I have just finished my annual liver/kidney transpant check-up. Upon reading thru this discussion, I am amazed and thankful for the vast amount of wisdom and experience that has been shared here.

My kidney failure was sudden, and I had an emergency dialysis with a port (??name) in my neck. In my case they called it 'rbbbit ears'. That particular entry was intended for short term, life saving only, and when I turned my head, it was uncomfortable. It was replaced with a 'more permanent temporary port in my chest'. All of this occurred while I was in hospital. I lived with it for 5 weeks as an outpatiend while undergoing dialysis prior to transplant. After transplant, when my new kidney began to do its job, it was removed.

This conversation really emphasizes how unique we all are, and how our treatments are all suited to our own needs. You are all an inspiration and shining examples of the importance of asking questions, sharing experiences and advocating for yourselves. I wish for continued strength to all of you.