Along for the Ride

At work we've just started a Biggest Loser competition for the spring semester. So far, I'm down 2 pounds, and I'm hoping that this will give me an "umph" to get started on dropping some weight for transplant. I think it's somewhat humorous that the winner in this case is actually a loser, but that's another topic. I am on the committee for the competition this year. I signed up to help in hopes that it would help me stay focused on my goals. I have struggled with weight my whole life, and while the motivation this time is much different - I need a new organ, not just to look cute in a bikini - the challenge is still the same. The first 40 pounds came off pretty easily because I felt awful and had no appetite. Now that I'm on dialysis, there are some added challenges: 1. I feel a lot better! Yay!!! However, that also means that my appetite is better. Boo. So foods that repulsed me before now sound pretty good. 2. I get calories from ...

So far, I've been on dialysis for a little over a week now. Last Tuesday, Feb. 31, I went to my training session and "passed" with flying colors. Yay!!! Who knew that I would end up learning so much about asceptic technique and medical procedures! That evening I went home with my machine and was ready to get started. I got this nifty cart from Ikea for a great price, and it's PERFECT for holding all of my meds, gauze, tape, catheter caps, and extra materials. The cycler machine fits perfectly on it, and because it has wheels, I can wheel it into the living room or kitchen if I really want to, though I usually just hang out in the bedroom when I'm on the machine. My treatment process is about 9 to 9 1/2 hours long, and I have to do it EVERY day. That's one of the components of PD. Your regular kidneys are working 24/7, so PD tends to be more natural since you do therapy every night. With hemodialysis, you do therapy 2 or 3 times a week for a few ho...