Tuesday my life changes

[gotmoose]

Well that day has finally arrived. Tuesday I start Dialysis and my new life. Not looking forward to it , but I know if it makes me feel better I might look at this in a different way......trying to be positive but it isn't easy .

[iolaire]

Good luck.

Its my belief that I control a lot of my destiny and that a good attitude helps a lot.  So all that I can recommend is to try to be accepting of the change, maybe focus on how much of a miracle it is that you can live without a kidney and still live a quite fulfilling life with your mechanical kidney.

Dialysis is a huge time drain but think of other things that are time drains, reading, TV, internet browsing, talking on the phone etc... many of those same time drains cane be done on dialysis so you can just shift some of your pre-existing commitments to occur during dialysis.

[Hootie]

You will feel significantly better once you start dialysis. My wife was feeling really bad almost to the point of giving up until she started dialysis. She has become a new woman in every way since we started. We started in center then moved home. We all have fear, anxiety, etc. but once you get started with the process, things will improve and you will get more comfortable with it.

My wife started feeling better almost immediately. If you are an in center person you will probably have some washed out feelings but after that goes away you will feel like a new person. The advice given above is very good in doing things like surfing the news, movies, TV, catching up on email helps to pass the time.

All the best to you in your journey!

[Vt Big Rig]

It is not easy, gotmoose. But as mind blowingly confusing it is now ... it does get easier. Once you understand the process and get some practice it will seem routine.


Still not easy, but I completely agree with the other posters. I have been known to say that if I knew how much better I would fell compared to the last few pre dialysis months.... I would have started sooner.

[Simon Dog]

Life can be good with dialysis.   

For some of home treatment makes it much less bad than in-center, however, that varies by individual.    Make sure your care team explains all of your options.

[Michael Murphy]

Looking back I find my first day on dialysis was not as bad as I feared. Not even close.  Don't get me wrong, my advise is to avoid dialysis as long as you feel well.  But when the time comes as it sounds like it has for you the good news is you will feel better after dialysis.  Take my advise relax the worst part of your first dialysis treatment is usually the fear you feel before.  Good luck I hope it all goes well for you.

[cassandra]

Good luck tomorrow gotmoose, you'll be fine

  Love, Cas

[gotmoose]

Thanks everybody. I had a tour of the facility a bit ago. Everyone was so nice and listened to my fears and questions. They gave me reassurance and a positive feeling. I hope all goes well tomorrow.

[Zach]

You'll be OK tomorrow, gotmoose.
And the members of IHD will be with you tomorrow and always as you begin your new journey.
 

[Vt Big Rig]

Best of luck. When iI say it is not easy I mean because of the time involved. You are probably already used to watching fluid intake.

Listen, ask ANY question you have. Understand it. Here is wishing you get a training nurse as good as mine was.

You will do great. Everyone here is rooting for you. Check in with us after treatment.

[Alex C.]

Chances are, they will start you out easy, with smaller gauge needles, lower speed, and shorter treatment for the first day. You'll probably have no fewer than 5 nurses and techs around you for the start.

[gotmoose]

Yes they said they will be starting out with the smaller needles and run slow. I'm not afraid of the needles. It's more of a fear of leg cramping. I discussed that with them, they explained why that usually happens and how we will try to a avoid that. They also said various products are available to use should I choose for helping with the needle sticks.

[Alex C.]

The first week will be difficult. If you can, I would take the entire week off from work.  I remember that I was anemic, and for the first week felt exhausted and light-headed a lot. Also, my eyesight changed; for nearly 2 weeks, I didn't need my glasses! Then things went back to nearly normal. By the end of week #2, I felt better than I had in years.