Things are moving at a reasonable pace now. The Leicester Renal team have now acquired some dialysate bag warming plates for use with the NxStage, so come June, I will be off for a few days to try out the NxStage on holiday. I can have the supplies delivered to my holiday destination but I have room in my Land Rover to load up machine and supplies, so will fill the vehicle, find space for my two boys, and head off for some relaxation. Not going far on this occasion, juts a couple of hours drive away, to the coast, so if anything backfires, I can be back home in short order.

This is all really a pre-emptive move to try something more ambitious, but on this occasion, it allows me to be comfortable using the machine away from home, and also get to grips with the logistics of equipment, dialysis and kids! As I am self caring with no carer, it’s a test not just for me but for my boys too.

So, have NxStage, will travel.

I have read about many of the exploits of dialysis patients in the US getting out and about in camper vans and all sorts with their NxStage machines, and they have done a great job of setting the scene  and inspiring others to have a go.

I’ve holidayed abroad before, using a local dialysis unit, but this is the first time I will  be away solo!!

Now that the warming plates have arrived, others in the area have had training on their use, and are off on their holidays. Be good to read about their experiences when they get back. And, with the local authority getting behind extended distribution of NxStage use in the home, more to join in on this freedom soon.

Tags: holiday dialysis, NxStage, self-care

I’ve found it interesting, but not annoying, that the timers on the NxStage are not particularly accurate. When I go for a 4 hour session, the time at coming off is around 3hours 45 mins, due to difference between UF time and straight dialysis, and that makes sense, yet the physical time I am on dialysis is over 4 hours (by a separate clock).

As I am expecting to be on the machine for 4 hours this is not an big issue, but does raise the issue of accuracy of the rest of the machine. I suspect this is a minor issue about timers. However, it does tie in with the UF selected being exceeded by, in some case, half a kilo per session.

This has been raised on the NxStageUsers blog before now, and seems to be a common problem with many types of  dialysis machines, as I have found this on the NxStage, Fresenius (various models), Braun and Gambro. I does require the user, especially if like me, you are on your own without a carer, to be extra vigilant not to dry out too much and become hypotensive.

Tags: awareness, dialysis, Home Dialysis, NxStage, self-care

I have started to use the 301 PAKs. Seem to be of a better construction and lines are slightly different and more flexible. Set up on the PureFlow to accept the new PAK type was easy enough – although why it has to be changed I don’t quite understand, as the fluid/concentrate is the same composition.

All working ok.

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There is a shortage of Tinzaparin, potentially for the next 3 months so make sure you have enough stock to last you. I suspect if the units run out they can revert to pump heparin – not an option with NxStage. Check with your renal pharmacy on supplies for you.

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I received a set of instructions through the post today for the new Saks for the Pureflow. They seem to have dealt with some issues in the new design of connections etc, so good to see that the work continues to constantly review and improve. How about the next improvement to reduce the batch creation time?

The Saks apparently arrived at Kimal this week, but the plan is to use up the supplies of current Saks before making the settings changes to the PureFlow and making use of the new ones. This only applies to PureFlow machines running PureFlow SL software release 1.13 or higher. The new ones are designated 300 series.

Tags: NxStage, PureFlow