I'm ready for dialysis...I think - Kidney Disorders Message Board

writeleft · 07-22-2009, 02:18 PM

I have been on quite a trip with my kidneys, which failed 5 years ago, while I was having strokes (malignant hypertention being the underlying illness). At the time I was only 43, and I fought back with everything I had.

Recently, I have begun to feel unwell. My GFR dropped down to 22, and falling. I have lost my appetite, but I'm puffy. My anemia is worse, and at times I can't even hold my head up. I need 12 hours sleep everyday. This is not me...

I am not afraid of dialysis, and if it could make me feel better, I am ready! I am already at home all day. I will speak to my nephrologist about what point he wants me to go on. What do you think?

Cora1003 · 07-24-2009, 06:37 AM

One of the biggest deciding factors of when you go on, is how you feel. As for the tired feeling and anemia, how are you being treated? Are you on aranesp or epo? Talk to your neph about this because the anemia is definitly treatable.

Let us know how the appointment goes.

writeleft · 07-24-2009, 11:46 AM

Hi Cora,

Thanks for responding...As far as the anemia goes, I get the Venifor infusions. I will ask my doctor, though. Even being anemic, I have not felt like this before...just wiped out. I have to break up my daily activities into tiny little doses...5 minutes here, 5 minutes there, and resting in between.

I'm doing more labs on Monday, so we'll see just what the numbers say.

Earlier, you talked about pets, and storage room for a months supply. That got me thinking about where in my house I would do this. We do have an extra room, that could be turned into a clean room (with a little work)...without dog hair, and with room for supplies. What else do you recommend for the room?

Whether it is a few months from now, or a year from now, I want to be prepared. I certainly appreciate your knowledge and experience! Thanks again...

Cora1003 · 07-24-2009, 12:09 PM

No problems. The venifor helps with the actual count of iron available to be made into hemoglobin, but it is (to a great extent) the kidneys that are responsible for the actual creation of hemoglobin. If you aren't on epo/aranesp and are anemic, just the iron probably won't help. Talk to your dog.

As far as preparing for pd, don't worry too much. You don't need a sterile environment. If you end up on the cycler and do the pd exchange overnight, your pet can still probably sleep in the room with you. I know my friend always did this and it wasn't a problem.

Keep us posted

writeleft · 07-24-2009, 03:56 PM

Cora,

Sounds like I need to learn more about the anemia...Thank goodness my neph is a wonderful doctor, always available, and has already given me another chance at life. I am confident he will guide me through all that is ahead. It is still nice to get some real life experiences, like we share on the boards.

Good to know things don't have to be super clean, because our house is like a whirl of people, dogs, teenagers, art projects, beach towels, sand, surfboards, bicycles, you name it!

I was actually imagining a quiet place just for me. Years ago, before I got really sick, I handpainted that room, which I always really loved. Since I have been ill, the room has been a junk collector, which I never even open the door to. This might be the perfect time to reclaim a little place for me!

Thanks again Cora, you are a wealth of information.