I have times after dialysis when I feel decently good and am clear enough to enjoy the rest of the day. But then I have other times (more often) where I am completely wiped out after dialysis. Could you explain why I feel bad most of the time post dialysis, but good sometimes? Also, do most patients feel wiped out after dialysis or is it possible to feel ok?

Jan,
Unfortunately, many patients feel "wiped out" following dialysis. Remember during a treatment, the staff is trying to remove a specified amount of volume over a 3-4 hour period. In addition there is a rapid flux of electrolytes and other metabolites back and forth across the cell membrane. Following dialysis, it may take the body several hours to re-equilibrate. Does tour center use sodium modeling in conjunction with volume monitoring?
I hope this helps. Please write again if you need further clarification.

Our machines can do sodium monitoring, but I do not know if they can do volume monitoring.I don't think my nurse knows how to fully do either one of these procedures. Can you please explain what each procedure monitors and how they're done?

Sodium modeling is available on all new machines. Simply stated, the clinician can program dialysate sodium. For example, to remove more fluid during the first hour or two of dialysis, the clinician may choose, based on the physician order, a dialysate sodium of 155meqs. Then at the second hour reduce to 150 or 145 and ten reduce to 140 at the beginning of the third or fourth hour. As stated above, higher dialysate sodium levels reduce volume more quickly. Often this results in a more "comfortable" treatment for the patient.
Volume monitoring can be done using the Crit-Line Monitor.
please visit the web page at www.crit-line.com. Additionally, Baxter's TINA Machine offers integrated volume monitoring. Fresenius is currently working on an integrated volume monitor as well. Hope all of this makes sense. Please let me know.
Thanks,
Nancy

Is the Baxter Tina the same thing as the Althine Tina?

Dear dk,
Yes. Baxter purchased Althin laast year.