I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Bruno on November 11, 2010, 01:29:10 AM
-
Fellow sufferers...forget about your fear of needles...don't worry if the sight of blood makes you feel faint...it's not really a problem if the nurse puts in 50 litres to come off instead of 5 and you immediately faint and go into convulsions...nor does it really matter if dialysis bores you witless...no siree!
I talking about the real problem with dialysis...the one we dare not speak of.
And the minor one that seems to follow so much so that I suspect they may be related.
Yes, numb ass is its name and it is too often accompanied by a sore back for this little black duck not to be very suspicious.
Am I the first on this site to have discovered this dialysis problem? Why was it never mentioned to me when they were sweet-talking me into dialysis?
More importantly, what are all you fellow sufferers doing about it?
And don't tell me you are jumping up and exercising or having a good stretch every now and then - because I've tried that and we had to call an Ambulance. And smoking pot is no good (even if you get a medical certificate) because whilst I've been OK my 3 cats have become addicted and now sleep on my machine making it extremely difficult to use.
So help me here, IHD veterans, how do you handle the NA sydrome and the strange SB phenomenon?
-
Bruno did I read this right? Your cats are potheads? :rofl; :rofl; Did they smoke it or did you putit in their food?? :rofl;
In answer to your question about comfort, you can (in spite of what they might tell you) get out of your chair and step a few paces round as far as your lines wil allow you. Just make sure that if you are needled with a fistula (don't know about a graft so couldn't recomend it) that you don't do any sudden movements with your needled arm.
What you do is get a nurse to turn take your BP and turn down your pump speed to about 150-200 and get up slowly out of the chair without putting any weight on your fistula arm. I do this anyway because after about 3 hours I have to get up to pee in a bottle. I then just stand up for about 5 minutes, move about a bit. When I get back in my chair I find I feel more comfortable just through having that short break. Hope this helps.
Oh and you could try getting the cats into rehab!!
-
Fellow sufferers...
Yes, numb ass is its name and it is too often accompanied by a sore back for this little black duck not to be very suspicious.
...
So help me here, IHD veterans, how do you handle the NA sydrome and the strange SB phenomenon?
You aussies sure have a way with words :bow;
Do you have access to the great American invention called the Lazyboy?
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=17941.msg312176#msg312176
-
I just kept readjusting the angle of the chair back. The butt still goes numb, but at least the numb spot moves from place to place as you shift angles. Standing up never worked for me - I either got dizzy or the movement wiggled the needles too much.
-
Ken you talking about getting up on the unit ? You must be joking! Its totally unheard of in mine ! I have a really bad neck and asked could i sit in a chair to make me more upright (instead of at a hideous angle that puts all the pressure on my neck to support my head) and was told certainly not, you need to remain on the chair/bed type thing at all times !
-
Ken you talking about getting up on the unit ? You must be joking! Its totally unheard of in mine ! I have a really bad neck and asked could i sit in a chair to make me more upright (instead of at a hideous angle that puts all the pressure on my neck to support my head) and was told certainly not, you need to remain on the chair/bed type thing at all times !
Who ever said them things were confortable never set in them things long enough I hate them
-
I totally agree ! We have one bed by a window (nice i know) but it blows a gale through it, everyone tells the staff about it and they just say 'yes it is draughty isnt it' then walk off !
-
In my unit there are 2 beds and 10 chairs with adjustable everything.....I'm on the bed.... A few weeks ago I did a session with the chair.....and the chair is WAY more comfortable than the bed in my opinion!
-
We're suppose to get new charirs tmorrow, one thing that bothers me is when they stick you were you have a lot of scar tissue, god that hurts!
-
wow that SO explains kitty's expression in the pic!!! :rofl;
Yeah, the chairs are SO uncomfortable.. though the worst part is the current batch we use (a couple of years old) are lightyears ahead of what they had when I started.. omg those things were like grey torture devices!!
I have found I just max up on pillows. I have a pillow for my backside, and a pillow for my back and most times I am OK. I have to shift positions during the 5 hour sessions, but in general apart from major relief to stand up when I get off the machine I don't feel any major back pain or other problems.
Of course having written this tomorrow I'll probably have a shocker, and I'll know to blame the pothead kitty!
-
I just shift positions a lot. The chairs we have, have a head rest on the back of them that I have to get the nurses to removed, because I'm too short to benefit from it, and it actually causes neck pain. My legs get sore too, so I move them around a lot. I am forever moving the foot rest up so I can push myself up in the chair. Getting up at the end of the run always feels good, with the full body stretch, and pulling my underwear out of my butt crack. I"m told that I'm not the only one who does that.
-
Thanks everyone...it's nice to know that I'm not paranoid and there are other numb ass sufferers out there...even a numb neck pioneer.
You'll all be happy to know I've solved the problem with the cats...yep, I've given up the pot and found whisky. The cats don't mind it but they won't help with the needles anymore.
I'm not sure I want to try a lazy boy...although it has been legalised in Australia I don't think it's been made compulsory yet?
-
Ken you talking about getting up on the unit ? You must be joking! Its totally unheard of in mine ! I have a really bad neck and asked could i sit in a chair to make me more upright (instead of at a hideous angle that puts all the pressure on my neck to support my head) and was told certainly not, you need to remain on the chair/bed type thing at all times !
Maybe it's because I'm the only one on the unit who can't go more than 3 hours without a pee. My BP stays round about the same whether on or off dialysis so i don't feel dizzy if I stand up. Although I did have to insist in the first place because like you Kickstart I call my own shots. (No pun intended :rofl;) There' no way I'm going to try peeing in one of those plastic bottles while lying down.
-
Getting up at the end of the run always feels good, with the full body stretch, and pulling my underwear out of my butt crack. I"m told that I'm not the only one who does that.
Think yourself lucky you're not a bloke. It's a ballsache when your dangly bits don't stay where they are supposed to be. :rofl;
-
This is a great topic :rofl;
How many pillows do you guys take to dialysis? I'm up to three with my grandma now, but her tush still hurts after a couple hours. I've tried regular pillows, and fancy wheelchair cushions, but her butt's still numb by the end of the day.
Jeesh... I just Googled "dialysis chair cushion" and some of those things are really expensive! I bet they're not worth what they cost either.
-
I found the egg crate mattress pads worked well on a dialysis chair.
-
I googled "Pressure relief cushion" which threw up lots of cushions from affordable to sky high prices. Price depended to an extent on type, such as gel, foam etc.
Does anyone use a PR cushion and if so what type?
-
No i just have a fat ass ! :rofl;
-
I sit straight back with my feet on the foot rest. This allows me to control cramping. It does give me the numb ass!!!!! I try to shift positions on the chair.
Actually I find the best thing is to keep busy. I use my computer or my kindle and TRY NOT TO LOOK AT CLOCK!
-
I used to use a lamb woolen throw over. It did help. Took ages to find the 'right' pillow.
-
I don't use any pillows, except for the one under my arm.. and sometimes I don't even bother with a blanket.. but others in the unit sit on pillows and have blankets behind their heads.. one lady takes in a neck pillow with her. We have a couple of cushions, but I never use them. The youngest in the unit uses it, though.. that could be because of her size, though. Due to her various health issues, she never really grew much. She's not a whole lot more than 3ft tall.
-
Lately I take a "travel pillow" with. The one you use on a plane (U-shaped) This is very comfortable. At least when I fall asleep at least I won't be snoring. :)
-
I find it hard to get comfortable too, but I bend my knees and use the foot rest. The thing that bothers me the most is that my underwear ALWAYS gives me this massive wedgie! And there is only so much room to keep pulling it out...One handed!!
-
One thing about D.. you learn to do a lot of things one handed. I've learned to untangle my earphones, text, and unwrap candies with one hand. I'm actually quite proud of myself. *L*
-
You are so right Riki - I had a friend who played golf with one hand. I marveled at the time but after trying to read in dialysis with one hand (solved with kindle) I now understand how fantastic he was doing everything in everyday life.
Now, Casper - I know you are a female - so I don't know if this would work for you but: The only way to go is commando! :sir ken; I wear a track suit bottom and it is much more comfortable.
-
I'm not on dialysis yet, but always trying to prepare for my future. Do ya'll need to drag a u-haul truck into your units? Looking at the lists of items needed to stay comfortable and entertained for hours on end, how do you carry it all? Especially when you're talking about multiple pillows, bulky blankets, etc.
-
i take a small pillow for my arm, a neck pillow and a blanket. everything (and then some) fits nicely into an extra large l l bean boat tote. one lady brings a dog bed foam pad to line her chair with. she let me try it out. very comfy. part of what helps is that when we started the nocturnal shift the center bought new chairs. they are softer, you can recline them or sit up on your own without a techs help, and they have heat.
-
I have just been sucking it up....until now I will try out some pillows for sure...wonder if I could buy one of those vibrating comfy chairs n take it in with me...lol oO(wonders)
-
Thegranmalady-gezze, sign me up for you center...mine is freezing cold. I keep my coat on and bring a blanket (king sized and doubled over) and a wool hat! Even with that I still freeze! Its hard when all your blood is being taken out in tubes in the "open" being cleaned then put back in with being cooled down by the process. Heated chairs...Who'd of thunk?
-
ooohhhh.. I wish we had heated chairs.. but, I guess the chairs we got are ok.. at least they're not the lazyboy chairs that they have in the centre I go to in Manhattan. I have to remember next time I go that I need to take my own pillow for my arm too. They have nothing there.
oh, and we have heated blankets.. so I guess that makes up for the non heated chairs
-
I'm not on dialysis yet, but always trying to prepare for my future. Do ya'll need to drag a u-haul truck into your units? Looking at the lists of items needed to stay comfortable and entertained for hours on end, how do you carry it all? Especially when you're talking about multiple pillows, bulky blankets, etc.
Our unit has lockers there so we can store pillows, blankets etc - that really helps. That way I keep my stuff there and only take stuff out to wash (eg: blanket, pillow cases etc).
-
where are these in center units that have vibrating and heated dialysis chairs? dialysis urban legend!! :rofl;
xo,
R
-
where are these in center units that have vibrating and heated dialysis chairs? dialysis urban legend!! :rofl;
Have you tried Dialyspa? It is dialysis in a spa like atmosphere ;)
http://dialyspa.localplacement.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=68&phpMyAdmin=u0me%2CImSy0wxz2SlH1HcNCyFzh6
Rich amenities
Welcoming, friendly staff
Professionally designed décor with warm colors and textures and a soothing waterwall
Ambient lighting with no bright, clinical lighting
18 heated dialysis chairs
Flat-panel televisions at each heated dialysis chair
Internet access via touch-screen monitors at each heated dialysis chair
Complimentary coffee and crushed ice bar
Industry-leading 3:1 patient to technician ratios (versus industry standard of 4:1) and 9:1 patient to nurse ratios (versus industry standard of 12:1) for the most attentive care available
Open Monday-Friday, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday by appointment, for maximum flexibility
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=20561.msg342887#msg342887
http://dialyspa.localplacement.net/the-dialyspa-difference
-
very cool.. but I'll bet it's expensive...
-
thanks greg10!
-
Ok I officially laughed my behind off on this one... not good, no more cushion for those chairs! LOL
Numb ass really is a terrible feeling, as is numb appendage... I dont move my arm at all duirng D, because infultrating happens to me entirely too easily. So by the end, when I get them needles pulled and I move my arm for the first time in over 4 hrs and its (forgive me for saying but so true) orgasmic!
riki "Getting up at the end of the run always feels good, with the full body stretch, and pulling my underwear out of my butt crack. I"m told that I'm not the only one who does that." I too have this problem... a good cure, skip wearing them LOL actually, man undies are better than womans... Idk why, but they dont tend to ride as badly. I usually go comando when i can though, that way i dont have to dig them out lol
Ok Ok, for real... Here is what I think would WORK but they cost... Mattress Pads, those "Temperpedic" (or the generic form anyway) for a twin bed, should fit nicely. I have seen a few folks who made something similar, I keep meaning to ask what they used...Those temperpedic things are flippin awesome, i have the generic version of the pillow, ahhhh its nice. I often want to buy one just for my poor tushy.
-
I wear pj pants, which are fairly loose fitting.. I would think that after 4 hours or so, they'd be creeping up there too..
-
I never had my ass go numb, but my fistula arm goes numb all the time. I think it hasto do with the pump speed being high, like 550 or so.(Is that High, I really am not sure). I always thought the chairs were pretty comfortable, but we just got these new chairs that have massage and heat and a little control panel on the right side.
-
Aha...I suffer from NA every session. For relief, I lay flat and put my feet flat on the foot rest. Then I lift my butt a few inches up and squeeze my butt muscles. I will also just slowly flip myself to my left side so my butt is not pressed into the chair. Ah, relief!! :yahoo;
-
When I eventually go back to HD, I think I will take along my snuggie. You know the one, the blanket that has sleeves.
-
I wear pj pants, which are fairly loose fitting.. I would think that after 4 hours or so, they'd be creeping up there too..
I wear Kami-knickers. :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
-
We have heat/vibrating chairs but for some reason I always get a non-working chair. I can't even get the tech open the left side to see if its disconnected on the bottom. sigh :( I guess I'll have to wait until a tech who I know will do it has me.
-
I used a foam mattress on the chair for nocturnal when I was on a chair in the center.
For the cold I bring the ski hand warmers and put it on my chest under a doubled blanket.
I have not figured out the wedgie problem, commando style sounds interesting.
-
The worst part about the wedgie problem for me is the disdainful and icy looks I get from the fellow sufferers near me. I always say very loudly when I adjust myself 'JUST ADJUSTING MY WEDGIE' but I am concerned that my explanation is falling on deaf ears. I can distinctly hear muttered comments like "Disgusting", "Filthy habit" even "Dirty old fart'. I know 15 minutes is a long time to manipulate a wedgie so perhaps my technique is at fault
Have you FWS (fellow wedgie sufferers) any advice to proffer?
-
steps on how to undo a wedgie:
1. look around to see if anyone is awake and looking your way (do not anounce the action before you do it Bruno :Kit n Stik;)
2. secretly and very descretely turn onto your left side (you can turn onto the right side if you prefer)
3. again view if anyone is noticing
4. rub/ scratch your back
5. when the time is right just dive in there and dislodge it quickly
This is a fool proof method (it won't work for everyone only for fools) :rofl; (like me) :rofl; :2thumbsup;
To prevent a wedgie : just don't move - at all.
-
I sometimes feel like i need a shovel to dislodge the wad of fabric entering my throat via my colon.
The wiggle ur booty method is always a fun one, and then of course the oh streeeeeeeeeetchhhhh lift leg pull on pant legs method lol
-
Well, I guess when it comes down to it, the wedgie problem is all to common to be embarrassed by it. You all have made me feel non too ashamed to pick at my ass in public, because I know that everyone rides down in their chair at one point in treatment or another. Your support has been priceless! And I've learned what it feels like to wear a thong (I don't know why anyone would do that voluntarily!). Thank you! :clap;
-
The worst part about the wedgie problem for me is the disdainful and icy looks I get from the fellow sufferers near me. I always say very loudly when I adjust myself 'JUST ADJUSTING MY WEDGIE' but I am concerned that my explanation is falling on deaf ears. I can distinctly hear muttered comments like "Disgusting", "Filthy habit" even "Dirty old fart'. I know 15 minutes is a long time to manipulate a wedgie so perhaps my technique is at fault
Have you FWS (fellow wedgie sufferers) any advice to proffer?
What is a wedgie? are we talking about an erection here or just a little bit of genital husbandry. I usually look round to make sure no-one is looking and then do some little adjustments or better still just have a good SCRATCH!! :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
If anyone complained I'd just reply '' Betty Swallocks (anag.) :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
-
The "technical" definition of a wedgie follows. In this discussion though, wedgie refers to one's undies getting wedged in one's backside from the action of sliding slowly down the chair. Well, I guess. NB, I didn't start this discussion, but I can see that the problem of the naturally occurring chair wedgie would be pretty dire if it were happening to you.
Wedgie (from Urban Dictionary. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Wedgie&defid=1439289 (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Wedgie&defid=1439289) )
A wedgie is a schoolyard prank in which one person grabs the back of the waistband of another person's underwear, while he or she is still wearing them, and pulls them up. This wedges their underwear between their butt cheeks. A wedgie can be painful, depending upon how hard it is performed or how high the underwear is pulled up. In the schoolyard, wedgies are most often performed on uncool male children who wear briefs or tighty whities by cool male children who wear boxers. However, wedgies can also be performed on males who wear boxers and on women, too. A wedgie can also be called a gotch pull. A wedgie can also refer to underwear riding up on its own.
There are many different types of wedgies. A wedgie from the front is called a melvin. A wedgie from both sides, often performed by two people, is called a mervin. A wedgie in which the victim's underwear is hung on a doorknob or something high up is called a hanging wedgie. A wedgie in which the underwear rips or tears; or in some cases, rips completely off is called a turbo wedgie or a ripper wedgie. A wedgie in which the pants of the victim are ripped completely off is called a cosmic wedgie. A wedgie in which the female victim is wearing a thong is called a thwedgie. A wedgie on a female from the front is called a vedgie. A wedgie in which the person performing the wedgie jumps up and down in order to wedge the underwear further is called a sky high wedgie. A wedgie in which the victim is given a wedgie and lifted off the ground and then spun around is called the flying dutchman. A wedgie in which after the wedgie is first performed, some kind of a pole is inserted between the legholes and twisted around to give the victim more of a wedgie is called a propeller wedgie. A wedgie in which the victim's underwear is lifted up over their head and rests on their forehead is called an atomic wedgie. A wedgie in which the victim is lifted up the ground by their underwear and the underwear is pulled above their head but does not rest on their forehead is called a nuclear wedgie.
Yesterday after school, my friend Chris gave me a hanging wedgie and left me for two hours.
-
:rofl; :clap; i love urban dictionary! :rofl;
I gave my son a wedgie last night, on accident(I swear!!! it was an accident!!).... it was commical!
-
When I was younger (not too long ago), I used to give my brother wedgies where I was just left just holding the waist band of his underwear, and the left over was lodged in his crack...what's that called?
By the way, the information on wedgies was invaluable!
-
yeah... I giggled at the flying dutchman....
Oh.. I just remembered something... Murf, I was going to get a snuggie, and ask the nurses if I could leave it in the blanket warmer... *L* I never actually did it, though.
-
Ah so nice to know that in additon to the usual symptoms and challenges of ESRD and D we also have mutual company in the NUMB ASS department. NA was particuarly challenging when ( after smashing my knee to bits carrying my PD machine and it causing me to take a tumble down 15 cement steps) I had to be on bed rest and no weight on my bad knee for 3 months - my ass hurt more often than not. Now that I am more mobile and able to be more active in my life in general its less of a problem. Recently thought I had another 4 week stint of hospitalizations (septic schock from IJ catheter) so the NA reoccurred. Stealing the gel cushion of a wheel charir and inserting in under my hind end on top of the D chari idid help.
happy sitting
-
I will admitt that it is uncomfortable to sit for any length of time.... I was one of those who never sat....Now I am doing Dialysis everday... I sit for awhile but then I stand too.... cant move around alot but standing does help..If my pressures go up too high I just slow down the machine.... take a break....
-
No one seems to have mentioned this, but you can get a mattress overlay that has alternating filling and emptying, reducing the constant pressure on your back side. This is generally used in the hospital for preventing bed sores. It may be of use in this case. About $60. This can be noisy for some people.
-
I was recently in a large sports supply store and notice that they had a number of items for watching outdoor sports like inflatable cushions for seats and it made me think of this diiscussion :rofl; so i thought i would share that there are alot of comfort items in the sporting goods store or on line that might make the sport of sitting through D for 4 hours more bearablle :yahoo;
-
No one seems to have mentioned this, but you can get a mattress overlay that has alternating filling and emptying, reducing the constant pressure on your back side. This is generally used in the hospital for preventing bed sores. It may be of use in this case. About $60. This can be noisy for some people.
This is a bit inpractical for me. I can not carry so much stuff to the unit as I battle to carry it all with one arm afterwards. Maybe the people that do Nocturnal D can use it.
I constantly change the position of my chair.... ie. the top section up/down and the bottom section up/down. That helps a little.
-
Hot news fellow sufferers, I have pioneered a development that I have proven over three (yes, three!) test runs will completely eliminate the "wedgie" problem. It is my intention to patent what is in essence a very simple device and one that contributed to my rehabilitation and re acceptance back into my dialysis ward. Those who no longer spoke to me (yes, there was a time when I was ignored) now greet me even in a somewhat subdued fashion.
What is the secret? I can hear you asking
It's simple, I now wear a thong, in a large size admittedly but certainly in a tasteful colour. (a delicate mauve)
I realise it's normally a ladies garment but folks it works and it's not as though I'm suggesting we fellows adopt it for normal wear (unless?)
On another subject I'd like your advice, I notice I've finished my last three sessions with a severe headache...any suggestions?
-
On another subject I'd like your advice, I notice I've finished my last three sessions with a severe headache...any suggestions?
Bruno I noticed I get headaches quite frequently too. A nurse told me it was your body trying to adjust and recaliberate from all the fluids that are gone. I usually go home and go to bed and it is gone the next day. Sometimes I put ice packs on my head.
xo,
R
-
I get headaches too, but was told it was the fluids in my head getting used to the pressure changes due to the liquid being moved during the dialysis process. I was told and have been receiving meds (Manatol?) that help relieve them. Don't know if this is fact, but whatever they give me helps, 'cause I know those headaches are awful!
-
Oh, ya...In response to the wedgie solution, you're basically saying if you start out with one, you wont worry about getting one though out the session because you started with one? :rofl;
-
:guitar: Tonight was impossible! Sat down at machine at 5pm. It had 6 minutes to go. It just would not start. The nurses tried everything and it did not good at all. We had to shut machine down and go thru all the tests again. Still, no luck. :urcrazy; I finally got the clock ticking at 6:45!!!!!!!!!!
4 hours later - my bum was screaming for relief.
Some days it just don't pay to get out of bed - only kidding
-
In our case it doesn't pay to get into one for 5hours. :2thumbsup;
-
Here's an odd thing...I didn't wear my thong (pale mauve) to my dialysis centre today (it was being laundered and starched) and for the first time in a while I didn't end up with a headache. My mother (who loaned me the thong) said it may have been too tight. She's 60 kg and I'm 112kg.
What do you think? Should I only wear it for cricket practice or is it the wrong colour for a clean living Aussie bloke?
-
You must have worn it back-to-front.
-
Must say I agree - the overwhelming sensation of numb bum far outweighs anthing a needle has to offer by way of discomfort, and what makes a bad hair day worse is when the cramps set in near the end of the session. Find myself staring at that timer with absolute certainly that time has indeed stood still, and that I am forever locked in to the Hell that is internment in a dialysis chair!
-
Well said, Gandalf.
-
Bruno: you might think size would be a factor, but I suggest the real problem might be the colour. Honestly, starched mauve; it's giving me a headache just thinking about it.
-
Just out of curiosity, I'd love to see the sight! Starched? Really? :sir ken;
-
About a year and a half ago I was sitting in my chair and slid which caused a shear injury to my backside. This means the flesh moved and the muscle didn't. At first it was just sore but I soon after contracted an infection from the placement of my current fistula which caused me to go into septic shock and spend a month in the hospital. I ended up with a Stage 2 bed sore on my tush. After I was released from the hospital I couldn't sit without being on a pillow. I discovered that a memory foam pillow that is about 3 inches thick works very well to prevent the numb butt. I also used a pillow behind my back. The chairs the unit has are old and broken down. After the 4 hour run I was so sore I could hardly walk. I have since switched to home hemo and only run for 2.5 hours a day and have a hospital bed but still have problems with back pain during the run.
-
I find that I can sit on my bum for around 2-3 hours, then I have to move over onto a hip. Once I've made the transfer, I have to switch hips about once an hour(I run for 8 hours at a time).
-
I have given up the idea of wearing a thong (pale mauve) due to the remarks (some of which have tended to be derogatory) made by several contributors to this thread. I had intended this to be a serious discussion on what can be a serious medical problem as you can see from Trena's post where as you can see she has developed BS (bum shear).
But no matter, I thank all those who made a sincere effort at relating the many methods they have found useful.
For myself, I will continue to fearlessly investigate this problem even though the nurses at my centre have now put a screen around my seat, to protect the other dialysers, I am told.