FAQ

What is dialysis? The short answer is a process that blood is removed from your body and sent through a series of filters before being returned to your body. If you want the details look at http://www.kdf.org.sg/healthtopics/haemo.htm
What happens when you are on dialysis? You sit in a chair for a couple of hours watching tv, sleeping or reading while your blood is removed, filtered and returned by a machine about the size of an ATM.
What caused your kidney failure? They are not sure but they are leaning towards a side effect of a prescription drug I have been on for 5 years.
How do you feel? I feel great... of course I thought I felt fine before being sent to the hospital.
How bad were you? The doctor that read my original charts and ordered me to the hospital said that with some of the results he was seeing on my tests he was shocked that I was walking and talking (before having me DRIVE to the hospital, by the way). My Nephrologist (kidney doctor) said I am the only person he has seen alive with those kind of numbers (before dialysis) or not in a coma.
Is the damage reversible? They believe so. The ultrasound shows my kidneys are normal size. Tests are now showing that my kidneys are starting to work again.
How was your hospital stay? Long. I missed my wife, my dogs, and my bed. I deeply appreciate Rochelle and Barb (two of my many nurses) and of course all of the ladies in the dialysis clinic. I am not going to miss being awakened a couple of times a night to be asked if you need something to help you sleep. Nor will I miss the nurse that had to stick me 3 or 4 times each time she needed to draw blood.
Is it true you look like Drew Carey? That nurse is crazy. I see no resemblance. None.
Did you have any symptoms before being sent to the hospital? No. I was having cramps in my feet and hands which is why I went to the doctor.
How long will you have to be on dialysis? Since they think it is reversible they are not sure. I am now on steroids for the next week or so as well as having to continue dialysis on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.