New here, new to dialysis

[Joe Paul]

Hello everyone, name is Joe. Having diabetes for 32 years, the kidneys couldn't make the trip. Was diagnosed just 6 months ago, and was put on a regime of pills to prolong the outcome. Had my fistula surgery March 15th 2006, to get set up for dialysis. 3 weeks later, had the normal blood test we all get, saw the Neph the following day.Blood was a mess, but worse, seems the calcium lvl was 15.4, dangerous according to the doc and was prompley admitted to the hospital, after 24 hours was sent home. The following Friday, the Neph sent me over to the dialysis clinic, to see if the nurses thought my fistula was healed enough to access, they said it was.
I was the first patient's fistula this clinic and nurses ever accessed in under a months time, of all things to be a first at!!!
Naturally, the first session was a nightmare, blood clogged the machine within 1/2hour, alerts for the next 3 hours, what a fricken nightmare, but the next session was worse yet. The 2nd nurse had all sorts of troubles getting the needles in, she kept pushing and pulling that needle till I nearly passed out, and after what seemed forever, finally gained access. I really think that nurse is into seeing a person suffer, but thank God, she does even try me anymore, she saw the look that kills 
Been going now for 2 months, 4 hour sessions, Monday , wed & Friday. There have been other problems, such as the person who is in charge of mixing them chemicals, switching the wrong valve and diluting the Bi carbs, shutting down all the machines, running out of acids, ect. Its been a long road already, and its just the start. Trying now to get on home dialysis, praying my insurance will cover the cost of it all..wont mention the system, but its new and doesn't require all the plumbing changes in the house. Anyways, glad I found the site, thankyou epoman for all the work, looking forward to reading and posting as needed. Again, nice to meet all you, Joe

[Rerun]

Joe, welcome to the site.  Sounds like a hell of a way to start dialysis.  You can go a head and "name names."  We do it all the time.  I hope you become very comfortable on this site and share your experiences.  Vent when you need to.......

[Epoman]

Hello everyone, name is Joe. Having diabetes for 32 years, the kidneys couldn't make the trip. Was diagnosed just 6 months ago, and was put on a regime of pills to prolong the outcome. Had my fistula surgery March 15th 2006, to get set up for dialysis. 3 weeks later, had the normal blood test we all get, saw the Neph the following day.Blood was a mess, but worse, seems the calcium lvl was 15.4, dangerous according to the doc and was prompley admitted to the hospital, after 24 hours was sent home. The following Friday, the Neph sent me over to the dialysis clinic, to see if the nurses thought my fistula was healed enough to access, they said it was.
I was the first patient's fistula this clinic and nurses ever accessed in under a months time, of all things to be a first at!!!
Naturally, the first session was a nightmare, blood clogged the machine within 1/2hour, alerts for the next 3 hours, what a fricken nightmare, but the next session was worse yet. The 2nd nurse had all sorts of troubles getting the needles in, she kept pushing and pulling that needle till I nearly passed out, and after what seemed forever, finally gained access. I really think that nurse is into seeing a person suffer, but thank God, she does even try me anymore, she saw the look that kills 
Been going now for 2 months, 4 hour sessions, Monday , wed & Friday. There have been other problems, such as the person who is in charge of mixing them chemicals, switching the wrong valve and diluting the Bi carbs, shutting down all the machines, running out of acids, ect. Its been a long road already, and its just the start. Trying now to get on home dialysis, praying my insurance will cover the cost of it all..wont mention the system, but its new and doesn't require all the plumbing changes in the house. Anyways, glad I found the site, thankyou epoman for all the work, looking forward to reading and posting as needed. Again, nice to meet all you, Joe

Hey Joe,

Welcome to the site, sorry to hear you are off to a rough start, it will even out eventually. By the way how come you don't want to mention the NxStage System One? It's ok to talk about NxStage or Aksys or any type of dialysis or machine. If fact I start my training July 10th for NxStage.

- Epoman
Owner/Admin

[Joe Paul]

Well, wasnt sure about promoting any particular system or anything, but yeah, Nxstage is my hope. Id rather be in control of my destiny, rather than somone who does me as a living, that makes me feel CHEAP!!!!

[Epoman]

Well, wasnt sure about promoting any particular system or anything, but yeah, Nxstage is my hope. Id rather be in control of my destiny, rather than somone who does me as a living, that makes me feel CHEAP!!!!

No, don't worry. I don't have to many rules as long as you make you posts legible and post in the correct forum, everything will be fine. I want this site to be your voice where you can come and express yourself without restricitons. However keep in mind that this site is open to people of all ages, so just keep the bad words to a minimum. 

- Epoman

[Sluff]

Welcome Joe Paul. Hope things get better for you.

[kitkatz]

Welocme to the site.  We will be honest about out trials and tribulations here.  Don't you just hate it when the med profession looks like they do not know what they are doing in front of you the patient?

Katherine

[Bajanne]

Welcome to the site!  What an introduction to dialysis!!  Anyway, you seem like someone who will do very well here.  We are free here to tell it like it is.  But that is not all.  This site is also invaluable in terms of information and support.  Hope to hear much more from you in the other forums here.  Check out the forum Dialysis: Home Dialysis.  That should be very helpful to you.
Again, WELCOME!

[anja]

Welcome to this site, Joe, you have already had many experiences in your short time on dialysis !   Let's hope you are able to do in-home , if that is what you want.   

[Joe Paul]

Thanks for the welcomes. Yep, been reading lots, and have found out lots of info for sure. Wife thinks I read too much, but id like to know all I can, and things to expect, for the good or the bad. Thanks again for the warm welcomes, Joe

[Joe Paul]

Hello again everybody...just wanted to thank Goofynina, Livecam and Speedflex for the chat the other day, and again, thanks to you Epoman for the place to meet.  Main reason I added on, besides the thanks, was to say hello to all the newest members I missed when you joined. Nice to meet everyone again, Joe

[Angel1954]

Yes welcome to the froum the people here are so kind and understanding Good luck to you

                  Kathy

[angieskidney]

hi Joe and Welcome