I think I'll talk about the ugly part of dialysis. The repetitive use of the same veins, creates an anurysm in the veins (I think that's the proper term). Basically, the site where the blood comes out and the site where the blood goes in, looks like I have ping pong balls under my skin.
It doesn't hurt, but I do have to protect it because if it gets damaged, I'll have to go back to a catheter in my neck (the catheter is actually connected to your jugular vein).
Each treatment, I get stuck with 15 gauge needles connected to tubes. One tube pulls the blood out, runs it through the machine, cleaning it and the blood goes in the other tube.
The whole process used to take 4 hours. Now, because of the lower rate it runs, it takes 7.
The other morning when I was getting the last of my blood back, I moved and the needle pulled slightly, causing me to infiltrate. What that means is that instead of my blood going back into my vein, it went into my arm. That causes a bruise that will probably stay with me for a loooong time (you can see it both in the pic above and the one below).
If you ever have any questions related to kidney disease or dialysis, feel free to ask...
2 comments:
I read this yesterday and couldn't comment at work.
That bruise looks bad...I'm glad it doesn't hurt at least. You're a damn trooper, I know THAT. I pray for you sis that you'll get what you need so this part can end and you can focus on getting a complete recovery. Love you!
Oh my! God doesnt put on you no more than you can bare.
Continued blessings.
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