It's Time

[frankswife]

Frank will have his first dialysis session this upcoming Tuesday. In the space of 5 days, his gfr went froto from 14 to 10 and BUN and creat are at 5.9 and 68. His neph gave him the choice of starting now or if he was adamantly opposed, he could wait another month or so. Hubby chose (wisely and bravely IMO) to start now, before he "needed" it. He has not been well at all the last few weeks, he has had 6 major hypoglycemic episodes requiring EMS intervention. We toured the dialysis center today and he seemed very interested, asked alot of questions and in general seemed less anxious about the whole thing. His neph wanted him scheduled so the neph could stay there with him for his first treatment. He will be doing T Th Sa for now. I cried a little bit but was not as freaked as I thought I would be. Hopefully once he starts he'll feel a bit better and maybe wont be so fatigued. Any words of wisdom for us?

[boswife]

Well, mostly, it's not nearly as bad as our heads can make it.  I know some have gone through the wringer, but mostly, with aide of a good neph..(which is sounds like you have a very good one) your going to do just fine. Now, im speaking from the "wife" of the patient, but sometimes, i feel i've had it rougher than him..lol  Only cause i love him and am a worrywart...  He took it well and besides a few ups and downs, we've done just fine.  I wish you both the best, and am sure you'll get some good advice regarding what to wear etc.... Oh yea, a pillow, and blankie are/were a must in our center.  Nearly froze to death..hehe

[AnnieB]

  Will be thinking of you and Frank on Tuesday and wishing you both well.

[lmunchkin]

How wise he is to start now rather than later.  When John was diagnosed, it was an Emergency.  At least Frank can ease into this and prepare as best he can.   It will probably be difficult at first.  He will need to establish his dry weight off the top. It can be tricky, but they will help him.  Over time, he will feel a big difference in the way he feels, sometimes, almost instantly. When he starts, he will see just how sick he has been and didnt realize it.

Have him check into other options too.  Lots of peopled are doing D at home now, and are doing it well!  We have done very good with Home D.  Its like second nature to us!

Good luck on Tuesday!  He is lucky to have you there for him.  God Bless you for that!

lmunchkin

[Clara]

Wishing you both good luck and lots of prayers.