I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Home Dialysis => Topic started by: Charlie B53 on December 03, 2016, 08:16:45 PM
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Stopped the Vicomyacin Thursday after completing the full 21 days. Stopped the other a week ago policy was to tke that one for only 14 days. noon I laid down for a nap after eating only two chicken strips.s afternoon I s after Never missed a dose.
This afternoon I ate two chicken tenders and one potatoe wedge, laid down for a nap. Woke up in a couple of hours chilled, shivering, my belly very tense and tender. Had the Mrs get the clean jar and took a sample.
Qwap, Cloudy. Only TWP DAYS after finishing the antibiotics this time.
Drove my usual 90 to 95 over an hour to the VA Hospital, again.
They will dose my bags for a couple of days, then into Surgery next week. The PD Cath will come out. I will get a shiny new venous cath and start hemo. Don't know where, when, or how long yet.
Hopefully one day in the not too distant future I will get another PD Cath and return to PD at home.
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Awww, so sorry Charlie, keep your chin up. We will all be praying for you and thinking of you. Hang tough!!!
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Charlie, I'm very sorry to hear this news! Sending positive thoughts your way for quick healing and strong hope that your change in mode will be temporary and brief.
:pray;
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Sorry to hear about your troubles, one question why not install a fistula, you wouldn't be able to use it for six month but from then on you would have a better choice then a cath.
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Wishing u well charlie. How frustrating for u. Sorry to hear about this xx
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Sorry, Charlie. So disappointing that the abx didn't work this time. Wishing you a easy transition to and back from hemo. At least with a chest catheter you won't be poked with needles. That's something (and in that way beats a fistula). Speedy recovery.
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As my mom used to say when she was frustrated and knew I was within earshot, "Crush a grape!"
This is really disappointing news. I hope you can vanquish the bugs again, this time for good.
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Sorry to hear that Charlie.
Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.
:flower;
Love, luck and strength, Cas
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Get well soon, Charlie! Hope you are not in the hospital long and will get to "keep all your marbles". (better have your grandson bring them to you).
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Oh no! What a major pain in the rear! Sending good thoughts that the removal and chest cath placement goes smoothly. Hemo isn't the end of the world - I caught up on a lot of reading during my three hour sessions. Hopefully it will be temporary for you.
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lol I took G'son into my computer room and showed him my jar of marbles I have had stashed for many years. Added the ones from my pocket and talked him into adding the huge steel one we just took out of a big float switch. I think he will be adding more as he collects them. One day they will all be his.
Dr's already made the referral to Surgery, want it done ASAP. If they don't bring me breakfast I'll know it is getting near. Doc says it could be three months IF I get another PD Cath. This may seem like a long time, but hopefully this too shall pass, eventually.
On the Cycler with dosed bags tonight, now. This could be the last time for a while.
Yes Fabkiwi, it is a good thing we like to read.
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If they don't bring me breakfast I'll know it is getting near.
When PD failed for me, I was being dialyzed on a femoral cath. They had a tricky time getting two surgeons and the OR booked (one to take the PD cath out; the other to put a vas cath in). They tormented me for several days holding breakfast, and finally around 2PM or so saying "not today, you can have dinner" .... then it started all over again the next morning.
sp mod Cas
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Simon when I was in for the three operations recently I was left with no meals for days. It turned out that between going to dialysis, or other heart related tests I never was around to fill in a meal sheet. That and the conflicts in a renal versus heart diet further delayed the delivery of food. The occasional turkey sandwich was just no cutting it. Finaly I got into the Grub Hub app on my iPad and ordered a meal(broiled scrod, cole slaw, salad, green beans and a roll) delivered. This did not go over well with the staff ( I think the nurses thought it was funny) one of the administrators and the dietician showed up from then on I got my meals even when I was away for my procedure. Paid for the meal which I never got, why screw the vendor, but was well worth it because it got the problem fixed.
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What a great solution.
One of the hospitals I'm in had the snack station in a staff room so you had to get a RN or aide if you wanted a snack (good luck with that). The big city hospital where I am listed keeps a fridge and toaster on each floor so ambulatory patients can help themselves to juices, apple sauce, toast and turkey sammiches. They also operate food on a room service basis - call any time up to 6PM and food will be delivered in about 45 minutes.
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Hope everything goes well for you, Charley! :thumbup;
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Vascular Surgeons finally came and talked about what's to happen. They will reopen the scars from putting in the PD cath to take it back out but will not completely close the wounds, packing to allow drainage for a while. Don't know how long that will be yet.
I asked if they would be putting in the PermaCath while I was knocked out. Not usually, too great of risk for cross contamination, but they are still undecided as Renal wants it in ASAP.
Renal wants me to do Hemo at least twice before I am allowed out of here.
One of them just came back for the release signature, and gave me a date. Early Friday morning. This is only Monday. I'm gonna be over a week this time.
Oh, and Nurse told me today I am officially fluid restricted. Oh? Makes me wonder just how much 2000 is. I got a 32 oz foam McDonald's cup at home I use for ice water, anywhere from one to three times in 24 hours depending on weather, heat, activity. This going to be a totally new learning experience when it gets here. Until then there will be a lot more of what I did in the Army long ago.
Hurry up and wait.
sp mod Cas
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Nurses finally got a room assigned across the street at University Hospital. I am packed and waiting the transport person to come roll me over.
The Perma Cath will be put in tomorrow morning and the PD Cath removed Fri morning. Afterwards I should be moved back over here to the VA Hospital.
The waiting is getting shorter.
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Hope it goes well for you. Removing a PD cath and installing a Perma Cath are both relatively simple procedures (I've had both), so hopefully they will go off without a snag. Then you "just" have to get rid of that nasty infection so you can go back to PD--with greater care this time. But it's never fun to be surgified.
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6p.m. Finally, Dr's came by my room and confirmed most everything I already know. Now he will write all orders so I can have dinner, meds, etc. Nothing after midnight then they will be after me early morning. Ditto tomorrow night and Friday morning get this cath out.
The waiting is getting shorter.
Both procedures would be soo much easier if I didn't have this 'thing' about needles. LOL Oh, well. Necessary evil.
Both should go just fine. I am just a wimp at times. At least University has far more TV Channels than the VA. I keep it on but not watching, mostly the noise helps drown out the constant ringing in my ears/head.
VA has a coffee pot on each floor. University has a Coffee Shop open inside the front door. I don't know if/when it closes, but they have snacks, some food, and PASTERIES. I better stay out of there. Smells great as I walk by to go out front to smoke. OK, I admit, I did go in. But I ONLY bought a large cup of coffee. And got out!
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careful with those large cups of coffee... thats how i overdid it on my fluid restriction. it sneaks up on you, and hemo isnt as forgiving as pd is with extra fluid.
my permacath placement was really fast... I feel like I had just closed my eyes for a second and I was finished. Not too sore after either, which surprised me. i'll be thinking good thoughts for you!
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Good luck with your surgical procedures Friday. Since you are fluid restricted, maybe the nurse can bring you ice cubes. Might want to get ice cube trays for your home freezer, unless yours comes with an ice maker. My husband sucks on ice cubes to help control his fluid, works good. Hope you are home real soon and resting in your own bed. If you look anything like Santa Claus, maybe you could tell the kids over in the childrens ward that you are one of Santa's "wayward cousins" and perhaps pass on a Christmas message to them. You could have a little fun with that....think about it..hee hee...Well, behave yourself so you can get back home to your wife and family. Christmas will be here before we know it! :santahat; :christmastree; :snowman; :rudolph; Hope the VA is treating you well, you deserve it, i may be late but thank you for serving our country, Charlie, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! Because of men like you we get to vote and have choice of freedom. I have 3 flags now certified that were flown on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and tons of letters from soldiers I adopted over the years, I am grateful to each and every one of you. So I really hope your stay at the hospital is a short one so that you may enjoy the holiday season at home. Will be thinkin' of you....
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careful with those large cups of coffee
Coffee is actually the worst liquid to drink when you have to limit fluids. It's very dehydrating so your cells don't get any hydration from it. And it uses up your fluid quota without doing much.
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The duretic effects may have a part in my limiting myself to no more than 2 cups in the morning. Used to drink the whole 12 cup pot.
Who am I kidding, I cut back because much caffeine and my heart starts skipping beats. THAT feels strange!
Fortunately I've always liked cold water.
Almost finished with Last Fill. Tech was very late bring the machine and setting up last night. This very well may be my Last Fill. Don't know if I will be doing PD tonight, and cannot tomorrow night as PD Cath will be gone. IF I indeed have PD tonight there will be no Last Fill as I'm sure they will want me 'dry' to remove that cath. I can only imagine the mess if I weren't!
Tech was very late getting me started last night. I should have been done already. While I'm writing this Transport has walked in, ready to take me to the cath lab. Sorry, still draining, about to switch to Last Fill.
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Caffeine is also bad for blood sugar. It raises it and then plunges it.
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I didn't know that either. So my cutting back to only those one or two cups in the morning along with my cinimon graham crackers and ginger snaps was perhaps not a bad thing after all. And I limit the crackers and cookies. I could eat a whole lot, but don't need that much.
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STILL NPO. Grrrrrrrrrrr Saw Dr just before I went outside, talked about what meds have not been written. Gave him copies of Clinic Log that lists ALL my meds, and a copy of the VA Med printout listing what they provide. Also mention it's noon, I am still listed NPO until he gives the OK.
Dr assured me he would take care of everything. Yeah, right. I am beginning to think he went out to play a round of golf as nothing has been done.
Oh, and I've also been told to stay in my room. Renal is sending someone to get me. They want to do hemo. Already? The Neph and I talked about that this morning. PD last night with a Last Fill. PermaCath in this morning. Do I do PD again tonight without a last fill or skip it so to do Hemo tomorrow and have something to take off.
Hemo today doesn't make any sense, there is next to no water to take off. I should pretty much already be at my 'dry weight'. Taking off anything could cause problems.
What do I know, nothing. I am just the Patient.
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Some studies suggest that drinking coffee, caffeinated and decaffeinated, may actually reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
If you already have diabetes, however, the impact of caffeine on insulin action may be associated with higher or lower blood sugar levels. For some people with diabetes, about 200 milligrams of caffeine — or the equivalent of one to two 8-ounce cups (237 to 474 milliliters) of plain, brewed coffee — may cause this effect.
Caffeine affects every person differently. If you have diabetes or you're struggling to control your blood sugar levels, limiting the amount of caffeine in your diet may provide a benefit.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/blood-sugar/faq-20057941
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I'm sorry for all the hassle you're now in Charlie. Do you know your blood results? Your peritoneum might be working less? It's not only about fluids.
Good luck tomorrow.
Lots of love, luck and strength, Cas
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Pottasium 3.2 I take 60 EU P Supplement daily or it begins to fall off. What cracks me up is they have me on a LOW Pot Diet. Have to laugh.
Pho 3.3 Evidently that little 4 gfr is working it's collective butt off. As I EAT Meat.
These are the basic #'s that I have followed. They tell me everything is almost perfectly mid-range.
I am VERY fortunate. Until today. I think Dr had a T time at the golf course and had to take of before ordering me FOOD. I finally got a tray at 4 p.m. Hamburger and green beans, for my breakfast. No Coffee.
EDIT - CharlieB53 - Spelling - 12/9/16
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Vascular Dr walked in as I was writing the last post so I hit Post without finishing. Vas Dr was here to get the Release for morning.
Someone in Dialysis may not be happy with me. I don't know which Dr it is as I haven't met her yet. Somehow she decided I needed to do hemo immediately now that I have access. I kept asking 'WHY?' as I am STILL doing PD. I am still filled with my long dwell of Ico. Attempting/taking off ANY water would cause either to re-absorb water AND toxins, which could possible skew my labs. Making everyone think I need MORE dialysis. Not yet.
I will put her on the spot tomorrow and ask her what she has down for my 'dry weight'. Then we will talk. Last time I weighed dry I was about 310 and NOT on Dialysis yet. All weights she will be seeing and going from listed in my chart are WITH 2 liters Ico in me. I suspect that will make a little lower # we should maybe start closer to. Like what I will be if I weigh tonight immediately after draining.
I will find out. Meanwhile, I hurry up and wait for morning to get rid of the source of this infection.
Y'all Take Care,
Charlie B53
p.s. I went down to the Waiting Room, they have a Forgers Coffee machine for visitors. I WAS visiting the visiting room, Right? Got two!
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Charlie B53
p.s. I went down to the Waiting Room, they have a Forgers Coffe machine for visitors. I WAS visiting the visiting room, Right? Got two!
:rofl; O man, I think you're Okay with a potassium like that.
Love, luck, strength and patience, Cas
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5 a.m. Fri. OR Called. Transport is coming.
No delay today. Dr Nichol, head of Vascular is leading this parade. I should be fine.
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Fingers and toes crossed
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Done. Back to my room, out on the porch by 10. Just back to my room and find out they are already calling for me to be moved to Dialysis. What? No breakfast again? Nurse told me they lifted the NPO, to get on the phone to kitchen and order breakfast and have it delivered to Dialysis. OH? I did. I like this place. Sometimes.
Will be moving back to the VA sometime today, after Dialysis.
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What? No breakfast again?
When I was in-patient, I had the food service deliver breakfast to dialysis. I think they got lost on the way once though :'(
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Sorry you are having to go through this Charlie. My thoughts are with you as you go through these procedures. Wishing you a speedy recovery and a return to PD soon if that is what you desire.
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Oh my God. What a palaver.
What is it that they used to say? "Keep on truckin'" and "Keep on keepin' on."
I hope the VA has you back in good operating mode very soon. You've really been through the wars (in more ways than one).
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Hello Charlie, I am very sorry that you have to go through this and I send you my speedy recovery wishes
from Kristina. :grouphug;
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I can't live without my morning java.
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My 1st Hemo session done. A late tray, early lunch as too late for breakfast items, was delivered there. Run 3 hours, finished and back to my room. There as a lunch tray waiting. Lifted the lid and saw things I don't normally eat. Called Kitchen, reordered, they had to clear it with my Nurse. Fine. Went outside on the porch. Nurse caught me on my way out, said she has meds and was already told to call transport to move me back to the VA. I asked if I could go outside, and give kitchen time to deliver, that way I could eat here as they have a decent choice of menu. VA you get what they have for your particular diet. Not much choice at all. She laughed and said OK.
I kind of like it over here. I get to choose what I eat, somewhat. I can still go outside, although they don't have the heated greenhouse the VA has. And it is freezing cold out, way more so at night. Far more young Nurses, it's a much bigger place, more people altogether. Better coffee in the waiting rooms. And they have satellite TV, far more channels.
I will most likely stay at the VA at least into Monday. They will want me to do at least one more session of hemo before they cut me loose. And they want Social Services to have a place and time schedule set up. Soo Monday, possibly Tuesday.
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I moved back to the VA Fri late afternoon. Felt fine other than having that opening in my belly where they took out the PD cath. Have been out to the greenhouse (smokekshack) a number of times, all good. Dinner, meds, bed.
Sat morning I noticed both calves tight, making it very difficult to walk even half normal. Doesn't make sense. Labs drawn, finally, only a couple of sticks before he found it.
Nurse making rounds a bit later with meds, reading off what she has for me and when she says "Potassium" I said Oh Really! I mentioned how I knew PD took off so much I needed the supplement but had to wonder about if or how that may change on Hemo. She looked, labs were already done. I had already risen from my PD normal of 3.2 to 3.5 to an already 4.6
I refused the potassium. And have to wonder why University Hospital didn't stop it Friday. Nurse says higher Pot may be the cause of my calves feeling so tight.
Told all this to the Dr's when they came on rounds. They immediately cancelled the script. We also talked about how I now need to limit my fluid intake.
PD had so much leeway as far as food and drink. This is going to be different. I will need to learn to make some changes.
My mouth has already dried out, very difficult to felt half comfortable and swallow, so dry. Had a little bag G'son gave me from his Halloween candy, gummy something. I let it sit and melt. Worked great to stimulate the glands. So I had the bright idea of buying more. Went to the Patient Store, got a bag. On the way out the door into the hall I ran into one of the Lady Nephs. Told her what I had, showed her the bag of lillte gummy bears. She told me I shouldn't have them. A former patient had big problems with phos. Turned out to be that he regularly ate gummies. If I wanted to use something to try the mint candies, lifesavers. I immediately went back in and exchanged bags.
I am SOO glad I ran into her. I was about to make a serious mistake.
Sunday morning, weight barely up a pound. I keep going out to the greenhouse but it is difficult. Calves don't want to stretch at all, making for very small steps. What used to take 20 minutes is already 35. I am so slow.
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Mmm Charlie, bit peculiar they had to be reminded of having to stop your potassium. And I'm sorry you're going to have to bring your reading glasses with you at all times now when you're buying sweets or anything for that matter, to check ingredients.
What kind of 'tight' is it? If it's not the skin being tight (as in possible fluid) it could be your potassium. What did you eat or drink after your last bloods? Whatwas your calcium? Did you mention it to a nurse?
Love, luck and strength, Cas
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Dr's made rounds already, both the Medical team and the Neph team. Good results from both. Medical will straighten out my blood pressure meds I was missing. Nephs surprised me when they said my potassium has fallen, no longer well over 4 but only 3.6 to 3.8 I don't remember exactly which. They attribute the drop to my still producing urine. And say I may be one of the rare Hemp patients that can relax my potassium restrictions a little as long as I continue to P. Whoo Hoo. Told then I weighed and had less than a half pound rise since Fri night. They said I may also be able to have more fluids. Wow. I must be blessed.
So I've been thinking hard, what could be the cause of my tight calvles? And I am remembering a time long ago, a freind and I at the weight lifting room. Sort of showing off to each other how easily we could push/pull weight with our legs. LOT of weight, LOT of reps. Next day neither of us could walk. Calves blown up, swollen tight, very painful. ALMOST exactly like they are now only not near as bad as then. Almost, but not quite. Then I also remembered when I got back over here Friday from the UH walking out to the greenhouse that I was taking MUCH bigger steps. I noticed this two or three separate trips out and back. I woke up with the tight sore calves, can't say if it was after just a nap, or if it was first thing Sat morning. More likely Sat morning. So this may NOT be a mineral problem, it may be an over exertion by over extension of weak shortened muscles, screaming their protests and should resolve in a number of days. Qwap, it hurts in the mean time.
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Med madness. I don't know why they cannot keep my med list in order. Every time I come here it gets screwed up again. Just when I begin to get it straightened out I find out it's still wrong. Pain meds listed PRN instead of scheduled. Got them all scheduled then went across to University and started the whole bit over. Finally get straightened out over there and move back here, Guess what? They've managed to screw it all up again.
I just got BP meds straight while Dr's mad rounds while ago. Meds come and find my pain meds aren't just screwed, dropped altogether. Nurse is calling Dr now. No wonder my legs hurt so much worse today.
I take methadone, small dose, twice daily. It makes a difference and there is absolutely NO brain buzz.
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Lordy, lord,lord! The crap they put you through when in hospital is ridiculous!
I have had 2 surgeries and 1 declot in the last four weeks, so I have seen the inside of Kaiser a few times!
They can make you crazy with the switch ups they want to do out of hand.
Keep keeping on eye on things.
I hope you get better soon.
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When my husband was in the hospital they wouldn't listen and refused to give him
enough insulin he normally takes. Hours later when they tested his blood sugar again, they were "Oh! You need more insulin!" Duh! ::) Makes a patient feel like having their meds snuck in to them but I suppose the staff would just end up surprising themselves with test results.
-You guys (Charlie and kitkatz) spend any more time in the hospital this year they should put you on a salary. Complete with full benefits, private room with a view, a company car and stock options.
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I've only really stayed in here because of this re0occuring infection. What a mean bug. Now that the cath is out it should heal just fine. I have to wait until they find me a new clinic closer to home as the PD clinic here 'could' take me, but then I would have that hour plus drive 3X weekly. Nope. So I'm sit here growing my butt wider until they get me an assignment closer to home. There are 3 units within 20 minutes of our house.
Hopefully Mon or Tues they will have word and send me home. Even if it takes another day or two I'll be fine, just bored.
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Home, finally. Monday had my second hemo session. Once finished the Social worker came and told me she had gotten me assigned a chair at Fresenius in Wentzville, M-W-F Since this is M already I will need to be there by 10:15 as there WILL be paperwork.
I mentioned that will conflict with a Dr appt. The VA had already called and told me I HAD TO have an appt F at noon, the Dr had no other time during the week. This is THE MAN so of course I agreed. When I say THE MAN I mean as in THE Dept head of Vascular Surgery, not only there at the VA but one of THE Dept Heads at Uni Hosp across the street. And I, or I should say he, knows me. He has been inside my arteries a number of times, has me back at least twice a year just to check up and have them rerun tests. I tell you, the VA has spoiled me. They have taken VERY good care of me. I MUST be Blessed.
Young Social Worker says she'd see about the appt, get it changed. Came back later and told me Fresenius said to be there by 6 F morning. I'm guessing it was easier for her to get Fresenius to agree then the Good Dr.
Since I had my 2nd session AND a seat assignment the Dr's told me I was done. Signed off and I got out of there about 5. I had to wait for my Son as Wife wasn't to up on me driving myself when I first noticed the infection again.
Tuesday, Oh, I left out the part about Wound Care. Since they left both cuts OPEN and packed, thinking "Oh, infection gotta drain" (Batshit)(My words) packing must be changed not just once, but TWICE daily. Wound Care Dr Cathy (Blonde, Nice) changed it and told me Home Nursing would come and take care of it, but NOT twice Daily. She would have a talk with the Surgeon. Came back and gave me BOXES of supplies and a black case. Told me Nurse would come by Tues and Thurs to dress/redress my woulds with this Vac system. Besides all the usual crap I take with me knowing I have to be admitted I now had a SECOND wheelchair of stuff to take home. Whatever, after 11 days I was glad just to get out of there.
Now Tues, Nursey calls and since she doesn't live to far away set an appt for 2:30'ish, on her way home. This Girl is thourough. Spent almost three hours grilling me on my meds (17) not just what, but when I started taking, etc.. About the only thing she missed is the fact that I've had my tonsils out. She pulled out the packing, cleaned, prepped, then taped carefully around both sites, cut this special foam blck stuff to size and stuffed them into the wounds. Had some cover tape stuff then put this seal thing that sticks on and has a hose that plugs into a battery powered vacuum pump, both sites plug into a Y-connector then the pump. It was a VERY strange sensation when she first turned this thing on. I could swear I could SEE the larger slot sort of suck closed. Very weird.
So I have traded one type of hose for another. Wouldn't be too bad as I can carry this thing around with me. The strap is kind of irratating but I'll find a way to tie it too my belt tomorrow.
So tomorrow I will find out what and where Fresenius is, what it is going to be like In-Clinic.
I got to say though, After only ONE session sitting in a chair,
My butt got tired. I am going to have to figure SOMETHING out. I plan on taking a pillow and my NEW Fuzzy Blankie.
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Glad you're home Charlie
: :welcomesign;
Pillow and Blanky sound like a good plan (there's a thread on that) Maybe take the wheelchair cushion?
Very interesting that wound-sucking-thing sounds interesting. Does it make a noise?
Love and luck, Cas
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The Vac thing is pretty neat. It does have a sound sort of like a small electric air pump only making a pulse a second. A lot slower than a heartbeat. Once in a while it will whir as if making a number of turns then immediately back to it's normal slow pulse.
It was a very strange sensation when the Nurse first turned it on. Sucking on both wounds. The top one I have hardly any feeling because of nerve damage to that area during my by-pass long ago. The lower one is another story. You could fit my three middle fingers inside width wise and looks like to the middle knuckle. As the vacuum pulled I felt and SAW it change. It seemed to suck closed almost by half. Amazing, very strange feeling. I can't say it hurt. I don't doubt that some that are sensitive may have been screaming, but I am not normal. I just had a questioning look and began to laugh it was so different.
Nurse thinks I'm strange.
In a little bit I've got to figure out how to dress and go to my first session at Fresenius. It's cold outside. In the teens last night and expected to barely make it to 30 if we are lucky. I'll wear my jacket again. Not cold enough for my coat yet. I grew up when this time of year on a good day it would warm up to zero. I've seen them close the schools here when it was in the teens. When I was a kid you got dressed and walked to school unless it was over a mile, only then could you ride the bus.
Got my Blankie, just got to decide which pillow. Are they like prunes? Is one enough? Is six too many?
I'm thinking two may be just right.
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My hubby has the vac pump on his leg when it needed help healing after his amputation. Every time they changed it he had to have major pain meds. He took it everywhere with him.
Good luck on the dialysis center and its malarkey when you get there
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Sounds like you have a wound vac, Charlie. My wife's mom had one on for 4 months to close a 5 inch wide hole at the base of her spine a few times (she had spina bifida her whole life).
Please let us know how you are doing!
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My biggest problem with the Vac Pump is carrying it around with me all the time. Just hard to get comfortable. I tried the strap over the shoulder, it keeps trying to fall off. Over the shoulder and neck seems fine for a while, then I find out it is oinching exactly where the Perma Cath goes up and over the clavicle. Then it gets Pissed, sore for an hour afterwards. When I had my jeans on I folded the strap inside the case and used the small handle, threaded my belt through it. They should have put a couple of belt loops on the back of the case, that would have made it simple and well secured. Still have to rely on that strap around the house as I stay in my pajama's unless I need to go out. No belt there.
Had my first session at Fresenius today. No real surprises other than it ran the whole 4 hours. Even with two pillows my butt was getting pretty tired of sitting still. At least on a cath I could move my arms, hold my book, turn pages, etc. You all that have to keep that arm still are special. I'm sure it ain't easy.
Like I said, no surprises during treatment. Did have to show them paperwork from the VA, my Discharge Med List CLEARLY specifies Vancomiacin 500MG X19 to be administered IV during dialysis treatment. Fresenius didn't get a Dr's order. Made a copy and called the VA. "I" called Nurse Dawn at the VA and told her what was NOT happening. She asked for Fresenius phone number as I didn't have the fax #. They hung the Vanc my last 20 minutes.
They told me Dr ordered to take off 2 liters. I told them in hopital they only took off 1 & 1/2 but put back a 1/2. Since we do not know what my dry weight is they went ahead and took off 2.2 putting back .2 No pressure drop, didn't feel anything out of my norm so maybe that's fine.
I have hardly drank anything. On PD I didn't have any restrictions. I drank whatever and as much as I felt. I quit that last Thursday and the amount I P has dropped radically. I've gone only twice today, so far. Still got that timy bladder, so the volume hasn't increased at all. I just don't have the water in me. Don't know if this is a good thing or not, only different than before. Confusing, slightly.
Tired. Came home after treatment ate a bite and went to bed. Got up, ate even less, and I am ready for bed again. Will see what tomorrow brings. Home Health Nurse will be here. No idea yet when. She will call. I need a pocket in my pajama's for my phone.
D'Oh. I have a PILE of Pocket T-Shirts! Problem solved.
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I REALLY do NOT like this Vac Pump. It probably does it's job just fine. I just do NOT like carrying it around hanging from my neck.
When I see the Surgeon tomorrow I am going to ask him if he will glue these holes shut and be DONE.
Maybe I am getting inpatient with being in-patient even on an out-patient basis.
I also need to ask questions about getting a long-term access. It could be a good idea just in case I can't go back to PD, or if I have another infection on PD. I'm still such a control freak it's hard to think about letting anyone cut on me if it isn't absolutely immediately necessary. I know it makes sense. It's just hard to give in and say O.K..
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Quite an adjustment, Charlie. I feel like I'm watching myself at some future time when PD stops working. :( I don't like the prospect. Hang in there. This too shall pass.
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A popular saying around Bikers,
Life's a Bitch, then we die.
Sometimes that's true.
I believe it's all a test. I just hope I pass.
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Hey Charlie,
The wound vac is continuously removing the "bad" stuff from your wound...and making it easier for it to heal from the inside out. I am sure they have a valid reason why they don't want to close the wound (could be numerous reasons).
Take it easy, buddy!
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I've been very fortunate most my life. I swear I am Blessed. Historically I heal well, very quickly. You wouldn't believe how many wounds a mechanic can get in a day. Wrenches slip, sometimes bad enough to split open a finger and break the bone. A clean rag, electrical tape, and get the job done. I did end up seeing the Dr and having a pin put in that one to straighten it out after the swelling went down and I finally saw it was pointing off to the side. Oops!
Bacteria cannot survive in the solvent tank. The rare hand infection(s) that put in in the hospital (twice) were from scratches so minor neither of them even bled.
Prior surgeries I've healed much quicker than they estimated. These two cuts were left open to drain 'infection' but having been on Vanc for a week prior to the procedures, there is no 'infection' left to drain. Drainage is absolutely minimal. I will be seeing the Head Surgeon tomorrow at Noon and stating my case. Hopefully he will agree and pour a bit of super glue in both, stick me together, slap me on the ass and send me home.
Vanc will continue to be added at the end of dialysis for my next 18 sessions, making a total of 21 sessions which will be just about SEVEN WEEKS. Thats far more than the normal 14 days, or even the advanced 21 day regimen proscribed for this bug.
I guess they just want to be SURE it is D.E.A.D. DEAD.
I suspect somebody slipped a digit in their calculations, thinking I would have treatment every day for 21 days. I might ought to check into the dosage amount, what the usual amount per body weight per day and see how that compares to what I am getting. That may shed some light on the reasoning for their orders.
Wonder what Google comes up with?
During the last go around Dr added an anti-fungal as a preventative. Told me long term antibiotics leave people susceptible to fungal infections, such as thrush, toenail fungus, lung disorders such as Legionnaires. etc.. That would suck.
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Hi Charlie maybe also look in changing your pro biotics into the high strength ones?
Love, Cas
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look in changing your pro biotics into the high strength ones?
Not only high strength, but wide variety of organisms-- not just acidophylous. The greater the variety, the better to restore your gut microbiome after such a long assault with antibiotics.
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Vanc will continue to be added at the end of dialysis for my next 18 sessions, making a total of 21 sessions which will be just about SEVEN WEEKS. Thats far more than the normal 14 days, or even the advanced 21 day regimen proscribed for this bug.
I guess they just want to be SURE it is D.E.A.D. DEAD.
I suspect somebody slipped a digit in their calculations, thinking I would have treatment every day for 21 days. I might ought to check into the dosage amount, what the usual amount per body weight per day and see how that compares to what I am getting. That may shed some light on the reasoning for their orders.
I'm almost thru a six week course of Cefazolin. I give it to myself after each dialysis treatment - since I'm on NxStage, that's 5 times a week! A total of 30 doses! Thankfully, they don't seem to be bothering my stomach unlike the last time.
I second (third?) the recommendation for probiotics. I also drank kefir (homemade from the family cow, Fern) and have been eating high-quality yogurt. Check with your doctors - at my center, they particularly recommended greek yogurt as they thought the protein in it outweighs the phosphorus impact.
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I helped take care of one of my college professors when I worked in the hospital as a discharge planner. He had to have a wound vac and was planning on resuming his teaching responsibilities when discharged. He told me he was going to bring chips and tell the students that his wound vac goop was "homemade salsa!" The particular wound vac had a clear area for the wound drainage to be collected so you could see when to empty it. Could be a good line for making new friends at the clinic!! :lol; Two pillows sounds perfect. If you have a pair of headphones you like I would bring those for the TV. Your laptop would be good as well since you still have a catheter and have both hands free to surf the web!
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I've got to get me a bigger bag. The canvas one I have been using gets too tight with all the crap I carry around if I add the laptop. I use a padded 'table' thing so it has a firm surface for the laptop and pillowed on the bottom for my legs. It sure helps to keep the heat from cooking my thigh. Wish I would have taken it with me yesterday. I had a 6 a.m. session so I could drive to Columbia to see the Vascular Surgeon for my one week follow up. Freezing rain began about half way there. I was keeping up with traffic, somewhat irratated that many of them wouldn't get over and let me fly on by.
WELLLLL...................
I shrugged off the two warnings. Remember I said freezing rain? Center of the windshield was icing no matter how high the defroster was turned up. Maintaining a decent distance between vehicles, steady speed, I felt the ass end slip to the right a few inches. OH! About a block later it did it again. Oh Really! About a block after that it went sideways, corrected, sideways the other side. Straightened and sideways to the right again. Corrected but by the time it was straight the left side was raking along those metal posts with the cables. Stayed on the gas and brought it back up and into the fast lane and kept going. It wasn't but another mile and EVERYBODY slowed to a crawl. 5 MPH for the next twenty miles then a dead stop for a while. I thought I'd get out and see how bad it was. I couldn't stand up, it was so slick.
I saw it once I got to the VA Hospital. Qwap, the WHOLE left side. 2hours late for my appt. Head Dr already gone but left an underling there to see me. Says my woulds are fine, the vac may be able to come off as soon as next week. Made an appt for the same time NEXT week. I've got to let Fresenius know. They let me come in early so I could have my session and get to Columbia. I don't want to make a habit out of this.
My 'lil truck is HURT. It didn't have a scratch before this. I called my Ins Co and reported it while on the way. Then called a friend, Mgr of an autop-body shop and told him.
OH, forgot to say. State Patrol CLOSED the freeways. I had to get a room and spend the night. PITA No meds. I hadn't planned this. VA ER wrote scrips for all my BP meds and insulin and gave it all to me. I THANKED them Very Much!
When I got home today I stopped by the tire shop as it is near enough time I should seriously think about new tires again. And TONY, the bodyshop guy happened tp be there getting new tires on his truck. Took one look at the side of my truck, whipped out his camera and took pictures. I haven't even done that yet. The sad part is he thinks the Ins Co will want to total it. NO WAY! It's been a great little truck. I take care of it. Runs perfect, actually way better than factory as I've tweeked the computer, replaced exhaust, intake. It RUNS. It's ONLY the whole left side. A fende, two doors, and another bed. Done. Except for the paint. Qwap. I may have a multi-colored truck next month.
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Bummer Charlie B53,! Extremely slick hear too , Sorry to hear about truck. wish i would of been with you sounds like kinda fun trip! Thanks, take it easy .
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Do you have a rolling walker or a rolling stool the vac can be on while you push it through the house?
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Bugger Charlie, I hope you get the car sorted. Aren't you/we happy/lucky you didn't end up killing yourself?
:angel;
Love, Cas
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I was just thinking this morning, look for another whole truck with a blown motor/transmission, swap everything over to my frame.
Just have to look. Haven't talked to Ins Co again yet. Monday, on my ToDo List after Dialysis.
Forgot to say that my S-10 is a factory ZR2, which is an S-10 on steroids. Factory lifted 4 inches, big tires 4X4 with heavier axles and brakes. I've added heavier springs, intake and exhaust mods and reprogrammed the computer so it runs VERY well.
I don't really care what color I end up with. Although I have to admit that it would be nice to have it ALL the same, all the way around.
The factory quit making this model in 2003. I had an identical '02 until it got soaked. I let the Ins Co total it even though it dried out nicely and immediately bought this '03. They are getting harder to find in decent shape, and the owners are NOT selling for anywhere near the Blue Book prices. Ins Co don't care.
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My husband's first vehicle was a S-10 Blazer - think he bought it at age 15. It was old and beat-up, but he still speaks fondly of it. It was all stock - though I believe it had an "enhanced" muffler for a while. He got stopped several times over the noise and ended up switching it out!
I did what you just did, only with a telephone pole. Wrecked the left side from the side mirror back to the rear quarter panel. Found two doors at a junkyard and my father put them on. Ended up driving around a light blue (main color), red, and white car for a couple months!