Just started dialysis

[dyannalw]

I just got my fistula and a temp cath put in last Monday and started dialysis on Tuesday.  My emotions are all over the place.  Is that normal?  I do feel some better but one minute I feel like crying the next I'm okay.  Dialysis isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be  Of course I'm not being stuck with needles yet.  I do have some diarrhea in the evening after dialysis and they are giving me epo and iron.
Hope everyone is doing well.

God Bless,

Dyanna

[peleroja]

Hi, Dyanna, and welcome aboard.  I found that hemo is very hard on the body, especially the hair.  I think the biggest thing about suddenly going on dialysis is the loss of control.  Questions like, "Am I still really me with this (catheter, fistula, graft, etc.) stuck in my chest or arm?" are bound to occur.  It took me 2 years to really get used to my pre-sternal PD catheter in my chest.  I cared for it, but was never able to look at myself in the mirror.  Sounds to me like you're having a perfectly normal reaction.  Keep on coming back and get more insights from other folks.

[kellyt]

   This wedsite holds a lot of knowledge and experience.  You have definitely come to the right place.  I'm glad you're finding dialysis to not be as bad as you thought.  I hope it remains that way when you start using the needles.  Hang in there and check in with IHD often.  Bless you.   

[kitkatz]

Take your time and ask a lot of questions.

[KICKSTART]

Emotions play a big part in dialysis , its like being on a rollercoaster , so yes its normal. I think alot of us grieve for the life we had. On a positive note though , if you have been feeling unwell in the lead up to starting dialysis , once you get going you should feel a whole lot better than you have done for a while ! 

[Hanify]

Completely normal Dyanna.  Nice to meet you.  Post often.

[RichardMEL]

Welcome Dyanna.. as others have said - your up and down (and around!) feelings are totally normal.. specially when you've had a very quick and rude introduction to dialysis it seems... It knocks you about both the process and coming to grips with what it all means for you. In this respect you're totally normal.

I hope things settle down for you soon as you get into the routine of it.

Also don't be scared about being stuck... it's OK really (and I'm a wimp when it comes to needles!).. An access is much MUCH better for you than a permacath!

[dyannalw]

Thank you for your replies.  I am doing pretty good I guess but tired after dialysis and hungry.  I have been taking a granola bar with me to eat while I'm there and that helps a little.

My biggest problem is I have no help really.  My mom was diagnosed with cancer the same week I started dialysis and we are the ones who takes care of the family.  My kids try to help a little but don't cook so it is up to me when I come home.  I like the days without dialysis and I do feel better.  I don't feel congested all the time now which is really nice. 

Thanks for all the support.

God Bless,

Dyanna