NxStage Plastic __(first use) Syndrome

[A Traveler]

Hello,
Wasnt sure how to title this....
I'm having a nauseous response in the first 30 min. of dialysis from the plastic in the NxStage lines and cartridge. Has anyone who has had this effect had any relief ?
I tried to flush a liter and 1/2 of saline through the lines today and it did not help significantly. It is fairly distressing and I'm not looking forward to Tx in the morning.

Thanks,
A Traveler

[Leafsunbear]

I used to all ways get first time dialyzor syndrom on the in center machines. Then after years of that it stopped. I have been on NxStage for almost seven months now and have not experienced a problem. I don't realy enjoy the taste I get from the plastic at the beginning of treatment. I also always do my treatments in a recliner, so that I am sitting kinda upright. I hope you find an answer to your problem.
LSB

[Gus]

I used to all ways get first time dialyzor syndrom on the in center machines. Then after years of that it stopped. I have been on NxStage for almost seven months now and have not experienced a problem. I don't realy enjoy the taste I get from the plastic at the beginning of treatment. I also always do my treatments in a recliner, so that I am sitting kinda upright. I hope you find an answer to your problem.
LSB

Same here, regardless whether it was in-center or not its the same deal. All newcomers to dialysis therapy will experience all these symptoms, I did. It takes time to adjust and I guess there's nothing you can do about it.

[Unregistered]

I have been using Nxstage for almost a year. In the beginning I felt some nausea with the start of each treatment. The 'taste' of the plastic was pretty unpleasant. The nurses of my training unit suggested sucking on a mint (I use Lifesavers peppermint) just before I connect my lines. I actually start when putting in my needles. It helped tremendously! It wasn't long before the nausea went away. Another thing to consider is perhaps starting with a lower pump speed and gradually increase it over 10 min or so. How is your BP going on? Starting on the low side may contribute as well. Check with the nurses who trained you. They might be able to help.

[A Traveler]

Thanks for the responses.
I have been on hemo a while...never had ' first use' syndrome...
Tried many machines 'in' and at home ...the plastice has never been this strong an issue....it's almost like it's not 'food grade plastic'.
I thought I would look into it...when I open the cartridge pack...the smell is the same as I'm getting in the 1st 20 minutes of dailysis....besides the nauseaa I get a headache, woosy, aches in the limbs and a stiffness in the top of the neck.
It mostly goes after 20 min. or so.
It just reminds me of low-grade plastic.
BP is usually good at about 140/70 or higher.

This seems the only negative I'm experiencing to the NxStage but for the time being it IS a hurdle.

A Traveler

[A Traveler]

I forgot to mention that I'm using the Pure Flow instead of bags but I'm not sure that has any relevance....I seem to get a similar reaction, if memory serves, the one time I did use the 'bags'.
A Traveler

[Gus]

Just hang in there and try those strong mint candies unless you want to just go back in-center.

[A Traveler]

Just hang in there and try those strong mint candies unless you want to just go back in-center.

Well, I see you have advice to offer, Gus....but I'm not looking for advice.

I'm only inquiring of those with similar experiences that have solved them in some way to share that solution.

Your 'advice' is disingenuous, unkind and for me unwelcome, no matter how long you've been on dialysis.

A Traveler

[Gus]

Well, I see you have advice to offer, Gus....but I'm not looking for advice.

I'm only inquiring of those with similar experiences that have solved them in some way to share that solution.

Your 'advice' is disingenuous, unkind and for me unwelcome, no matter how long you've been on dialysis.

A Traveler

Sorry you felt offended, but sometimes the most experienced on dialysis are the ones who can provide the best solution. The long road on dialysis rough one , its not easy. Your situation I already have gone through that and I already gave you my experiecne and advice. Other here also gave you their thoughts as well. However, I think the best advice you can get is from you supporting clinic and your Doctor.

Good luck and take care...

[Heather1]

I have yet to hear anyone say what causes the plastic taste. We asked a NxStage rep about this. No answer other than to say it is unpleasant, but harmless. Surely there is an answer?