Rounding today was the nurse practitioner instead of one of the nephrologists. She said my labs were good except for the Kt/V number and hemoglobin levels. She agreed that when they run slower using the single needle in the fistula, I’m not getting enough dialysis. For now, as long as they’re running one needle and slower flow rate, my session will be extended to four hours. Great! Another 15 minutes with a huge needle in my arm.
As for the low hemoglobin, I’m getting two iron shots this and next week. She also asked about COVID-19 symptoms. I told her that the cough was from surgery and things have gotten a bit worse with the inadequate dialysis. Overall she didn’t seem too worried about my coughing and shortness of breath since there was no fever.
Life with chronic diseases 