn't all bad.  My potassium was really low so I stuffed my face tonight with hot chips and banana sandwiches followed by a huge bar of chocolate.  Gross I know but the best thing is that I did it with my neph's blessing. 
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Zach on March 25, 2009, 03:02:58 AM
There are several types of dialysis filters (dialyzers) available--some more biocompatible than others.  And the type of sterilization used in the manufacturing process can bring about reactions.

Here's just one study:
http://ndt.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/18/7/1370

Also, several years ago there were allergic reactions to the AN69 Filter by patients taking ACE inhibitors (BP medication).

8)
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: RichardMEL on March 25, 2009, 03:24:46 AM
Thanks guys....and of course RichardMel it is the FX80 that I am allergic to.  They are trying a new one tomorrow so I will let you know what it is.  They have a doctor coming over tomorrow for my whole session so I thought that was pretty good of them to organise that.  I am dropping back to two hours this week and up to three next week but they are keeping me at three hours for a few weeks to get me back into the swing of things.  Hey Richard...you thought you were safe thinking of proposing to a married woman didn't you.  Hey, being the first renal bigamist is quite appealing. Just think...now I am becoming a wiz at priming and needling you could have dialysis at home.  Hey....come back here.....I haven't finished....... :rofl;

Yes well that figures.. you're alergic to my dialyser so you're alergic to ME!!!! hmm you want to prime my machine and needle me at home?? oooh baby yeah I'll be on the next flight up... along with a few of my bikie mates!!! :)

xoxoxoxo
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: David13 on March 25, 2009, 05:14:16 AM
I hope the new dialyzer works out, Cindy.  Sorry to hear about this.  Keep us updated.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Sluff on March 25, 2009, 06:31:44 AM
Totally weird Cindy but I hope they get to sorting through this correctly.

I would like to hear more about how this guy was working on your house and ended up in your bed. Hmm sounds a little suspicious to me.   ;)
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: willieandwinnie on March 25, 2009, 06:52:28 AM
Lucinda  :rofl; I just love reading your post. I hope they get stuff figured out fast. Len had problems with the kidney also and I had to flush the machine for at least 15 minutes before I hooked him up. Maybe they could try that. Please let us know how it goes.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: kellyt on March 25, 2009, 07:21:09 AM
That sounds maddening!  I'm so sorry, Lucinda.  I hope you get it all worked out and soon!
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: twirl on March 25, 2009, 10:46:26 AM
everytime I leave dialysis I have a headache and green sinus mucus
I am afraid to tell anyone
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: kellyt on March 25, 2009, 11:27:34 AM
Green mucus is never good, Twirl.  Be carefull.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: G-Ma on March 25, 2009, 03:24:08 PM
TWIRL....tell someone..nurse, Dr...someone......cheeeezzzzz....    :puke;

Lucinda...love your posts and unfailing sense of humor about this thing we call life.....hope the next dializer works and can we please have pictures of you "needling" RM????      :rofl;
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: kitkatz on March 25, 2009, 03:45:01 PM
Found out I was allergic to certain dialyzer fibers, too in 2004.  It was fun. Fevers of 102 for six months and test after test and emergency room visits like you would not believe.   Lymph nodes inflamed.  Fevers after a dialysis run. A nurse and I finally back tracked it to a dialyzer change in the unit.  Changed me to a different one, wham- all symptoms disappeared!
Weird, huh?
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Slywalker on March 25, 2009, 05:50:24 PM
I must admit I learn something new every day on this forum.

Lucinda - I hope this gets straightened out soon for you - sounds like you have resceived a bunch of good info to start checking out.

Good Luck

Sandyb

 :bunny:
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: lola on March 25, 2009, 06:23:26 PM
Cindy my dear only UUUUUUUUUU xoxoxo
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: RichardMEL on March 26, 2009, 06:37:33 AM
I spoke to head Dialysis nurse today (18+ years experience) and she said she'd only ever heard of this sort of thing happening once!

What can we say - Lucinda is unique... but she's our kind of unique and special!!!  :bow; :bow; :bow;
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: okarol on March 26, 2009, 09:20:44 AM
 :grouphug; She is special!
I hope they find a better way for you Cindy!
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: MandaMe1986 on March 26, 2009, 11:11:41 AM
Wow!  Well you are very speacial  :clap;  But I do hope you guys can find something that works for you.  I would hate for transplant to have to come up if you really don't want one. Best of luck!
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: glitter on March 26, 2009, 12:04:50 PM
 :flower; hi
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: deahuff on March 26, 2009, 12:15:29 PM
Hi there,
My friend was allergic to all the dialyzers  and had to go on PD, she liked it better because she traveled for work. I have only done hemo. It sounds awful. Hopefully, a different kind works.
Good Luck,
Dea
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: paddbear0000 on March 26, 2009, 12:19:44 PM
What kinds of symptoms do you get when you have a reaction to the dialyzer Cindy? I ask because I just started at my new clinic on Monday and have been having a horrible reaction afterward that lasts for a good 24 hours or so--muscle aches, back spasm, vomiting and hot flashes.
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Lucinda on March 28, 2009, 02:28:34 AM
Hi guys....Sorry I haven't been back to you but I had to go to a writing seminar all day today.  Trying to do a million things at once per usual.  Paddbear...I am so sorry you are having such a bad reaction to your treatments.  I felt pretty much the same and just when I started to feel normal again I had to go back to the clinic for another dose.  My guess is you are also having an allergic reaction.  Are they using the same dialyser they were using at the hospital?   

Yesterday I used a new dialyser and I also took off no fluid and I had no headache and I felt terrific.  Won't really know until I use the same cocktail on Monday if all is OK but I certainly feel much better today. Sounds like Kitkatz also had the same thing happen.

Feels amazing to feel well again.  Did my needles yesterday and for the first time everything with the priming seemed to fall into place so I am in a much better place myself now.  I am starting back at the gym on Monday afternoon as they have cut my hours down to three so it gives me time to go after dialysis training.  I hope I get a bit of a break now so I can get things back to normal.  Because of the hiccups I probably won't get home for about another four - five weeks but I don't think I am going to have too many problems if all goes as well as yesterday.

Love to you all.  Cindy. xxxx
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: David13 on March 28, 2009, 04:51:18 AM
Great news, Cindy!  I certainly hope the new dializer continues to work well for you.

And great job on the needles, too!   :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: pelagia on March 28, 2009, 05:17:35 AM
 :yahoo; great news Cindy.
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: paddbear0000 on March 28, 2009, 01:03:21 PM
Thanks! i have now had a former and a current dialysis patient who have had allergic reactions tell me the same thing! My first assumption is probably right. I'm going to have to say something again Monday.
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: RichardMEL on March 28, 2009, 08:26:25 PM
great news Cindy!!! What dialyiser are you using now?

Hope this continues well for you and things settle down!!! :) :) :) :) :)

Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: G-Ma on March 29, 2009, 02:25:14 PM
 :bandance;
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Wattle on March 29, 2009, 11:52:58 PM
 :cheer:  Yay Cindy... and you did your own needles!! Woohoo thats great. You will be home in no time. xox
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Lucinda on March 30, 2009, 04:55:23 PM
Spent the last two days in hospital.  Couldn't get my postassium under control. Finally used ventolin and insulin to get it down.  Never heard of that before. Anyhow, enough of my teething problems.  I am going to go and see what everyone else is up to!! xx
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Wattle on March 31, 2009, 12:01:43 AM
oh Cindy .......  When it rain it pours!!!

I have never heard of that either. But you are special remember. You are just trying to keep them on their toes.

Glad its now sorted.  :cuddle;   xox
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: pelagia on March 31, 2009, 04:26:41 AM
That is strange, but it's good to hear that it is under control now.  Please feel better!   :cuddle;

P.S. I checked, and both of these treatments are listed on wikipedia as ways to bring acute hyperkalemia under control.  You are certainly helping us to expand our learning horizons  :cuddle;

heres the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperkalemia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperkalemia)
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: RichardMEL on March 31, 2009, 06:38:45 AM
too much fruit salad Cindy? lol.

We had one guy at our unit his K went through the roof and it turned out his wife was giving him fruit cake to eat! LOL It became a standing joke for awhile.

I better be careful, mine was 5.7 last month and labs on Thursday! :p
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: girliekick on March 31, 2009, 09:37:37 AM
Hi Cindy-

I hate to hear that, but maybe I can be of some help.

I was allergic to the fibers, and this is what we did.

The first month I was on hemo, I was pre medicated with  IV benidryl. ( doc said it was important to PRE medicate, bc it made it so that you could fight your allergy head on instead of chasing after it so to speak) And I required my machine be flushed with two full bags of saline before I was hooked up. After a month I tried doing it with out the extra drug, and things turned out just fine. I was then able to stay awake for my treatment, that made me a lot more comfortable.

I think it is awesome that they had a dr w you.

I was never able to do hemo w/o feeling awful afterwards, but I dont know that had anything to do w allergies.

 :bestwishes;
Allergic to everything except horses,

Girliekick
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: kitkatz on March 31, 2009, 03:22:43 PM
Hey RichardMEL, my potassium was 5.7, too last month. Oh my what have we been eating?
Title: Re: I am rejecting my artificial kidney!!!!
Post by: Wattle on March 31, 2009, 04:13:48 PM
Hey RichardMEL, my potassium was 5.7, too last month. Oh my what have we been eating?

uummm Dark Chocolate    :banghead;     :-*