I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Centers => Topic started by: Kidneygirl on February 17, 2008, 07:06:29 PM

Title: First Use Dialyzer Syndrome - Is this a problem for anyone?
Post by: Kidneygirl on February 17, 2008, 07:06:29 PM

I have been doing in-center hemo for four years. My center reuses the dialyzer. Whenever I get a brand new dialyzer, I get very sick. About an hour into treatment I get severe abdominal cramping that is unlike any other pain I have experienced. Then I break into a profuse sweat- my shirt is literally dripping. Then I get sudden onset diarrhea and I must get to a bathroom immediately. I think that the staff thought that it was all in my head at first. Now when I verify that the dialyzer is mine by checking for my name, I make the tech hide the reuse number so I don't know whether it is a brand new one or not. Then when I get sick, I tell them that it is the first use. I think they believe me now. They have tried changing the type of dialyzer but that didn't help. I know that the new dialyzers are sterilized with ethylene oxide. Is anyone familiar with that chemical? Does anyone else have this problem? Thanks!

Title: Re: First Use Dialyzer Syndrome - Is this a problem for anyone?
Post by: livecam on February 17, 2008, 07:23:59 PM

I am not familiar with that problem.  I have heard of people having problems with the renalin used in flushing reuse kidneys but that is obviously not your problem.  Why not try a non-reuse kidney once or twice and see if this problem persists.  You can go to a non-reuse kidney if you choose and the unit must provide it regardless of whether or not they practice reuse.  Other than that this is an odd one.  I hope you can get it corrected.