Surgery Tips

I've had to go into the hospital  for revisions on my arm.  I was told these would be Outpatient Surgeries, so I expected to be released.  I have learned the hard way to always prepare for a change in plans.  Sometimes going home that day is just not possible. 

When having outpatient surgery, I always pack a small overnight bag and leave it in the car.  I include some toiletries, slippers and a robe.  Most importantly, I always bring along a few doses of all my medications, as well as Tylenol or other pain relievers.  Chances are, you will be discharged before they are able to bring any of your proper medicines.  If they do bring your pills and you've already taken them, just accept them and add them to your stash.

Getting something to eat after that long day of fasting can also be tough, especially when on a special diet.  I bring along crackers and other easy edibles, as well as a bottle of water.  It may be a long, long time before you get a tray or even something to drink.

A magazine or newspaper is good to include just in case you can't sleep, and the television isn't available yet.

I always carry a written list of all my medications and their dosages.  Also list any allergies you may have.  When the nurse asks for this information, just slip her the list, and she can copy it onto her sheet.

Being prepared makes a hospital visit much more tolerable.  Be sure to request everything you may need (extra blankets, pillows) when the nurse is admitting you.  It may be a very long time before they answer your call light...

Good Luck...Your Friend...Jodi 

The Comfort Zone

Getting comfy on dialysis can be tough at times.  Gone are the days of freshly laundered sheets, pillowcases and blankets.  Oh well, these items used to become bleached into transparency anyway.  Happily, the new blankets have arrived along with carrying case and all.  I have found them to be DELUXE and quite capable of keeping us toasty and warm, even while the air conditioner is blasting at a cool 32 degrees.  These temperatures are necessary to prevent meltdown of our beloved caregivers.  Let's keep hot flashes out of this.  None the less, without new super thermal covers, everyone should be content.  For extra added warmth, I find that a blanket and a sheet together, make all the difference.

On the other hand, how about those chairs.  Everyone knows there is no love loss between me and my "chair".  Honest Abe sits more comfortable chair in the Lincoln Memorial.  I admit, I am spoiled from long ago when we all had Lazyboy recliners.  "Those were the days my friend".

All in all, we are lucky to be part of a great unit.  It's fun to kid and complain about the little things, but when it comes to the important stuff, our care is still the tops... "We've come a long way BABY."  Believe me, I know.  I'm a 27 year veteran.

Stay warm...Jodi

Easy Apple Crisp

Serves: 10 (aprox. 1/2 cup servings)

Ingredients:

8 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored & thinly sliced

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons margarine or butter

1/2 cup walnuts

Preheat over to 370 F.  Toss apples, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg to blend in a large bowl.  Transfer to a deep-dish 9" glass pie pan which has been sprayed with non-stick spray.  Let stand for 10 minutes.

Put the brown sugar and butter in the food processor and pulse for 10 seconds, add the oats and walnuts and pulse for an additional 5 seconds.  Place the topping onto the apples and bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles, about 45 minutes.  Cool slightly and serve.

Analysis:

Calories 207

Carbs 35 gm

Sodium 32 mg

Potassium 192 mg

Phosphorus 65 mg

Renal Exchanges:  1 Starch, 1 Fruit, 1/2 Renal Fat

Note:  To convert this recipe for diabetics, replace sugar with equal amount of Splenda.  The Calories will be cut by 38 and the Carbs by 10 gm.

St. Geraldine

Every so often, a patient comes along that displays tremendous strength in light of their illness.  One such person comes to mind, her name was Geraldine.  

From the start, Geraldine's' treatments never went well.  I thought she would improve eventually, but she never did.  One problem always followed another.

During dialysis she always had to sit in uncomfortable positions in order for her machine not to alarm.  Many days she couldn't complete her treatments due to access trouble.  Over time this took it's toll on her.  On a few occasions, she experienced access failure and had to be whisked away to the hospital, only to be returned hours later to finish her dialysis.  Throughout her troubles, she never complained.  I dubbed her Saint Geraldine, the patron saint of non-complainers.  This tickled her and she jokingly laughed, but I really meant it.  The last time I saw Gerry they were taking her to surgery to remove her leg.  Somehow I knew that would be the last time I saw her.

I wish dialysis could have helped her the way it does so many of us.  All in all, Gerry enabled me to see my situation differently, and I realized there is always someone else who has it worse.

A story comes to mind of a man who was sick and tired of all his problems.  He says to God, "Lord I can't carry this cross anymore.  The burden is just too great.  Could I trade it in for someone else's?"  God replied, "Of course my son, if your burden is too great, switch crosses with whomever you wish."  The man searched and searched.  He returned to the Lord and said, "Father, I'll keep what I got."

In Memory

Of

Geraldine Stitt

1936-2001

The Machine

My dialysis machine is a perfect example of modern medical technology. They have come such a long way in the last few decades. The first dialysis machines were made out of washing machines. Amazing isn't it. The machine basically acts like a big pump. It circulates our blood around and around pushing it through a dialyzer which is where all the cleansing of our blood takes place. When I say cleansing of our blood, I mean the toxins are removed. It is done slowly, that is why the treatments take 3 to 4 hours. Our technicians attach us to our machines via an artery and a vein. Unless the patient has a permanent catheter to plug into, we have to be stuck with 2 needles. The needles are somewhat large in order to accommodate the thickness of the blood. Some of our dialyzers are rinsed out and used again up to 35 times as long as they pass tests. Other dialyzers are thrown away. Mine is thrown away after each use. I prefer it this way. I'm very sensitive to sterilants. The machines are amazing and I am lucky to have one. Before they had enough to go around, many people died. I know it's a tough break, but what is the alternative. Don't take your machine for granted. It keeps us alive, and life is good.

Half A Hundred

EPO

For your information, every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at approximately 10:30 AM, the pathetic yelping and yammering you hear is me receiving my EPO injection.  Like the hot sting of a killer bee, they nail me hard and heavy.  Much as I enjoy complaining about these nasty little pricks, the truth of the matter is, EPO saved my life.  Years ago, there were no drugs to build blood.  Many patients were anemic, so transfusions were quite common during dialysis.  Unfortunately, this only rendered the situation temporarily.  My blood levels were so low, I required a unit of blood every week.  One year, in the midst of the AIDS epidemic, I received 52 blood transfusions.  This was frightening for me, until I heard about an amazing new drug that would produce blood cells.  I could hardly wait for the FDA to approve and release it.  It seemed like forever, but when they finally did, I was first in line.  Immediately, I responded to the injections and have not looked back since.  My blood levels are very good now and transfusions are a thing of the past.  I consider EPO to be a miracle drug.  How great to have the energy healthy blood supplies.  Yes, EPO is an ongoing treatment with explosive results.  It builds new life into the body and although the shots hurt, in the end, it's all good.  Until next time, OUCH!

Your friend, Jodi