I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Spouses and Caregivers => Topic started by: drgirlfriend on July 30, 2012, 12:07:46 PM

Title: Gotta Take Good News Where You Can Get It
Post by: drgirlfriend on July 30, 2012, 12:07:46 PM
Just when I thought our lives were destined to be an unrelenting march of bad news, we actually had some good news! The boyfriend's last 2 PET tests had his kt/v hovering just under 2. This led to talk about more time dialyzing which led to anger and general hysteria. As it is, between full time work and the cycler, he doesn't have much time for anything he really wants to do. The thought of carrying during the day or adding a cycle is simply out of the question as far as he's concerned and I don't blame him. It's a bit much if you want to have a life.

He had a clinic visit this morning and I have been a bundle of nerves since he made the appt. I was convinced the test results would be bad and that he'd burn the place down after they insisted he do more dialysis. Well, the kt/v is back over 2 and the clinic is safe..... for now.  :yahoo;  Frankly I'm more happy for us! We are so worn out by setbacks and extra work I don't know what we would have done. Could've been ugly.

The clinic is on its own.
Title: Re: Gotta Take Good News Where You Can Get It
Post by: Traveller1947 on July 30, 2012, 05:15:44 PM
I'm so glad for both of you!  Hope you're going to celebrate that good news!
Title: Re: Gotta Take Good News Where You Can Get It
Post by: MooseMom on July 30, 2012, 07:33:41 PM
Oh, good news is always so welcomed. :clap;
Title: Re: Gotta Take Good News Where You Can Get It
Post by: Poppylicious on July 31, 2012, 04:09:26 AM
 :2thumbsup;

As it is, between full time work and the cycler, he doesn't have much time for anything he really wants to do. The thought of carrying during the day or adding a cycle is simply out of the question as far as he's concerned and I don't blame him. It's a bit much if you want to have a life.
One of the reasons I was happy for the PD to fail for Blokey (who was also working full-time, dwelling and having to do a manual during the day and hooking up for nine hours a night) was that dialysis stopped taking over our lives.  He was gutted at first, but his labs were far better on haemoD and weekends plus two evenings a week were OURS, so I completely understand why you didn't want the added extras!
Title: Re: Gotta Take Good News Where You Can Get It
Post by: drgirlfriend on July 31, 2012, 08:28:59 AM
Thanks everyone! Sometimes you don't REALLY know how down you are until one little good thing happens.

Poppy - I'm kinda scared of him ever having to go on hemo. Living in this hot, humid climate, it's hard enough to figure out how much liquid he needs on pd. Plus I'm creeped out by the whole idea of a fistula. I'm a whimp. But I see your point about having precious time given back to you to use as you see fit.
Title: Re: Gotta Take Good News Where You Can Get It
Post by: Poppylicious on August 03, 2012, 08:19:59 AM
Poppy - I'm kinda scared of him ever having to go on hemo. Living in this hot, humid climate, it's hard enough to figure out how much liquid he needs on pd. Plus I'm creeped out by the whole idea of a fistula. I'm a whimp. But I see your point about having precious time given back to you to use as you see fit.
It's about whatever works for him, you and your lifestyle.  As long as his labs stay as they are and you're both happy then let's hope he can stay on PD as long as possible!  Blokey was worried about having a fistula and it was eighteen months before he agreed to have one.  I don't think either of us notice it now and he doesn't cover it up at all.  Granted, it isn't too bad to look at when compared to other people's, but it must be noticeable to folk when out and about ...

 ;D
Title: Re: Gotta Take Good News Where You Can Get It
Post by: lmunchkin on August 03, 2012, 05:01:00 PM
Poppy - I'm kinda scared of him ever having to go on hemo. Living in this hot, humid climate, it's hard enough to figure out how much liquid he needs on pd. Plus I'm creeped out by the whole idea of a fistula. I'm a whimp. But I see your point about having precious time given back to you to use as you see fit.
It's about whatever works for him, you and your lifestyle.  As long as his labs stay as they are and you're both happy then let's hope he can stay on PD as long as possible!  Blokey was worried about having a fistula and it was eighteen months before he agreed to have one.  I don't think either of us notice it now and he doesn't cover it up at all.  Granted, it isn't too bad to look at when compared to other people's, but it must be noticeable to folk when out and about ...
 ;D

Poppy, I had to laugh when I read this. We are definately use to their fistulas cause of seeing it everyday.  A few months ago, I took my husband into my place of employment (my day off) and they hadnt seen him in years.  I noticed a couple of the girls look and then turned away like he was a freak. I should have covered his fistula, cause Im sure they were shocked by it.

One of them even asked what happened to his arm.  I grinned and told them that was his Dialysis access, his lifeline!

They meant no harm, they just don't understand , whereas, we are so use to it!

lmunchkin :kickstart;
Title: Re: Gotta Take Good News Where You Can Get It
Post by: drgirlfriend on August 03, 2012, 06:32:45 PM
OMG - Mr. Self Conscious would never let anyone see his fistula if he had one! But it makes sense that one would get used to it like anything else you see every day.
Title: Re: Gotta Take Good News Where You Can Get It
Post by: MommyChick on August 03, 2012, 08:43:12 PM
Thanks everyone! Sometimes you don't REALLY know how down you are until one little good thing happens.

Poppy - I'm kinda scared of him ever having to go on hemo. Living in this hot, humid climate, it's hard enough to figure out how much liquid he needs on pd. Plus I'm creeped out by the whole idea of a fistula. I'm a whimp. But I see your point about having precious time given back to you to use as you see fit.
Hemo isn't all that bad, I've been doing it for 7 yrs now. For the most part my life is normal, other then the whole dialysis part :) I still keep up with all my friends & family in activities & things they do & stay very active.
As far as the fistula.. friends & family never pay attention to it. In the summer time i just say screw it, if they don't like what they see then they can look else where! :rofl;

Good Luck & God Bless
~ Marna