Tips for beginning in-center hemo

[kickingandscreaming]

Tomorrow I have my first in-center hemo treatment.  I am a nubie to the whole business.  I tried to do PD but my catheter won't work. Then I was in the hospital and they gave me a chest catheter for (urgent) hemo while there.  Now I am due tomorrow for hemo at a dialysis clinic until such time as my PD catheter gets sorted.  I'm looking for advice as to how to make the experience less awful than I imagine it to be.  I'm taking my laptop, but not sure if they have wifi or not.  Hate TV. Should I bring food? special clothing? What?  Thanks.

[Simon Dog]

Bring blanket, snacks and bottle of water.

Bring a laptop.    Internet may not work and, if it does, may not stream video.   Pay $40 for www.playlater.tv to pre-record Netflix, Hulu, etc. before the clinic visit.

Visit a Redbox on the way to a clinic.

Invest in high quality headphones.   I like the Bose.

If the headphones require batteries, bring spares.

Set up the Tor browser in case you want to visit any censored web sites from the clinic (FMC bans lots of legit, non-porn, web sites as politically unapproved).   VPN software also solves this problem.

Have a plan with you MD for home hemo if home PD does not work out for you.  It may help you stay sane while in the clinic.

Learn how fluid management works so you can make sure the tech or RN takes off the right amount.

If you don't like the amount of water being taken off and the tech won't change it, ask for the RN.    Techs have a lot less discretion as to machine settings.

[Michael Murphy]

Simon Dog provides a almost complete list of things to have for a dialysis session.  The two things Inrecommend most is too late for you now, have a fistula installed early so it can mature prior to dialysis second tour the center to learn what will happen when you go.  While it's too late for you maybe some one else about to start will read this.  However the most important thing beside the need to fill in the hours while you sit waiting for the session to end, is that the fear of what is going to happen is much worse than the actual event.  My first session was a nightmare not because of the actual dialysis but thr almost paralyising fear I had before going.  So relax its not as much fun as wining the lottery but it's a lot better then what you think,it's going to be.  The only thing else is you made need a cushion to sit on since the chairs are hard on some peoples butt and a blanket in case it's cold. Good luck.

[kickingandscreaming]

Thank you both.

[Simon Dog]

The only thing else is you made need a cushion to sit on since the chairs are hard on some peoples butt and a blanket in case it's cold. Good luck.

walmart.com - Drive brand wheelchair cushion

[Michael Murphy]

Just saw your quote about really living, I spend about 18 hours a week on dialysis, set up, treatment, holding.  There are 168 hours in a week, that leaves 150 hours to have a life.  I know it's not a great way to spend 18 hours, but most people with a life threatening disease would gladly spend the time to continue living.  Dialysis clearly sucks bur it's better then dead.

[kitkatz]

I look like I am running away from home when I go into my nocturnal dialysis.  I have lots of stuff with me in my bags.
I have two bags I carry in.  One is a huge IKEA blue bag- It has my chair bag stuff in it.  The other is a lunch type bag.


The Chair Bag Stuff
Twin size foam egg crate mattress- to help with the chair comfort. Can find it at Walmart for under 10.
Twin sheet folded in half to put over the foam mattress
Pillow with pillow case
Neck pillow
Large, queen size soft blanket folded in half.  Centers are known to be cold.
Extra change of clothes: Mumu, underwear, socks
Plastic bag for dirty clothes
Wipes

The Snack Bag
Ziploc bags are great for carrying snacks.I usually have two snacks in the bag each session, maybe three.
It is usually better not to eat an entire meal while at dialysis.  It can affect your blood pressure.
I find I sometimes am hungry, other nights  not interested in the snacks.
A good pair of noise blacking headphones- dialysis centers are NOISY, machines noises, other patients noises, and staff noise.
Kindle Fire Tablet- pre-download a few apps and books so you do not have too wait at the center to play or read.
Skier hand warmer pack to help with cold.
I also carry a large cup of ice with me.  It helps throughout the night because you are stuck there in a chair and cannot just get up for a drink and staff will usually not bring you a drink.


I have tummy trouble because of intestinal surgery, so before dialysis I take 2 Immodium. 
I also take 2 Tylenol about an hour before I go in.
I am also taking 2 Ambien for anxiety about 15 minutes before I arrive.

[kickingandscreaming]

Thanks for the tips. I survived my first in-center dialysis.   I wasn't cold at all.  I brought my laptop and read and caught up with work  The nurses were very nice and attentive.  It IS noisy-- all those machines beeping all the time. I found it quite bright in there and think I will bring an eye mask so I can avoid all the fluorescent lights and maybe catch a couple of winks. I was able to drive myself home and that felt good.  There was absolutely no schmoozing among the patients which surprised me but was fine--as i'm not that social. The next few months until I get my PD catheter sorted will be pretty wild (not in the way I would prefer "wild.")

[cassandra]

Real glad to read you'll be okay till PD time

     

Love, Cas

[kitkatz]

So glad to hear you did well the first time around.  Sunglasses may work to cut down the glare in center, too.