Dialysis Days

My baby posing on the bed, where he spent a lot of time.  Still so happy though!!  Lovin' his Mickey Mouse

LJ was required to do his treatments for 13 hours every night.   It was extremely difficult to keep him relaxed, in bed after he got up in the morning.  He always wanted to get up, and play downstairs.  I had to get creative, and find some toys that were good for bed play, but still kept him engaged.  despite the fact that he wasn't walking yet, he was still so active back then.  Technology always kept him pretty busy though, and he took to things like the Ipod, and mini DVD player very quickly.

At the top, we were admitted to the hospital because of LJ's labs.  Down below, my handsome man..on the bed @home

You kinda have to get creative with things to do in, and around the bed.  Luckily, LJ has always kept a mostly positive attitude about things, and I could actually talk to him.  Even when he was little, and I would explain why we had to stay in the bed, I swear, he didn't like it, but he understood it.  He knew that he was attached to that machine.  Deep down, it broke my heart though.  It took away from so much developmental play that he needed physically.  It was for the greater good though, and now, we can our playtime.  I am so thankful for that.  Lord knows!


Over the years that LJ had to do dialysis, it was extremely stressful, and tiring.  Between working, and doing dialysis at home, it was wearing me out, but I knew I had to keep it together.  I had a lot on my shoulders.  Performing my baby's treatments at home were a big deal, his life was literally in my hands.  From keeping everything germ free, to just doing it right!  It was hard, but I did it.  Nearly 3 years of dialysis, and no infections, nothing.  My baby was golden.
I had a few rules, as I like to call them,,, Rules to surviving dialysis.  They always helped me keep it together.., both physically, and mentally,.....and here they are:


   5 Rules to Surviving @home Dialysis

Pardon my pun, but, I like to keep the situation light.  Gotta stay positive at all times.  I don't know how I would make it everyday dealing with my life if I didn't stay positive, and Keep Laughing!!! 

1. Write Everything Down.  Now as simple as this sounds, it can really help you if you do it, or really hurt you if you don't.  I mean everything from treatment times, to steps you may forget, to .....well, everything.  You would be surprised how easily you can forget something you just knew you wouldn't forget.
2. Check, Check, and Recheck.  This means everything too.  From your count, to making sure you wash your hands good, and definitely making sure your area is always clean.  Making sure you dot your I's and cross your T's could make all the difference in the health and well being of your child or loved one.  Trust me, you can thank me later!
3. Always have extra supplies.  This should be easy enough.  It falls in the category of checking and rechecking too though.  You always have to be sure to have more than enough supplies on hand at all times.  There could be a hole in a bag, or a missing piece.  There could even be a problem with delivery, you never know.  Having extra now will save you a headache, and possible health issue, later.
4. Pay attention, and talk to the doctor.  Being observant during treatment is extremely important.  There are unfortunately times when treatment can be uncomfortable, or even times when your child can become disconnected from treatment during the night.  It is so important to watch out for these occurrences, and to definitely be sure to speak to your child's physician about any issues.  
5. Get plenty of REST.  This may be one of the most important things you can do to make sure you are in the best shape you can be in, in order to take care of your child, or loved one.  Just being a caregiver in itself can be tiring, but having a child with complex medical issues is physically, and emotionally draining.  Making sure you stay well rested will help you stay focused, and alert.  You have to be on your toes to make sure you keep your baby healthy.  They are counting on you.  I know I told myself this everyday, and it helped me a great deal.

    I hope that my little tips can be of help to you or someone you know.   Thanks for reading!!