Jenna has a PD catheter

[okarol]

Yesterday a surgeon put in a PD catheter for Jenna. Her pain isn't too bad but she hasn't gotten up much since we drove the 2 hours trip home yesterday.
We hope this works. Using a scope, the surgeon checked out her augmented bladder and her transplanted kidney and felt her abdomen looked ok for pd.
Now we need to make arrangements locally for the upcoming weeks of dressing change, flushing and then training.

[MaryJoe]

I'm sorry that Jenna is in pain. I hope her recovery is swift and uneventful. Goof news that her doctor believes she will be able to do PD.  Hugs to both of you, I know this has been a stressful journey for you guys lately.   

[BattleScars]

I had my PD catheter placed about a year and a half ago. It takes a little time to adjust but it really becomes like a daily routine. After the first couple of weeks everything should go smoothly. The PD nurses will train how to do exchanges. It looks more overwhelming than it really is in the very beginning. I hope PD works out well for her.

[Sydnee]

nice to hear good news. Hope the pain subsides quickly.

[MooseMom]

I hate that it has all come to this, Okarol.  We all are hoping a donor will be found soon for Jenna.  Until then, I hope she will be OK with PD.  How is she holding up?

[muppy]

Blessings on you all..... how big for you to see your beloved daughter going through all this..... yes it takes a while for the tenkoff to settle in and to feel comfortable with the exchanges but then it is just a routine.... it's a gentler form of dialysis..... hope she heals quickly..... and that a kidney is found for her soon....

[okarol]

I really hope it works for her. The 3 years she did on in-center hemo was tough.
 

[Rerun]

I hate that you guys have to go through this .  I did PD and it is much better than Hemo due to no needles but there is the placement which sucks.  Bless her heart.  Once she starts PD and maybe does It at night where she is empty during the day all she has to do is wait.... for the call.  Jenna has to do so many things everyday that she doesn't want to anyway I hate this for her.  OMG Please bring her a new kidney

             

[MooseMom]

I really hope it works for her. The 3 years she did on in-center hemo was tough.
 

Have any docs expressed any suspicion that it might not work for her?  It sounds like the surgeon, at least, is optimistic.

[MooseMom]

I hate that you guys have to go through this .  I did PD and it is much better than Hemo due to no needles but there is the placement which sucks.  Bless her heart.  Once she starts PD and maybe does It at night where she is empty during the day all she has to do is wait.... for the call.  Jenna has to do so many things everyday that she doesn't want to anyway I hate this for her.  OMG Please bring her a new kidney

             

Amen to that, Rerun!!

[okarol]

I really hope it works for her. The 3 years she did on in-center hemo was tough.
 

Have any docs expressed any suspicion that it might not work for her?  It sounds like the surgeon, at least, is optimistic.

Yes, they were concerned that she might have adhesions or scar tissue from her bladder augmentation in 2005 and her 1st transplant in 2007.
He did a fill/drain twice in the OR and felt that it looked fine, so we are optimistic!

[MooseMom]

I knew about the bladder augmentation and the tx, and I knew about the worry regarding scar tissue, but I was wondering if there was another source of concern.  I hadn't thought about the surgeon doing a fill/drain right there in the OR!  I'm so glad that there is optimism all the way around.

[Jean]

I know she does not want to do this, and I don't blame her. Will just hope and pray that the pain disappears and she can adjust to it until her new kidney comes along.

[BobN]

Hoping PD works out.

Praying for a transplant.

[lou]

I dont really know what to say as its obviously a hard time but glad Jenna is home and hope it goes smoothly for her over the next few weeks. Sending love and positive thoughts your way xxxxxxxxx

[galvo]

I wish her well.

[boswife]

Oh you dear mom    As a 'mom' myself, i know how this can tug at your heart but im so glad that shes  looking hopful patient of  PD.  Bless both your hearts, and your in my prayers.  Bless ya both and bring peace and comfort through it all.    

[Darthvadar]

Fingers crossed it works out!...

Mum's MUCH healthier and happier on PD than Haemo....

Darth...

[okarol]

Right before we went to the 2 week appointment the dialysis nurse called. She had been told that the clinic we hoped to use was unable to accept Jenna as they did not have a contract with our health insurance.
Apparently Blue Shield requires you to go to a clinic within a certain geographical area, close to home. The clinic we chose is just beyond that, I guess. We chose it because they have more PD patients and are very supportive of PD.
We have to come up with a new plan.
Luckily that nurse did flush Jenna's catheter, and although she was a little uncomfortable, it went ok. The clinic won't get paid for this, but was nice to have their help.
Now we'll have to figure out where to take Jenna. 

[jeannea]

I'm so sorry. That must be depressing. Is there a way to ask for an exception? I know insurance can be a real pain. I guess it's back to researching. Tell Jenna to hang in there.

[Joe]

Does her Neph have a recommendation?

[Wildrose]

I wish her the best, I hope this works well for her and hopefully she can get another transplant soon!

[renalwife]

I feel so sorry for you and for Jeanna.  If my kidneys weren't so rotten, I would give her one of mine!  No kidding.

[Angiepkd]

Hope you have figured out an acceptable solution to your insurance dilemma!  Why can't we have more control of our health?  It makes me crazy!  Sending prayers that it all works out for Jenna and PD is a good modality for her.  She has been through so much in her young life.  She deserves a break, and a new kidney!   

[okarol]

Well, you'd think paying $2500 a month for health insurance would give you access to whatever you need, but not so.
Since Blue Shield doesn't have a contract with the Fresenius clinic Jenna had hoped to go to, she has to go wherever they have contracted.
I met a long-time PD patient tonight and she gave us some good suggestions. And she said to visit the three nearby options and choose which one feels right.
The neph office said to use "DialysisFinder" but speaking with patients seems to be more informative.