Hi from Virginia

[KathyT1311]

Hi all.  My name is Kathy and this is my second time on dialysis.  Growing up I had no problems with my kidneys. I turned 21 March of 94 and in August of that year I started having joint pain. I even went to the ER because my are hurt so much I thought maybe I fractured it or something. The doctors didn't find anything and kind of looked at me like I was just there to get drugs. I started a new job September that year and had to wait for my health insurance to go into effect. I believe it was the first of October but it may have been November. While waiting for that to happen I got to where my legs would swell, I was exhausted, throwing up constantly. From the knees down I looked like I weighed 500 lbs and from the knees up I was wasting away.

The day finally came that I my insurance went into effect and I had made an appointment to go to the doctor on my lunch hour. I was put into a room and was waiting for what seemed forever until the doctor finally came in. She took one look and the first thing out of her mouth was "you have kidney failure and need to go to the ER". I thought it meant a death sentence. Luckily my mom worked close by so I was able to call her and have her take me.

In a three day period I found out I was born with only one kidney, I had Lupus and the Lupus was attacking my one and only kidney. I was on low dose chemo once a month for a year to try and get the Lupus into remission. Finally I was put on dialysis. I would be on for 3 1/2 years.

On June 3, 1999 my mom donated one of her kidneys to me It lasted almost 11 years. I had to go back on dialysis March 1st this year. This time it was Prograf (anti rejection medication) toxicity that cause the kidney to fail.

I had a catheter put in because I have others who want to be tested so I didn't think I would be on dialysis that long this time.  Little did I know. I have been in the hospital every other week since March 1st. I was septic (blood infection) twice and kept getting infections in my catheter.

Last night was my first time doing peritoneal dialysis. Boy have I been feeling bloated!!!!! Is this something that will go away with time? Any help from people on PD or have been on PD is greatly appreciated.

Kathy

[galvo]

G'day, Kathy and . My Lord, you've been in the wars, haven't you? I haven't had any experience with  PD, but there are plenty here who have and you'll soon hear from them. Good luck and stay in touch.

[looneytunes]

Hi Kathy and welcome to IHD.  You've found a great place to ask questions and get answers.  As well as support from others walking the same road and a little fun too. 

My husband was on PD for almost 2 years.  The bloated feeling becomes less but he says it really does not go away.  But, the benefits of PD (like the freedom to dialyze at home or pretty much anywhere) is worth the bloated feeling. 

Best of luck to you and I hope to see you posting.   

[peleroja]

Welcome to the group, Kathy.  I've been on PD nearly 7 years.  The more dialysis you do, the faster the bloating will leave.  You may need to use some higher numbered bags (red or 4.25 if you're with Baxter) for a while until you can get the excess fluid off.  If, on the other hand, the bloating stems from the dialysate you are carrying, that will go away in time as your body expands to hold it, kind of like how the uterus expands to hold a baby.

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Kathy.  Thanks for introducing your self to us.  this is the place to be for information and support.  Many of us are on PD (I'm on HD) and will be able to discuss this with you.  One of the strengths of this group is the way we are able to share our experiences with each other and so be of help. This is a genuine family  - caring and sharing.  Just keep reading and keep posting so that we can know how you are doing.





Bajanne, Moderator

[rookiegirl]

Hi Kathy,

Welcome to IHD.  Please continue to post.  I'm really interested on finding out more information with your experience and how Prograf is the cause of your rejection.

Take care,
RG

[Jean]

  to IHD, plenty to learn here for you, altho God knows, you have had enough experience of your own. Sure hope things get better for you soon.

[bojenkins]

Hi Kathy!
 
I've only had kidney failure for about 1 1/2 years, but I've been on PD for most of that time. The bloating can be a bit bothersome at first, but as time goes by you get used to it, especially as your body starts to adapt to the treatment. I find it best to use the machine while I'm sleeping, that way I'm not awake to feel the bloating. If it gets really bad, I'm sure you could talk to your dialysis team. Maybe they can reduce your fill for each cycle, but increase the actual number of cycles. Bear in mind, however, that would increase your total treatment time.

[Rerun]

Hi Kathy and welcome to IHD.  I'm so glad you found us.  I hope you get another kidney soon.  We have a section on just PD so I'm sure you will find lots of information there.

http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?board=25.0

Rerun, Moderator       

[KathyT1311]

Thanks for the warm welcome!!!! Sorry it took so long to get back. Been busy getting used to PD and even went on vacation. Will be starting the cycler training on Friday. I can't wait!!!

[rookiegirl]

Hi Kathy,

Welcome to IHD.  I'm moving your way in Dec.

[cloud393]

Hello and welcome to the site.  I did PD for about 5 months with no problem.  After that I kept having problems and decided to stop it and went in center until I learned home hemo.  PD is a great option for the right people, I just wasn't one of them.  Good luck and keep posting.

[kellyt]