What now?!

[cherpep]

I got home from work, cooked dinner, cleaned up, started to do dialysis - everything was normal.  However, a few minutes into my treatment, my pressures started getting real high - on both the arterial and the venous.  I disconnected the machine and attached a couple of syringes.  The flow seemed fine on both.  I reconnected to the machine - but the pressures were still very high.   Using a syringe, we injected some saline into the filter - didn't feel any resistance.  After starting up the machine - high pressures again.   We gave a saline bolus just to see if the saline would work its way through - it did, but suddenly my arm felt very warm.  It wasn't swollen like an infiltration, just extreme warmth from my finger tips all the way up to my shoulder.  We turned the machine off and pulled out the needles.  Using the stethoscope, I listened to my graft - I hear nothing.  I can feel a strong pulse, but I can't hear the rush in the stethoscope.  I called my doctor, he said to call the surgeon in the morning. 

I am very upset.  I just had the graft put in February.  Before that, I had a fistula that had a few surgeries, but it didn't last.  I can't afford all this time off work.  Plus, I'm supposed to be going on vacation in a week and a half - that I can barely afford.  I'm afraid, and I'm upset. 

[jbeany]

 

The first time mine clotted, I just sat and bawled.  Sometimes it just seems like you can't take one more thing, you know? 

Hang in there, doll.

[Jean]

Oh, Cherpep, that sounds terrible. That I think is one of the things that makes me afraid of in-home dialysis. I will pray for you tonight and I sure hope it gets easily resolved tomorrow.

[Wattle]

   I hope it is something simple and you are still able to make your vacation.

[cherpep]

Thanks, guys! 

It was a very rough night.  I didn't sleep much, and I was extremely nauseous.  I'm hoping it was just from nerves, but I don't think so.  I'm nervous, but not that nervous.  I really do not feel well.  My surgeon's office doesn't open for another hour, then who knows when I'll be able to get in. 

I usually see my nephrologist's partner on a regular basis, I actually like her a lot more than my actual nephrologist.  When my fistula stopped working in February, I called her and she got the surgeon on the phone and had him waiting in his office the next morning.  While he was checking me out, she called to check up on me, and then met me at the hospital.  I love her.  She actually hugs me - she knows me and knows when I need some calming down, etc.  Unfortunately, she is in Jordan right now and will be for about a month.  So, I had to call my actual nephrologist, who just told me to call the office in the morning.  Maybe I'll go to Jordan, LOL!

[MandaMe1986]

Good Luck let us know how it goes. 

[cherpep]

After talking with my surgeon, he scheduled me for surgery.  The hospital called and told me I was scheduled for surgery within the hour, so I needed to get to the hospital asap.  So, I did.  After sitting around there for about an hour and a half, they told me that I actually wouldn't be having surgery until late this afternoon.  So, I'm back at work, with the hospital ID bracelet on my arm, waiting for the 'hurry up and wait' call from the hospital again.  Surgeon said it probably needs an extension, so it looks like major surgery again.  I'm hoping once I get in there, he'll realize it's not that bad - he'll clear a clot, and I'll be home in time to fix dinner.   Who knows?!  It could happen!

[rose1999]

Wishing you all the best 

[willowtreewren]

 

I know this must be so upsetting, Cherpep.

I am hoping for the best. You don't need this right now, or any time.

Aleta

[David13]

I am so sorry to hear this, cherpep.  I will be thinking of you and hoping for the best.   

[angellady07]

 

[pelagia]

Dear Cheryl, I am really sorry to hear about this turn of events.  I hope it turns out to be relatively easy to fix. XO, Linda 

[Sunny]

I hope things get better for you soon and that the surgery goes well. This must be very frustrating for you.

[okarol]

    

[Inara]

 

I hope your vacation isn't ruined!  How awful!

Are you on any kind of blood thinners?  Grafts have a tendency to clot more frequently than fistulas. 

[thegrammalady]

ok, just saw this, any one heard anything?

[monrein]

Thinking of you and wishing for a quick fix.

[kellyt]

I hope everything went well with your surgery, but let me tell you how impressed I am with your knowledge of your dialysis and machine.  I'm amazed at all who do their own dialysis.  Sounds like you did everything perfect.  I hope you're all better very soon!   

[MIbarra]

Hope things went well for you today!

[kitkatz]

I hate when things go wrong with the access.  It sucks.  Good luck to you! 

[YLGuy]

In my prayers tonight.  I hope all went well.

[Hanify]

Any news?  Thinking of you Cherp.

[cherpep]

I am home now.  Surgery wasn't so simple, I actually had to go under general anesthesia for the first time.  For previous surgeries, I guess I was just in a twilight.  This time, I had the tube down my throat and I lost my voice to prove it.  My throat is so sore, but the popsicle sure tastes good.  I had dialysis twice in the hospital.  The first time the pressures were high, so they kept me another night to try again.  I told my nephrologist I was too nervous to go home and try it with those pressures being so high.  Thankfully, today's dialysis had normal pressures.  My arm is killing me.  He had to extend my graft into my shoulder, and had to cut through a lot of muscle to do it.  I have never been in so much pain, quite honestly.  But, the good news is that the graft is working and I had successful dialysis.  Once the pain is gone, I should be as good as new.  Thanks for all the good messages, I caught all of them on facebook because they were being sent to my phone in the hospital.  That was pretty cool.  I love you guys!! 

My hubby was by my side the entire time.  I am very blessed. 

[Jean]

Glad to hear you are okay. Everyone was so worried about you. Hope you feel better every day.

[Inara]

I'm so glad they were able to get your graft working again.  Sorry you're in so much pain, but you have such a positive outlook, it's inspiring.  What about the vacation?  Is it still on?