Starting dialysis tomorrow

[BigSteve]

Well gang, the vein repositioning has apparently gone well, so I
will be starting dialysis finally tomorrow (Dec. 5th). So now I guess
I can rant and rave like the "old timers" on IHD. I sure hope I will
feel better. I have been very tired the last month. My creatinine was
at nine a month ago. Wish me luck. Steve

[glitter]

Good luck- i hope you start feeling better soon!! Keep your chin up!!

[goofynina]

Sorry it had to come to this Steve and it will take a little getting used to but with time, it gets a little easier, i just hope you start feeling better soon.  What are going to be your days and how long will they be running you?   Always remember we are just a keyboard away,  your not alone, we know what you are going through and WE CARE    Take care of yourself and Good luck tomorrow, keep us posted and let us know how it goes ok.  Godspeed  

[kellyt]

Good luck and report back to us as soon as you feel up to it.  I am extremely nervous about ever having to start dialysis, so I want to know how your first day went!  You're in my thoughts and prayers.     

[Sluff]

Good Luck Steve. Hopefully you will feel much better, keep in touch. 

[angellady07]

Steve, take care. Good luck and I hope you feel better.

[Black]

Lean on this forum for support.  We would have been so much more afraid and nervous if it had not been for the veterans here who so generously shared their expertise and kind hearts.

Hope it goes well and you feel better fast.  

[okarol]

I hope the dialysis makes you feel better. 

[Bajanne]

Please know that you are not at all alone.  You can't see us, but there is a tremendous group of people from all over the world who are with you as you go through this.    
In my case, dialysis made me feel better.   I found that my first months on dialysis, i was extremely lethargic after the sessions - just wanting to get in my bed and do nothing.  That has changed, however, and I feel quite good after my sessions these days.
Please post and let us know how it all went. 

[donnia]

Good luck Steve.  I just started using my fistula last week.  I'll be honest with you... my arm was sore and swollen for about a week.  I am just now getting over that.  I use the Lidocaine cream they give me and it does help with the pain of the needles (actually helps alot!!)  I kinda went through a bit of a depression last week when they started using my fistula because of the stress of the needles, and the pain from my arm being so sore.... but this week is much better.  Hope this helps you to be prepared.  Good luck!  

[KR Cincy]

Good luck today...there's no way to prepare you for all of this, but take comfort in knowing we all made it through our first day.

[willieandwinnie]

  Good Luck today Steve. We'll be thinking of you.

[bolta72]

I am sure you will do just fine and after a couple weeks will be feeling better.

[boxman55]

All the best to you Steve...Boxman

[Ken Shelmerdine]

Good luck Steve. Hope we can help with any questions you have now or in the future.

[paddbear0000]

Good luck Steve!   

[2_DallasCowboys]

Best wishes Steve!!!

My husband was very tired at the beginning of his
sessions, but now he feels very, very good, good enough
to paint the house, put up the lites for Christmas, and
drive me crazy!!
Wishing you good luck, and please let everyone know
how you are.  The people on this board are so wonderful,
and caring.  Thank God (and Epoman) for this site.

Anne and Les

[Sluff]

How did things go Steve?

[del]

Good luck Steve.  let us know how things went.

[BigSteve]

I don't go on untill 5:15 tonight so I have all day today
to be nervous. Thanks to all for your thoughts. The only
slot they had open was the late shift, but I think it may be
a good shift since I can go home, have a snack and go to bed.

[Deanne]

Wishing the best for you!

[Wattle]

   I hope your first dialysis experience is easy on you and the nurses are kind! Give yourself time and you will get use to the routine.

Hang in there BigSteve   

[Stacy Without An E]

Hey Steve,

Once you get past the first treatment your fears should hopefully curtail and the second treatment won't be so bad.  I know personally I put it off as long as I could.  It will take a few treatments (and quite possibly a few weeks, just depends on your chemistry) to feel better, but trust me, you will.

Over time, I have been grateful for Dialysis and not simply because it saves your life.  If you're lucky, you might discover personal strength you never knew you possessed.

If surviving Dialysis has taught me anything over the past few years, it's that I'm stronger that I ever knew.

And that I can battle anything and win.

[goofynina]

  Very well said Stacy 

[Black]

... The only slot they had open was the late shift, but I think it may be
a good shift since I can go home, have a snack and go to bed.

Good attitude    and you're probably right.