Mom / Dialysis

[Janet]

We won't have any more training to do dialysis until next Friday, then it will just be for an hour or two as a refresher. The machine and all the supplies will be delivered to Mom's house next week. On Friday night she will start evening dialysis for the first time at home. I will be staying with her at night (that weekend, maybe longer) to make sure she can hook up of an evening and unhook of a morning by herself. I think she'll be able to do it fine, but we're both a little nervous.

Here is a picture of her dialysis machine and then one of Mom and her training nurse Ruth.

Dialysis 001 (1824 x 1368).jpg Dialysis 006 (1824 x 1368).jpg

If you look closely at Mom's waist, you'll be able to see the port sticking out of her shorts that's she'll hook up to.

[judy]

Janet,

Mom is as beautiful as always. I'm sure you are both nervous, but I think this will work out just fine. You've both gone for training, and both of you have such spirit
and strength.

I will be praying for you.

Love to both of you,

Judy

[DianaB]

It sounds like everything is going well and I'm sure that your Mom will do good with the hook up by herself. I can understand being nervous but you'll do fine. Your Mom looks as good as always!!! Give her a hug from me!!!!

[gja1000]

Janet, is the peritoneal dialysis? I'm just going from memory - but I think I remember about fluid going into and out of the abdominal cavity to cleanse the blood. Is this correct? Does she do it while she sleeps? If it is peritoneal, this type of dialysis has been around a long time and she should do fine!

[Marilyn]

Your mom looks great!!! I think it is soooo awesome that she can do dialysis at home. I'd never heard of that. We have a big dialysis center here that people have to go to, and they have to keep building larger to accomodate all the people. I'm sure you and your mom will do fine!!

[Janet]

Originally Posted by gja1000

Janet, is the peritoneal dialysis? I'm just going from memory - but I think I remember about fluid going into and out of the abdominal cavity to cleanse the blood. Is this correct? Does she do it while she sleeps? If it is peritoneal, this type of dialysis has been around a long time and she should do fine!

Yes Gayle....that is what Mom will be doing. It will run 4 cycles during the night. It will fill the abdomen. Then it will just sit (dwell) in there for an hour, maybe a little more and then it will drain. Then start the cycle over again.

I think she will be able to do it better at home than at the center...at least I hope so. By doing this at night while she sleeps....she'll have her days free to do whatever she wants. She can also take it camping and to Florida if she goes.

[Blueyes]

I didn't know dialysis could be done at home. I think it's great she can do it while she sleeps! Good luck to you both...you're such a good daughter Janet

[gja1000]

Thanks for the explanation Janet. I think it is great that she can do this at home - I know the training has been rigorous for you and her - but it will be so nice to not be tied down to a traditional dialysis machine during the day several hours a week.

Does she have to do it every night?

[Janet]

Yes, she will have to do it every night, but once she gets used to it, she should do fine. Mom definitely didn't want to drive to another city to do dialysis 3 times per week for 5-6 hours a day, I don't blame her.

She finally got to take a shower and did fine all by herself. I know that sounds strange, but she hasn't been allowed to shower....only wash. She has to take the bandage off her cath and then just use some tape to hold it up so it doesn't dangle while in the shower. It could cause it to "pull' where the incision is and cause infection. She did fine and was able to put the bandage back on without any help.....her first time. "By George....I think she's got it" .....

[DianaB]

I'm glad to hear that things are going so well. Once your Mom gets used to it she'll be back to her care-free self!!!!

[Janet]

I sure hope so Diana. I hope it doesn't take long for her to know how to do it all at home. I really don't want to sleep there and then get up and come home to drive the bus. I'll just have to wait an see.

[2tiredmom]

I remember when my brother had to have it done 3 times a week. My mom would always go with him.

[Janet]

Mom had the choice to do that, but didn't want to take up that much time. She opted to do it overnight while she sleeps.

[Marilyn]

Janet, I so hope this goes well for both of you!!!

[Gina]

Janet that is great that she can do it while she sleeps. Things have changed tremulously since my brother was on it. He did it during the day and at home to...