Chapter One: Diagnosis
Chapter Two: Donor?
Chapter Three: Dialysis
Chapter Four: Transplant
Chapter Five: Recovery
From My Lens
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 Chapter Three: Dialysis

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Photo by Miranda Meyer


Before heading to my first dialysis treatment, I was extremely nervous.

Though I had done my research and knew what to expect, nothing can totally prepare you for such a life-altering event. I had committed myself to this machine for 12 hours per week until I got my transplant. If I didn't like my first treatment, I couldn't just back out.

Fortunately, things went really well. Some people experience sickness or cramping following a treatment; I had no problems at all. I've felt nauseated, but it quickly passes. The overall experience of dialysis has been great. I have more energy and am able to sleep through the night.

Here, I am being hooked up to the machine. It takes approximately 15 minutes to begin dialysis. Upon arriving, I am weighed, my temperature is taken, my blood pressure is measured and my Epogen shot is administered. Then the catheter is flushed and the tubes are hooked up and the machine begins cleaning my blood.


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