Hi, I'm Sten, on/off HD for 2 years due to auto-immune vasculitis

After a recent flare I've been back on HD for 4 months, mainly to remove blood toxins and improve my anemia since I urinate normally. I'm very fortunate that I have no diet/fluid restrictions. This recent flare was my second and I'm now on Rituxan which will hopefully keep me in remission. I still have the the chest catheter. Fistula surgery a month ago failed. I'm having another surgery tomorrow to either expand the fistula, or more likely, to get a graft. I'm really hoping it works. I'm still very thin; my veins are small and damaged. Although officially ESRD, there's still a decent chance this HD will not be permanent. But even if I do get off, it will be a great relief to have viable access in the event I flare again.

I'm also have a lot of trouble tolerating HD. My immune system seems to be reacting to something and the result is a lot of misery every treatment. Several things have been tried to no avail: very little fluid removal, changing flow and sodium, changing dialyzer to re-use. I generally have a positive attitude and so grateful for my good health. But I'm finding it difficult and wondering if the treatment is worse than the disease. I'm learning patience.

I'm very happy I've found this forum!