I'm Home, I'm Free!

I finished my month long training at the Grapevine Davita Center for in home dialysis. They were wonderful and so knowledgeable.

I did my first treatment Friday at home! The nurse from the center came over and assisted me and then she will be back tomorrow.

My energy level is so much better than I can remember having in years. SO MUCH BETTER than in center dialysis. I am so greatful.

When I did my hemodialysis on Friday I felt so much better being in my own home.

My blood pressure has gone way down too. Its all good!

Here's a picture of my new lifeline.

I've read that some of those using this machine have given them names. So I thought "thumper". With my renewed energy, I thought of the energizer bunny, but thats too long of a name, so bunny - thumper - also the machine kind of makes a thumping noise when its priming. What do you think? Any other suggestions?

A Little More Confident

I've just completed week two on my training on NxStage to do home dialysis. Feeling a bit more confident, for some reason having a little problem getting off the machine, but I am able to set up ok. Troubleshooting seems a little scary to me, glad we have a manual.

They are sending a plumber out on Tuesday to put a line and drain in and will be sending home the Pureflow part of the equipment on Monday.

Steve is so cute. He's been trying to figure out how to lay out the furniture. I've seen him and his measuring tape checking on things.

Took the dogs for a short walk when we got back this afternoon. Went with one of my friends over to prepare for the clothing exchange tomorrow morning at church.

Tired, signing off, and going to bed. Gotta get up early (while its still cool) so I can pull weeds out of the front bed.

NxStage

I'm learning just how awkward and clumsy I can be. Last week I started NxStage training. NxStage is a dialyzer that will allow me to do dialysis from home. I had been driving over there all last week and on Friday I got lost. Go figure.

I am really sold on NxStage. This is the start of my second week and I can already tell I have more energy. I'd like to make my way through just one time without making a mistake.

Today when I went I did something that caused the bags to leak all over the floor.

On the way back today ................. I really freaked. I didn't see the HOV sticks coming up on 635 and over compensated. I whipped to the right and lost total control of my car. Scared myself. At one point, I nearly went off the overpass. Praise Heavenly Father, he didn't let me and somehow kept me from hitting anyone else.

I am still a little shaken but very greatful.