At least dialysis was not quite as eventful yesterday as Monday. Made it almost to the end and the cramping started again in the legs, feet and hands. The physician’s

assistant was there and she, the head nurse and my tech discussed my situation. Starting tomorrow, they are keeping me on the machine for an extra 15 minutes. Instead of three hours, it will be three hours and 15 minutes. They feel the extra time will allow the machine to remove the toxins and fluids a bit slower and not put such a strain on my heart and system. Most of the people there are on for four hours but that can depend on your size. I am small and can be on for a shorter period of time but since my heart and blood pressure are reacting so violently, they want to try me on for another 15 minutes. If it will make things easier, I guess the extra time is worth it.

I must say I do get a great deal of things done while at dialysis. Many of the people just sleep but I cannot do that because I feel I am wasting my time if I do not accomplish something each day. Tomorrow I will complete my December and January time sheets for volunteer hours for Master Gardeners and then do my nails. Now I did not say I try to do anything that is earth shaking because remember I am limited to what I can do sitting in that chair. I read, do crossword puzzles, watch TV, listen to my CD player, do my grocery list, talk on my cell phone, plan what I will do after dialysis and anything else I can do under those restrictive conditions. Sometimes my plans are put on hold until I can gain my strength back from the dialysis but I always have my list ready.