quick update

[devon]

Hey Ya'll I am still here.  A quick update...

Thursday last week, went into hospital for first Tx.  disaster!  Infiltrated.  My arm is still bruised!
Friday, 1.5 hours of Tx.  no events, thankfully. 3 kilos of fluid removed
Saturday 3 hours, no events, great technician (same from Friday)  4 kilos of fliuid removed.
sunday, went hom
Monday, 4 hours Tx, no events at clinic, the Director of Nursing did the poking.  5 kilos of fluid taken off!
Wednesday, 4 hours again. 4 kilos, i started to cramp and black out so they stopped.  OW!  but other than that no events

Heading to Tx now.  Driving myself with back up available if needed.

More details later!  Thanks to ya'll it went well because I knew what to expect, what to take with me, and to use Lidocane cream!!!

love ya!

-Devon

[willieandwinnie]

devon. We look forward to hearing the rest of the story. I'm so sorry that you got infiltrated right from the get-go. That sucks. Are you feeling better getting all that fluid off of you? Take care and have a wonderful weekend. 

[Rerun]

Tx to me is transplant.  Dx?   

Glad things were pretty uneventful.  Hope you start feeling better with all the extra fluid off.

[paris]

Devon, sorry about the first day.  But glad the others went pretty good.   You are proof this site makes a difference!  It gives us power when we know what to expect.  Thank you for sharing your experiences.  You will be able to help the next person who has questions.   Keep us updated because we care how you are doing.

[flip]

You must be tough, Devon. That's a lot of fluid to be taking off in a short period of time. If I did that, my legs would stll be aching.

[sickofbeingsick]

Wow Devon--inflitrated on the first day? So sorry about that. I'm glad you're doing okay, though. May I offer one tiny bit of advice that helped me when I first started? That is KNOW YOUR RIGHTS as a patient and don't be afraid to put your foot down (or in someone's ass if need be).  Remember--it's YOUR life.

[twirl]

it will get better

[G-Ma]

You are doing good from the sound of it......do not go beyond the first feeling of cramping, your body is trying to tell you something as I found out after enduring so much cramping.  I was an idiot. 

[monrein]

Hang in there Devon.  I'm glad you're getting the hang of things and I hope you'll soon notice a difference in how you feel.

G-Ma is 100% correct about the cramping. 

[Sunny]

Thanks for sharing.
It sounds like you are in control of things and able to help direct your treatments, rather than just sitting there and taking whatever they decide to dish out.
Congrats!

[del]

Glad things are going well.  Hope you are feeling better.

[Joe Paul]

Sorry they messed you up first time around. Other than that, it sounds like you are doing OK. Keep it up 

[pelagia]

Hope all is well Devon.

[oleboy]

Glad all went well, Keep us updated.

[devon]

Hey Y'all!

So I am on my way to being a "pro" now.  I got all of one full week in center under my belt.  Of course that belt now surrounds less mass as it did a week ago.  Each session takes out about 4 to 5 kilos of fluid!  Geeze!  I knew I picked up considerable water but when you measure it in pounds it sure seems like a lot!  I mean 8 to 10 pounds! Of course, in the 48 hours between sessions, I manage to put those kilos of water back on even with managing my intake!

Most the sessions went really well.  M-W-F four hours at a time. An hour before, use the Lido cream, wrap in plastic, drive to the center.  Carry in my blanky and pillow.  Weigh-in, wash my access site, check the filter for my name, get in the chair, get the lido injection (ow! then nothing), get hooked up, sit back and get dialyzed for 4 hours,  weigh out, drive home, get the kid some food, eat dinner, go to bed.  I got that process done, baby.

Last night was a total bitch ('scuze the language).  I was in the chair by 4pm but it was 4:45 before they could get a good flow. The tech showed me the clotting.  I felt like a total pin cushion!  3/4 of an hour poking me!  They used six needles, maybe more, I lost track.  I seriously considered getting up and walking out but it had been 72 hours since my last session and I was 2.7 kilos over my usually weigh-in. 

I didn't get off the maching until almost 9pm!  And the television on Monday night is TERRIBLE!  The most lame sitcoms you can imagine.  I should have watched football.  At least it would have put me to sleep! 

I carry my Purple Arm, the new badge of courage I believe, like a pro now.  But seriously folks, Y'all made it so much easier and better with your sage wisdom and advice.  I really appreciate all the support  and encouragement. 

-Devon

[twirl]

I still call mine the red badge of courage--- epecially when I bleed and my blouse is covered in blood--
you sound like me on one of my first vists - I was stuck so many times when my nep doc came on rounds- I was crying- he got mad and told them to find someone who could cannulate me----- I did not know the word and thought -- what are they going to do to me now-- you can bring a portable dvd player and they can plug you in so you do not have to worry about batteries-- It will get better or maybe you just get used to it--

[silverhead]

It seems to be some unwritten rule that first timers have to be infiltrated, Sharon had the same experience her first time in-center when her fistula was ready, we both learned early who we would allow to poke her arm (a couple of them we expressly banned from being near her), I have been doing her arm for over a year now, 6 days a week and no problems........

[florida.flyer]

Hi there, just an observation.......would'nt PD be easier??   these horror stories of infiltration are SO sad! I'd say, if they don't know how to insert the needles, they need to find another job!  immediately.   

[rose1999]

Just wanted to send support and encouragement, I love your attitude   

[devon]

Thank you, Rose!

And twirl... your posting reminded me...

I look away as they poke so I don't see anything. But, that really terrible feeling when you feel the warm blood flowing over your arm and puddling under your wrist is a sudden reminder that this is all very real.  The tech cleaned up and replaced the "blue sheet" from under my arm before I could see all the remants of their efforts.  I was glad for that much.

Another lesson learned: I am my own best advocate.  Find a good "poker" and stick with him/her!

-Devon