Went into the dialysis unit early today to see the NxStage machine. It was set up in bag, or portable mode. First impressions, neat, simple, and, with some forethought, eminently portable.
The machine came with a Kimal guy who knew his stuff and gave me an excellent and detailed run through.
It’s certainly very easy to use, foolproof in operation, and as the machine takes no fluids internally, does not need cleaning or disinfecting, just a wipe down with a damp cloth. The blood and dialyse circuits are complete on setting up the cartridge based line set, and the circuit priming is very thorough.
We worked through the dosage required to give me a good dialysis, and as I will be dialysing while I am working, the time required is unimportant. My plan is to dialyse 6 days a week for at least 3 hours, but more likely 3.5 to get a better dialysis result overall.
I have asked that I dialyse daily on the Fresenius 4008 for at least 4 days with daily pre and post bloods to establish the effectiveness of the unit based machine, and then do daily pre and post bloods on the NxStage when training so we get a full comparison, and also understand dosage etc in advance of going home. The guys in the Peterborough unit agree and have suggested 6 days daily on the Fresenius, for 3 hours each day! All cool!
Training is planned to be 8 dialysis days and then head home straight after, subject to my competence of course!
Plumbing in is a doodle, washing machine tap for the water inbound, and a washing machine waste for the waste, or effluent as they like to call it! Two small holes in the wall and we are good to go!
Another update once I start my training!
