We Saw The Neph Today, Oh Boy....

[Wires]

     And so it has come to pass....
     My husband was told 6 weeks ago to consider his options for dialysis. We have discussed this a lot over this time period and I shared with him the info I have garnered from reading both Epoman and Meinuk post about their home training experience. We have decided this is the way to go, and so now they will send him off to vein mapping. I bought him the Help, I Need Dialysis book and I believe it has helped him come to grips with the idea that this isn't going to go away and he needs to be better informed to deal with what is happening. I wouldn't have been able to help him much if I hadn't done my own research and I believe I owe IHD a big Thank You for setting me on the right path.
     As questions pop up, and I am sure they will, if I can't track down the info myself I will certainly throw a post out here and get your opinions.
     It's kind of crazy, 2 months ago I didn't even know home hemo was an option.
     Thanks again, Wires.

[boswife]

bless ya and wishing you well.  It's so much easier with 'a little help from your friends' here at IHD.  So good of you to be helpen him 'get a grip'.  It's tough, but so doable.   

[lmunchkin]

Wires, Im so sorry you two are going through this.  Lean on each other with all the love you two can mustard.  Love will see you through anything.

Epoman & Meinuk are two very good posts to read in regards to Home Hemo.  I did not have them when we trained for NxStage. When we started training, our nurse turned us on to IHD, and then is when we found a fantastic place to learn as much as possible.  This site gave me the confidence to learn Home Hemo.  I will always be indebt to IHD.  You stick with this.  It is overwhelming at first.  You will want to pull your hair out, trust me!  But over time, you will think, Lord what was I so worried about.

When you see how your husband starts to feel better (and yes, youll still be questioning yourself) it makes it worth it in the long run.   You will become comfortable with it, even though he will still be on a machine!  Please, let him do alot of the work.  If he is capable, let him do it.  He will be so proud that he learned it with your help.  I understand, it is best if He does his own cannulation.  Have the nurse show him too.  They will not release you until both of you are comfortable.

Im so proud that at least you are going to try it.  If it ends up not what you want, then there are other options.
But I really believe, you will learn to love this modality, if Dialysis can be loved!  Its no picnic for sure, but with time, it will become easier.

God Bless you both as you take on this hugh job.  Ask any questions you wish.  We are here for you!
lmunchkin