Morning after -- second thoughts

[dwcrawford]

Yesterday I came home fron the doctor's office feeling pretty confident about the decisions make.  This morning in the light of a brand new day, I'm having second thoughts.  Because of timing, he intends to put in both a fistala and a cather and start the dialysis right away (while in the hospital).  Have you ever heard of getting both at the same time?  This morning I'm feelin queasy about that.   He did say 1. that he'd remove the cather when the fistala heals and that 2. because of my general health conditions that I will most likely do well with dialysis (which is why he didn't want to postpone it until  the fistala was ready.)

Should  I just say go for it and get it all over with?  Does this sound weird to anyone?

[paul.karen]

DW the cath is just temporary unitl the fistula heals.  You must need D soon this is the only reason he would put the neck cath in. IMO

Its natural to have second thoughts.  But he must feel you dont have the three months it takes for the fistula to heal.  Thus he wants to start you now. WHile the fistula is healing.

[okarol]

It sounds ok to me - you'll be knocked out and they can do both - rather than scheduling 2 different surgeries. But I am confused - did you say you have to stay IN the hospital for a week? Most fistula and chest catheter surgeries are out-patient. And so is the dialysis, unless it's on an emergency basis (Jenna was given a chest catheter and 2 days of dialysis back to back because her kidneys crashed over a weekend.)

[David13]

It sounds ok to me - you'll be knocked out and they can do both - rather than scheduling 2 different surgeries. But I am confused - did you say you have to stay IN the hospital for a week? Most fistula and chest catheter surgeries are out-patient. And so is the dialysis, unless it's on an emergency basis (Jenna was given a chest catheter and 2 days of dialysis back to back because her kidneys crashed over a weekend.)

It is not unusual for the catheter and fistula to be placed at the same time.  As okarol stated, it is probably easier on you to have both surgeries done at the same time rather than scheduling a second one later.  The catheter will be used until the fistula is ready.  Because fistulas take a little while to heal and become ready for use, the sooner you have it done, the sooner you can use it and get rid of the catheter. 

[dwcrawford]

Yes that's what I said.  It was strange to me too.  Dr. Olivero is a young go  getter and he may be wanting to use me fpr experiments.  (?)  It also may have something to do with low blood platelets... but he wants to give me the first three treatments in the hospital with him being there.  Is that really strange?  Maybe it has something to do with my age?  Or my being a little clumbsy?  Should I ask more?  He said he was sure I'd do well if I start immediately due to general health conditions and good nutrition.  I don't know?

But I did ask for the room (suite) that Barbara Bush just vacated... any thought I'll get it???  I think the response amounted to a NO.

[David13]

Yes that's what I said.  It was strange to me too.  Dr. Olivero is a young go  getter and he may be wanting to use me fpr experiments.  (?)  It also may have something to do with low blood platelets... but he wants to give me the first three treatments in the hospital with him being there.  Is that really strange?  Maybe it has something to do with my age?  Or my being a little clumbsy?  Should I ask more?  He said he was sure I'd do well if I start immediately due to general health conditions and good nutrition.  I don't know?

But I did ask for the room (suite) that Barbara Bush just vacated... any thought I'll get it???  I think the response amounted to a NO.

I think if there is any confusion or question in your mind as to the reason for ANY aspect of your care, you should ask about it.  Any competent physician will not be offended by a reasonable question.  I am not sure why he would want to keep you in the hospital for a week, but if there is a good reason, he shouldn't be afraid to tell you what it is.

[Tinah1968]

hahaha at least you still have a sense of humor.. I saw Barbara and George at the Astros game last night... Good to see her out and about...  On another note: I hear that having both done at the same time is normal.. Keeping you is rare but you know this is all going to be NEW to you so at least you will have someone to help you that first week.

[dwcrawford]

Actually David .ng. word,  I feel much more secure in the hospital.  I believe the reasoning he expressed was because he was going to have both things done at one time...  and also to the the dialysis center involved up front (they too are associated with Methodist hospital).  My concern was just how expensive it would be (to  some insurance companies not to me) but do I really care?  I should!

[swramsay]

I had a catheter and the first part of the fistula done together. The next day I had my last kidney removed and stayed in the hospital (obviously) to recover from the kidney surgery (full abdominal). I started dialysis the day after surgery in the hospital. A few months later the vascular surgeon lifted the fistula in my arm to the surface.

[Zach]

I wish I had my nephrologist by my side during those first hemodialysis sessions.
You're in good hands, my friend.

[David13]

Actually David .ng. word,  I feel much more secure in the hospital.  I believe the reasoning he expressed was because he was going to have both things done at one time...  and also to the the dialysis center involved up front (they too are associated with Methodist hospital).  My concern was just how expensive it would be (to  some insurance companies not to me) but do I really care?  I should!

That is great.  It seemed that you were asking us for possible explanations for the hospital stay.  It is definitely not a bad option.  As long as you are happy with it and the reaons for it, that is all that matters.   

[dwcrawford]

actually my concern was about doing them both at the same time... as I said, yesterday I felt quite confident about the decision, but is is ONE day closer. 

[willieandwinnie]

dwcrawford, have them both done. My husband had a new catheter and a graft place at the same time. Knocked out 1 time and the catheter was used until the spot where the graft was placed had time to heal. Then they pulled the catheter out with just some numbing stuff. He said it wasn't too bad. Let us know what you decide. 

[dwcrawford]

dwcrawford, have them both done. My husband had a new catheter and a graft place at the same time. Knocked out 1 time and the catheter was used until the spot where the graft was placed had time to heal. Then they pulled the catheter out with just some numbing stuff. He said it wasn't too bad. Let us know what you decide. 

Too Bad?   How bad is TOO BAD??  I'm a wussy.  No, I'm going to do it like the doctor said.  Doesn't mean I won't be worried a bout it however.

[swramsay]

I said I had both done together. No different than having one done. I was under full anesthesia - I wouldn't have known the difference. It was better than going under twice. Why do two separate surgeries when you can have both done in one? There are no additional complications because you have them done at the same time. The catheter is a simple straight forward procedure. As a matter of fact, I had mine replaced with only a locat anesthetic because I didn't have a ride. I wouldn't recommend that. Very strange feeling.

What, specifically, is your concern about doing both together?

[MandaMe1986]

My father had them both put in at the same time.  And he also had to stay in hospital for a while. They wanted to make sure he had a couple treatments before he was sent home.

[twirl]

I always have second thoughts after I feel good talking to a doctor -
it is like the morning comes around and you face reality again -
I think you should do it both at one time -
the cath will help you live until your fistula is ready -
enjoy the time on dialysis with having two free hands

[dwcrawford]

Hey Twirl... where you been?  Yes, it will be fine.  I just have to stop worrying about all the little things.

Is your twirler lady nekkid?

Anybody know the difference between Naked and Nekkid?

[willieandwinnie]

dwcrawford, have them both done. My husband had a new catheter and a graft place at the same time. Knocked out 1 time and the catheter was used until the spot where the graft was placed had time to heal. Then they pulled the catheter out with just some numbing stuff. He said it wasn't too bad. Let us know what you decide. 

Too Bad?   How bad is TOO BAD??  I'm a wussy.  No, I'm going to do it like the doctor said.  Doesn't mean I won't be worried a bout it however.

Len said when they pulled the catheter that he felt a pulling sensation and then it was over with. You will be just find and being nervous is very normal. I'm like that with the dentist. 

[Wallyz]

I had em both at the same time.  That may be scary, but it beats having a catheter longer.  Surgery makes me nervous, but catheter infections scare the crap outta me.  Get you  a fistula as quick as you can.

[jbeany]

Anybody know the difference between Naked and Nekkid?

If you're in the shower by yourself, you are naked.  If you have company, that's nekkid!

[G-Ma]

Wellllllllll....if you want PM me and I will give Great detail on how much everything hurt etc...NOT...but even so I am much more a wussy than you ever thought of being and THAT my friend is the gospel truth.  I actually asked the Dr to put me to sleep before taking out the catheter and then I had the nerve to ask him if he was done when he was standing there holding it...but that's me.   
You will be fine..use that week to ask anyone and everyone questions about the dialysis..those hospital nurses give more info than anyone I know.

[dwcrawford]

hehe.  this came from and old TV show called Designing  Women.

Naked means you don't have any clothes on.
Neekid means you don't have any clothes on and you are up to something.

[dwcrawford]

oh my g-ma, we'd make a team...by the way, how big is the cather?

[G-Ma]

I truly believe mine was about 10 feet long and mmmm at least an inch in diameter....