Graduating from Dialysis Part 2

Removing the port from my chest and the glory of my first real shower in 9 months

Hi lovely readers,

To all those on dialysis, I send you love, strength, and dreams of a new kidneys and wonderful labs. A part of me never left that chair and I’ll always be beside you.

Here is the conclusion of my dialysis journey. If you missed part one, go here:

Graduating from Dialysis Part 1

Above is a photo of me when I got home. I was in beautiful, grateful pain after the port removal.

T xoxo

Thursday, September 29th, 2022

I make my way in for the procedure. The nurse dutifully preps me. I tell her I may chant during the procedure, especially since I can’t feel any effect of the Xanax. The doctor comes in, turns on some classic rock, and begins the procedure.

The piercing sting of the needle hits and a numbing begins. The port and tubing up through my jugular have likely grown into my body a bit, and the doctor tugs away at my body as I chant, “Nam myoho renge kyo” as a thoughtful nurse holds my hand. 

Steely Dan drones on as my doctor hums along.

Are you reelin' in the years?

Stowin' away the time

Are you gatherin' up the tears?

Have you had enough of mine

Tug. Poke. Nudge. Prod. Tug. Jostle. Tug. Twinge. Ache. Pierce. Tug. Pang. 

Three classic rock songs later and the nurse holds pressure on my chest for five minutes. 

“You have a really great attitude, by the way,” she offers unprompted.

“Thanks. This represents a happy-ever-after for me,” I say smiling, exhausted from the pain and pressure. “I get to have showers now.”

I laugh but it hurts.