PD fill pressing on diaphragm. Makes it hard to breathe.

[kickingandscreaming]

This is a new thing, as I have been filled with PD fluid before and didn't notice any discomfort.  Now, I feel outrageously full and I feel the fluid-filled peritoneum pressing and impinging on my diaphragm.  Makes me feel like I'm struggling to breathe.  It's a different feeling from fluid in the tissues or asthma (both of which I have experienced).  This feels more mechanical as if there just isn't any room for anythings--including essentials.  Am I the only one?  Will this go away?  Is there such a thing as smaller amounts for smaller capacities? Or is it one size fits all (which would be insane IMHO, but that wouldn't be the first time...)  Hard to believe that a 5'3" woman has the same holding capacity as a 6' man.   

Part 2 of this story is that tonight when I did my last exchange, as I was draining I noticed that the drain bag was puckered and sticking to itself in one place. So I gently tried to work it free from itself and noticed that my hands were wet.  The drain bag sprung a leak and I had to hightail it to reach for the closest container (a bowl in which I ate pot roast and that was subsequently licked clean by my dog).  Then I managed to reach for a larger plastic shoebox and put the bag and the bowl in it which is where it is to this moment.  Problem is, there was no way that I could hang this thing to weigh it, so I can't be sure that I drained everything that needed to be drained.  So it's possible that I am now holding even more that the usual bag's contents in leftovers from the last dwell.

[cassandra]

How are you now, and do you have a bag to drain in? I would take a sample bag with your next drain.
It's about 18 years ago that I last did PD but I sure remember refusing to fill the full 2000 and settle for 1500 which worked well, and it did for 5 years.
I would go to hospital and tell them what's happened. You might need antibiotics.

Lots of love, luck and strength, Cas

[kickingandscreaming]

Why would I need antibiotics?  I clamped the line before messing with the bag.  Are you concerned that there was backwash.  I doubt it for this reason.  I clamped the line because I was planning to weigh the bag at that point, and I never unclamped it because I discovered the leak.  Does that still concern you?

[cassandra]

It's the feeling so outrageously full feeling as well. You said it was a new thing, any change needs to be checked I would think.
It might be nothing, but I'd rather go with a falls alarm, than too late?

Love, Cas

[Charlie B53]

I still have many cases of manual bags.  I had just received my monthly delivery then started the Cycler, so I had almost a whole month's worth of manuals sitting along the one wall.

The maanual fill bags come with the drain bag included, hoses included, molded together.  So you found a leak in the drain bag making it unlikely for you to weight your drain.

Don't worry about it.  It was only the once, so far.  Right?

I have no doubt that smaller framed people may find it difficult to absorb and hold a full two liters without discomfort.  The peri cavity and your skin have not yet stretched enough to accommodate that much volume.   Over time these membranes will stretch and become enlarged just enough that you wont feel quite so 'tight' and it then won't be so uncomfortable.   Until then you should talk to your Neph and see if he will agree to you using a smaller fill, say 1 1/2 liters, and possibly increase your exchanges by one, for a total of five.  If time becomes a problem he can also agree to shortening your dwell time.  If you are on 4 hours ask about dropping to 3.  By adding another exchange, reducing the fill, reducing the time, you may still have a total that is acceptable and adequate for your needs.

Adjusting to fit your body is entirely possible.

I am doing a similar thing with my Cycler.  We have added 2 liters, added 1 cycle, and extended time 1 hour.  My labs show an improvement.  Works for me.

I did manuals for a bit over a year before switching to the Cycler.  For me, I think the Cycler is far easier.  No more of that constant rush to get home and make my exchange on time.

[kickingandscreaming]

Well, I had that drain bag that sprang a leak, and then today I was warming up a fill bag in my insulated cooler wrapped in a heating pad.  I reached in to test it and my hands came out wet. WTF!!!  So I investigated and the little cap on the medicine port was coming loose and was leakng all over the place.  I have NOT had good luck lately with Baxter's quality control.  Wonder what other surprises are in store for me.

[Charlie B53]

Are you taking the actual PD bag out of the shipping bag before heating?

NO   You lose puncture protection.

Take the bags straight out of the box in place them into the cooler or whatever type container you are using as your heating environment.   Most keep the whole days supply, or two, in all the time so always to be ready.

When near time for an exchange only then take the appropriate bag from the heater and lay it on your CLEANED surface.  Then tear open the outer bag and remove the PD bag.  I can be wet from condensation.  Use a clean towel or paper towels to wipe off the majority of wetness, then start checking the bag for leaks, squeeze it to see if the pressure causes any leak.  Only after you are SURE the bag is sealed and could not be contaminated, then do you hang it and prepare to make you drain and exchange.

If any bag is leaking THROW IT AWAY, it could be contaminated.  Save the empty bag for the numbers, as well as the box, and call Baxter and report the problem.  They may send a return label so you can send it back for inspection.  To many leaky bags may indicate a serious problem in production.