Dialysis Information Needed
Jul 23 2012 in G-J's Blog by G-J
Steve has two brothers, both of which have their own unique health problems. Their mother died at the beginning of May. Steve’s younger brother has been the caregiver for their father, helping him through a back surgery after a fall in late May/early June.
I just got off the phone with my brother-in-law. Due to complications from medications he takes for his health problems he is going to have to start dialysis. Does anyone have any experience with this they can share? At this point he isn’t sure when the dialysis will start, but he needs to see, I think he said a cardiovascular surgeon so they can start harvesting veins.
Any information would be appreciated. Thank you!
ejourneys said on July 23, 2012
G-J, a dear online friend of mine started dialysis not long ago. Rick has blogged about his experience — he lays out the procedure here. He also blogs about how dialysis affects him on multiple levels (physical, psychological, spiritual).
I’m going to point Rick to your entry here as well.
G-J said on July 23, 2012
ejourneys, that you very much for your information about Rick. I wasn’t able to access his blog, but I look forward to reading it and referring my brother-in-law to it in the future.
ejourneys said on July 23, 2012
Rick said he’s fixed his blog accessibility. He also submitted a comment (I think that should show up in your email, since he’s not a member here).
Rick. B said on July 23, 2012
G-J; I am the “Rick” that ejourneys spoke of. I am currently receiving dialysis treatments three times a week as a result of what medicine to combat hypertension and various heart problems have done to my kidneys. Currently I have a temporary access port through a catheter in my chest, but have also had minor (in one day, out the same day) surgery to implant a fistula, which is a type of access port that is more permanent so dialysis can happen more efficiently. It is not a painful process in most cases, though it can be very tiring at first. Typically dialysis lasts about 3 to 4 hours, and is done more than once a week. One has to have it done at a dialysis center, of which there are many depending on where you live. A kidney specialist can help with finding one nearby. If they are harvesting veins, then I guess they’re either looking to implant a fistula, or they’re preparing to have him have peratenetal (spelling) dialysis, which involves putting a permanent access port in one’s belly. That form of dialysis can, under some circumstances, be done at the patient’s home with a caregiver who is trained to assist, or with a home health care nurse if necessary. I do not currently have the option of home care.
One thing I can tell you about the dialysis treatments I’ve been getting is that physically I now feel much better than I have in a long time. For a while I couldn’t walk long distances because of the fluid buildup in my body due to my kidneys having failed. In the process I have lost nearly 45 to 50 pounds of fluid, and I am feeling healthier and happier than I ever did. Along with that good news; my doctors tell me that with dialysis I can live a productive and happy, as well as long life! I used to think dialysis was the end of the world, but now I know better.
I hope my comments have been helpful to you, and I wish you and your family well. If I can provide any other information, get in touch with the provided email address. I am also available on Facebook. (I don’t feel comfortable leaving an email address here, as I never know who might see it. I’m sort of a private kind of person that way.).
God bless and much love,
Rick
Rick. B said on July 23, 2012
PS; You can access my entry now. I changed the settings on my blog so you can get to it. I previously had it set so members only could see it.
G-J said on July 25, 2012
Rick and ejourneys, thank you both so much! Ejourneys, thank you for reading my blog, and pointing Rick in my direction. Rick, thank you so much for replying here and for sharing the link to your blog. If you have ever wondered if writing about your experiences makes a difference, let me assure you it does!
You posted your information here on Monday night. Tuesday morning, a friend of my brother-in-law’s called him and said I had found the answers to his questions! I didn’t know what questions he had, but knew that he would need information. My husband and his family are in awe of the positive power of the internet!
Rick, you reached out to help, and your touch has extended all the way across the country to CA! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Ejourneys, thank you for being the matchmaker in this information exchange. It couldn’t have happened without you!