hemo situATION

[Lillupie]

 am in this situation. Many of you know that I am on PD dialysis. Well from that I get hernias. So far every year I have needed a hernia repair. While I am healing for that surgery, I have to go on hemo. Well my PD nephrologist also has a hemo clinic. I really like the people at this particular clinic, however I dont like the rules.
For one, they wont let me plug in my laptop. They say that outside devices will take electricity from the machines. I cant talk on the phone there because it will disrupt those with a pacemaker and the machines, you cant eat or drink while there either. I just think these rules are stupid.
Now I really disagree with them now more then ever. Since I started writing my book I have been going to various dialysis centers looking to talk to those on nocturnal dialysis and or home hemo (for their experiencs). Well I found a nocturnal unit that allows me to go back and sit with the patients and talk to them, which i love!
The truth is I want to go to this center if i have to go on hemo, even just the few hours during the day time. They will allow me to plug in my laptop, eat, drink, and talk on the phone, and get this, allow me to get off the machine if i have to use the bathroom!

I am afraid that my Nephrologist is going to say no. For some reason he is very stern on wanting me to go to his clinic, where they have a different nephrologist doing rounds every month. He is only there pesonally every 4th month.

I just refuse to go back there now that i know there are other places that have a little bit more freedom.

Lisa

[willowtreewren]

Hi, Lisa,
You are the patient! If your nephrologist isn't happy with your changing clinics, just tell him that you can change nephrologists! They tend to change their tune when they think $$$ may be involved.

Of course you want to go to a clinic where you are more comfortable. And you should be allowed to make that choice. It is your life!

Best wishes,
Aleta

[del]

Lisa,
Fight for what YOU want!!  make the stand for yourself.  The nephrologist is not the one who has to sit there hooked to a machine for several hours.  At least you have the option of changing units not like in a lot of places where there is only one dialysis unit within driving distance.

[Pam]

You should be able to go anywhere you want! My Neph keeps asking me why I stay where I am when they have just opened a new unit 15 miles closer. I tell him I like where I am. Don't want to have to get used to new nurses and techs. He just says when ever you  want to change just let him know. And he is the director for my unit. He's in the unit 3 times a month so I don't have to go to his office. Saves the co-pay.
Pam

[jdwills83]

Go where you are going to be the happiest.  I used go to a clinic out in LA that came around with a breakfast cart!!

[Hanify]

Lisa, ask them to give you evidence from anywhere in the world that a cell phone has interrupted a machine like they say.  It hasn't happened - believe me!  They bought that rule in when cell phones were new, and some people have just never challenged it since.

[Wallyz]

Switch nephs. This guy isnot fighting to get you into a nocturnal program. Any nephrologist worth anything is trying to help his patients, not working to keep his clinic full.  He has  a financial interest in keeping you, but he is violating his Hippocratic Oath in order to keep you there.

[fc2821]

I agree, stand up for yourself tell him this is what works best for you and if he dosen't like it you'll find someon else. Good luck and hope all works well for you.

[billybags]

I don't like the sound of your unit. When my husband did hemo he took sandwiches, they provided two drinks with in the four hours, they even came round with biscuits and one volunteer took orders "wait for it" for sausage cobs, how cool is that! and he was always on his Mobil or cell phone as you call it.

[bette1]

Your unit sounds horrible.  Go where you're comfortable. 

[RichardMEL]

Those rules are stupid. I've been using my cell phone for 3.5 years next to the machines without a problem. As for pacemakers.. WTF?? Maybe if I was sitting on some guy's lap with a pacemarker (no thanks!) but I'm not so that's a load of crap and a stupid excuse. Ditto with laptop - what the heck "taking electricity from the machines"? What are they running on a generator or something? LOL That's such a hilariously bad excuse I just don't know. I use my laptop every session and the staff sometimes even show me their photos on it or view DVD's if they like, so there's clearly no issue there! LOL.

change units if possible!!

[Malibu]

We are in home hemo training....no problem with the use of a cell phone.  Only get very short break so no time to test the laptop theory.  Even though I am a newbie, I say move.  And non explanation to your Neph is necessary!