Bagster Update - "Gird your loins..."
Bagster hopes to post on FR in a few days. He's on the phone with me now (and his son is there) as they start another round of dialysis. The procedure will make him groggy and he'll fall asleep and be exhausted until he recovers from it. After recovery, the dialysis certainly does make him feel better, however he does have complete kidney failure for which he cannot be treated. After a meeting with palliative care doctor, bagster elected to continue with dialysis with an understanding dialysis may have to be halted as it causes severe reduction in his blood pressure and his physicians cannot prevent it from going too low. If they feel dialysis is harming him, they will stop providing it to him. PS: The palliative care doc did NOT understand bag's humor. If dialysis must be permanently halted, bagster elects to transition to 'comfort care' in which all attempts at treatment are withdrawn, and they will keep him medically comfortable as his body shuts down without treatment. He's like a big brother to me, and to many others. FWIW, given the circumstances and what he's been through thus far, I would make the same choices he's making - I don't say this lightly. Repeat, I do not say this lightly. I attended the palliative care meeting with his son, bags and his doctor and I asked questions - all my concerns and those of his son were addressed. They are not denying any of his requests (something for skin irritation, reduction in pain meds etc.), not trying to pressure him in any way, and I feel his is receiving good care with caring people. He's in good spirits this evening, and made me play a clip from the movie True Romance (I had to cover my eyes for the blood) and he had been watching basketball when I called. He's asked for an update on y'all and I sometimes read him your posts re politics or thread news. We have another palliative care meeting on Monday in which the issue of whether to continue dialysis will again be discussed. As I type this he's hamming it up with the dialysis team which arrived in his room. He's making them laugh. If you have anything you want me to read him, you may email me. He knows you care and has appreciated your prayers, advice and good wishes. Prayers up!Up! UP! | 
