Friday, September 26, 2008

Home Hemodialysis

On Monday we went to visit the home hemodialysis clinic. This is where they will train us both on how to do the procedure. It was such a different experience from the one to the Peritoneal Dialysis clinic. The PD nurse that was going to train Dan was distant and we felt as if we were walking in the dark. This clinic has a different approach. I was more 'holistic' in that we met with the Clinic's manager, the nurse who will train us, the dietitian who will work with Dan on his diet and the Social worker. They explained the process, showed us the machine and encouraged us to ask questions. We felt very confident when we left.

Now the big question is when will Dan start Dialysis? Well, as he told the ladies at the clinic: I'm going to put it off as long as I can". Well there you have it. I think he will know when he must do it. The doctor will probably have to be very firm with him. I'll let you all know!!!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Slowly moving on

We visited our nephrologist this Monday and he told us Dan sould start the process of training for home hemodialysis. This is relatively new but the doctor and our transplant coordinator strongly encouraged us to try to do dialysis this way. It is more comfortable since you do it at home on your own time. Of course the schedule is set by the Dr. and dialysis clinic nurse but the reports from patients are overwhelmingly positive.

So we have been contacted by the home hemodialysis person and they will contact our insurance and fight it -ooops- I mean work it out. Hopefully.

Again, another process that will probably move slowly... we are getting used to it.

Dan is feeling okay. He really feels sick if he eats something he's not supposed to... Sometimes we don't know what it is he ate that made him feel sick...So he really is watching everything he eats. His kidney function is worse, but his phosphorous and potassium are better as is his hemoglobin.
So we can say he's doing okay. Which is great, really.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Just an update

Dan has been feeling okay. The vascular surgeon said his fistula was 'beautiful' and was ready to be used when necessary. The decision to start dialysis is going month by month according to his monthly labs and how he feels. He is really trying to be good with his diet which is really the only control he has.

As far as donors, we have one person in the 'paired donation' program and a couple of people having their blood tested to see if they are a match. It is a waiting game since everything takes so long...