Cycler Dwell Time Varies

[Charlie B53]

Noticed it again this morning.  I got up earlier than usual and spend the time on this laptop or reading my current book.  During the dwell I will cap off so I can go into the kitchen, make my morning coffee, have a smoke in the garage, etc..

I usually hit the down arrow button to check the time remaining on the dwell so I know if the machine is going to alarm if I take too long, maybe then I will hit the 'Stop' thus preventing the alarm from gong off and waking up the Wife, Dog, Cat.  Well, actually the Dog and Cat are already up, both are very light sleepers.

So this morning the machine had just finished filling and switched to dwell.  For reasons unknown I went ahead and hit the 'Down' button and see the Dwell time as only 19 minutes.   WHAT???    My Dwells are 1 hour!!!!     And this is only #7 of 8.

I am going to have to re-read the Baxter Cycer Manual, that thick binder that came with the machine.

What I suspect to find is the machine 'adjusts' dwell times so to end treatment at the correct time.    Meaning I must have had drain/fill problems during the night that took far longer than usual, forcing the machine to shorten dwell cycles so to end the program at my usual time in the morning.

My only problem with this is the reduced dwell time may reduce total uF.  A repeated pattern of this night after night could show a weight gain and swelling, seeming like a lack of dialysis.   When it may be only my sleep position restricting flow, thus the machine not sensitive enough to the restriction and not alarming to cause me to shift.

Looking for the cause of the problem all I notice is the very firm foam pillow I use to keep from turning so far onto my back has been 'pushed' aside a couple of inches.  It may be that I have managed to get flat on my back again in my sleep.

I may have to lay a couple of strips of double-backed tape under that pillow so it cannot be moved.

[kickingandscreaming]

I'm too new to the cycler to have any good ideas about your issue. But I bet the tech support folks at Baxter would be able to help you.  Last night was the first night that I didn't have a problem requiring me to call them.  They have been very helpful.

[Tío Riñon]

I've experienced this situation too.  I'm supposed to dwell 50 to 60 minutes.  Sometimes when I get to stage 6 or 7 (out of 7 total), the dwell time is shortened to about 30-40 minutes.  I haven't found a pattern yet, but I have noticed that if I have alarms during the night, as I'm reviewing my session information, there is a statement that says "Lost Dwell Time" or something similar.  I spoke to my nurse a few years ago, but she didn't have any information for me.  Sometimes my UF is lower, but often it is made up by doing a midday manual or during the initial drain the next evening.

Anyone have additional information?

[kickingandscreaming]

I think that when alarms go off the process stops and that time is deducted from the usual program.  I think the cycler's primary program is to run for a certain amount of time--in total.  The breaks for alarms get deducted from dwells.

Just curious Tio about your program.  Are you a high or high-average transporter?  Is that why you have so many short dwells?  I'm a high-average and I'm dry days but have only 4 1hour/40 minute dwells per night.

[Charlie B53]

I am not sure of the actual term used.  Higher than average, or something like that.   Originally I did manuals. 4 X daily with the last being Ico for the long over-night dwell.  My labs were usually fine.   One of the best in the clinic, or so I am told.  Maybe they tell everyone that just to keep us in good spirits.

After losing two dogs to age I thought I might try the Cycler and free up my days.  Seemed like I was constantly being interupted doing most anything and every thing around the house and yard to go do another exchange.

Having drain problems led to setting the machine on 'Tidal'.  This also made a change in the fill volume as only draining a % each time there is a possibility of over-filling and creating problems.  PD Nurse did all the math and came up with 6 exchanges which only used the same volume I previously used doing manuals in a day.

All worked well and my previously good labs actually improved a little more.  Or so I am told.

After about a year I noticed the expiration date of my left over manual supplies was nearing.  Rather than waste the product I asked, and received permission to add one more exchange and add one of these other 2 liter bags daily to get them used up instead of wasting them.  Nurse ran the numbers and determined at would actually add 2 exchanges, and we made the adjustments.   Labs have improved yet again.  As I ran out of the manual over-supply we changed my prescription from 5 liter bags to 6 liter bags so I stay on the 8 exchange routine.