Local Man First Nevadan to Use New Kidney Dialysis MachineUpdated: Sep 9, 2008 03:01 PM
For someone with kidney failure, dialysis is a necessary part of life. And this filtering process is usually done several times a week at a dialysis center. But a Las Vegas man became the first in the state to try an alternative.
Las Vegas graphic designer, Joe Fleming, suffered kidney failure in 2005 for unknown reasons. He would eventually become the first in Nevada to use a portable, home version of a dialysis machine.
The device, called NxStage, basically removes blood from the body, cycles it through the machine, and sends it back to the body. The process removes a build-up of otherwise lethal toxins. For most of us, our kidneys do this for us.
Before a home version came along, Joe made several four-hour visits a week to a dialysis clinic.
"The Centers are very, well -- you know, they're backed up pretty well. So my shift was 7:30 at night to almost midnight, three times a week," he said.
Among the requirements for using a home version of dialysis is that first of all, patients must have a trained caregiver to help with the process. In this case, it's Joe's wife. And, it must be done six days a week. Although, more sessions actually means less fatigue.
"But it works more like your body functions. So you're taking your fluids off more regularly. And your blood is being cleaned. So you feel much better all the time," said Fleming.
NxStage arrived in Las Vegas about a year ago. And so far, nurse Janice Ruiz has trained about 30 patients. She says the hardest part for some is getting used to inserting the needles themselves. But eventually, convenience wins them over.
"They're able to do it at home whenever they want -- not on a scheduled day and scheduled time. So that's the big thing with this home dialysis," said Ruiz.
A home dialysis machine is covered by insurance, the same way as using a dialysis clinic. And because it's portable, patients can take it on trips with them as long as the delivery of necessary supplies is arranged in advance. For more about the NxStage, click here
http://www.nxstage.com/leading_a_movement/index.cfmWATCH VIDEO
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=8980242
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