I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: Arge on April 16, 2009, 05:36:56 AM

Title: Newbie
Post by: Arge on April 16, 2009, 05:36:56 AM

I have been reading this forum since finding it after it was recommended on one of the newsgroups that I read now and then. 

I have been fighting this for 8 years now, but I have finally been told that it is time to start dialysis.  My creatinine has stayed in the 2's until the start of this year and has consistently been in the high 4.s since

From what I know about dialysis, PD seemed like the best choice for me and I am scheduled to have a cath put in tomorrow morning.  Of course it can't be that easy, they must repair a small hernia as well.  Needless to say, I am scared.

I am an insulin dependent diabetic and wear an insulin pump.  Without the pump, I am sure I would have been in this position years ago.

Since reading many of the post, new concerns have come up that I never thought about starting with the location of the cath.  I sleep on the left side of the bed, the bathroom is to the left of the bed and I can't lay on my right side at all because of a sore shoulder.  I like to sleep on my left side, but not for sure what the best placement of the cath would be and haven't even been asked by the surgeon.  I will call a PD nurse today and see what I can find out.

I also have 3 large dogs.  I have a 121 lb lab mixed, a 115 lb Newfoundland and a 135 lb Newfoundland.  I know that special attention must be taken when hooking up in regards to proper cleaning, but are there any special things I must do in regards to the dogs.  Do I ban them from coming upstairs?  They usually sleep in our bedroom.

Hopefully this all goes well, and even though new, I have picked up a lot by reading this group.

I am 62 and retired, but I do a lot of volunteer work.  I volunteer with a TCE tax assistance program which keeps me very busy during the income tax season.

Arge

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: willieandwinnie on April 16, 2009, 05:54:55 AM

 :welcomesign; Arge. We are so happy to joined us. What took so long? Just kidding. Good luck tomorrow and please let us know when you get a chance. Someone that has PD knowledge will be along to answer your questions. My husband did hemo so I wouldn't be much help to you. Please check some of the older threads too, loads of information there. We have so much information and support to give that we are sure you'll love it here. Take care and again good luck tomorrow.  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: monrein on April 16, 2009, 06:25:11 AM

 :welcomesign; and I hope we can help you get more information to help with the many decisions that lie ahead.

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: G-Ma on April 16, 2009, 06:41:20 AM

 :welcomesign;

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 16, 2009, 06:49:35 AM

 :welcomesign; Glad to have you aboard

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: dwcrawford on April 16, 2009, 07:08:38 AM

I went to the surgeon yesterday to discuss and be evaluated for a cath and a fistala.  I don't think  I had a lot of input into where it went.  He just located the best places.  Luckiy I am  right handed and my left arm was best.  Good luck friend.  I know I'm scared....get mine done on Monday so ask me how it went if you want. lol  Oh,  mine  is hemo so I don't know if things are similar or not.

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: Romona on April 16, 2009, 09:10:38 AM

 :welcomesign;

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: MandaMe1986 on April 16, 2009, 11:24:24 AM

Happy to have  you  :welcomesign;

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: paris on April 16, 2009, 06:00:05 PM

 :welcomesign; Arge,  Glad you joined us.  There is a lot of information here regarding PD and many members who can help you with any questions you may have.  We are also very good at giving support.  This is a great place to come because everyone understands what you are going through.  Let us know how the cath positioning goes.  You are part of the family now and we care.   :grouphug;



paris, Moderator

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: Arge on April 16, 2009, 06:23:30 PM

I would like to thank all of you for your kind welcome.

Visited the PD nurse today and she marked the site for the cath.  Will let you know how things go

Arge

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: TeenHatesDialysis on April 16, 2009, 08:20:32 PM

 :welcomesign; Arge

I am glad that you finally decided to join the groupl. We have been waiting for you. :cuddle;

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: Joe Paul on April 16, 2009, 10:33:23 PM

Welcome Arge, good to have you aboard.

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: Swee_tone on April 17, 2009, 09:27:07 AM

Welcome!  :waving;

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: rookiegirl on April 17, 2009, 11:10:15 AM

Arge welcome to IHD.

I was on PD from Oct 2007 until my kidney transplant on 3/20/09.  My cath was placed on the left side and I sleep on my left side with no problem.  As for your dogs, I would talk to your PD clinic about them.  I would think they should not be in the room with you while you do your exchanges or hook up and to keep your room clean.

~RG

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: Wallyz on April 17, 2009, 12:32:24 PM

Welcome

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: paul.karen on April 17, 2009, 12:39:31 PM

 :waving; Arge

Got yourself some big ol playful pups.  Love the goofynewfie dogs. But im partial im from there.
What side did the PD nurse say to get the cath placed?
From what i have read (im no pro ask the docs) the dogs are ok in the room well at least cats are?  but not during hookup or disconnect from the machine.  Once on the machine it is self contained from what i have heard.

Glad you joined us.  Hope to see you on many threads.
P&K

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: Wattle on April 17, 2009, 11:21:35 PM

 :waving;  Welcome

Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: willowtreewren on April 18, 2009, 03:24:11 PM

 :welcomesign;

Welcome to IHD. You have found a wonderful community!

Aleta