I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: dadsindialysis on June 17, 2013, 10:46:24 AM

Title: Extra Dialysis sessions for too much fluid?
Post by: dadsindialysis on June 17, 2013, 10:46:24 AM

Hi there - I'm hoping someone can help me with my Dad's situation. He was hospitalized for a week where they decided he needed a colonoscopy. So they put him on a liquid diet for 3 days and then had him drink all that stuff to prep. He gained 40lbs of fluid in ONE WEEK!  It's really scaring me. 

In my opinion, he should be having extra sessions to get the fluid off, but he's still just MWF. It's been 2 1/2 weeks, and they've made very little progress.  He asked about it, but they just said they didn't have time open.

In your experiences, is it appropriate to add extra dialysis? Is that not common?  I would imagine it would have to be played by his insurance.

I'm just not sure how to get this taken care of. 

Thanks so much!

Deb

Title: Re: Extra Dialysis sessions for too much fluid?
Post by: billybags on June 17, 2013, 11:05:11 AM

First of all welcome to the site deb  :welcomesign;  Sorry to hear about your Dad. You did'nt give us much info about him. Is he on hemo dialysis and if he is are they still giving it him in hospital? Why are they giving him all this fluid if he is on dialysis. I would start asking questions. Having a colonoscopy is quite common and straight forward, yes, you have to take the stuff that empties your bowels but you take that the day before.Why did he need 3 days on a fluid diet? is he out of hospital? Let us know.

Title: Re: Extra Dialysis sessions for too much fluid?
Post by: Rerun on June 17, 2013, 11:11:43 AM

You get a hold of his doctor or the clinic manager and ask for a PUFF.  That is where they put him on the machine and only pull fluid.  He needs to get that fluid off.  PUFF stands for something but I can't think of it.  Have him take a blanket because they don't or can't heat the blood because they are not cleaning his blood only pulling fluid.  It is a cold experience but he needs that off him.

Put on your mean pants and get that done.   :stressed;

Title: Re: Extra Dialysis sessions for too much fluid?
Post by: Henry P Snicklesnorter on June 17, 2013, 12:02:14 PM

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Title: Re: Extra Dialysis sessions for too much fluid?
Post by: dadsindialysis on June 17, 2013, 01:06:16 PM

Thanks!  I'm sorry I wasn't more specific.  He's on hemodialysis 3x a week. He had a fall on Mother's Day and fractured his knee and wrist. He's got so many medical issues that it really took him out. He's in a nursing home trying to get rehabbed, but at the moment is almost immobile. 

The hospital stay was a result of complications of his blood sugars and blood thinner levels, and he started having some bleeding - which is where the colonoscopy came in to play.  I just can't get over the fact that they put so much fluid into him and didnt take off extra during his hospital stay!!!!  Admittedly, it's difficult to weigh him properly, as he's either stretcher or wheelchair bound for the moment.

I just thought there would be a bigger push to get it off him!!  So it sounds reasonable to have him go in an extra day or 2?  Does insurance typically balk at this?

Title: Re: Extra Dialysis sessions for too much fluid?
Post by: jeannea on June 17, 2013, 01:21:20 PM

Sounds like they gave too much fluid by IV. He needs at the hospital IMO and get more dialysis than usual. I would worry about his breathing with that much fluid. Is he on Medicare? If they discharged him before he was ready there's supposed to be a phone number to call to complain at the hospital. Keep yelling until you get him the help he needs. Try the nephrologist, the hospital, anyone you need to try.