Got the Date!!!!

Today i got the date for my planned transplant - January 4th 2010.

So lots of planning to do now, my mums got to be down for tests early in December and ive got to get through the HTA tests (these are test to prove me and mum are actually related).

Iron

I started having iron as my blood count is very low at the moment and slightly anaemic. Its a horrible black liquid that goes straight into the dialysis machine. I makes my mouth feel like I'm sucking a rusty old iron bar, luckily it last only for 20 seconds or less. yuk

Difficulties

Ive just adjusted my dry weight as I'm finding that I'm really bloated even after dialysis, I'm also getting headaches every day, although my new problem seems to be breathlessness. Every night I'm gasping for air, seems to be a constant thing. Ive seen the nephrologist and hes shrugged it off as to much water. I'm not sure that's right - seeing my surgeon next week so wee what he says.

New Access check

today ive been back to the QE to the access clinic for a decision on where to go with a new fistula. This is a difficult decision as if i get a transplant as planned and it works i wont need a fistula for a while (with luck). But if it fails i don't have a fistula to fall back on.

Its going to be a difficult decision but i may just go for it just in case, im on lines at the moment and they are OK, but short term and easily failed.

The fresenius Centre

As per the last post my dialysis centre is not on site at the hospital, but on a new industrial estate. Its nothing like the hospital centres, its very state of the art with positive pressure air (to keep out germs) antibacterial everything and brand new machines.

Its also quite good for the individual with flat screen TVs and Sky TV (cable), so the 4 hours seem to fly by, shame daytime TV is so bad!

Dialysis

Since i left hospital after 7 days i have been given the opportunity to dialyse at a seperate and independsant dialysis cetre in Worcester, which is 15 mins from my home.

I was a little nervous about dialysis but have found it to be a faily relaxing and simple process.

My fistula failed in surgery so im using central lines into my chest, which are a pain to keep clean but working well so far.

After 3 weeks of dialysis im finding it difficult to get to a dry weight and to keep my fluids low, ive got swollen ankles and hands but we seem to be getting there slowly.

Hospital recovery

3 days after surgery i was put on the general ward, with my epidural taken away after 4 days. the next few days i struggled with the painkillers as they made me sick and being sick and having a 18" cut across your stomach is very very painful indeed.

the pain eased a little and i swapped between paracetamol and morphine for the next 2 days.

Over the 7 days post surgery, i was as sore as you can expect but wasn't getting sleep due to the constant hum drum of the ward and the lights. So after 7 days i asked to be discharged. As my levels were OK they agreed i could go home. I had had 2 lots of dialysis, one of which they turned of my epidural by accident, which left me in agony for 4 hours.

I have to say that the dialysis i had 5 day post operativly was very painful, and as i was left alone and had no staff contact was distressing. I hope that wont happen again.