Brother Can You Spare A Kidney?

The process has been long but when things need to happen...they happen.

On August 20, 2021 I had an appointment with my kidney Doctor. Everything was going as usual and she started looking at my numbers. There was silence. I was telling her some symptoms I was experiencing and there was still silence. SHe asked me if I was feeling this and feeling that and told me that she thought I needed dialysis. I said ok when can I get an appointment to start the process of getting a fistula?

What is an Arteriovenous Fistula?

An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein in which blood flows directly from an artery into a vein, bypassing some capillaries. An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein.

She said "No, you need a tunneled catheter NOW!"

What is a Tunneled Catheter?

A tunneled catheter is used when a person: Needs intravenous (IV) access so they can receive fluids, transfusions, or drugs for a long period of time (generally longer than three months) Needs multiple blood draws for lab tests (more blood draws can be done with a tunneled catheter than with a PICC line).

I was a little confused and she left the room momentarily. SHe came back and said the earliest we can gt you in for the procedure is on August 23, 2021...just two days later. At this point I became somewhat concerned because I knew it was serious.

The procedure went well and after I woke up from synesthesia it was time to go home and prepare mentally for the beginning of my dialysis.