New to PD and worried

[mike22]

I've started PD on Sept 16 doing four exchanges daily for about a month and then switch to the cycler.  On sept 21 my kt/v was 1.58. My first pet was on oct 5 and my kt/v was 1.31.  The doctor order my to do five exchanges while I train for the cylcer which starts tomorrow.  He says if this doesnt work Ill have to go back to hemo. This worries and scares me a lot. I fresh out of college and decide to switch to pd because I needed more freedom and flexibility. Going back to hemo will be a step back . I really think pd will work for me and allow me to be free.

[tbarrett2533]

I am going to pray for you

 

 

[Joe]

Hope your numbers come up. I'm doing the cycler at night, but also have a manual exchange I do in the afternoon. That one needs to be in 3-4 hours before I connect for the evening. While I'd like to do away with the afternoon fill, it's part of the routine right now. And that may be an option for you if your numbers don't come up enough.

[mcclane]

hoping for the best 

[lmunchkin]

What strength of bags do you normally use?  Goodness gracious, it is something all the time, to mess up your routine.  You might could tweak here and there on the strengths use on your bags.  It is always a fine line you have to walk, isnt it?  I m wishing the best for you!

lmunchkin 

[mike22]

My Pd nurse told me not the worry about the kt/v that it should get better with the cycler or increase my time.  She also mentioned that my kt/v may have been high because i dwell so long with the exchanges. She thinks ill be better off on the cycler. I see the nurse on tuesday to repeat labs.. I think things should be ok. I hope

[looneytunes]

Mike...when hubby was on PD, it seemed like an adequatge kt/v was a moving target.  It could go from 2.3 to 1.4 in one month and then back to 2.1 the next.  Urine output seems to have a big impact on it too.  If you do still produce urine, don't forget to include every drop in your 24 hour collection jug.  Hoping for the best for you! 

[mike22]

I guess my biggest fear is the doctor. I'm afraid he is not willing to see that and take that in consideration.

[lmunchkin]

Sorry Mike.  I hate to hear things like that, but you do know there are other Doctors out there!  I believe I would find someone who "WILL" consider all things.  You pay them for your care and that is what they should do.  Don't settle for anything less, Mike!  You deserve better!

It really "chaps" me when I hear of Doctors not doing their jobs.  I mean not all of them are that way, but there are those who just "don't care."

I would switch, Period!!  But that's just me.

lmunchkin   

[mike22]

I am prepared to tell my PD nurse to write me a referral to UAB which is the major hospital in my state. 

Interesting I finish my degree while on hemo, which is why i switiched. I graduated in May of this year. I'm not planning to stay in alabama forever, which is why i switch for freedom and get accustomed to Pd while im home for JUST a LITTLE Bit.  In a patient care meeting, he tells me that I need to lower my expectation. Which in my eyes is a joke because I a strong person. Funny, I didnt get to upset. It only motivated me and I swear(i dont do this a lot) he will EAT THOSE WORDS!!!!

[ToddB0130]

You GO, mike22 ........prove him wrong !!!  Won't be the first time ......... good luck.

[lmunchkin]

Good for you Mike!  You are NO PUSH OVER!         Glad to hear you are switching!!!!   

lmunch

[Ravenwolf]

 Always good to hear from somebody that makes a decision and lets nobody them. I have nearly the same problem. I tell my doctor in no uncertain terms, " A ship has only one Captain. I am the Captain of the good ship Anthony". If he wants a 5 year old to "Boss" around, I am not him. Hope things have worked out for you. It's been some time since you posted this so, how about an update.