I'll try to make this easy.
My mom is 73, and has been a dialysis patient, (both PD, and hemo), for 9 years. This has been a rough year, with dwinding access, and numerous infections. Three weeks ago she came down with an infection in the groin catheter, and was hospitalized, (on a Saturday). By that Tuesday, she was able to do PD, now every 2 hours, and this has helped to take off the toxins. However, she has quite a build-up of fluids in the abdominal cavity. A week later, they tried hemo, and did remove 2 kilos, but her blood pressure fell to dangerous levels, (it was common for her for this to happen before during routine dialysis, somewhat). They had to stop, and she has gone through Dopomine,(sp), and is on another drug to prop up her BP. It averages now around 100/50. Her heart rate has gone to between 90 & 120 BPM. She has been on a respirator for 3 weeks, and also has phenomonia.
I know, sounds pretty bad. My question is where are we going here? She is very weak, has taken very little nutrition due to her system rejecting the "blue" food. Can we try another hemo to get rid of the fluids and relieve some of the pressure, or will this drop her BP to low levels while she max's out on the only BP medicine she has left? She also has had another fever due to what doctors think may be a fungal infection in the peritoneal cavity. A nurse last night also said that "her bowels are shutting down".
She is a fighter, (in 1997-98), and once survived 7 months in ICU due to complications from a heart valve surgery which led to peritonitus, pancreatitus, and a stroke. But, I fear this may be just too much for her now. Any ideas? The team of doctors monitoring the sitution have told us that by next week she'll either turn a corner or that's it...and that it will not go on for a prolonged period.

Thanks for listening, sorry so long without detailed facts.

Shrek--
Have the docs considered CAVHD or CVVHD? These are slower versions of hemo that are often used in patients needing clearance/fluid removal but are too unstable for standard hemo. Maybe ask about this?

I will ask.
She actually had dialysis today, (3 1/2 hours),and did okay. Her mics of Levifed, (sp), were down considerably.
Although a new problem has been introduced into the mix...VRE has been discovered, in both her intestines and peritoneal cavity.

I know it's been 5 months, but I just wanted to post an update, to let you know what happened.

Eleven days after the last post, we, her children, decided it would be best for her, as her quality of life had dwindled significantly, to be taken off life support. She had put up an incredible battle, but the combination of a month on the respirator, limited nutrition, fluid build-up, the spiking of her blood pressure, then rapid fall...not to mention VRE, had put an enormous strain on her heart, and we feared a massive heart attack, if not a brutal stroke was imminent. We rather she went peacefully with her kids at her side, than to have a catastrophic and most painful event all alone in the CCU.

She went 9 years on dialysis, enduring both Peritoneal and Hemo, and did so with the utmost pride and fortitude. It was not until the latter years where her site limitations began to cause reacurring troubles that things began to get overwhelming. We also think that her desire to be strong had taken a hit, due to the sudden death of that man of 55 years, our dad, just 7 months prior to this incident.
I used to tell her how my job went on a particular day, then I'd ask her how her "job" went. We refered to dialysis as her job...and that she always had shorter days than I did! She knew it was a pain, but her mind was sharp, and she used the time to plan activities with the grandkids, and to think about how fortunate she was to be able to be around them, and us, not to mention her husband of 55 years.

I don't really know why I am writing this at all, seeing it will not really help anyone seeking answers, in fact it actually may depress most of you! I guess it is just to encourage others, and to say that she did well for most of those 9 years on dialysis...surviving into her 70's. Heck, she traveled all over the US, setting up chair space at renal centers before she left home, depending on her destination. She was active, and she had hope.

In conclusion, maybe what I am trying to say is that I admire each and every one of you who is either on dialysis, or supporting someone who is. Myself, my sisters, my wife, and up until last January, my father, all were united in our strength to support mom. We stood by her, and looked up to her. That strength never waned. In my remaning years on this planet, (of which I hope there will be decades!),I will always look to these past 9 years and hope that I will be as strong as she, if troubles come my way.

It is not easy at times, but dialysis is an avenue that is well traveled, and supported. You are not alone, and should know, that you certainly are admired for your unwavering spirit, and love of life! Rock on!!

Shrek,
Thanks for the beautiful tribute to your mom which you have also dedicated to the patients and caregivers. It made my day to read what you wrote. I know your mom must of loved you all very much and been so comforted by your devotion. It is nice to have someone who has been on this path reach out to those of us who are traveling it now. Thanks for caring and sharing. God Bless.

I am very sorry to hear this. When I read the first post I had a feeling as to what was coming by the end of this thread. Almost a year ago now My S.O> also went through what you described. Almost exactly. We too had to "pull the plug" after 7 years of hemo, peritoneal, peritonitis, low BP's, VRE, severe anemia, stroke and home hemo. I took her the hospital one day after performing an extra weekly home session, because of fluid in her lungs and the next day she went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing while on the machine in the hospital. After 5 days we had to let her go. I know what you went through. Hang in there.