For those that dont know

[BLOODBANE]

For those that don't know, I had to start Dialysis. I am doing home right now, but had to do 3 weeks of Hemo dialysis (in the chair 4hrs, 3 days a week)With the Peritoneal Dialysis I do it at home overnight. I'm on the transplant list and have been since '09. The hospital (Porters) is sure its coming up quick (I'm going for Kidney/Pancreas). Ive been fighting this for a while and it got bad enough that we had to do something. I feel better now, but it was a struggle. I wont give up, so you guys are stuck with me a while longer (LOL). Hopefully I will get to feeling better and get started on my Samurai buggy (its been sitting in the garage waiting patiently for me).

[Shane]

Since 09 that's that a crazy long wait, hope it soon. I have done a few dtv system upgrades at a few DaVita location. I don't think I could be hooked up to machine for 4 hrs a day 3 days a week.

[Chris]

Continued good wishes to you Mark, that's gotta suck but it beats not having dialysis for sure. I hope you move up on that waiting list.

Faced with the alternatives I'm sure you'd do it too Shane!

[Jackie]

Fingers and toes crossed for you. That can't be fun.

[Funrover]

Sending warm vibes and prayers out for you buddy

[Brad]

Fingers crossed! Feel better! :thumb:

[Hypoid]

Hang in there, Mark!

[javaman34]

Keep your chin up. Prayers coming your way.

[The StRanger]

You are in our prayers ..

[Brucker]

Damn, keep your head up! Best wishes to you and and yours!

[Patrolman]

Hang in there! It is a tough road, but worth it!

Let us know if there is anything we can do to help. Canon City is a trek from Denver, but if something needs to happen, I know the folks from here will do what they can!

[CS79bronco]

Hang in there Mark! Best wishes & prayers for ya!

[dieseldoc]

You will be in out prayers.
When you ready to build your sami get in touch.
we build a lot of them in southern Utah so I have a ton of info on what works well and what dont.
I give a good club rate to....

[Serious Offroad]

Nothing but good thoughts and prayers for ya.

[southpaws3]

BEST WISHES !!!! AWESOME that you get to dialysis at home. over night is better for the body than the 3-5hrs hurry .I know 3-5 hrs seems long but is strenuous on the body,how does the over night feel (sorry for being nosy)on your body ?? i'm a medic and work at the VA and finally soldiers are getting this equipment at home AWESOME results .

[BLOODBANE]

The PD Dialysis (home) is easier on the body. It gives constant dialysis rather than taking a a lot all at one time (think of a easy wave, with gentle rolls, rather than steep, severe wave). I feel a lot better than when I started in January. There is a lot of responsibility (have to be super clean, watch your diet, and know what to do, when bad things happens, ie, contamination to your catheter, how to order supplies, how to store them, what to take, etc)

So far the overnight hasnt bothered me, other than once hooked up, I have to stay hooked up (8hrs). When I do manual exchanges, I can fill, unhook from ths IV pole, dwell (what they call the time the dextros is in you), but you have to do multiple exchanges during the day (about 2hrs each dwell). For the cycler (overnight) I get everything ready a little early, then go back around 10 and hook myself to the cycler (the machine)I have to use aeseptic (sterile)procedure when I hook up (any time the catheter is open, there is chance for Peritonitis. No pets, all doors are closed, fans off, and anyone in the room has to have a mask on. It sounds like a lot, but Fresenius (the clinic that I use) does a good job of training. It still sucks that I have to do all this, but it is something I can handle and stick around for my family. From what they told my wife a couple more days without dialysis and I would have died, so Im looking at things a lot different now. I have a strong support from my family and friends and that seems to help a lot with this (heck just having a good attitude will do miracles). Let your vets know this and if they dont have the support let me know, I will help.

[Jim]

It still sucks that I have to do all this, but it is something I can handle and stick around for my family.

A good to hear bottom line!

Best wishes with the new routine.

[Java]

So sorry to read this, will keep you in my prayers. I have a lot of respect for you and your fortitude after reading this, hope it's all positive from here.

[SubAlpine]

Good Luck. Hope all goes well.