Son on second week of NxStage

[melissahumm]

Well it has been a long ride for my son.  After being on hemo for 9 years,he is now doing dialysis at home.  I have to admit,that I wasn't emotionally prepared for what was about to happen.  Even though I have been at his side for most of his runs,I was overcome with sadness the first few days on NX Stage.  I guess when you go to a center three days a week,it is easy to put your situation out of your mind for the "off" days.  The first few day of home tx's,I felt like reality hit me in the gut  From the moment I saw all the supplies,to watching my "baby" stick himself ,I felt very overwhelmed.  Luckily,he wasn't.  I am good at keeping these feelings to myself.  We purposely made him go to most of the training himself.  It is very important for him to learn not to depend on us.  If I could,I would do it all for him,but I know he needs to learn to be independent.  He wizzed through the training in record time,and was the darling of the unit!!  I see him flourishing on this new system.  He has involved his friends,making them pull out his needles!  His blood pressure has dropped and he feels free.  I think that for the first time,he feels that he can do this the rest of his life.  The only problem we have had is with making a batch!!We screwed up and blew through two pure pacs in two days!!  NXStage is sending us more.  They have been great to talk to.  I hope this keeps going well.  My son would like to move out someday.  He goes to college,but lives at home.  Thanks for listening!!!  Bye the way,I am still in amazement that my son can do all this stuff,yet he "can't" make his own mac-n-cheese!!!  Think he is spoiled!

[okarol]

It sounds very encouraging that your son has done the training and is taking an active role using Nxstage. I hope it gets easier over time. It's really overwhelming to have your kid on dialysis, and I agree, when it's in-center it easier not to feel the angst of what they are going through. But look mom, you've had a lot of changes over many years and you and your son have adapted and gotten through it. I pray you will feel better having seen his independence increase. As far as cooking, I think until they HAVE to, most young adults don't do it unless it's something they enjoy. Jenna is still at home at 22 - but she's working and becoming more and more grown up. Baby steps!

[Bill Peckham]

I am very impressed mellissa - you've made the right call in stepping aside and letting him learn to do this.. Is he talking about traveling?

Great job mom!

[Zach]

This is wonderful news.
 

[melissahumm]

My son is already planning his trips!!  We always did travel on hemo,so we are excited to try the NX stage.  I just need more money!!  The problem is,he wants to go out of the country,and I know this is not recommended.  Thanks everyone. 

[kitkatz]

Go, sonny,  go. It is great he is taking responsibility so well  for Nx stage and is feeling better.  Travel on!

[monrein]

Sounds like you're both doing well and it's great that David is taking charge of his own treatment.