I have catheters coming out of my chest at the moment. They serve me well enough for dialysis yet they have a higher proclivity for infection than other methods of accessing my blood for cleansing. That is especially concerning since the catheter goes to my heart. Ick!
The 15th I have an appointment to get mapped. That is they will slather warm goop on my arm and use ultrasound to determine which of my arteries and veins are suitable for use in a fistula. I don’t know exactly how a fistula works but it basically helps increase the volume of blood flowing into the dialysis machine. That in turn allows for a more thorough dialysis session and less clotting. It is a good deal.
Creating the fistula is an out-patient surgical process. I suppose I will have to go to Scottsbluff for this procedure. I am pleased, though, that the surgeon will be one who put in a catheter and performed a lung biopsy on me in 2003 and 2004. He is very good.
Once the fistula is created I have to heal for several weeks before it is usable. I believe I read somewhere in all the literature handed out to me in various hospitals or dialysis centers that that wait period is six weeks.
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Dougy is trying to make up for the two months without much play by bugging me to play wand toy games with him several times a day. Even Andy is more playful now that he knows I can be gone for long periods of time. I kind of like the “new” kitty boys. They are more talkative, more playful, more tolerant of being held.
I still need to make an appointment for Andy to see his veterinarian. Slipping him into my dialysis and doctor’s appointment schedule is a trick. It needs to be done, though, and I hope I can work it into this week.
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I will try to get my PC into the shop for fixing today. It’s been too long since that tool’s been messed up and unavailable for me. Mainly, I miss being able to upload photos and videos of the kitty brothers. I believe those of you who’ve followed this blog for a long time do, too.
I just went through all of this
My arms are like Swiss cheese
Won’t go completely into it
But I do understand what you are talking about
As always Sheldon
I am a hard one to draw blood from, so it sometimes takes many tries to get a sample….!
I miss seeing the boys doing their thing but understand completely. Take care of you and the rest will follow in good time.
Jean
That changes with Post 1007! Happy to tell you the photos are back!
Hi Doug, we all miss the photos of the boys! All the cats and crew of Salmon Brook Farms sends you The Power of the Paw (from 9 cats and 2 humans, that is a lot), and we all hope you feel better soon. Good luck with the PC too!
They are back as of Post 1007 (April 11, 2016), Lavinia! I’m really pleased I can post photos again.
Good thoughts and prayers your way that the docs get you healthy ASAP … Take care
Thanks! I am doing well now, Lisa!
I do miss photos of the kitties, but I understand you have a lot going on right now and your health needs to be your top concern. I hope all goes well with the fistula.
As of April 11, 2016, there are photos again! Look up Post 1007 to see the latest Andy and Dougy photos.
Good luck, Doug, for the up coming procedure to improve the diallysis . I send you a bit of courage .
Your two friends perhaps feel you cross a not joyful path and are more attentive .
In friendship
Michel
Thanks, Michel! I am getting excellent care at the local hospital where I get dialysis as an out patient. I am well enough that I can drive there in my car, though I still need a cane or a walker to walk safely.
We’re so sorry to hear that you are sick. Sending Healing Pawkisses and hope you feel better soon 🙂 <3 <3 <3
Thanks! I am much better now, though I am on dialysis three times a week. I actually feel “normal”, though I realize I am still in the process of healing.
You’ve got a full plate but I’m glad it include so much play time with the boys. Although initially a lot of bother I think the alternative to the direct heart catheter is a very good idea for the reasons you mention and the fact that an easier dialysis will mean more time to enjoy life with the boys.
Oh my goodness, I am so relieved to see you posting again. We’ve been travelling remotely for the last few weeks, so I haven’t been online at all. Now to go back and read the posts I’ve missed, while I am letting out big sighs of relief.
Thanks again, Peggy! I was very ill at first, but got excellent care in Denver and Scottsbluff. Now, I’m getting excellent care in Alliance in the local hospital’s new and very modern dialysis unit, a legacy of two families’ generous contributions to the hospital. Dialysis patients used to have to go to Scottsbluff for care.
That’s a wonderful argument for making generous gifts to your local hospital. Sure glad you are gaining the benefit now.
Both families had members who could have benefited from such a fine dialysis unit, as I understand it. The one family also funded a specialty clinic where specialists from area hospitals come on a regular basis. I’ve used clinic frequently in past, and will continue to use it since my issues are in the realm of specialists.
I’m sure you’ll feel better when spring has fully arrived.
I handle warmer weather better than cold, so, yes!
I’m definitely missing the boys photos! But you need to get better first!!!
They are looking especially Persian-catlike now. Their last grooming session they got trimmed a bit less than usual. I’d talked with their groomer lately about the possibility to letting their hair grow a bit longer (to see if the matting could be controlled with the longer cit….), and she may have gone ahead and done it. I was in the hospital, I think, when they had their last spa day.
Well I look forward to seeing them!!!
I finally am back on line with my PC, so there are new photos of the kitty boys in Post 1007, the April 11, 2016 post!
I saw! Yay!!!!!
I’ll try for closer looks at the kitty boys for future posts.
😊
I emphasize with you. Different problem but the poking and prodding and all of the needles and everything. You would thing they would get to the end some time but no.. Hope you are well.
Yes, it grow s old! The fistula is less likely to become infected, so that alone makes me willing to go for it. It doesn’t connect directly to the heart, either, so that is a plus.
It’s not like we can find medical care that we got when we were growing up.
That’s a fact!
My positive wishes for you dear Weggie, I am sure your little friends wll be helper to you, Love, nia
Thanks, Nia! Yes, I believe so, too!
Time to get back at it! Miss your posts!
Thanks! I miss being able to give my readers the full treatment, with kitty boy photos and videos. I hope to be fixed on that account by next week, if I get the PC back in good shape anyway.
Sending healing thoughts your way.
Thanks, Jeanne!