Home Hemodialysis Patients

  This is a continuation of my last post. Were do I begin! After moving from Fremont to Tracy in 2004, I still had about 28% of my kidney left, I picked another Kaiser doctor who destroyed the rest of my kidney with medicines. By the time I FIRED him he had me on 6 blood pressure meds, 2 blood sugar meds, and assortment of other meds that probably shouldn't been on.   I was assigned to the chief of Nephrology who recommended me to go on Home 🏠 Peritoneal Dialysis which I was on for 4+ years, until I become septic and was hospitalized for 22 days, where during this time my wife was told to Pull the Plug on me, the doctor's said I was not going to live.   My wife works for Kaiser so she contacted the right people and saved my life! I was put in rehab because I couldn't walk, so it took about 2 weeks to get back home with physical therapist coming to my house twice a week until I was able to get upstairs.   After that ordeal I was put on Hemodialysi...

The Undiscernible Journey! Introduction: Life's journey is often an unpredictable roller coaster, and my transition from a pole vaulter at San Jose City College to a home hemodialysis warrior has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This is a story of trust, medical challenges, and unwavering faith, with my wife as my rock and care partner. As I reflect on my journey, I share the highs, lows, and the unwavering determination to live life to the fullest. The Initial Struggle: A Leap of Faith in Healthcare My journey began with a challenge that many face – trusting in doctors to manage my care effectively. Through a recommendation from my wife's friend at Kaiser, I found myself under the care of a Nephrologist. Little did I know that this would mark the start of a complex and challenging chapter in my life. The Lisinopril Ordeal: An Unmonitored Path to Kidney Damage The prescribed medication, Lisinopril, became a pivotal point in my journey. For over three year...

THE COST OF INSURANCE FOR DIALYSIS PATIENTS!   Medicare is a government-sponsored health insurance program in the United States. It primarily provides coverage for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Here are the key aspects of Medicare: 1. **Program Components:**    - **Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance):** Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services.    - **Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance):** Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some home health care.    - **Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage):** A private insurance plan that combines the benefits of Part A and Part B. It may also include additional benefits, such as vision and dental coverage.    - **Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage):** Offers prescription drug coverage through private insurance ...

  LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE ON HOME HEMODIALYSIS! The marriage between a dialysis clinic and home hemodialysis patients represents a collaborative partnership aimed at providing comprehensive care, support, and education to individuals managing their renal health at home. Here's an overview of this relationship: 1. **Patient Education and Training:**    The dialysis clinic plays a pivotal role in educating home hemodialysis patients. This involves comprehensive training on operating dialysis equipment, managing medications, understanding treatment plans, and addressing any concerns related to home-based care. 2. **Customized Treatment Plans:**    The marriage between the dialysis clinic and home hemodialysis patients involves creating personalized treatment plans. Healthcare professionals work closely with patients to design a regimen that aligns with their medical needs, lifestyle, and preferences. 3. **Continuous Monitoring and Support:**    Dialysis cli...

                                        LIVING AS A HOME HEMODIALYSIS PATIENT! Living life as a home hemodialysis patient involves adapting to a unique healthcare routine while maintaining a fulfilling and positive lifestyle. Here's an overview of the experience: 1. **Empowerment through Independence:**    Home hemodialysis provides a sense of empowerment and independence. Patients have the flexibility to schedule dialysis sessions according to their preferences, promoting a more active and engaged lifestyle. 2. **Comfort of Home:**    The comfort of receiving treatment at home can enhance the overall experience. Patients have the opportunity to create a personalized and familiar environment, reducing stress associated with clinical settings. 3. **Family Involvement:**    Home hemodialysis often involves family members as care partners. This fosters a sense o...

  To maintain a good potassium level in your body, you can follow these guidelines: 1. Eat a balanced diet: Consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods is essential for maintaining optimal potassium levels. Make sure your diet is well-rounded and includes a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 2. Include potassium-rich foods: Some foods are naturally high in potassium and can help you meet your daily requirements. Here are some examples of potassium-rich foods:    - Fruits: Bananas, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, avocados.    - Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms.    - Legumes: Lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas.    - Dairy products: Milk, yogurt.    - Fish: Salmon, cod.    - Nuts and seeds: Almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds. 3. Be mindful of cooking methods: The way you prepare and cook your food can impact the potassium conten...

  A Care Partner for a home hemodialysis patient is an individual who provides assistance and support to the patient undergoing hemodialysis treatment in the comfort of their own home. This care partner can be a family member, a friend, or a hired caregiver. The primary role of a Care Partner is to help with various aspects of the home hemodialysis treatment process and provide emotional and physical support to the patient. The responsibilities of a Care Partner for a home hemodialysis patient may include: 1. Assisting with machine setup: The Care Partner helps in setting up the hemodialysis machine, connecting the necessary tubing, and ensuring that the machine is functioning properly before the treatment begins. 2. Monitoring the treatment: During the hemodialysis treatment, the Care Partner keeps a close eye on the patient, observing for any signs of discomfort, pain, or complications. They may also monitor vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, as instructed by the...

  A Care Partner plays a crucial role in supporting and caring for a home hemodialysis patient. Here are some key responsibilities and roles of a Care Partner: 1. Assisting with setup and tear-down: The Care Partner helps with setting up the hemodialysis machine and equipment before the treatment and ensures proper disconnection and cleaning after the treatment. 2. Monitoring the treatment: During the hemodialysis treatment, the Care Partner observes the patient for any signs of discomfort, pain, or complications. They also monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate as needed. 3. Providing emotional support: Hemodialysis can be physically and emotionally challenging for the patient. The Care Partner offers emotional support, reassurance, and encouragement throughout the treatment process. 4. Assisting with medication management: The Care Partner helps the patient with medication management, ensuring that medications are taken as prescribed and at the appropriate time...

  Being Prepared for any Emergency. There are some steps that a hemodialysis patient can take to help prevent access site clogs and the need for angioplasty: 1. Follow proper hygiene practices: It is important to keep the access site clean and dry. Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare team for cleaning and caring for the access site. 2. Avoid excessive pressure or trauma: Be careful not to apply excessive pressure or trauma to the access site. Avoid carrying heavy bags or wearing tight clothing that may restrict blood flow to the access site. 3. Protect the access site: Keep the access site covered with a clean dressing or bandage to prevent infection and minimize the risk of contamination. 4. Avoid activities that may damage the access site: Certain activities such as lifting heavy weights, repetitive arm movements, or excessive bending of the access arm should be avoided as they can contribute to access site complications. 5. Follow a healthy lifestyle: Maintain a h...

  Dialysis clinics have a responsibility to both the patient and the hospital nephrologist. Let's break down their responsibilities: 1. Responsibility to the Patient: Dialysis clinics have a direct responsibility to the patients they serve. They are responsible for delivering safe, effective, and high-quality dialysis treatment to the patient. This includes providing appropriate care, monitoring the patient's health during and after dialysis, educating the patient about their treatment, and addressing any concerns or complications that may arise. 2. Responsibility to the Hospital Nephrologist: Dialysis clinics also have a responsibility to work collaboratively with the hospital nephrologist. The clinic should maintain open lines of communication with the nephrologist, share relevant patient information, and follow the nephrologist's prescribed treatment plan. They should also provide regular updates on the patient's progress and consult with the nephrologist when necess...

  Dialysis clinics have a commitment to providing quality care and support to their patients. Here are some aspects of the clinic's commitment to the patient: 1. Treatment Delivery: The clinic is responsible for delivering dialysis treatments in a safe and effective manner. This includes ensuring that the dialysis machines and equipment are properly maintained, regularly tested, and meet all necessary safety standards. 2. Staffing: The clinic should have an adequate number of qualified healthcare professionals, such as nephrologists, nurses, and technicians, to provide appropriate care and support during dialysis sessions. They should be trained in the latest techniques and protocols for dialysis treatment. 3. Patient Education: Dialysis clinics are responsible for educating patients and their caregivers about the treatment process, including how to perform dialysis at home (if applicable), dietary restrictions, medication management, and potential complications. This education hel...

  T The life of a Home Hemodialysis patient can vary depending on their individual circumstances and needs. Here are some key aspects to consider: 1. Home Setup: Home Hemodialysis patients require a dedicated space in their home for the dialysis machine and supplies. This may involve setting up a dialysis station with a comfortable chair, storage for supplies, and access to water and electricity. 2. Training: Patients and their caregivers receive comprehensive training on how to perform hemodialysis at home. This includes learning how to operate the dialysis machine, handle supplies, monitor vital signs, and manage potential complications. 3. Treatment Schedule: Home Hemodialysis patients have the flexibility to choose their treatment schedule based on their needs and preferences. They can perform dialysis sessions more frequently, usually three to seven times per week, for shorter durations compared to in-center hemodialysis. 4. Independence and Flexibility: Home Hemodialysis offe...

  Aubrey's life revolves around the rhythmic routine of home hemodialysis, a journey that unfolds within the walls of his bedroom. Every other day, the familiar hum of the blood-cleaning machine becomes the soundtrack to his existence, marking the beginning of a 4.5-hour session that both challenges and sustains him. In this intricate dance with life-altering technology, Aubrey's wife, his steadfast companion of 44 years, assumes the role of a meticulous caretaker. With a deep well of experience and unwavering dedication, she navigates the intricacies of preparing the machine for operation. The room transforms into a makeshift medical sanctuary, a space where the delicate balance between science and human connection unfolds. As the needles, two 16-gauge lifelines, pierce Aubrey's arm, there is a tangible connection between the mechanical rhythm of the machine and the pulse of his life. It's a partnership, a symbiotic relationship between man and technology, choreographe...

  Home hemodialysis represents a transformative approach to renal care, offering individuals a personalized and empowering solution for managing kidney health. This innovative method enables patients to undergo hemodialysis treatments within the familiar confines of their homes, fostering a sense of control and comfort. The flexibility of scheduling treatments at home not only reduces the stress associated with traveling to a dialysis center but also accommodates the unique needs of individuals, particularly seniors and those with mobility challenges. Beyond the logistical advantages, home hemodialysis allows for a more intimate involvement in one's healthcare journey. Patients can actively participate in their treatment plans, contributing to a sense of empowerment and independence. This personalized care approach extends to dietary management, as individuals can tailor their meals to meet specific renal health requirements. The integration of technology and telehealth further enh...

Choosing home dialysis over in-center treatment offers several notable benefits. Home dialysis provides a more flexible schedule, allowing individuals, particularly seniors like yourself, to undergo treatments in the comfort of their homes. This offers a sense of familiarity, reducing the stress associated with traveling to a center. In terms of dietary considerations, individuals undergoing dialysis, whether at home or in a center, need to adhere to specific guidelines. Foods high in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium should be limited. Opting for a low-phosphorus, low-potassium, and low-sodium diet is crucial in managing kidney health. Home dialysis users have the advantage of preparing meals tailored to their dietary needs, promoting a sense of control over their nutritional intake. In-center patients may find it more challenging to manage dietary restrictions due to limited control over meal preparation. Required medications are a crucial aspect of dialysis care. Home dialysis users...