The dialysis center used the Crit-Line monitor again today to measure my change in blood volume % during dialysis. They think I still have some more fluid to take out, which matches with UCLA’s request for more “aggressive” dialysis. I went into the session at 82.0 kg, a gain of 2.8 kg over Thursday’s ending weight of 79.2 kg. We originally set the UF to 3000 mL over four hours, which is 750 mL/hour. However, the Crit-Line graph showed that there was not much change in the blood volume so we increased the rate to 1000 mL/hour, then to 1200 mL/hour.
From the photo above, you can see a definite drop in blood volume after the first hour.They ended up taking out 3217 mL of fluids in total over the four hours. You can also see the blood pressure measurements. It starts with a ridiculous 212/107 measurement, but once the blood volume starts dropping, the blood pressure also drops very quickly. At the end of hour 2, blood pressure is down to 132/76, and even lower to 111/66 at end of hour 3. I think my final systolic standing blood pressure was 103. I initially felt fine walking out but got a bit dizzy in the parking lot. I ended up getting some lunch and went to charge my car at the Santa Ana Supercharger.
I do think we’re getting close to getting rid of the excess fluid. My lower legs were on the verge of cramping today during dialysis. Maybe that’s due to the 1200 mL/hour rate. I had read that the UF rate should be kept under 10 mL/kg/hour. At ~80 kg, the maximum UF should be ~3200 mL over 4 hours or ~800 mL/hour. The supervising nurse came by and said that I’ve probably been waterlogged for a few months, and it may take a few weeks to get me back to the correct dry weight.
Life with chronic diseases 