New to Dialysis and to IHD

[BigRed]

I'm 28 years old.  A year ago, a had an emergency triple bypass. My kidneys, which had been suffering for years, took a downhill turn and after a bad visit with my neph, a few weeks ago, I spent a week in the hospital and came out with a tunnel cath and dialysis schedule.

I currently go to the Emory Dialysis Clinic in Atlanta, Ga. I'm otherwise young, healthy, insured, and with large family. They tell me its about as best case scenario as can be. But of course that doesnt make things too much easier, here in the beginning. I soon hope to be able to take more appreciation in my fortune.

Dialysis and the need for transplant are very new to me and there is a whole lot I am still learning. I've only had 8 sessions to date, 4 in the hospital and 4 in clinic. My appt for a vein mapping is next wednesday, the techs all tell me to push for a fistula in my upper left arm. I am glad to read that that seems to largely be opinion of folks here. This website has been very helpful in providing information, anecdotal stories and experiences, dialysis diet recipes, and more. Its an amazing fellowship. Many thanks to the folks who helped found and run the site.

My girlfriend, that I live with, is a grad student in aerospace. She is 24. It is difficult for us, we're not so sure how to be so dependent on one another and she certainly is having trouble suddenly becoming a caretaker.  She is also up for several NASA fellowships which require her to move to other parts of the country for several months at a time, soon. Which is, at the moment, very frightening for both of us.

I still cant stand up straight after my treatments. My BP tends to hover around 80/40 after treatment and for the past decade its much more used to 180/165 standing still. (Ive always had hypertension due to renal issues, and its always been treated. I simply ran 'hot.') So I tend to necessitate a driver post treatment, and some level of care for several hours until my head comes out of the clouds.

This is all very new and sudden to us both. I appreciate the site and the members within, yall have already answered so many questions and helped stave off much of the fear. I hope to become a helpful contributor myself.

[willowtreewren]

Hi, Bigred!

And Welcome......

Since dialysis is new, our low BP after treatment may be due to having too much fluid removed. You may need to have your dry weight adjusted upward.

I hope you can get things worked out so you can regain some of your independence.

Aleta

[boswife]

   And hope you find lots of answers here and comfort too    Dialysis is a change for sure, but also do'able and the more you learn, the more confident you'll feel that your going to get through at least some of your concerns.  On the placement of fistula, im led to believe the 'lower' arm is a better place to start, but you'll get lots of help on that im sure.  All the best to you..

[cattlekid]

Hello and welcome!

I am new to dialysis myself - I started in January.  I'm a little older than you (40) but totally relate to your situation.  I'm also employed and well insured and intend to stay that way.  I'm a little luckier because I am situated in our area - there's no chance of us moving at all. 

I do have a couple of comments - you should NOT be having to deal with low BP at the end of your treatments.  Agree with previous poster who said you are getting too much fluid taken off.  Definitely be vocal with your techs and neph and let them know that this is unacceptable.  You need to be able to retain your independence as much as possible. 

Secondly - have you considered transplant?  I am about halfway through my testing to be cleared for transplant.  I knew that dialysis was not going to be a long-term solution for me.  Because I have living donors that are starting down the testing path, I'm sticking with the catheter for now much to the chagrin of my clinic.  They are pushing for a fistula and I flat-out refuse.  I will NOT be living with that bump on my arm and unnecessary surgery and time off work if I'm going to have a transplant in the near future. 

Good luck and welcome - you've found the right place.

[Zach]

Good to have you join our community!
 

[peleroja]

Welcome to the group, BigRed.  I certainly hope your clinic isn't letting you walk out with 80/40 BP.  When that happens to me I have to stay a while, they give me chicken soup, and if necessary, push in some saline.  I still do my own driving, so once I'm up over 100 they know I'll be ok since I don't drive standing up!  Glad you found us!

[MooseMom]

I do believe that one of our members goes to your clinic...isn't it noahvale?  Anyway, your life has suddenly changed a lot, and that can feel awfully overwhelming.  We have plenty of members who are very independent despite dialysis, so hopefully after the first few months, you'll be able to get along just fine while your gf travels.  Perhaps the social worker at your clinic can advise you in this regard?

Welcome to IHD; I sense that you will be a great contributor.  It is unsettling to see how many new members we get in a week.  In a very short time, you will be the one handing out advice and support to newer newbies!

[Poppylicious]

  BigRed!  Lovely to 'meet' you!

 

[Marsh]

I started dialysis 4 weeks ago and my BP runs low.  Dips down to low 90's and high 80's during treatment and they are not removing any fluid!

[galvo]

G'day, BigRed, and  .

[Sugarlump]

RM has a rival!!! !

[Rerun]

Hi Bigred and welcome to our site.  Nice introduction.  I feel like I know you already.      If you have good veins I would recommend getting your first fistula in your lower arm.  I've been told that once they use your upper arm you lower arm is ruined for access.  So maybe they will suggest your lower arm first.  Let us know what they say.

I'm so glad you found us.  It is a great support.

Rerun, Moderator      

[lou]

Hi there nice to meet you!    hope things get a bit easier for you and your girlfriend soon x x