Notes for Feb. 2011 PAC Conference Call

Is there a need for orientation binders or pamphlets for new patients?

After two-plus years I am still learning things.

Busted

4:50AM a couple of weeks ago:  I get on my bus to go home after dialysis.  There are usually one or two other passengers in addition to the driver, but today it was just the two of us.  I take my usual seat and settle in, and after about two minutes the unmistakable smell of weed hits my nose.  Not the cheap ish, either; this smelled like that sweet sticky stuff.  Brother Bus Driver had apparently lit up not too long ago - or some bus drivers had been partying on the bus just before he checked it out for the first run of the day.

I had two immediate thoughts: (1) If he gets into an accident, I'm suing for millions; and (2) apparently you have to pass a drug test to get the job, but once you're in it's the Wild West.

Notes from 12/6 Session

After consulting with nurse practitioner Sherrie, my dry weight was increased to 105 kilos (231 lbs).  This combined with my suddenly found ability to drink less liquid is making for much more comfortable dialysis sessions and recovery periods.  I actually felt good after this session.

Everyone is being super-careful with me.  It might be because they know that I am on the Patient Advisory Committee.  Whatever.  It becomes a little tedious at times, but I'll take it.  It's better than being an afterthought.

I sense an invisible hand at work doing good things.

Notes from 12/4/11 Session

Question for Dr. Raj:  At this juncture, I don't plan to pursue a kidney transplant.  Would it make sense to get evaluated for one anyway?

12/1/11:  due to a cancelled appointment, I was downtown around 7PM with nothing to do and about 3 hours to kill before dialysis.  I decided to go directly to dialysis and see if I could get put on earlier than normal and get off around 1:30AM so I could catch the last bus home.  The idea worked like a charm.  I just had to put up with the usual long-winded speech from Lakshmi because I was only on the machine for 5 hours instead of six, and sign a waiver.  No problem.  The beautiful part was that I had only gained 2.6 kilograms between sessions, which minimized the impact of the shortened session.  I normally put on 4.5 to 5 kilograms between sessions.  Drinking less liquid does pay off in the long run.

One anomaly I noticed on 12/1 is that patients who normally get off their machine after I do (after 4AM, that is)  are getting put on @ 8PM instead of my usual almost-10PM!  What's up with that?  Do they need to go at a slower pace?  Are they putting on more liquid?