NxStage training starting next Monday...

[Leanne]

Well, looks like I'm gonna take the plunge and try NxStage.  I really hope it works out for us because we travel three hours round trip for in center.  The winters stink on the curvy mountain roads too.  We had to travel in snow today.  Mostly I am hoping I will feel better doing this.  In center is just draining.  I just recovered from my fifth abdominal surgery from a PD tube that was removed over a year ago.  Yes, you heard right, five surgeries.  Had a new surgeon this time and so far so good!  So I am ready for some normal and ready to feel good and ready to fit dialysis into my life instead of my life into dialysis.  Plus being in center tends to be depressing.  For me at least.  Im hoping being in charge of my own stuff and being in my own home will make me feel less like a patient and more like a normal person.  Starting out Marc is going to stick me but I might see if I can do it myself.  I havre stuck plenty of people as an EMT over my career but Im not sure about this!  Trying to be optimistic about all of it.  As usual my mantra will be...."I think I can, I think I can."

[geoffcamp]

COOL. I am currently in the beginning stages of trying to get it!!  Initial information and paperwork is on the way. Keep me posted on how it goes. And if you can pm me with how long it took to get where you are currently at and what you had to do. Are you in the US??  THX. G.

[justjen321]

Congratulations Leanne! Come on to the dark side, we have renal friendly cookies.

Being a former EMT is going to be a big help to you. Keep us updated on how you are doing!

[BobN]

Leanne, wishing you the best.  Saving on the drive alone should make it worthwhile.

Let us all know how you do.

[lmunchkin]

You go girl!!!!  So glad to hear someone wants better dialysis.  Been doing husband for almost 3 yrs, and couldnt imagine any other modality.  Once you get it rolling and use to it, you will feel much better.  And doing it at times YOU want and in your own surroundings, will definately be a plus.

I can get carried away talking about NxStage, so this time, I will chill.  Hope this really works for you, it certainly has for us!

Any questions or observations, please feel free to ask. There are plenty on here that has experience with NxStage.  I personally love doing it at Our times.  No restraints!

John went to clinic for monthly work up and his labs are great.  His clearance was 2.8, down from 2.9.  Still not bad! We owe it all to NxStage.

Keep us informed, Leanne.  So happy you are attempting this.  If it doesn't work, well, you can always go in-center again! Secretly, you are going to be good at this!  I know it!

God Bless,
lmunchkin

[boswife]

Awww,, I "think you can" too    And especially since your' already medically in-tuned to this kind of thing.  I was a real fradycat, though excited, and was probably one of the harder ones to adjust, but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we did and it's great!  I think you'll feel so much better physically,  that you'll get through the different stages of it all just for the health of it.  It's a lot, and then someore at first,  and it seems like things keep getting added to it..lol but.......... once again, once it settles, you'll wonder what was the big deal and worries in the start.  Wishen you all the best and peace and calm with it all.  You'll do great! 

and to imunch........... you crack me up!!  You LOVE nxStage sooooooooooooooo much   I do to, It just took me a long ole time before the 'love' happened..hehe

[lmunchkin]

It really has been a fantastic modality for John & I.  With his conditions and all, it has worked out so well!!! Lugging him around in a wheelchair is so cumbersome, so NxStage not only gives him good clearance, but stability in the home.

You know, BW, I admire you for sticking with it.  I know you had some rough spots with it, but hey, look at you now!!! You are one tough lady, I tell you what!  Most would turn back, but you didnt.  Its paid off, hasnt it? 

God Bless,
lmunchkin

[boswife]

  yep munch,,, it has paid off   AND..... whats really good to share, and you do it so well, i s that NxStage is very stable and takes care of itself really well. .. and their support service is increadable !!!!!!!!!   My own stupid 'issues' / anxietie is what caused it to be so rough for me    . If only I could have trusted it from the get go..lol  But!!!!!!!!!    It never failed and finally i trusted    And im so glad i had you guys to get me over that hump   
which means................ we're all here for you new people getting started too 

[kit78]

Can you do this process if you live alone? Or do you have to have someone around when doing it?

[geoffcamp]

Can you do this process if you live alone? Or do you have to have someone around when doing it?

********.   this of course is based upon my option and if your access requires a needle stick I would definitely not try alone. I have a chest cath pretty similar to a PD hook up. No needles!!

I am in the process of trying it. In my meetings sobfar they are admit on requiring a partner/caregiver. But and keep on the down low. LOL. I "heard" that you can get someone to go with you for traing they won't check or know your doing it alone. (My plan).

As long as your labs are complete on time and all good then all should be ok.

[cdwbrooklyn]

Kit78, yes you can do it alone; however, I would recommend you get someone to check on you for the first six months.   When you are comfortable enough to do it alone then the person can check on your once in a while to see if you are doing okay.  I do it alone but I do have someone if something happens and I need some help.  Praise God, everything is going well.  I have my routine and it works best for me.  I do it five times a week but I break it up unless otherwise planned.  I do it Mondays and Tuesdays nights, Thursday and Friday nights, and Sunday morning for now.  When I get tired of this schedule, I will switch my days.   This is the beauty of NxStage.  I can switch days anytime without missing a treatment.

I really do enjoy Nxstage but there are days I wish I didn’t have to do dialysis at all.  Nevertheless, it is what it is. 
You can do it but see if you can get someone who will train with you and check on you until you’re comfortable doing it alone.  It can be done.  The person does not have to live with you.  He or she just has to sign some papers stating he or she is your care giver.
 
GO FOR IT!!!!