New, but not my first Rodeo, unfortunately

[TheGrandson]

Hi all,

My Grandmother began HD last Thursday - we had been watching her numbers slowly decline over the last  five or six years.  We finally knew the time to act had come when she had swelling and intense itching. We believe the last straw for her otherwise healthy, 87 year old body was a bout of norovirus.  (Stomach Flu)

It is difficult for all of us, as my mother (Grandma's Oldest Daughter) also went through the hoops of HD and PD for over ten years.  She was much more positive (died at age 56 back in 2004.)  A small silver lining is that since my mother went through the same treatments, I pretty much grew up around dialysis.  None of it scares me [the discomfort DOES scare me, but not the actual mechanics of it]. 

What does break my heart is seeing my Grandmother not be able to do things she was able to just a few months ago - due to fatigue.  Also notable was that her husband had renal failure in 1975- they had a HD machine at home (at that time, two separate units) and he did not react very well.  He passed the same year. 

[lmunchkin]

Oh Wow, Grandson.  Wat an experience you have had with this arround you.  Thank God, you have an understanding of all this.  To constantly live with it pretty much all your life is an example to us all!  God Bless you. 

To lose your mother at such a young age is heart wrenching, but you are a rock in all this.  What a coincidence, that your mom passed the same year my husband lost his kidney function. 

Your story gives me & others hope.  We just take it a day at a time.

God Bless you Grandson, for all the things you have done for your loved ones!

Welcome again,
lmunchkin

[SooMK]

After reading some other posts about people feeling so alone and unsupported by family members, it is so good to know that there are people like you, Grandson, who are there for your grandmother. Welcome!

[TheGrandson]

Thanks, guys.  Well, after exactly one week since having her catheter placed for HD, she already had her first infection.  104 fever with chills this morning.  We're spending the night at the hospital. 

[MaryJoe]

I am so sorry to hear your Grandmother has an infection.  I hape they are able to treat it quickly and keep her comfortable while she is ill.  This must be very worrying and frustrating for you.

[Wat76]

Grandson I know this is hard for you, but you seem strong. Did your Mom have any other issues or did she not tolerate dialysis well, just curious since she died at such a young age. Will be praying for you and your grandma. Your story is touching because I am 56 and getting ready to start pd next week, you can send me a personal message if you wish.

[TheGrandson]

Thanks for the nice words.

We just got back from the 5 day hospitalization.  Grandma is doing much better - in fact better than I've seen her in the last two months.  Her Central line (catheter) appears to have been installed infected.  Unfortunately, the risks of surgical actions always include infections.  Several physicians commented that since the staph had spread to the blood, she only had a few hour window to get to the hospital and begin antibiotics.  We were definitely being looked upon.  New catheter installation tuesday, and I (we) pray that no infection shall result.

[Wat76]

You and Grandma are in my prayers.