Starting dialysis tomorrow

[Wattle]

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.

That's exactly how I feel Stacy. Thank You for saying it.   

  I am like the lion in the Wizard of OZ. "Let me at 'em, Let me at 'em" I have gained the courage to research, question and demand appropriate care. Knowledge is everything.

[kitkatz]

I like the late shift. If only they could put it a little later.  Then it would be dialysis, snack and beddy bye!

[BigSteve]

I almost hate to say it since many of you have had a tough time
during your first dialysis, but I had a very smooth first treatment.
I was on for 2 1/2 hours for this time but will increase to 4 because
of my size. The Lidocaine needle did hurt somewhat, but the tech
was very good with the dialysis needles and I didn't really feel them
going in. I felt fine at the finish and could drive myself home. Luckily
the center is less than 5 miles from my home.
However, you people neglected to tell me one thing about hemodialysis.
It's f___ing BORING sitting there for that length of time. I used the IPOD
as much as I could. I will have to bring Xword puzzles and Suduku. Thanks
again for your kind messages. Steve

[donnia]

Oops!  Yep, it is pretty boring!  My unit has tvs at each chair...but at my time there is nothing good on.  I usually take my portable DVD player.  I am working on getting a laptop.  I have one but it sux and I cant get online with it.

[jbeany]

Glad it went well for you, Steve!  And yes, dialysis is usually boring - but fair warning - the boring days are MUCH better than the exciting ones!

[kitkatz]

I think you need to read the thread entitled Things to do while at Dialysis.   Lordy it is boring!

[Bajanne]

Glad to hear your first session went without a problem.  I stopped taking lidocaine, because it stung so much, I decided I might as well take the stick of the needles and be done with it!
As jbeany said, be thankful for boring sessions.  It's a good time to get in some good reading, meditation, etc. My favourite sessions are when I sleep from start to finish.
Hope everything continues well for you.

[Joe Paul]

Good your first session went well. Did they give you any idea of a dry weight goal yet?

[MyssAnne]

BigSteve, I am so glad it went so well! I hope it stays that way for you!  It IS boring. You're stuck in a chair and can do only anything that will allow you to sit quietly. Sleeping is good. It's one way of catching up! 

[goofynina]

Glad to hear your first session was an easy one BigSteve, I hope all your sessions to come are just as easy too 

[BobT1939]

Very happy to hear your first day went so well. Lets hope many more follow./bobt

[BigSteve]

I am slowly getting the facts about my dialysis from the staff. I think they
are used to the overwhelming majority of the patients who just lie
in their chairs and vegatate for the shift. I am still working to determine
dry weight. How should that be determined on a new patient such as
myself?

[Joe Paul]

I am slowly getting the facts about my dialysis from the staff. I think they
are used to the overwhelming majority of the patients who just lie
in their chairs and vegatate for the shift. I am still working to determine
dry weight. How should that be determined on a new patient such as
myself?

Basically, its trail and error. As time goes on, and you get your appetite back and you gain body weight back, you will have to have them adjust your dry weight accordingly. (provided you lost your appetite that is)

[Black]

Joe Paul is right.  Be very aware of how you feel as they keep lowering your weight, especially toward the end of the time for fluid removal, and let them know as soon as you start to "feel funny" so you don't get too dry and have cramps.  He's also right about adjusting your weight as you need to.  In a few months you'll just know what you need to take off, and when it's time to raise or lower it.

[Rerun]

When you puke then you have hit your dry weight.  But, I usually start to feel fidigity and then I get HOT and sure enough I check my BP and it is very LOW  92/65 and at that point I have a tech turn off my UF (Ultra Filtration).  That is the negative pressure that sucks the water off you.

I bring my DVD portable player and I suscribe to Netflix.

Glad things are going well.  Keep up the good work.

[BigSteve]

"When you puke then you have hit your dry weight." That's an encouraging thought
Rerun. The first night I was on the woman opposite me had a severe cramping
attack. She could barely stand but couldn't move. I haven't had a problem so far
while hooked up, but I have to be carefull in bed to keep my legs from cramping.

[goofynina]

I would say the cramping meant she reached her dry limit too.  I know it sucks but it happens 

[oswald]

You're in our prayers Big Steve! 

[Bajanne]

"When you puke then you have hit your dry weight." That's an encouraging thought
Rerun. The first night I was on the woman opposite me had a severe cramping
attack. She could barely stand but couldn't move. I haven't had a problem so far
while hooked up, but I have to be carefull in bed to keep my legs from cramping.

Being careful doesn't help with cramping.  You usually cramp when too much fluid has been removed and/or when your blood pressure goes too low( which is mostly due to too much fluid being taken off).

[BigSteve]

You guys are right, "boring" is better than "exciting". I had my first low blood pressure episode
last night at the end of shift. I felt ok in the chair, but I felt light headed as soon as I
got up. So they fed me disgusting, highly salted chicken broth and kept me in the chair
for some time until I was ok to drive home.  By the way the holiday treat from the
owner-doctors was a snack of a terrible croissant sandwich, virtually inedible, carrot and
celery, sticks, some sort of plain cake and pieces of "renal acceptable" fruit. I guess it's better
than a phony party at Davita.

[boxman55]

My center gives out pretzel sticks for low BP...Boxman

[BigSteve]

I'm bringing my own packets of chicken broth, without the unpalatable dehydrated
noodles and vegtables.

[Bajanne]

Yes, I see you are starting to get into your own rhythm.  You will know what you need to bring to make your sessions comfortable for YOU.

[goofynina]

I'm bringing my own packets of chicken broth, without the unpalatable dehydrated
noodles and vegtables.

Have you tried the Swanson Chicken Broth?  It is pretty good, maybe if you take some in a thermos (just in case)