My mother began dialysis recently. She had about four treatments in the hospital. Then, she went to her first dialysis treatment at a dialysis center. She was hooked up to the machine and within two minutes sufferer a fatal heart attack. What could have caused this?

I am sorry to here this about your mom.
I am a nurse who does acute and chronic treatments. It may not have had anything to
do with dialysis. it could have been her
labs. Many times potassium imbalances cause this.

Angie is right.
Potassium levels too high is good possibility.
Our unit had one patient die in the hallway
going to dialysis.
Myself, I hit 7.2 and was in ER 3 hours
before my scheduled dialysis time.
..Art

sounds like an anaphylactic (hypersensitive) reaction from something in the machine.. i have read this happens.. . etc



[This message has been edited by Michael Williams (edited 07-07-2004).]

Hi:

Can't really add anything to other posts, but I am very sorry to hear about your mother.

Sincerely,
Mike Williams

I tried to email you, but it was returned, I am wondering if your email has been changed since it was posted on message board. I am curious why part of my post was deleted. If I posted something that should not have been posted, please let me know. I had, nor do I have, any intention(s) of posting inappropriate verbage. Thanks, advocating.


[This message has been edited by Michael Williams (edited 07-07-2004).]

Advocating:

Did not delete any of your message. Thought explanation of "anaphylactic" - i.e. hypersensitive - was needed for some readers not familiar with the term.
Also, I routinely delete copies of previously sent messages. Not really needed in most cases.
Thanks for tip on email address. I can be reached at mallan_2010@hotmail.com
I will have the board make the appropriate change.
Thanks for your contributions.

Mike

[This message has been edited by Michael Williams (edited 07-07-2004).]

Thank you for the response... I thought, maybe you deleted something. I am new to the boards... and, am a family member of a pt on dialysis.. as well as a nurse, however, NOT a dialysis nurse. This is all new to me but I am learning every day......

thanks.. advocating.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Williams:
Advocating:

Did not delete any of your message. Thought explanation of "anaphylactic" - i.e. hypersensitive - was needed for some readers not familiar with the term.
Also, I routinely delete copies of previously sent messages. Not really needed in most cases.
Thanks for tip on email address. I can be reached at mallan_2010@hotmail.com
I will have the board make the appropriate change.
Thanks for your contributions.

Mike

[This message has been edited by Michael Williams (edited 07-07-2004).]