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Dialysis

Posted , 2 users are following.

john85166
john85166

Hi all

My gfr is now 16. Next step is the fistula.

They said I can eventually do it at home. Big problem is my aversion to needles.

I hear so mixed reports on the physical or health wise effects. I think i may squeeze another year in at best before commencing. I'm hoping I will feel much better with hemo.

I have a donor but was just diagnosed with a bowel tumour which has since been removed. The op sort of shaved some kidney function off. I now have to wait a few years for the all clear from cancer before a transplant is considered

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • mikewordman
    mikewordman john85166

    Posted

    Hi John, sorry to hear about your health challenges.  Needless to say, everybody on this board can relate.  A GFR of 16 is, of course, low; however, for comparison, my GFR was a measly 7 when I finally threw in the towel and got started on dialysis.  The time it took for me to go from 16 to 7 was approx. 1.5 to 2 years, so perhaps you squeeze that much time in (or longer?) before you start.  How are you managing with your symptoms?  That is what will ultimately decide things for you at this point - when the symptoms become too difficult to handle.

    A question:  is there a reason why you selected hemo vs. peritoneal dialysis?  Just curious.  I chose peritoneal myself, and tho' the operation to get the catheter installed was NO fun, my dialysis does not involve needles.

    • john85166
      john85166 mikewordman

      Posted

      Hi Mike

      I was told it had to be hemo because of the surgery. I was given a temporary illeostomy so the tummy area is all use up. But the bag goes in late August. Don't really know.

      My symptoms are constant night trips to the bathroom. I hardly notice it in the day but sleep is usually no longer than an hour before next trip. The arvo nap is mandatory. Other than this everything is fine really at this point. I do some stretching and simple yoga to stop the restless legs syndrome.

      It be good to squeeze 2 years in.

      Sometimes I feel kidney doctors know nothing. Every answer is Maybe! Wonder why we bother with them sometimes.

    • john85166
      john85166

      Posted

      Just had a thought that if i last a year after my colon is rejoined and bag is dispensed with then maybe i can do PD. PD seems the preferred option with most.
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