I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) => Topic started by: MattyBoy100 on December 09, 2006, 03:42:04 PM

Title: Reaction to bicarbonates?
Post by: MattyBoy100 on December 09, 2006, 03:42:04 PM
When I am put on to HDF (Haemo Dialysis Filtration) I react badly to it.  It feels like there is a rush to my head, my face goes all red and I can feel the pressure building up in my face and my nurse puts me upside down in my chair and takes me out of HDF.

But, when they dialyse me normally for 15 mins then put me in HDF, I have no reaction.  One of the nurses said this could be to do with bicarbonate as it is the only thing that is different to the dialysing fluid.  Can someone tell me what this means and why would I react like this?
Title: Re: Reaction to bicarbonates?
Post by: kitkatz on December 09, 2006, 09:17:07 PM
Maybe you have an allergy to the fibers in the dialyzer.
Title: Re: Reaction to bicarbonates?
Post by: AlasdairUK on December 11, 2006, 06:59:42 AM
Hi Matty,

It is not the dialyzer as it will be the same between HDF and conventional HD. Are you doing pre or post HDF. Pre HDF is when the water is diluted before it goes in the kidney and post is when the water is mixed to the blood after it has gone through the kidney.

Post offers beter clearence while pre is more gentle on the heart with removing fluid. I use Post Haemodiafiltration.

I know when I first started HDF from HD I felt drained and this was due to the increase removal of middle size particles. I quickly adjusted and feel healthier than when I was on HD. Really do try to do HDF as it is IMO the best form of dialysis at the moment.

I will ask at my unit tonight about your systems as they have been using HDF for a while. I thought the bicarb was used to reduce the acidity of our blood and to bring the bicarb level up as it is generally on the low side with the body being in an acid state.

Do you use the Fresenius 5008 machine?

Title: Re: Reaction to bicarbonates?
Post by: MattyBoy100 on December 11, 2006, 02:41:32 PM
Hi Alasdair,

No, we use Gambro AK 200 Ultra or Gambro AK 200 Ultra - S  Machines at my unit.