Today, two months at home!

[Adam_W]

Today, (Aug. 5th) was the two month anniversary of my first treatment at home. Before I started at home, I had a lot of hopes and expectations for home hemodialysis, and I must say, IT HAS NOT LET ME DOWN! Sure, it's a lot of work and responsibility, but hell, that's what I wanted anyway. I'm responsible for my own care and my own health, and instead of the machine controlling me, I'm controlling the machine. There have been some bad days on NxStage, and I know there will be more. But I just take the bad days when they come, do what needs to be done to correct the problem(s), and move on. My physical health has improved considerably as well. My labs are good, and since I started using the NxStage, I've only had to go to the ER twice (one was for an access problem, and the other was for a bad reaction to a med that I'd just started. When I was in-centre, it seemed like I was going to the ER once every two weeks (one time I had to go two days in a row). I thank everyone who's given me support over these last six months, even through my darkest days in-centre). You've all become like a second family to me. Take care everyone.

Adam

[goofynina]

Awesome news Adam, so glad NxStage is working out for you.  Thank YOU for coming and keeping us posted on how it is going, i am sure you have inspired others (including myself) to perhaps join the many that are currently doing NxStage, i know that when the time comes when I can no longer do PD, I am definetly going to be insisting on getting the training for NxStage, so please, keep on posting and letting us know how things are going for you ok and by all means...Keep on Keepin' on my friend 

[Sluff]

I remember when you first joined IHD and how frustrated you were with the care you were getting, it's always great for us to see such a positive change.   

[MyssAnne]

That is wonderful news, Adam!! I am so glad you feel that way. When you can feel that you are in charge, you don't feel like a patient anymore, you're a person who happens to be on dialysis.   

[jbeany]

I've only been on NxStage at home a couple of days, but I know what you mean.  It's wonderful to be in charge of your own care, and to be able to adjust fluid goals and the environment to suit yourself, isn't it?  I sooooooo don't miss the center!

[poohkari]

Today, (Aug. 5th) was the two month anniversary of my first treatment at home. Before I started at home, I had a lot of hopes and expectations for home hemodialysis, and I must say, IT HAS NOT LET ME DOWN! Sure, it's a lot of work and responsibility, but hell, that's what I wanted anyway. I'm responsible for my own care and my own health, and instead of the machine controlling me, I'm controlling the machine. There have been some bad days on NxStage, and I know there will be more. But I just take the bad days when they come, do what needs to be done to correct the problem(s), and move on. My physical health has improved considerably as well. My labs are good, and since I started using the NxStage, I've only had to go to the ER twice (one was for an access problem, and the other was for a bad reaction to a med that I'd just started. When I was in-centre, it seemed like I was going to the ER once every two weeks (one time I had to go two days in a row). I thank everyone who's given me support over these last six months, even through my darkest days in-centre). You've all become like a second family to me. Take care everyone.

Adam

HOORAY!

That is so awesome, and we are so excited to be two months behind you!!!

[kidney4traci]

That's awesome!  I started at home at the same time, and I agree with your sentiments.  It is alot of work (and supplies!) but I don't want to ever go back to the clinic!  Happy Anniversary! 

[skyedogrocks]

That is awesome Adam!  Glad you like being on NxStage.  Rob also looks and feels a lot better since starting it.  He really likes being in control of his treatment and not having to wait for a nurse to come stop fluid removal if he needs it.