cehunt57 : I hope you find relief soon. I am also CKD Stage 4 and on the transplant waiting list. I am a bit disappointed, as no one is stepping forward that doesn't also have health issues. I feel that I cannot ask anyone. My 29 year old son is thriving right now in his life and career. I also would prefer a preemptive transplant and avoid hemodialysis. I will move forward one day at a time and am grateful for the great support system that I have.
I only experienced hemodialysis in an inpatient setting during my admission for my second liver transplant. I recall that it was tolerable at 3 days a week. Prior to that I was placed on the 24/7 hemodialysis. Have no memory of the first 3 weeks of a 6 week stay due to severe HE. Thank goodness I have not experienced outpatient dialysis at a center.