Would you prefer to Dialyse: - Dialysis Support
Would you prefer to Dialyse
Please select one:
What are the pros and cons? Please tell us why you would choose the option you did.
After spending 3 months on haemodialysis last year, in the hospital 3 times a week, I really dread the time coming when I can no longer do PD. Not only did I feel rubbish physically, I found it quite depressing going to my treatments and being surrounded by patients at least 40 years my senior!! Also it's pretty inconvenient having to work your life around your dialysis slot (I'd be in the morning but would have to sleep all afternoon so pretty much my entire day was gone!)
Doing PD is better for me as I am in control, and can fit it in to my schedule rather than the other way around! I'm even able to do it at work so it really does suit my lifestyle better. Not to mention I don't feel ill after treatments, unlike haemo which gave me the worst headache ever!!
Shona x
Shona
It is really good that you have posted your experiences here - I am sure that other readers will find it very helpful should they be facing the same choice - however don't forget that every patient is different and there is not a "one size fits all". For many HD is the answer, and for others finding a living donor to enable pre-dialysis transplant is a good option.
i have done pd but am now on hd i used to hate pd which i had to do 4 times a day 7 days a week with hd its only 3 times a week the rest im free i dont have to think about it i much prefer hd i couldnt go back to pd.
I agree with you on this. I love being on HD having previously tried PD. Having all the stuff at home for PD medicalised the home and I hated that. Dialysis is like going to a part-time job for me. It is outside the home.
PD is great for me. i travel the world without worrying about locating the nearest HD unit which , outside of europe, was costing me thousands to have treatment 3 times a week..
yes ive put weight on but i love the freedom it affords me, the fact that i dont feel sick anymore,im stronger, able to get about more and im in control.
I've only ever done PD so I can't comment on HD really. For me, being a young 25 year old I didn't want to be in and out of the hospital all the time and doing it at home at night time whilst I'm sleeping seemed like the best option for me as it allows me to have the freedom during the day. Also now I'm used to doing it myself, I find it part of my daily routine and not much bother at all. I usually just connect myself up in bed and then watch TV until I fall asleep - so it just like a normal routine for me.
I have been on PD using both four time a day manual exchanges and a machine overnight, although not at the same time. Any form of dialysis has its inconveniences. I have to say that doing exchanges four times a day makes me housebound and I have become clinically depressed with it all. I hate dialysis and the whole way of life. Sometimes I wonder if HD might be better because its only three times a week. However with any dialysis for me at least as I live alone the combatting of boredom loneliness and depression is the greatest enemy.
I would rather have home dialysis as I can't bear hospitals and get very distressed in them. Howver I don't have a home carer so I doubt I'll be able to do this.
Despite the problem of hospital transport I am using a fistula and tend to bleed when being taken off so it is just the security blanket of having qualified staff to cope with this. Ideally if I could do home dialysis then this would help because you would be able to choose what time of day you go on your machine and to be honest as I usually sleep when on dialysis would choose to do it overnight.
You are all so helpful & reassuring as I am starting dialises soon as !! Does it take up a lot of space doing it at home ??
Warm regards
Peggy x
Due to other health concerns, dialysis clinic works best for My situation. Also I'm an introvert & NEED to get out of my house. Where I go is only 10-15 minutes from my house. My nurses (yes they all belong to me......lol) are FABULOUS. Each one has a positive attitude. They are so supportive & encouraging, I can't imagine my life without my nurses. They have become good friends also. That might be considered inappropriate, but when you see anyone that often they become friends. Just like co-workers or the bank teller or the mail man.......etc. Not that I enjoy dialysis, it's just a bit easier to go when I can see my friends.
I tried Peritoneal dialysis for a time at home and absolutely hated it. Now, I continue with hæmodialysis neither in a hospital nor at home, but in a private dialysis centre. I love it.