Dialysis training

Dan started dialysis on Wednesday Dec. 10th. That means that we both started home hemodialysis training that day. There is a lot to learn so it seemed overwhelming that day but now we feel that we will do okay. We have to do lots of reading and then go to the clinic and set up the machine, check vitals, learn how to disconnect and disinfect... The only thing we haven't done yet is put the needles in but we will, eventually. The good news out of this is that Dan is feeling better even without being thouroughly dialized. (The idea is to get him used to the process and to the needles a bit at a time) So we are looking forward to the day when he is properly dialized and starts feeling like his old self.

We are still working on finding a living donor and have some prospects, but because the process is slow, we won't know for a few months.

Happy Holidays!

Let's remember what this is about!

A good friend made me aware that I am updating Dan's health progress but have lost focus of the purpose of this blog. She is right. We have this blog because Dan Needs a Kidney. That is the goal of the blog. So please keep telling your friends, acquaintances, relatives. If they or someone they know is blood type O and would consider being a hero to us by donating a kidney, please contact us. That is why we have this blog...

Latest check up

Dan had his monthly appointment with the nephrologist today. His lab results are pretty much the same as last month's so the doctor said Dan can keep on postponing dialysis. We do know that there is a fine line that we don't want to cross. He doesn't want to wait too long because his body will get too weak. So he has to be very good about his diet and when the doctor says it is time we'll start the process.

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!!!

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.