Sometimes you have to prepare for the long run. After several weeks of visiting the dialysis unit on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we are bringing the dialysis machine home. This will allow me to dialyse in the comfort of my own home at a time that suits me. I am also going to get rid of this plastic tube in my neck and have it replaced with a permanent dialysis fistula in my arm. This will need to be created surgically but will allow me to bathe properly, to run (hooray!) and sail my boat. All the things I am currently missing.
Dialysis was initially supposed to be a temporary measure, but my mum has sadly been ruled out as a potential donor and this has pushed the process back by at least six months. All the tests had been hard work but we fell at the final hurdle, after the surgeons decided that there was little to no chance of success. It’s just as well they found out now and not on the operating table or post-op. Perhaps the Dali Lama was right when he said that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck?
The good news is that the dialysis is working well. I am slowly getting my life back and adjusting to this new way of living. I liken it to buying a house; It’s a long winded, exhausting and emotional process full of hidden pitfalls. You can work your fingers to the bone only to watch it all fall apart in the final hour. Its hard for everyone when you’re emotionally invested, but necessity demands that we compose ourselves try again. We are hoping for the best. After all, if I don’t look after my body, I’ll have nowhere to live.
#R24TRC 