Which one is better to have home dailysis or hospital?

[especialleyes]

Kidney pateint.

Hi Im 36 live with kidney failure and I'm heamodailaysis patent at the moment I was wondering if it's better to do home dailysis or hospital? I'm really tired of going there every other day!

[gilders]

I've only had dialysis (Haemo) in hospital while I was an inpatient. Whilst waiting for my transplant (had it last March), I researched all the options thoroughly.

For me, home dialysis was definitely the best choice.

If you are capable of "hooking yourself up" safely, then home dialysis would almost always be the best option imo.

[lincoln53 in reply to gilders]

I have done both peritoneal dialysis at home and hemodialysis at a clinic. Which is best depends on your preferences and your situation. I did peritoneal dialysis from 2005 until 2009. when I got a transplant. I was working during that period, and so doing cycler-assisted PD at night freed up my days so that I could go to work. At the time, I was very satisfied with the treatment.

After my transplanted kidney failed in 2018, I decided to try hemodialysis in a clinic. Since I no longer work, I don't have to worry about time issues. Some people don't like hemodialysis in a center because you have to sit in the chair for 3 to 5 hours three times a week. But I am able to read books or watch movies or play games on my computer, which are things I would be doing at home anyway. So the long hours being hooked up don't bother me. Now I prefer letting someone else take care of the equipment and needle sticks. And I don't have to clear a space in my home for boxes and boxes of supplies.

While I was doing peritoneal dialysis, I had peritoneal infections and had to spend time in a hospital three times. In the two years that I've been on hemodialysis, I haven't had any infections. The dietary restrictions are more stringent on hemodialysis. On peritoneal dialysis, you don't have to be so careful about foods with phosphorus and potassium.

I wish you good luck with whatever treatment you choose!

[WhollyAligned]

Hi there - just seen this. I see you have had some helpful replies on other people's personal experience - so I will share mine too. I did 7 years on hospital HD between 14-21 in various units as I was at school and then went away to university and also travelled with friends to Spain a few times. I had no incidents of infection or any inpatient stays during those 7 years and completed school and university. My fistula worked beautifully the whole time and the last 4-5 years on HD, I was self caring, doing my own needles, setting up machine, taking obs etc. Very empowering to know you can take care of yourself.

After my first transplant that I had at 21, finished its functional journey in 2016, I opted for home PD. So glad I did. I was 39 at the time - so similar age to you now. I had left banking (due to deep self enquiry) and set up my own business, Wholly Aligned (I am now a yoga teacher and nutritional therapist specialising in kidneys, stress and medic wellbeing). I had zero infections as had a strong trust in myself. I also eat very well and was very active so took no laxatives and didn't need them. I did have two incidents of a tiny split happening in the catheter - both were managed swiftly. I don't panic as that doesn't help the inner state. So home PD was 3.5 years, generally well on it - did find the last year intense but had a lot going on in my own spiritual journey and more deep inner inquiry to work through. I got the call for my second kidney in October so am 5 months into that. PD preserves the residual function in your kidneys, so means you will continue to pass urine which for me was amazing and I was very fortunate that my transplant kidney kept going in that regard. I stopped passing urine a few weeks after beginning HD so those 7 years on very limited fluid intake were difficult.

And yes, I had no real restriction on food at all - notably I do eat very well and am always researching the latest on microbiome and HRV for example. Let it be an exploration and adventure - allowing you to explore your own humanity.

Do research and talk to others where you can including your own friends and family. It is your decision. Trust in yourself and know that you can always change if one doesn't suit you so well.

Very best wishes,

Ciara