Re: Update on friend starting dialysis

[Guest guest]

Craig,

What a wonderful support you are to your flatmate! He is very fortunate to

have a friend that is willing to walk through his dialysis with him

Your accounting of his first dialysis isn't too encouraging for those of us

who know it is in our futures, but I also appreciate the honesty, and it is

good to be educated and be prepared for all possibilities, so thank you for

taking the time to write us.

[Guest guest]

Craig, sorry to hear that things didn't go as well as we hoped. Pierre

recently posted a news item about a man who had been on dialysis for 30

years (unfortunately it was a memorial on the occaission of his death) so I

assume it will get easier as the fistula develops and he becomes accustomed

to the treatment.

Reply-To: iga-nephropathy

To: iga-nephropathy

Subject: Update on friend starting dialysis

Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 04:51:49 -0000

O.K guys thanks firstly for your words of advice they were greatly

appreciated. Here is what happened.

My friend decided he wanted me to go with his for his first dialysis

treatment. As I am not squeamish and had been in the dialysis ward

before i didn't find the process itself scary, it was just that i had

major concerns for my friend.

His fistula is only a few weeks old so he was warned there may be

trouble finding access. He recieved two local injections and then the

dialyis needles which looked SO big and painful. Good news is that

they didn't hurt him at all. Obviously he was scared and

uncomfortable during this time but seemed to deal very well. The

second access line clotted imediately and had to be redone further

down his wrist. This caused bruising and was quite painful but has

not effected his fistula otherwise.

He had 1.5 hours of treatment. During this time he felt lightheaded

and nauseas. he stayed in good spirits during the treatment and it

seemed to be over in no time. The nurses were fantastic and such nice

people. I took him home that afternoon and he slept most of that

evening and all through the night without a glitch. Emotionally he

was quite sad but didn't elaborate too much so I gave him some space

and just sat and chatted when he needed it.

The following day he felt quite sick all day but was eager to get out

and do some things. We went to lunch and hung out with some friends.

His energy levels were on zero so we went home (we are flatmates) and

watched a movie. He has suffered from swolen legs pretty badly and

hardly any fluid was removed during his initial dialysis. Things went

slowly down hill that evening and unfortunately the fluid he was

retaining went to his lungs. He had a terrible time breathing and

became quite anxious. At about 1pm monday morning I rushed him to the

hospital where he was admitted to intensive care and put on oxygen

and a heart monitor. He stayed awake all night where his blood

pressure soared and he struggled with breathing. The next morning he

was taken back to the dialysis ward for another 2 hours of dialysis.

this time 2 litres of fluid were removed. This time the procedure was

painful and he was terrified I could see it all over his face. There

was a different bunch of nurses this time all of whom were also nice

except one who unfortunately was teriibly unsupportive and rude to

him and myself! I have to admit I was pretty shocked and angry but

bit my tongue. He had a terrible migrane and was sick the whole way

through. His blood pressure dropped then soared, dropped then soared.

Finally the treatment was finished and again i took him home.

Emotionally this had taken a huge toll on him. He expressed that he

thinks it's just too hard but finally I got him to see that this is

all part of him getting better.

Today he is in better spirits but absolutely dreading his next

dialyis. I hope nobody reads this as a horror story, remember my

friend was diagnosed at end stage and only a few weeks before

starting dialysis. He is an extreme case. I sincerely wish all of you

the best and to those going through this with you I'm sending you all

my positive vibes cause this is tough.

Thanks again

Craig.

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[Guest guest]

Craig,

You are such a precious friend indeed - your friend must have felt so much

better for having you around when he was so ill. I actually spent weeks and

months (when I relapsed) in the nephrology ward, and made lots of friends

who are undergoing haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, etc. They said

sometimes it can be difficult, takes some getting used to, and they always

felt real hungry/depleted after a session. I hope your friend's next

experience isn't so bad.

----Original Message Follows----

Reply-To: iga-nephropathy

To: iga-nephropathy

Subject: Re: Update on friend starting dialysis

Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 15:08:56 +1000

Craig, sorry to hear that things didn't go as well as we hoped. Pierre

recently posted a news item about a man who had been on dialysis for 30

years (unfortunately it was a memorial on the occaission of his death) so I

assume it will get easier as the fistula develops and he becomes accustomed

to the treatment.

Reply-To: iga-nephropathy

To: iga-nephropathy

Subject: Update on friend starting dialysis

Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 04:51:49 -0000

O.K guys thanks firstly for your words of advice they were greatly

appreciated. Here is what happened.

My friend decided he wanted me to go with his for his first dialysis

treatment. As I am not squeamish and had been in the dialysis ward

before i didn't find the process itself scary, it was just that i had

major concerns for my friend.

His fistula is only a few weeks old so he was warned there may be

trouble finding access. He recieved two local injections and then the

dialyis needles which looked SO big and painful. Good news is that

they didn't hurt him at all. Obviously he was scared and

uncomfortable during this time but seemed to deal very well. The

second access line clotted imediately and had to be redone further

down his wrist. This caused bruising and was quite painful but has

not effected his fistula otherwise.

He had 1.5 hours of treatment. During this time he felt lightheaded

and nauseas. he stayed in good spirits during the treatment and it

seemed to be over in no time. The nurses were fantastic and such nice

people. I took him home that afternoon and he slept most of that

evening and all through the night without a glitch. Emotionally he

was quite sad but didn't elaborate too much so I gave him some space

and just sat and chatted when he needed it.

The following day he felt quite sick all day but was eager to get out

and do some things. We went to lunch and hung out with some friends.

His energy levels were on zero so we went home (we are flatmates) and

watched a movie. He has suffered from swolen legs pretty badly and

hardly any fluid was removed during his initial dialysis. Things went

slowly down hill that evening and unfortunately the fluid he was

retaining went to his lungs. He had a terrible time breathing and

became quite anxious. At about 1pm monday morning I rushed him to the

hospital where he was admitted to intensive care and put on oxygen

and a heart monitor. He stayed awake all night where his blood

pressure soared and he struggled with breathing. The next morning he

was taken back to the dialysis ward for another 2 hours of dialysis.

this time 2 litres of fluid were removed. This time the procedure was

painful and he was terrified I could see it all over his face. There

was a different bunch of nurses this time all of whom were also nice

except one who unfortunately was teriibly unsupportive and rude to

him and myself! I have to admit I was pretty shocked and angry but

bit my tongue. He had a terrible migrane and was sick the whole way

through. His blood pressure dropped then soared, dropped then soared.

Finally the treatment was finished and again i took him home.

Emotionally this had taken a huge toll on him. He expressed that he

thinks it's just too hard but finally I got him to see that this is

all part of him getting better.

Today he is in better spirits but absolutely dreading his next

dialyis. I hope nobody reads this as a horror story, remember my

friend was diagnosed at end stage and only a few weeks before

starting dialysis. He is an extreme case. I sincerely wish all of you

the best and to those going through this with you I'm sending you all

my positive vibes cause this is tough.

Thanks again

Craig.

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[Guest guest]

Fortunately what I've heard and seen from my friends who have undergone

their first dialysis didn't sound so bad - most of them had not very bad

effects, as they were " initiated " very slowly (shorter periods initially).

Most of them actually feel a lot better after the dialysis when the waste

products that have accumulated and are making them ill (nausea, extreme

fatigue, etc) have been removed by the dialysis.

There are other friends who had scary experiences with

infections/contaminations from improperly sterilized equipment etc, and one

whom I know decided to get her own machine so she could do it at home where

she could be more in control over hygiene and comfort. As my creatinine at

the moment is below 70, and (Renal Function Test) RFTs usually fine, I

really hope my time doesn't come soon, or ever! One can always hope!

----Original Message Follows----

From: W4JC@...

Reply-To: iga-nephropathy

To: iga-nephropathy

Subject: Re: Update on friend starting dialysis

Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 00:58:10 EDT

Craig,

What a wonderful support you are to your flatmate! He is very fortunate to

have a friend that is willing to walk through his dialysis with him

Your accounting of his first dialysis isn't too encouraging for those of us

who know it is in our futures, but I also appreciate the honesty, and it is

good to be educated and be prepared for all possibilities, so thank you for

taking the time to write us.

[Guest guest]

Craig,

Sometimes luck is just not on a persons side and reading your e-mail its

hard not to feel very emotional.....for the both of you.

I am a 'carer' at times for my husband, when he's not for me! He has asthma

and I know both sides of being the patient and being the carer.

It is extremely stressful to watch someone going downhill then being in

Intensive Care etc.......I've been there a few times and have had to do CPR

on waiting for an ambulance etc.

Just 2weeks ago we were in A & E and although back at home now there's always

part of you on permanent alert.....its really tough.

I found it helpful to off load on my family but the stress of both our probs

is sometimes a bit too much for them to cope with and this is where this

group is brilliant. (my husband) said the other day, after having

another asthma wobble, that he just wanted to go to sleep and not wake up.

At the time he meant it.......... I swallowed hard and just said I knew

exactly how he felt, it was OK to be low but that he has to keep fighting

back. But, as you say there has to be a reason for fighting.

Mentally is much perkier now and I know its partly to do with knowing

that he can rely on me when it gets difficult and I'm sure that is something

that your flatmate will appreciate. I think though its always helpful to try

and gradually introduce someone else into the equation so that you are not

the sole 'keeper' of that trust but that is difficult, I know.

Stay strong and keep fighting!

Wishing you both well,

Sally.

Update on friend starting dialysis

O.K guys thanks firstly for your words of advice they were greatly

appreciated. Here is what happened.

My friend decided he wanted me to go with his for his first dialysis

treatment. As I am not squeamish and had been in the dialysis ward

before i didn't find the process itself scary, it was just that i had

major concerns for my friend.

His fistula is only a few weeks old so he was warned there may be

trouble finding access. He recieved two local injections and then the

dialyis needles which looked SO big and painful. Good news is that

they didn't hurt him at all. Obviously he was scared and

uncomfortable during this time but seemed to deal very well. The

second access line clotted imediately and had to be redone further

down his wrist. This caused bruising and was quite painful but has

not effected his fistula otherwise.

He had 1.5 hours of treatment. During this time he felt lightheaded

and nauseas. he stayed in good spirits during the treatment and it

seemed to be over in no time. The nurses were fantastic and such nice

people. I took him home that afternoon and he slept most of that

evening and all through the night without a glitch. Emotionally he

was quite sad but didn't elaborate too much so I gave him some space

and just sat and chatted when he needed it.

The following day he felt quite sick all day but was eager to get out

and do some things. We went to lunch and hung out with some friends.

His energy levels were on zero so we went home (we are flatmates) and

watched a movie. He has suffered from swolen legs pretty badly and

hardly any fluid was removed during his initial dialysis. Things went

slowly down hill that evening and unfortunately the fluid he was

retaining went to his lungs. He had a terrible time breathing and

became quite anxious. At about 1pm monday morning I rushed him to the

hospital where he was admitted to intensive care and put on oxygen

and a heart monitor. He stayed awake all night where his blood

pressure soared and he struggled with breathing. The next morning he

was taken back to the dialysis ward for another 2 hours of dialysis.

this time 2 litres of fluid were removed. This time the procedure was

painful and he was terrified I could see it all over his face. There

was a different bunch of nurses this time all of whom were also nice

except one who unfortunately was teriibly unsupportive and rude to

him and myself! I have to admit I was pretty shocked and angry but

bit my tongue. He had a terrible migrane and was sick the whole way

through. His blood pressure dropped then soared, dropped then soared.

Finally the treatment was finished and again i took him home.

Emotionally this had taken a huge toll on him. He expressed that he

thinks it's just too hard but finally I got him to see that this is

all part of him getting better.

Today he is in better spirits but absolutely dreading his next

dialyis. I hope nobody reads this as a horror story, remember my

friend was diagnosed at end stage and only a few weeks before

starting dialysis. He is an extreme case. I sincerely wish all of you

the best and to those going through this with you I'm sending you all

my positive vibes cause this is tough.

Thanks again

Craig.

[Guest guest]

Hi hope it goes better the next time. Some people have more problems than

others at first.

Pierre

Update on friend starting dialysis

> O.K guys thanks firstly for your words of advice they were greatly

> appreciated. Here is what happened.

>

> My friend decided he wanted me to go with his for his first dialysis

> treatment. As I am not squeamish and had been in the dialysis ward

> before i didn't find the process itself scary, it was just that i had

> major concerns for my friend.

>

> His fistula is only a few weeks old so he was warned there may be

> trouble finding access. He recieved two local injections and then the

> dialyis needles which looked SO big and painful. Good news is that

> they didn't hurt him at all. Obviously he was scared and

> uncomfortable during this time but seemed to deal very well. The

> second access line clotted imediately and had to be redone further

> down his wrist. This caused bruising and was quite painful but has

> not effected his fistula otherwise.

>

> He had 1.5 hours of treatment. During this time he felt lightheaded

> and nauseas. he stayed in good spirits during the treatment and it

> seemed to be over in no time. The nurses were fantastic and such nice

> people. I took him home that afternoon and he slept most of that

> evening and all through the night without a glitch. Emotionally he

> was quite sad but didn't elaborate too much so I gave him some space

> and just sat and chatted when he needed it.

>

> The following day he felt quite sick all day but was eager to get out

> and do some things. We went to lunch and hung out with some friends.

> His energy levels were on zero so we went home (we are flatmates) and

> watched a movie. He has suffered from swolen legs pretty badly and

> hardly any fluid was removed during his initial dialysis. Things went

> slowly down hill that evening and unfortunately the fluid he was

> retaining went to his lungs. He had a terrible time breathing and

> became quite anxious. At about 1pm monday morning I rushed him to the

> hospital where he was admitted to intensive care and put on oxygen

> and a heart monitor. He stayed awake all night where his blood

> pressure soared and he struggled with breathing. The next morning he

> was taken back to the dialysis ward for another 2 hours of dialysis.

> this time 2 litres of fluid were removed. This time the procedure was

> painful and he was terrified I could see it all over his face. There

> was a different bunch of nurses this time all of whom were also nice

> except one who unfortunately was teriibly unsupportive and rude to

> him and myself! I have to admit I was pretty shocked and angry but

> bit my tongue. He had a terrible migrane and was sick the whole way

> through. His blood pressure dropped then soared, dropped then soared.

> Finally the treatment was finished and again i took him home.

> Emotionally this had taken a huge toll on him. He expressed that he

> thinks it's just too hard but finally I got him to see that this is

> all part of him getting better.

>

> Today he is in better spirits but absolutely dreading his next

> dialyis. I hope nobody reads this as a horror story, remember my

> friend was diagnosed at end stage and only a few weeks before

> starting dialysis. He is an extreme case. I sincerely wish all of you

> the best and to those going through this with you I'm sending you all

> my positive vibes cause this is tough.

>

> Thanks again

>

> Craig.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

And I've heard of quite a few other individuals on very long term dialysis.

There was another story I posted a while back about one whose dialysis

centre held a little celebration in honour of her 28th year on dialysis at

that centre.

Pierre

Update on friend starting dialysis

> Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 04:51:49 -0000

>

> O.K guys thanks firstly for your words of advice they were greatly

> appreciated. Here is what happened.

>

> My friend decided he wanted me to go with his for his first dialysis

> treatment. As I am not squeamish and had been in the dialysis ward

> before i didn't find the process itself scary, it was just that i had

> major concerns for my friend.

>

> His fistula is only a few weeks old so he was warned there may be

> trouble finding access. He recieved two local injections and then the

> dialyis needles which looked SO big and painful. Good news is that

> they didn't hurt him at all. Obviously he was scared and

> uncomfortable during this time but seemed to deal very well. The

> second access line clotted imediately and had to be redone further

> down his wrist. This caused bruising and was quite painful but has

> not effected his fistula otherwise.

>

> He had 1.5 hours of treatment. During this time he felt lightheaded

> and nauseas. he stayed in good spirits during the treatment and it

> seemed to be over in no time. The nurses were fantastic and such nice

> people. I took him home that afternoon and he slept most of that

> evening and all through the night without a glitch. Emotionally he

> was quite sad but didn't elaborate too much so I gave him some space

> and just sat and chatted when he needed it.

>

> The following day he felt quite sick all day but was eager to get out

> and do some things. We went to lunch and hung out with some friends.

> His energy levels were on zero so we went home (we are flatmates) and

> watched a movie. He has suffered from swolen legs pretty badly and

> hardly any fluid was removed during his initial dialysis. Things went

> slowly down hill that evening and unfortunately the fluid he was

> retaining went to his lungs. He had a terrible time breathing and

> became quite anxious. At about 1pm monday morning I rushed him to the

> hospital where he was admitted to intensive care and put on oxygen

> and a heart monitor. He stayed awake all night where his blood

> pressure soared and he struggled with breathing. The next morning he

> was taken back to the dialysis ward for another 2 hours of dialysis.

> this time 2 litres of fluid were removed. This time the procedure was

> painful and he was terrified I could see it all over his face. There

> was a different bunch of nurses this time all of whom were also nice

> except one who unfortunately was teriibly unsupportive and rude to

> him and myself! I have to admit I was pretty shocked and angry but

> bit my tongue. He had a terrible migrane and was sick the whole way

> through. His blood pressure dropped then soared, dropped then soared.

> Finally the treatment was finished and again i took him home.

> Emotionally this had taken a huge toll on him. He expressed that he

> thinks it's just too hard but finally I got him to see that this is

> all part of him getting better.

>

> Today he is in better spirits but absolutely dreading his next

> dialyis. I hope nobody reads this as a horror story, remember my

> friend was diagnosed at end stage and only a few weeks before

> starting dialysis. He is an extreme case. I sincerely wish all of you

> the best and to those going through this with you I'm sending you all

> my positive vibes cause this is tough.

>

> Thanks again

>

> Craig.

>

>

>

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Craig, I didn't respond right away as many did on this site, I thought I'd

give it a little time, how are things going after a week or so? Was thinking

of your situation today and just wondered how it's going? Let us know when

you have the chance. Connie, USA

Update on friend starting dialysis

O.K guys thanks firstly for your words of advice they were greatly

appreciated. Here is what happened.

My friend decided he wanted me to go with his for his first dialysis

treatment. As I am not squeamish and had been in the dialysis ward

before i didn't find the process itself scary, it was just that i had

major concerns for my friend.

His fistula is only a few weeks old so he was warned there may be

trouble finding access. He recieved two local injections and then the

dialyis needles which looked SO big and painful. Good news is that

they didn't hurt him at all. Obviously he was scared and

uncomfortable during this time but seemed to deal very well. The

second access line clotted imediately and had to be redone further

down his wrist. This caused bruising and was quite painful but has

not effected his fistula otherwise.

He had 1.5 hours of treatment. During this time he felt lightheaded

and nauseas. he stayed in good spirits during the treatment and it

seemed to be over in no time. The nurses were fantastic and such nice

people. I took him home that afternoon and he slept most of that

evening and all through the night without a glitch. Emotionally he

was quite sad but didn't elaborate too much so I gave him some space

and just sat and chatted when he needed it.

The following day he felt quite sick all day but was eager to get out

and do some things. We went to lunch and hung out with some friends.

His energy levels were on zero so we went home (we are flatmates) and

watched a movie. He has suffered from swolen legs pretty badly and

hardly any fluid was removed during his initial dialysis. Things went

slowly down hill that evening and unfortunately the fluid he was

retaining went to his lungs. He had a terrible time breathing and

became quite anxious. At about 1pm monday morning I rushed him to the

hospital where he was admitted to intensive care and put on oxygen

and a heart monitor. He stayed awake all night where his blood

pressure soared and he struggled with breathing. The next morning he

was taken back to the dialysis ward for another 2 hours of dialysis.

this time 2 litres of fluid were removed. This time the procedure was

painful and he was terrified I could see it all over his face. There

was a different bunch of nurses this time all of whom were also nice

except one who unfortunately was teriibly unsupportive and rude to

him and myself! I have to admit I was pretty shocked and angry but

bit my tongue. He had a terrible migrane and was sick the whole way

through. His blood pressure dropped then soared, dropped then soared.

Finally the treatment was finished and again i took him home.

Emotionally this had taken a huge toll on him. He expressed that he

thinks it's just too hard but finally I got him to see that this is

all part of him getting better.

Today he is in better spirits but absolutely dreading his next

dialyis. I hope nobody reads this as a horror story, remember my

friend was diagnosed at end stage and only a few weeks before

starting dialysis. He is an extreme case. I sincerely wish all of you

the best and to those going through this with you I'm sending you all

my positive vibes cause this is tough.

Thanks again

Craig.

[Guest guest]

Sally, I flagged this to respond to you and just now got back to it. I

guess that I am very lucky indeed. My family is very healthy and I guess

like the rest of the world, I also take that fact for granted. Take good

care of your hubby, he sounds like a supportive and wonderful guy! Connie,

USA

Update on friend starting dialysis

O.K guys thanks firstly for your words of advice they were greatly

appreciated. Here is what happened.

My friend decided he wanted me to go with his for his first dialysis

treatment. As I am not squeamish and had been in the dialysis ward

before i didn't find the process itself scary, it was just that i had

major concerns for my friend.

His fistula is only a few weeks old so he was warned there may be

trouble finding access. He recieved two local injections and then the

dialyis needles which looked SO big and painful. Good news is that

they didn't hurt him at all. Obviously he was scared and

uncomfortable during this time but seemed to deal very well. The

second access line clotted imediately and had to be redone further

down his wrist. This caused bruising and was quite painful but has

not effected his fistula otherwise.

He had 1.5 hours of treatment. During this time he felt lightheaded

and nauseas. he stayed in good spirits during the treatment and it

seemed to be over in no time. The nurses were fantastic and such nice

people. I took him home that afternoon and he slept most of that

evening and all through the night without a glitch. Emotionally he

was quite sad but didn't elaborate too much so I gave him some space

and just sat and chatted when he needed it.

The following day he felt quite sick all day but was eager to get out

and do some things. We went to lunch and hung out with some friends.

His energy levels were on zero so we went home (we are flatmates) and

watched a movie. He has suffered from swolen legs pretty badly and

hardly any fluid was removed during his initial dialysis. Things went

slowly down hill that evening and unfortunately the fluid he was

retaining went to his lungs. He had a terrible time breathing and

became quite anxious. At about 1pm monday morning I rushed him to the

hospital where he was admitted to intensive care and put on oxygen

and a heart monitor. He stayed awake all night where his blood

pressure soared and he struggled with breathing. The next morning he

was taken back to the dialysis ward for another 2 hours of dialysis.

this time 2 litres of fluid were removed. This time the procedure was

painful and he was terrified I could see it all over his face. There

was a different bunch of nurses this time all of whom were also nice

except one who unfortunately was teriibly unsupportive and rude to

him and myself! I have to admit I was pretty shocked and angry but

bit my tongue. He had a terrible migrane and was sick the whole way

through. His blood pressure dropped then soared, dropped then soared.

Finally the treatment was finished and again i took him home.

Emotionally this had taken a huge toll on him. He expressed that he

thinks it's just too hard but finally I got him to see that this is

all part of him getting better.

Today he is in better spirits but absolutely dreading his next

dialyis. I hope nobody reads this as a horror story, remember my

friend was diagnosed at end stage and only a few weeks before

starting dialysis. He is an extreme case. I sincerely wish all of you

the best and to those going through this with you I'm sending you all

my positive vibes cause this is tough.

Thanks again

Craig.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Connie, yes he is a good hubby, although I threaten to trade him in

for a new model sometimes!!

Sally.

Update on friend starting dialysis

O.K guys thanks firstly for your words of advice they were greatly

appreciated. Here is what happened.

My friend decided he wanted me to go with his for his first dialysis

treatment. As I am not squeamish and had been in the dialysis ward

before i didn't find the process itself scary, it was just that i had

major concerns for my friend.

His fistula is only a few weeks old so he was warned there may be

trouble finding access. He recieved two local injections and then the

dialyis needles which looked SO big and painful. Good news is that

they didn't hurt him at all. Obviously he was scared and

uncomfortable during this time but seemed to deal very well. The

second access line clotted imediately and had to be redone further

down his wrist. This caused bruising and was quite painful but has

not effected his fistula otherwise.

He had 1.5 hours of treatment. During this time he felt lightheaded

and nauseas. he stayed in good spirits during the treatment and it

seemed to be over in no time. The nurses were fantastic and such nice

people. I took him home that afternoon and he slept most of that

evening and all through the night without a glitch. Emotionally he

was quite sad but didn't elaborate too much so I gave him some space

and just sat and chatted when he needed it.

The following day he felt quite sick all day but was eager to get out

and do some things. We went to lunch and hung out with some friends.

His energy levels were on zero so we went home (we are flatmates) and

watched a movie. He has suffered from swolen legs pretty badly and

hardly any fluid was removed during his initial dialysis. Things went

slowly down hill that evening and unfortunately the fluid he was

retaining went to his lungs. He had a terrible time breathing and

became quite anxious. At about 1pm monday morning I rushed him to the

hospital where he was admitted to intensive care and put on oxygen

and a heart monitor. He stayed awake all night where his blood

pressure soared and he struggled with breathing. The next morning he

was taken back to the dialysis ward for another 2 hours of dialysis.

this time 2 litres of fluid were removed. This time the procedure was

painful and he was terrified I could see it all over his face. There

was a different bunch of nurses this time all of whom were also nice

except one who unfortunately was teriibly unsupportive and rude to

him and myself! I have to admit I was pretty shocked and angry but

bit my tongue. He had a terrible migrane and was sick the whole way

through. His blood pressure dropped then soared, dropped then soared.

Finally the treatment was finished and again i took him home.

Emotionally this had taken a huge toll on him. He expressed that he

thinks it's just too hard but finally I got him to see that this is

all part of him getting better.

Today he is in better spirits but absolutely dreading his next

dialyis. I hope nobody reads this as a horror story, remember my

friend was diagnosed at end stage and only a few weeks before

starting dialysis. He is an extreme case. I sincerely wish all of you

the best and to those going through this with you I'm sending you all

my positive vibes cause this is tough.

Thanks again

Craig.