G Ma will try NxStage

[G-Ma]

Ok, this chicken is going to try NXStage.  I guess I will work on starting to self cannulate on Monday.  I have a DVD to view this weekend.  At least I won't sit around and wonder "what if" but I am terrified of the needles.  Nurse today said I should push to put EPO in the lines like they do at Davita so I will.  Thanks for all of your support in everything.
Ann

[Sluff]

I hope it works better for you. 

[monrein]

I'm glad you're going to give it a try G-ma.  Like so many things, once you get used to the idea and have some success it will seem much easier.
One thing though is about the epo.  My understanding is that epo is much better absorbed and you can use about a third less if you inject it subcutaneously instead of through the lines.  However, if it's Aranesp you use then through the lines is OK.  I used to do the subcutaneous injections all the time and found them to be no big deal.  I imagine you'll think the same once you're self-cannulating but maybe not.
All the best with this new step and I really hope it works out for you.

[G-Ma]

Thank you Sluff and Monrein.  Monrein, you are so very helpful in all you say, thanks about the EPO.  Once I have a reason I'm usually ok.
Ann

[jbeany]

Go for G-Ma!  You'll be amazed at how much better you feel!

[twirl]

OMG   you are super brave
I have never even looked at the needles
wow
I am in awe of you and anyone who can do their own needles
good luck
you are freakin' brave
I am here for you to amaze me........
  I could never do that

[G-Ma]

Oh no twirl, not brave, no no, I have now watched the DVD of self cannulation a couple of times and tell me...how do you insert the needles with your eyes closed??? that is what I will be doing...   , I watch and run screaming through the house, then watch again.  Not at all sure about this. 

[G-Ma]

Well bummer...I just got turned down for NXStage....they insist on having an adult go to training with me......oh well....how about a keg of margaritas and a hose?

[flip]

Since we have the same problem....maybe you could just move in with me. Wonder if two people can use the same machine? 

[G-Ma]

I'm sure Davita would be happy not to have to supply two machines buttttt can I still have the keg of margaritas with the hose or do you insist on sharing that too?   

[lola]

Otto is training himself I just have to learn the emergency procedure and I want to learn how to stick him. They even said it was no big deal for him to train alone.

[G-Ma]

Guess it depends on the neph who is the director...they said he won't approve my 14 yr old grdaughter...I would trust her more than a stranger.  The woman who called said get a neighbor which would be a stranger...they just don't think on all 4 cylinders most days.

[petey]

The clinic where we trained wouldn't consider a home hemo patient without an adult "partner."  I think that's wrong because there are some out there who could very well handle it solo.  (Marvin's not one of these because he can't cannulate himself -- won't even look when I do it.)

[G-Ma]

Well this afternoon I got a call from """someone""" at NXStage out of state who apologized for the mis-information I got, said no my partner does not have to be there every day for training and said will get all of this sorted out so I can start training soon.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out.  Why would each of us get diff info?  I have no clue who contacted NXStage about this, my thought is my neph as he was not happy about me being turned down.  My self cannu went better today however still a ways to go to be perfect, in my mind at least.

[flip]

Congrats.....I knew the margaritas would help

[lola]

G-Ma  I'm so glad things are looking better for you. Otto has been in training for 3 weeks and I've gone 4-5 x's. I had to only go they said to learn emergency take off and I did that today. The other days I went just  because.

[G-Ma]

thanks for all your info lola..........thx flip....you are next...you can come train with me and I will practice my needle SKILLS on you....

[monrein]

My husband tried sticking me ONCE and that was it for both of us.  He went through the skin, into the vein, through the vein and into the bone in my forearm.  Ouchie. Ouchie.  I learned fast after that.
I think it would be way easier to stick someone else because of the two hands thing.

[pelagia]

Maybe the NXStage people are reading IHD!

[G-Ma]

oh lord monrein, I was holding my arm and wincing as I read your post.  Yes, pelegia, I have been mentioning IHD to ""everyone"" I talk to and the lady from NXStage actually said she reviews this site periodically.  It helps to keep spreading the word.

[G-Ma]

Well, NXStage has been calling me daily and working on getting me started in training ""yesterday""...she called again an hour ago, said she is flying into Charlotte on Tues night and meeting with Davita and others on Wed...boy do I feel important.  At least hopefully people will be getting correct, same info after this.  Wish I could meet her but I have D on Wed.  I guess they had several of the same complaints from people and sounds like my neph called NXStage and discussed my issue...yeah for Dr. H.

[jbeany]

 

[petey]

G-ma --
You're near Charlotte?  My mom and dad live 60 miles east of Charlotte (Anson County)!  Marvin and I are about 3 1/2 hours from Charlotte (toward the coast).  You're so close to us!  Marvin's on NxStage, too, and he loves it!  Let me know if we can help!
Marsha (petey)

[G-Ma]

Petey.......and Marvin.......a lot of Davita patients where I go in Monroe are from Anson Co...............please let me know when you come this way so we can meet...I have read everything you and lola have posted about NXStage and some others and am looking forward to finding out if they will approve me this time..the lady from NXStage seems determined to get me in.  Today my youngest, his wife and stepson came for a visit and we looked at the list you guys did of what is needed and went...    I'm not sure if I have room?

[jbeany]

It tucks in tighter than you might think, especially if you have tall shelves. My set up, including recliner, pureflow, nxstage, storage shelves, drawer unit, and extra stack of dialysate prebagged takes up less than half of my closet sized spare room.  If I remember correctly, the room is 10 ft by 9 ft.