Two questions/thoughts/comments

[CalamityEC]

Okay so my first comment/question revolves around dialysis.  I've been doing hospital hemo for about a month now (started Oct. .  And the last week and a half, every time I finish, I am left feeling like I had a previous evening/night of crazy drinking.  I get a bad headache, and can't stomach the thought of any food except something very bland like soda crackers.  Does anyone else have this problem?  I can resolve it by taking little sips of water afterwards and sleeping a lot.  I know part of it is the weight they remove each treatment.  But, I'm not on fluid restrictions and am still peeing normally.  Does anyone else have this problem?  Will it get resolved if I ask them instead of aiming for removing half a kilogram (sorry Americans, I still can't do my weight in kilos either. lol) they shoot for .2 or .3?

I just hate to feel so terrible for the rest of the day, especially when one of those days is Saturday, and it's usually the only full day my dad gets at home (he's currently working about 4 hours away).



My second comment is about work up for a transplant.  I cleared almost everything.  I am even lucky in that with my first transplant and half a dozen blood transfusions, I don't have any anti-bodies.  I was super happy.  All I needed to get cleared for my operation was a copy of my last pap sent in for my work up.  Here's the kicker: the last 6 years all of my paps have come back unclear.  So I go for another pap 3-6 months later.  Finally my gyno called for extra tests in February (this year) and I got laser done to my cervix.  And my follow-up pap didn't come back clear.  I guess I'm worried that this will keep me from getting a transplant.  I'm pretty pissed because my gyno is terrible.  (I live in a town where i have few options for a gyno.)  I've been trying to keep things in perspective and not freak out (as my mother has been doing), but it's like I was running a marathon, though I only had 2 miles left, and instead am told I have at least another 10.

I'm hoping talking to my transplant coordinator and talking to my doctor will help, but am unsure.

Thanks for listening   Have a great day!

[Deanne]

I can't respond to the HD questions - I'm on PD.

If you have cancer risks, they could refuse to list you. The immune suppressants can amplify any existing cancer risks into full-blown cancer, so as annoying as it is, it's with reason. I understand what you mean about being at the end of a marathon and havnig the rug pulled out from under you. Every time I think I'm ready to go back on Active status, I've been thrown another curve ball. It's very frustrating! Deep breaths. Come here to rant, then schedule whatever appointment they're demanding this time. How far would you need to travel to a different/better gyn?

[amanda100wilson]

Suggest that you measure your pre output so that you can give an actual figure to your d alysis nurse  so that you are in a firm position for arguing that they should not take so much off.  Stand firm and do not let them take too much off.

[jeannea]

I think you're going to have to travel for a different gyno. The hospital where you're having your transplant workup must have a gyno practice. Get an appt. take copies of records from your other gyno if possible. I don't know if your gyno can't take a sample or if you really have a problem but you need to find out.

I always felt like crap after hemo. I felt nauseated after my treatments. Talk to your doctor about it. You may need your dry weight adjusted. Your electrolytes could be messed up. Get him to help you.

[iketchum]

About the sick stomach. I eat pancakes or maybe a bagel, they dont seem to bother. I also had fruit cups. They say mellons are off limit, but they sure settled my belly. I also have to sleep for a couple of hours, lets the fluids level out I guess.

[kit78]

It took me almost a yr. to feel just tired after treatment but still have those awful crappy days where you can't do anything but come home and eat and then right to bed.  I do remember a time I came home and went right to bed.  I was so sick from pneumonia and losing my transplant last yr., I could hardly walk.  So, yes, what you are going thru is normal for your body to adjust.   As for the other test, not to sure.  I was told because I have anti bodies it would be 5 yr. before I could get another transplant.  I wonder how you get rid of the anti-bodies....

[CalamityEC]

Thanks guys.  I have another gyno appointment and have voiced my concerns to my transplant coordinator.  As for the cancer risks, I have been told "it isn't cancer". lol.  And I know the immunosuppressents can mess with things, because I have a failing transplant, so I've been on them for over 2.5 decades.

I am having blood work done tomorrow to see if there is something to be done with feeling crappy after dialysis.

I really do appreciate the feedback

[Rerun]

Just go home and sleep for 3 hours.  I've heard it said that dialysis is like running a marathon.  Go home and sleep.

I do the 8 hours at night and then go home and sleep for 3 hours also.  The longer dialysis doesn't leave me so "washed out". 

[CalamityEC]

I do sleep afterwards sometimes.  But lately I've been sleeping during.  That helps.  I am finding that drinking a lot of water the night before and during helps me feel human.