Getting a little better

[Jannie]

Hi again. i just joined this site as "Jannie" . I posted before about how awful dialysis is for me. I just started Aug 20. I hate it. I don't know what I hate more-the dreaded needles or lying perfectly still with my arm out. It's cold, I shake. I've had problems every session. Yesterday it took forever to stop bleeding. Maybe too much heparin? But at least I didn't vomit or feel faint. And I like all the techs. They are all nice,friendly people. Except Stanley, who yelled at me for pushing the emergency call button. Well, he was short-staffed that morning, so maybe I'll forgive him. He was nicer yesterday and he put my bandaids on at the end. So I decided I'll stick with it at least 2 more months. And I talked to the Transplant Coordinator. She put me "on the list" even though the wait will be at least 3 to 5 years. Well, I'm almost three weeks in. . .



EDITED: Thread moved to proper section: "General Discussion" - Bajanne, Moderator

[carolynt]

I feel the same way you do. I have been on since July and I cannot get use to the needles and laying there for three hours.  You are right all the nurses and techs are nice but it doesnt make it any better.  I went to meet with the transplant team yesterday and will wiat for the results if I am a candidate.  I still know it will be a couple of years before I get one so I am going to have to accept the whole dialysis process.  Its just every time I go it doesnt get any better.  I will hang in there for you.

[st789]

Hang in there gals, wish you get a call soon.

[Rerun]

Just keep reading this site.  There are lots of ideas for the cold and things to do while on dialysis. 

My fistula is in my upper arm.  I cut off an old sweat shirt sleeve and use it to cover my lower arm.  I just put it on like a sleeve.  I also have a rice bag that I take to keep me warm.  I just pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes before I leave. 

My portable DVD player is a God send.  That and my subscription to www.netflix.com   

Hang in there it gets better.....then worse.....then better.....then worse.....

Let's hope for a transplant for the 2 of you very soon.

[Jannie]

Rerun-thanks for the idea of cutting a sleeve off a sweatshirt. A nurse told me to try wearing a glove on that hand. I'll try both tomorrow.  I have a DVD player but there's good TV at the hospital. I love watching I Love Lucy, Star Trek and MASH while I wait for it to be over. Helps pass the time and keep track of the hours for me.

[kitkatz]

Things will get better. It is a lifestyle chage, that is for sure.  Welcome to the site!



Kitkatz,moderator

[Bajanne]

I can be a witness - it does get better.  It seems that your body gets accustomed and life gets back a bit of normalcy.  My problem is that it is hardly ever cold enough for me.  I love the A/C to be really cold and only once or twice have I had that.  But the most of the others prefer it a bit warmer, so I never get my kind of cold.  I want to be chilly!!!

[keefer51]

When i had to go on dialysis again after 10 years i couldn't believe it. I started with the catheters then after two failed fistulas i finally have one that works. For me it took around a year or so to get used to the needles. You never really do. You just deal with it the best you can. My hand sometimes gets cold so a glove works best. If i forget my glove they will give me latex glove filled with hot water. I have been on the list now for 3 years. In time it will get better.