Here It Goes

[Shaks24]

Jean, you mentioned vein mapping. Are you preparing for Hemo or are you thinking PD or maybe getting both a PD catheter and a fistula like I did?

[Shaks24]

So, after a couple weeks on the cycler with a bunch of alarms and some real slow drains we seem to have figured it out. On the Tidal program I do an initial fill of 2000ml of 1.5. Then I drain 1600ml and do 3 subsequent fills of 1600ml. The final drain takes whatever it can and I have been averaging about 500 UF on the program. Thanks goodness the last 4 to 5 treatments have been drain pain free and no alarms. I get to remain empty during the day and the program takes about 8 hours to run when things go well. I see the light!

[Bambino_Bear]

I am so glad!!!

 

[Joe]

That's great news Shaks24! And I'm sure it's a relief to you that things are going better.

[Shaks24]

Thanks Joe and Nikki. Its a relief to know we have a plan that's working.

[Simon Dog]

My kidney function is actually improved slightly at 21%. I however have been feeling horrible for the last 3 or 4 weeks with classic ESRD symptoms. My Neph suggested starting PD to get to feeling better and scheduled appointments with a surgeon and a PD Clinic to start training. Is it crazy to start at 21% function? From reading on this site it seems as though most start at much lower kidney function levels. The meeting with the surgeon this Thursday is just a consultation to schedule PD catheter placement.

The Neph I deal with generally starts people early on PD to preserve residual function for a longer period of time.    Residual declines faster with HD (in the words of my neph "It's generally all gone in 6 months"), and the studies show that starting people who are going the HD route as late as possible tends to have better outcomes.   GFR 21 sounds way early for HD, but not for PD.  Plus, you should be able to wait a couple of weeks for the PD cath to do some healing before you have to start D.

[Shaks24]

Thats good to know Simon Dog. I definately feel much better since starting PD in September.  My Neph felt it was time as well based mainly on symptoms. While it's quite a bit of work to do home PD, it sure beats feeling like crap.

[Shaks24]

Last night my program ran in 7 hours and fourty minutes. That is quick. The variable always seems to be the drain time and as of late its been quick. For those starting on the cycler, do not get dismayed if you have issues at the onset. Its amazing what adjustments can be made to iron out any kinks. I highly recommend the Tidal setting and wonder why the centers do not just start with it.   

[Shaks24]

Another benefit of the cycler: when I was doing manuals 4 times a day, the skin between my knuckles literally dried up to the point of cracking open and bleeding. I guess so much hand washing and sanitizing caused this even though I used moisturizing lotion in between. With the cycler you do not have to hand wash and sanitize so many times  during the day.  My hands are now healed. yip yip yipppppeeeee!

[Deanne]

Are you sleeping through the night now Shaks? It took a couple of nights for me and I couldn't sleep through until they switched me to Tidal, either. I was too busy anticipating drain pain. It's hard to believe now that I've been doing this for over two months already. I'm glad you're feeling better. How long did it take before you noticed a difference? I thought I felt a bit more energetic after just a few days, but I wasn't sure if it was real or if I was just imagining it.

[Shaks24]

I am sleeping better but I would not call it sound sleep. I think it will get better in time. I do feel better now but am somewhat weak and tired. I own a small business but have not worked for a few months. Its physical work and I just do not have the strength to do it now. Maybe in time this will improve.