NxStage training time

[poncho]

Hi,

Does anyone have an idea how long training would take for NxStage in my case? I already am very experienced with in home self dialysis.
I've been doing self dialysis and home short daily dialysis (I do everything myself) for about 5 years using either fresenius 4008s or gambro (ultra 200 or 96 ) machines.
I want to switch to nocturnal dialysis using the NxStage with premixed dialysate. I am very technically oriented (I write the software for things like dialysis machines for a living). What should I expect the training time to be?

Thx

[cattlekid]

Well, I can't give you an exact number of days, but I can give you my situation.

I was well versed with hemo from an in center perspective (9 months under my belt at the point I started training).  I had not yet established my buttonholes as my fistula was just created the week before I started training.

I learned the machine itself in about two/three days.  I was setting up the machine by myself using a checklist on day three and just had the nurse look it over after setup. 

After learning setup and proper catheter techniques, I was good to go totally on my own after about another three or four days. 

I did three weeks of training total and then I was at home on my own.  I went back to the training center for another week of treatments to establish my buttonholes.  My nurse came to my house a couple of times to make sure I could cannulate successfully and then it was off to the races.

I am like you in that I am technically oriented so the machine itself didn't faze me.

The best thing I can tell you is that they will not send you home unless your nurse feels you are absolutely ready to go.

[Grumpy-1]

Thanks Cattlekid -  I'm preparing to go the hemo (waiting on fistula placement and healing). I've talked the training nurses and they indicated about 3 weeks worth.  My wife will be my primary support but will have daughters as backups.  Looking forward to doing it at home.   Grumpy

[obsidianom]

Why are you going to use the premix dialysate? It is really a lot more of a pain then the pureflow. It requires hanging 4 to 6 large bags per day and all the connections. It also means a LOT of suppies in your house. Pureflow is SO easy to use and is a snap to set up and run . Much less supplies needed and CONVENIENT. Think about it.
I wish you well with your training. Mine took about 2 weeks . You should breeze through it if you already understand the basics. The machine runs itself.
What settings are you using?    FF and total dialysate and blood speed?   
SNAP AND TAP< BABY!!!!