I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Pre-Dialysis => Topic started by: brandywine on November 08, 2010, 07:20:16 AM

Title: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: brandywine on November 08, 2010, 07:20:16 AM
I have an appointment today at 2:30 p.m. with the surgeon who will be placing my catheter for PD. A very good friend of mine will be going with me, and I'm so grateful, because she has gone through PD and transplant herself. She has done so much for calming my nerves through this whole process. We became best friends about two years before I was even diagnosed with IGAn. I'm convinced that she was sent to me to help me through all of this.

My husband and I will  meet with a transplant team at Mayo Clinic on Thursday, so those processes are beginning simultaneously.

I imagine that either this week or early next week I will have my surgery, and soon, be an official member of the "I Hate Dialysis" club.

I have to say that I am so thankful for this site, and all of you. I believe that because of what I have been able to read here, and the outlet that it gives me, that I am heading into this without fear and with a positive attitude, which is ironic considering the name IHD. Wish me luck, and even if you don't normally pray, say one for me. The only thing I want is for my kidneys to hold out until I can start dialysis. I'm not asking for anything more.
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: galvo on November 08, 2010, 10:05:04 AM
 :bestwishes;, brandywine.
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: billybags on November 08, 2010, 10:18:48 AM
brandywine, welcome to the site and I do wish you all the best when you have your catheter placed. You will be fine. I know it is very scary going on to dialysis, try and learn as much as you can. Feel free to ask any questions, there is always some one on here that will know the answers.    :welcomesign;
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: MooseMom on November 08, 2010, 12:59:30 PM
Well, you have a rather busy week ahead of you, don't you! :cuddle;  How wonderful that you have a friend who knows what you are going through; having support like this IN REAL LIFE (as opposed to us here on IHD) is so valuable!  I hope you will post soon about how your appt went today.
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: boswife on November 08, 2010, 04:08:57 PM
Well well, you should be well on your way to healing about now.  So, though my prayers are a bit late for 'pre' surgury, they certainly are here for you now  :pray;  I love your attitude and wish you the best.. Keep in touch, ya still can use this place for a while  ;)
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: brandywine on November 09, 2010, 10:48:53 AM
Catheter will be placed next Friday. Did pre-op yesterday after appointment. Any ideas how long it will take me to recover (return to work) after that?
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: VintageVera on November 09, 2010, 12:42:47 PM
B.W., Recovery time varies with this procedure depending on how you feel going into it. At least a couple days, I would think. Don't forget that you will have to spend time in training also to be able to do this. BEST WISHES, VERA   
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: brandywine on November 10, 2010, 09:53:07 AM
Ok. Freaking out, a little. Last night it was a lot, but I've had some time to calm down. Finally decided to open my packet from the Mayo Clinic. They had my itinerary laid out in detail for tomorrow, which I thought was great until I saw that it bled into Friday, next Tuesday, next Wednesday, next Thursday, (Friday is my surgery), and then again the day after Thanksgiving and again on Dec. 6th. I didn't realize that this would take that much time, and the clinic is 1.5 hours from home. I'm going to be missing a lot of work and doing a lot of driving. That just took me aback for a while.
Trying to slap that smile back on and move forward. Just keeping posted. Thanks. :)
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: MooseMom on November 10, 2010, 12:04:57 PM
Wait a minute...I'm confused.  What exactly is bleeding into Friday, next Tues, Wed and Thurs and then on into thanksgiving and December?  Is all of that pre-transplant stuff?  Can you explain more?
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: paris on November 10, 2010, 03:42:27 PM
I think she means "running into --".  As in, the Friday appt isn't the only one--they go on into the next Tues, Wed, Thus, etc.   I use that term sometimes- "my work bleed into the next day".
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: Jie on November 10, 2010, 08:55:22 PM
PD surgery should not be too bad. I went out to dinner on the same day and returned to work on the second day. The nurse would check and replace covers in about a week and it should heal in 2-3 weeks and ready be used.
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: brandywine on November 15, 2010, 05:35:36 AM
Two days down at Mayo (for transplant evaluation). I go back three days this week. I have been REALLY impressed with the facility, and things seem to be on track. The drive isn't as bad as I thought it would be, as I avoid most heavy traffic areas. I'm getting a lot of reading done-just finished, "The Girl Who Played With Fire". Just trying to stay caught up at work. Need to keep one toe in the water. :)
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: brandywine on November 20, 2010, 10:45:53 AM
Had catheter put in yesterday. I'm a little sore, but feeling pretty good considering. I go in to see the PD nurse next Friday for my first drain. Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville is incredible with outpatient surgery. I felt pampered.
So I'm taking it easy today, got some pain meds, and chillin.
Hope you guys have a great weekend!
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: galvo on November 20, 2010, 11:12:55 AM
Sounding good. Make sure you enjoy your weekend, too!
Title: Re: Meeting with Surgeon Today
Post by: brandywine on November 23, 2010, 07:08:14 AM
Quick question. Catheter in Friday. Is a little blood showing up in the cath today normal?