i want to understand 'the machine'

[boswife]

ok, i guess i should say, how can i learn to understand 'the machine'.  Some of it is selfexplanitorey, but i want to REALLY understand stuff.. Like i hear some speak of needle pressure, speed of flow, etc.. I thought i knew what was going on somewhat, and im feeling like i know less and less.  Where do you learn what the machine is doing to/for you.  I signed up for a class on the nx stage just to learn more, but after talking to them, they really dont just train you this stuff inless your going to be doing it yourself.  Can i learn 'on line' somewhere.  Thanks so much... i really dont like just sitting and letting it happen.  I want to know the hows and whys. 

[Rerun]

I really wish they had classes for you, but they don't.  You could sign up to do it at home and then decide not to, or you could ask one of the techs to try and explain things to you.  I did home dialysis a long time ago but then I didn't like it.  But, I learned all about the machine.

[caringpct]

I'm not sure what machines you use but asking anyone on staff should help. There is no reason for them not to show you. If yo found out what machine they use I can try to help explain what I can to you.

[MooseMom]

Most people like talking about their jobs, and I would think that at least one dialysis tech at your clinic might feel flattered that you would ask about what they are doing and why.  Why not just ask and see what you get?

[boswife]

Thanks for the ideas........and, mabie i could take a picture of the face of it caringpct and post it and you could help me out that way??    Thanks again...

[RightSide]

For general information on how hemodialysis machines work, my neph recommended to me the book "Handbook of Dialysis," available from Amazon.com and elsewhere.   It's a good book, with lots of useful charts and mathematical formulas.  But you ought to keep a medical dictionary (or Wikipedia) handy, because it freely uses a lot of medical terms you might not recognize.  (Do you know what the "Renin-Angiotensin system" does?)

For specific information on the particular models of dialysis machine and dialyzers that you use, just go to the manufacturers' websites and download their specs and user manuals for yourself.

That's what I did.  I downloaded the User Manual for the dialysis machine off the Fresenius website, and I downloaded the specs for the Baxter Xenium series dialyzers off the Baxter website.  You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

[boswife]

Dang Rightside... perfect.   Thanks a bunch!! Im really ready to read this stuff so thanks even somemore...  you guys are great!!

[RightSide]

Great!

BTW, in the "Handbook of Dialysis," the author of the chapter on the endocrine system, Dr. Sayegh, was the neph who first diagnosed me with CKD.  (Though I decided to go elsewhere for treatment, because his office was just too far from my home.)

[boswife]

bet you felt pretty good (well not good but ya know) about your diagnosis.  As in having someone who is really compitant is what i mean.  It's not even late and my words are beginning to scramble..lol   Thanks so much for your responses..  It sure makes life (emotionally) knowing ya all are out there..

[*kana*]

I am currently looking into taking the dialysis tech classes that they offer the techs at my clinic.  I'm willing to go back to school so I know as much about that darn machine as they do.  I am a total believer in taking complete control of my own medical issues.  I work in a hospital and sadly I can tell you that YOU have to be up on things so nobody messes up with your body!
Education is key to a longer life when you are dealing with something like RF.