What's your experience with dialysis? Give & get support here

@dhelmstetter, thanks for telling me. I was under the impression that people could work on their laptops during dialysis but that would require arm movement. The needle thing doesn't bother me but being immobile for 3 1/2 hrs doesn't sound like a picnic. Has your care team offered any explanation for feeling like a basket case afterward?

I believe it is common. One time the doc wanted me on for 4 hours. I remained a zombie once home and got put to bed after about 2 hours just starting at a spot on the wall. I phoned the next day refusing to go so long ever again... Now I am down to two days a week - I still have limited kidney function and do urinate regularly...

@kamama94, Oh, I am sorry to hear this. Like you, I want to know as much as possible about my options so I'm sending you added energy for your research in learning more of what to expect. Please keep us informed. Sending cyber hugs your way!

@fiesty76, Thanks and hugs back! Will keep you posted.

@kamama94, Good deal. Will look forward to hearing how things go for you moving forward.

eGFR dropped from 20 to 8 in a couple of weeks, neph appointment tomorrow morning to discuss dialysis prep as all of a sudden I am end-stage. Any info about dialysis will be welcome.

@gingerw,@fiesty76,@dhelmstetter, thank you for the information and support. I had hoped to hear from more folks who know firsthand about dialysis but since that hasn't happened I'll just update everyone. I spent most of Fri at the hospital with docs having an ultrasound, blood work, etc., as neph wanted to determine a cause for such a sudden and drastic drop in eGFR in the hope of reversing it. So far it seems to be a mystery to all of us.

The plan now is for me to have outpatient surgery the first of the coming week for a central line for immediate dialysis if needed as well as an arm fistula or graft for longer term dialysis. This couldn't be scheduled on a Friday afternoon and I'd prefer Monday or Tuesday procedures instead of having them done right before a week-end. That way I can stay home with 2 caregivers, Buckey and neighbor/friend who comes over 4 times a day to help out.

As soon as I know when I'm to have those procedures done, I'll post that here if I can. This way all of you can go on my journey with me and read about various elements of my dialysis adventures firsthand.

Keep the positive vibes coming!

Hope and love live here.

@kamama94, Thanks for the update. So disappointing when docs and tests cannot pinpoint the causes of sudden changes. Modern advances in medicine have come so far that it is a letdown now when specifics aren't always found or determined. I'm with you on preferring to have procedures carried out during the work week so hope you will be able to let us know what happens and how you are doing this coming week. So glad that you have people who will be available to check on you and help out. Know that you will be in our thoughts, prayers as you begin this new journey. Sending cyber strength and calm your way.

@kamama94 We'll be crowded in the room alongside of you, not to worry! It might be a virtual crowd, but never fear, you'll feel our energy. I sure hope they can find the information needed to figure out the reason for the eGFR drop.
Ginger

My cause was "Goodpastures Syndrome" - a VERY rare autoimmune disease. Had to endure dialysis along with Plasms-ferisus (sp?) a process similar to dialysis but works with the plasma and labumin. Along with Chemo pills, that process DID end the GoodPastures, but my kidneys went from acute to end-stage. I was also warned before a major abdominal aneurysm surgery 6 months earlier that it may result in kidney failure. Either way... I'm now awaiting evaluation next week to see if I'll be a viable candidate for a transplant. I'm 'eager with apprehension.'