@kamama94, I had dialysis before my transplant in an emergency setting, so the 'prep' for me was immediate and the decision to proceed with an emergency port and begin dialysis was left to my family. I spent 6 - 7 weeks on dialysis (bedside. inpatient and out patient). When I was strong enough to do outpatient, I had a chest portal, and it left my arms free. My BP was taken before and after my treatment, standing and reclining. And my weight was taken before and after treatment so they could monitor the amount of fluid that was drawn from my body as I had extreme ascites (abdominal fluid due to liver failure) and edema (due to the acute kidney failure).
During my outpatient treatments, I mostly dozed while listening to my music thru my headset. I did some light reading, word and number puzzles, chatting with the fantastic nursing staff, and there was the option of a TV. I usually was hungry and felt better after treatment, but was tired.
I would like to tag some members who have participated in the Transplant discussion. I think some of them might have some dialysis experience that can help you as you prepare for dialysis. I invite: @marvinjsturing, @joanaiken, @zon, @ebrahim, @stephanierp, @birdienanie, @guidant07, @rwalkie, @parojulie, @linnea84, @jolinda - did you have to have dialysis? Member @kamama94 is seeking information as she is beginning to undergo dialysis. What was it like for you to prepare for and to undergo dialysis?