Started Dialysis

[Southpaw]

I have been fighting kidney failure for 15 years.  My creatinine went from 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 and finally jumped to 10.4 after catching the flu.  My dr. still says there is a slight chance my
kidneys will kick back in.  I have been on dialysis for a week and a I hate it.   It is awful!!  I think I would rather be sick.  Actually I feel the same as I did before dialysis.  My dr. said I was just
used to being sick.  I think I have the strength to live with a GFR of 6. No swelling, appetite fine, sleep fine, potassium fine.  I have no symptoms.  Do you think I made a mistake giving in to my Dr???

I might be able to get off dialysis if my labs stay good and I keep peeing.   My dr says its a long shot but I think it might happen.  I HATE DIALYSIS!!!!

[cdwbrooklyn]

Welcome Southpaw, 

I know how you feel.  It will get better as time go by.  We all felt that way when starting dailysis for the first time.  However, things will get better in time. Your body has to get use to it. 

Regarding getting off of dailysis, when I was in-center, I saw two people get off of dailysis because their kidney started functioning again.  One person was on dailysis for 7 years and the other was on dailysis for 1 year.  I don't know if they came back but they were not back while I was there for 11 years.  So, yes, it can be possible.   However, if it doesn't happen and you don't want to stay in-center there are other options. 

Enjoy your stay as you are always welcome 

[lmunchkin]

Yea, John didn't like it either.  Sorry you have to go through all this.  It is hard on all of you and I hate it for you all!!!!!

God bless,
lmunchkin

[Southpaw]

Thanks for the replies.  I still feel worse now then I did before dialysis.  I am begining to think this was a mistake.  My dr keeps saying i will feel better; so I guess I have to wait for that to happen.
Also my arm is black and blue where  my fistula is.  The nurse said its because you are new.

[cdwbrooklyn]

Southpaw, your nurse is trying to cover her behind.  Your arm is black and blue because whoever is sticking you, he or she is sticking you too deep.  Your nurse should know that.   Try to get a tech who has long term experience.  Ask some patients who been there a long time who is the best sticker and you will see the different.  Also, you should start to feel better in about 3-4 months. 

Feel better
CDW 

[lmunchkin]

Southpaw, your nurse is trying to cover her behind.  Your arm is black and blue because whoever is sticking you, he or she is sticking you too deep.  Your nurse should know that.   Try to get a tech who has long term experience.  Ask some patients who been there a long time who is the best sticker and you will see the different.  Also, you should start to feel better in about 3-4 months. 

Feel better
CDW 

Very Good Advice!

God Bless,
lmunchkin

[Riverwhispering]

The first three months when I started dialysis I was infiltrated a bunch of times.  Black and blue was the norm and it was finally explained to me the "why"  Your vein is still "new" and even though it might be good and strong and working great the walls need to mature and that doesn't start to happen until after it's been used for a while.  It takes a few months for the walls to toughen up after starting dialysis.  The nurses/techs can't "feel" the wall until they thicken.  I know this is true because it's been over 6 months for me now on dialysis and it's been a good three months since they infiltrated me. 

[kit78]

Hi Southpaw,

I hope your kidneys come back!

I started dialysis last June after I lost my kidney transplant of 11 years.  No, I never went on dialysis back then so this has been my first encounter.  I am just now starting to adapt, if that's what one calls it, to these sessions.  Just when I thought my body was getting use to dialysis, I guess I spoke too soon.  I still get so wiped out... a feeling as if I have the flu or something.  I love the days I "just" feel tired.  Such a big difference between the two. 

Hang in there...it's a roller coaster ride but it does get better.  I am still amazed how people can still work, unfortunately I am not one of them!  Maybe someday soon I can get back in the grind of things.

Light & Blessings coming your way!

J

[Grumpy-1]

Southpaw and Kit78    Hemo dialysis seems to "wipeout" most of us.  I did PD for 3 years (until infections in the PD tubing required removal) I'm now in house hemo.  And I don't like it.  It wipes me out everytime.  I work a 12-13 hours work day (include commute) and then another 4 hours in the chair kills me.  All I can do is go home and climb into bed.  I'm hoping to go back to PD within a month. Some folks don't like PD, but I do MUCH better in it than hemo.  SouthPaw - do some research on PD - they also have home hemo now that could make it better for you.   BUT being new, they may want you to come in house for a while to make sure all is well.  Grumpy