Dialysis School

We’re on to a new phase of this journey. Today Scott had the peritoneal dialysis line inserted. It was done surgically into his abdomen. He was sedated and given local anesthetic for the procedure. The best part about it is that they were able to drain 2L of fluid out of that area! When the peritoneal dialysis begins it will hopefully keep that area free of fluid build-up. This new line needs to heal for at least 2 weeks before it can be used. Then Scott and I will go to train with specialized nurses for a week learning to do the dialysis and how to troubleshoot any problems. I went to the clinic today to learn how to care for the catheter(line) until the dialysis begins with it. I received a good supply of masks, soap and other supplies to keep everything sterile.

The other news is that the transplant group has tentatively planned to discharge Scott on Tuesday. I’m cautiously optimistic about this. The surgeon today noticed that Scott has 2 hernias that need to be fixed “soon”. What does that mean? We’ll see if that affects the possibility of going home next week. I think he’ll probably still go home but have yet another issue to deal with sometime in the future. For now Scott is recovering from being sedated and a new incision but is doing well. He’ll probably come home for awhile tomorrow if he’s up to it.