New Routine

Now that my training is done, I have my cycler machine and all my supplies at home. The nurse who taught me how to use this equipment calls every day to get my stats and see if I have any questions or had any problems. Once she is confident with the way things are going she won't call everyday, I'll call if I have problems. There haven't been any problems so now we are just adjusting the treatment to my own needs. I feel better, that's the important thing. Being hooked to the cycler at night does restrict my freedom of movement somewhat, but I'm not tied down to one spot for hours. The line that is hooked to me allows me to move a little. I just have to make sure I have done what needs to be done beyond my range of motion before I hook up. I'm sure that this was the right choice if treatment for me. The little inconveniences it creates are offset by the benefits of treating myself at home, on my schedule. The few minutes a day it takes to set up the machine and write down my blood pressure, weight, temperature, and pulse are a small investment compared to going to the dialysis unit three times a week, for up to 6 hours. I have to go to unit once a month for a routine check-up with the nurse, my doctor, and the dietician to make any adjustments in the program that might be needed.. Time will tell but I do feel this is right for me.