Monday 3rd was my first session on the new machine.
The first thing I was taught how to wash my hands properly and to take my weight important to note to either leave shoes on or take them off but please be consistent. The machine was already prepare for me. I cleaned the trolley and then open my connection and disconnection packs to have them ready. I was also given proper instruction on how to clean fistula before and after I’ve removed the scab from the button hole. One thing you’ll learn is that you must follow the rules of clean you fistula it’s your life line when you’re on dialysis so if you follow the nurses instruction you’ll be fine.
I was then showing how to start the machine and get it ready for priming this normally takes about 30 minutes but you’ll be putting in your needles while it’s running through its test and priming.
I then connected myself up and was then showing how to set the UF, Pump speed and Blood Flow and to take my blood pressure before starting. I then started. During the session the nurse when through the User interface with me and showed me what each of the functions are for it can be a bit much on the first day but you’ll soon learn it as there is plenty of time..