I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: mark m on April 13, 2008, 08:01:16 PM
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Hi,
Just thought that I should introduce myself-
This is the short version.
My name is Mark and I was diagnosed with kidney failure in 97. I was on PD for 31/2 years I loved it but got peritonitis so I ended up on hemo which I did for 6 months. Then I got a call and went in for my first transplant in 02. Then my IgaN came back and I lost the kidney after about 1 year of my numbers slowly going down. Back to hemo, then in 04 I got a perfect match... It was great while it lasted. Then back to in center hemo. After the last transplant failed they told me I would not be on the list for a perfect match again. I would have to wait for 7-8 years for a non perfect match kidney. This is the time that I got on the waiting list for Nxstage home hemo.
A year went by before they called me in. I started Nxstage on Dec. 26th the day after Christmas. You have to put the needles in yourself on the first day of training. I somehow did it. I did about 6 weeks of training and have been at home for about 2 months. It has been going pretty good. I do 6 treatments a week for about 3:20 @ 450. My diet is now unrestricted and my numbers are good. They never were in the clinic.
It is great to read everyones stories and see all of the pics. This site has helped me to cope with doing dialysis at home and realizing that others are going through the same thing.
So Hello! :waving;
-Mark.
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Hi Mark, :welcomesign; this is a great board with some lovely, friendly and knowledgeable people.
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Welcome, Mark and thanks for your input. Your story helps support my decision not to seek a transplant. I might consider the home hemo if I had a caregiver although I would probably do it less frequently at a higher flow rate.
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Welcome to IHD, Mark Look forward to your input here. Your experience will help people greatly
Boxman, Moderator
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:welcomesign; :waving;
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:welcomesign; Mark. Glad you found us. :cuddle;
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:welcomesign; :bandance;
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Welcome to ihatedialysis.com Mark,
Glad you took the time to introduce yourself, it's always easier talking to someone when you know a little about them.
I hope you learn a lot from us and feel free to ask questions when you need to and feel free to post often.
Sluff/Admin
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welcome
and you stick yourself
OMG (gosh)
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:welcomesign; look forward to hearing more from you Mark
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\\Thanks for the warm welcome.
Flip -- I would have another transplant in an instant. Both of the times I had them they were miracles. I am sad that they did not work out but I would do it again. A higher flow rate does not give better dialysis, I will soon be going on nocturnal and doing a slow and low treatment. Kind of like good BBQ. :)
Twirl -- It's not as bad as it sounds. I have less stress than having a rookie do it. No infiltrations yet. The blunt needles are safer for my fistula. Button holes are the way to go. Too bad they don't let you do this in center. I would recommend it for everyone.
-Mark.
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Mark....why is your diet unrestricted? Is it because you do 6 treatments per week? Is that also why you run a lower rate?
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Mark....why is your diet unrestricted? Is it because you do 6 treatments per week? Is that also why you run a lower rate?
My diet is unrestricted by my dietician because my numbers are good. Doing dialysis 6 times a week pulls off more potassium and phosphorus. I still have to eat within reason, like no avocado and banana sandwiches, but I do get to eat a few things that were banned before, like a couple of slices of pizza. I watch what I eat more on my day off as more of the bad minerals will build up without dialysis. It is still a delicate balance but my numbers were never that good in center with high phos and pot. close to 6, now they are both closer to 4. I am sure that is it different for everyone, some people on nocturnal are encouraged to drink OJ and stop taking binders. I personally would love to drink a coke...
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I've found that if I follow the diet too closely, my phosphorus and potassium get too low. Now, I still partake of some of the "forbidden fruits" with no problems. I run at the max my center allows (500) with no problems. I've heard of some on home hemo who run 600.
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Hey Mark, Just wanted to say welcome! :welcomesign;
:usaflag; Mikey
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:welcomesign;
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avocado and banana sandwiches :rofl; ???
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:waving;
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Welcome Mark. IHD is a wonderful place for information and support. :waving;
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:welcomesign;
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Welcome! Ex Californian myself - from Mountain View and Sacto. I am a Nxstager too, 5 x/wk at 2:15. It sounds like I am a little smaller than you, ha ha. Anyway, welcome... :mysty:
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:welcomesign; Mark. Glad you found us. The founder of this site was a huge NxStage advocate. Thanks for sharing your journey and looking forward to hearing more. :thumbup;