| Author | Subject: Re: Welcome New Bulletin Board Members |
| Beth Witten | Posted At 00:08:42 09/14/2001 Felecia, you asked for information about the LifeSite Hemodialysis Access System. The company that makes this device is VasCa. You can read about this system at www.vasca.com/patients_families/index_patients.asp. Clarence, you say that you must go to bed for 2 hours after your 5-hour hemodialysis treatment. Dialysis affects different people differently. Do what you can to make your dialysis treatments easier. For instance, it often helps to drink no more than your fluid restriction. The more fluid that needs to be removed each treatment, the more wiped out you'll feel. If you're eating more or less, notify your nurses. Your dry weight could need to be adjusted. You could be weak and easily fatigued because you're anemic or malnourished. Ask your nurse how your weight and labs are compared to what they should be. Many patients have reported that they feel better after beginning a gradual exercise program. We have a booklet on exercise posted on our website. Look at the Patient Interest Checklists on our website to get ideas of questions to ask members of your healthcare team. The more you know and participate in your care, the better you will do. And finally, Shane, thanks for sharing your experiences with people that visit our website bulletin board through your website. |