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...