Introduction post

[tigmonster1968]

Hi, Im Jodie and my boyfriend just started dialysys today.  I know Im not the patient but I want to be able to learn through others what he is going through.  Its a long story but he ended up on it today rather than months from today because we couldnt wait any longer, he just was sick all the time.  I need people to talk with and vent because he is very introverted and I dont get much out of him.

[iolaire]

Welcome to the group. I hope he starts to feel better from the dialysis soon.

[PrimeTimer]

  Welcome to ihd, tigmonster! You've come to the right place to get started. You'll probably benefit a lot from reading the General Discussion section and the Spouses and Caregivers area, too. Good luck to you. I am sure your boyfriend will start to feel better once he's had more dialysis (blood cleaned of toxins). It might be hard on him at first but according to my husband, it gets easier.   

[Charlie B53]

Welcome to IHD tigmonster!

Did he have a catheter placed and doing Hemo Dialysis in-clinic?

One of the toughest things is learning how NOT to drink too much between treatments.  Not having kidneys to take out the excess fluids we balloon and swell.  For me, taking 3 liters or more off can cause cramping in my calves.

Fluids hidden in foods also adds up quickly.

Lifesaver Mints, Bubble Gum, ice chips help me immensely when my mouth feels a bit too dry.  Eating out I order a glass of ice only, no water, and try to limit my drinking only to that bit that melts.  At home I limit myself to only a mouthful of liquid, taking my time swallowing only the smallest part at a time so to make it last as long as possible.

If his labs are very far off it can take a few treatments before getting 'clean' again.  Then he will begin to feel much better.

There is a whole section of forums on Food.  Lots of recipes of kidney friendly foods.  All helpful to beginners.

Glad to you new members.  It does get easier with time and practice.

Take Care,

Charlie B53

[MooseMom]

PrimeTimer is one helluva caregiver.  Be sure to take heed of any advice she may give!  And Charlie always gives good information, so follow him, too.

Plenty of people come here to vent, so you are in good company.  This site is for you, too.  I hope your boyfriend feels better very soon.

[Paul]

 

Welcome to the site Jodie.

I know Im not the patient but I want to be able to learn through others what he is going through.

We do have several partners and caregivers on this site, so there are plenty of people who can help you if you have any questions (and I'm guessing that you have loads).

[cassandra]

Welcome to the site Jodie


   


Take care, Cas

[LorinnPKD]

Jodie, welcome!

It's awesome that you're here and learning about dialysis and kidney stuff.  ESRD is such a weird thing, so having a few people in my life who understand and take an interest in the medical and dietary and emotional side of it really helps me.  So go you!  My best supports are the ones who are really good and patient listeners.

I started at 6% function and felt just awful and weak and queasy going into my first session, but my appetite started coming back the very first day.  It took some adjustment (and a whole lot of sleeping!) but I generally feel better now than I did a year before I started dialysis, when things were going downhill fast.

Charlie is 100% right that the better the labs and fluid are, the better he will feel.  Like, we should embroider that on cushions because it is a universal truth!  The restrictions feel... restrictive, but as he starts to learn his body's tolerances, he will find room for moderation, and that makes life much easier.

All of this is doable and your bf is fortunate to have someone like you for support!

[Michael Murphy]

Be patient with your boy friend.  The start of dialysis is very difficult you're trapped in a room full of patients, machines and beeping sounds, procedures are not familiar and strangly, while you are in a room full of people you are in some profound way the most alone you have ever been in your life.  The first 6 months are the worst part of the experience you're scared and bad things can happen to you like being infiltrated, it’s a strange experience to see your arm blow up like a ballon.  But eventually fistula matures, you become  familiar with the routine and it becomes easier.  The treatments are not fun, but perspective is important. 18 hours a week buys you 150 hours to have a life.  He is lucky to have some one who cares enough to learn what he is going through. If you can have him come to the site it’s nice to just be able to communicate with people  who deal with dialysis on a daily basis.














Sp mod Cas

[PrimeTimer]

PrimeTimer is one helluva caregiver.  Be sure to take heed of any advice she may give!  And Charlie always gives good information, so follow him, too.

Plenty of people come here to vent, so you are in good company.  This site is for you, too.  I hope your boyfriend feels better very soon.

Thanks for the compliment, MM. Made my day! 

[PattyTricia]

Welcome,
I think its awesome that you want to be able to understand what your boyfriend is going to be going through. Everyone reacts differently to dialysis and some days are better than others. Just understand that our emotions can be all over the place. We are happy and laughing one minute and the next we are pissed off and crying. Take the good and cherish them.

[kristina]

Hello Jodie und welcome to IHD.
It is very sweet of you to become interested in the dialysis-treatment of your boyfriend !
I am sure it helps him a lot, not only to get over the kidney-failure-shock, but also to come to terms with this new situation.
He is a lucky man to be with such a lovely girlfriend and I send you both my best wishes from Kristina.