Back on the Chain Gang

[meadowlandsnj]

 
Hi everyone!  I'm new here after finding this website while browsing the net.  I had a successful transplant for 10 years then it failed this April.  My original kidney failure was caused by an allergic reaction to an antibiotic in 1991.  In 1993 I was on dialysis--started on hemo then on PD exchanges--then the Baxter machine.  I HATED PD.  All the supplies all over, the boxes of fluids, the constant reminder of it and being tied to a machine for hours every night.  PD is great for some people, but not me.  So in 1994 I went back on hemo and in February of 1995 my mom donated a kidney to me.  Like I said it lasted a good 10 years.  So now on back on hemo!
The one thing that really really annoys me is that I'm never put on the machine on time.  I go from 2-6, for 4 hours.  Sometimes I don't get on until 2:45 or so.  PLUS I use a medical transport and they're always late bringing me home.  I get off the machine the same time as another woman gets off and we use the same transport company--guess what?  She always gets driven home first so who has to wait another 40 minutes to go home?  Me.  Supposedly she lives closer to her home than I live by mine so tha's why they can't bring me home first.  Sometimes she takes longer than me because she's a bleeder--I have a catheter so I'm ready right away.  Sorry to dump but that's my main annoyance today!   

[Rerun]

Your story is a lot like mine.  1987 hemo then CAPD then a transplant for 17 years then back on hemo.... and I hate it.  

[Bajanne]

Welcome to this message board!  You don't apologize for dumping here.  This is what this place is for.  In fact, it is almost a requirement!
You have really had some experiences in this area.  Maybe sometime you will be able to help me.
I find that timing is a problem here as well.   They are always encouraging me to come early - my scheduled time is 11.00 a.m.  But somehow even if I am there at that time, I don't go on until 11.30.  One day, I decided to go at 10.45.  What time did I go on? 11.30.
Thank goodness, I drive myself, so there is no waiting after.

[Rerun]

Meadow.... You say you are on a catheter.  Any plans for using a fistula or graft?

[kayzee]

I only did hemo for 2 months when I first started dialysis, but I asked for and got first appointment which was 6AM.  It's probably the only way to guarantee getting hooked up on time.  I realize when you are dependent on other transportation, this might not be a possibility for you.

[Epoman]

Hello and welcome to the board. Free feel to vent your frustrations as often as you wish that is what is site is here for. 

This site is unlike other sites where posts are modified or deleted by site moderators for having content that is too harsh. If you ask a question you WILL get the straight truth from either myself or one of our members. This is a no holds barred forum.

Again welcome to the site and please tell fellow patients about this site.

[skillpete]

I guess I should be honest and say that your story scares me a little because I had a kidney transplant in June/2005 and my creatinin level has still never been all that great. I have this fistula that I really hate and try to hide. I was so dammed depressed when I was on dialysis I was in complete intentional denial. After the transplant I went nuts, I went back to school, I went to Hawaii by myself, I go to the city (NYC) all the time. I have this feeling in the back of my head that I should enjoy as much as I can, as fast as I can. I discovered that I'm not as strong as I want to be, and the only way I got through dialysis in the first place was lots of sleep and lots of meditation. I'm sorry to be such a cynic but thats me and I really do wish you the best of luck and happiness, you're cool with me........thanx, pete