So the chest catheter I got during heart surgery is getting removed today. I’ve had it since November 13th, which is about 9 1/2 months. The first chest catheter I had lasted over 20 months. I felt this time the dialysis staff was more insistent on its removal as fast as possible. Maybe they had some infection cases recently?
The nephrologist doing rounds today came pretty late. I was getting the needles removed when he showed up. I told him about the catheter removal, the upcoming CT scan, and gave him an update on the transplant process at UCLA. I think he knows the doctor I spoke to at UCLA; there was a sign of recognition when I mentioned his name. He also lowered my dry weight again to 86.0 kg and said we may even go to 85.0 kg if I’m okay. He agrees that my ankles are swollen and there may be a few extra kg of fluids in me. That could also affect my blood pressure which has been higher recently. Again, the nephrologist is supposed to be responsible for the dialysis patient’s blood pressure, and he seems the least worried out of all my doctors.
One small bit or worry is that the arterial needle site was bleeding during dialysis again. It’s the third time in a row now. Maybe it’s the blood thinner I’m taking but it does coagulate under the medical tape so it’s not leaking out everywhere. I’m just worried that after today, there won’t be any backup access if the fistula blows up or something. I guess they can always put in a third chest catheter but I’m trying to keep actual holes in my chest to a minimum.
Life with chronic diseases 