Officially done with training

[Deanne]

I had the last of my 4E's training today, whatever that means. My nurse couldn't tell me what 4E's really stands for. I guess it's just like where I work and eventually the acronym takes over from the word it defines until no one can really tell you what the full term is.

For my final training lesson, I had to demonstrate that I know how to set up the cycler. My overall impression is that the nurses seem hesitant to try anything new, but they haven't been critical of me for varying things a bit as long as I'm not sacrificing safety. In some cases, I think I'm actually more cautious than they are. My nurse instructed me to use a bleach cloth to wipe down the cycler and cart before setting up. I also wipe down the hand sanitizer bottle, light switches, and anything else I might touch during setup. My nurse told me to unwrap the pin and put it in the organizer as part of the setup process. I leave it in the wrapper until right before I disconnect the next morning, to reduce exposure to air. She instructed me to insert the top edge of the cartridge first, and then push the bottom under the clip. The blasted thing is very hard to insert that way, but it's easy to put in if you insert the bottom edge first, and then push the top under the pins. She told me to prime the machine when I set it up and then I can walk away until bedtime. Instead, I stop the initial set up process before priming it and I prime it right before I crawl into bed.  That way the fluid in the tubing is warm instead when it hits me. She seemed a bit shocked at these small things, and it surprised me that the nurses would be so into rote steps that they wouldn't have considered doing anything different.

Anyway, I'm glad to be done with weekly visits now. My PET test and KT/V went well and my first labs post-d are great. I have to repeat the PET test next month because the first one was using manual bags and she wants to see how it turns out on the cycler, too.

[MooseMom]

That the nurse would adhere so closely to "protocol" is probably due to the fact that she's never been on PD herself.  I bet she could learn a thing or two from you (and from other trainees), a few tricks of the trade.

I'm glad things are going well for you and that your labs are good.

[Shaks24]

I am doing a PET test next week too. I have to save 4 drained manual bags and 24 hours worth of chilled pee. Honestly my mind is a lot clearer and I am starting to feel better after starting PD on the 27th of September. Its just tedious doing 4 manuals every day so I am hoping the cycler goes well and makes the process more convenient. I use bleach water too to wipe everything down while doing set up on the manuals. I do 2 hand washes plus use hand sanitizer before connecting or disconnecting. Sounds like the Fresenius Stay Safe program.

[JLM]

If the container of urine in your fridge grosses you out.  Half fill a 12 pack size cooler with ice.  Set it in your bathroom . After each urination dump in your red container and put it on the ice.  I put a bulky towel folded over the cooler.  It keeps everything chilled and you don't have it in the fridge.  Plus there are no trips to the kitchen.

[Fisherman]

I'm starting my training next week, but have an infection at the exit site already and am on antibiotics.  I feel a little overwhelmed, but it's great to hear from you that it's going well and that you're feeling better.  I'm exhausted all the time now, and hoping for better days ahead.  I appreciate your encouraging remarks.