Today I went for my appt. at the dentist. He's more than just a dentist, he's a specialist of some kind, but I don't know his exact title. Anyway, they took the X-rays of the implants and they look good. Now they have to contact the nephrologist and learn his reccommendation as to when they can do the surgery (with anesthesia), in relation to the dialysis cycle, etc. I am anxious to get this finished. I may bite everybody I know when this is all over. Beware!

William and I ate at the Olive Garden. I tried something new, Apricot Chicken something or 'other with grilled vegetables. I wasn't impressed. It was okay, just didn't excite my taste buds. The salad and bread sticks did though.

Did some shopping at JoAnn's. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.............I needed that fix.

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Today was non-eventful at dialysis. Jennifer came by on her lunch hour. That always helps break up the day.

PKD & Dialysis

This is where I'm going to keep a journal of sorts about my dialysis and any other health concerns. Not everyone wants to hear the details of a person's ailments, and this is more for me than anyone else. I'll gladly answer questions anyone might have. I will also be posting some related websites that give a wealth of information. Don't feel that any question is too "dumb" or personal. I don't mind sharing details. If I don't want to answer a question I will say so.

I was diagnosed with PKD (polycystic kidney disease) in my mid-thirties. I didn't start having any outward symptoms until my 50s. On May 7, 2007 I began hemodialysis at Davita. I am so blessed that the center is only about two blocks from my house. There are many that drive long distances three days a week in order to take dialysis. There are those who must come by ambulance from nursing homes, etc. They come on walkers, oxygen, and with all kinds of other difficulties. The only other physical problems I have is fibromyalgia which can be painful at times, but I again have been fortunate to have been able to stay in the home and not had to get a factory job as some women I know. The health of several of my friends has been ruined from having to work in a factory in order to make a living and to have insurance coverage. I also have some arthritis as we all get as time goes on.

One of my main concerns before I started dialysis was the fact that I would have to remain in one place for a long period of time. Indeed, that is creating a problem for me. The hip and knee joints are getting rather stiff and painful. Another concern for now is the bleeding. When the needles are removed the blood wants to keep flowing. I have a fistula which is an artery and vein linked together surgically which enlarges the vein and increases it's ability to handle the extra flow of blood necessary for the dialysis to be adequate. The needles are rather large (15 gauge X 1") and make that size holes. Left unchecked, a person could bleed to death in a matter of minutes. The staff at the center is well-trained, and capable when it comes to looking out for the patient. I feel very secure in their care.

Tomorrow my treatment time starts at 10:30 AM. That's an hour earlier than before. When an earlier time becomes available they ask if I want it. This is the second time change I've had. It will give me some more of my day in the afternoon.