Nearing stage 5 kidney failure

[Skyleem]

Hi, I'm new here and have CKD stage 4 with type 2 diabetes. I am at the stage of having to decide which form of dialysis to go for. Can anyone tell me just how easy it is to fit dialysis into a normal life, is it going to disrupt things completely. I am in my late 70s and already find life difficult enough.

[jaykay777]

In addition to information you will read here in response to your posting, you can get information from DaVita online and by phone if you are in the U.S. From what I've read here, and what I learned at a class at my local DaVita center, people seem to fit dialysis into their daily lives well. I'm sure people who post here and live in the U.K. will respond as well.

[judystuddard]

Let me say first, Welcome!!! I understand your concerns. I am stage 4 and not too close to diaylisis yet. But from the info I have gained here, I think I will do at home peridionteal dialysis. You do peridonteal at home while you sleep. You have made a good decision in joining this group. Just hang in there I think will get the answers you need. Good luck and God bless!

[Nicolala]

Good morning skyleem

There are the 2 types of dialysis- I have done both. Peritoneal, where you have a tube from the stomach and do this at home, either 4 times a day or overnight. And haemodialysis, done 3x a week for usually 4 hours, or again can be done at home, even overnight. Where you are ie the UK or elsewhere, treatment and diet rules do vary slightly. How much it disrupts your life will depend on your attitude and wellbeing generally. It is important to follow the diet and stay positive. I have been on dialysis for 26 years. I do nocturnal every other night at home. I still work. It takes a few weeks to get into a routine but then you should start to feel better than you do now. Good luck.

[Bunkin in reply to Nicolala]

Good to know! I am also stage 5 and nearing dialysis and even tho I've researched it, not quite sure what to expect. It helps when people who are on dialysis for so long shares their story, so thank you. 😀

[phillen]

My husband like Nicolola has done both PD which he did 4 times a day for 5 years until a bad infection since then hd 3 times a week he much preferred the PD as he fitted it around his day & we could take the stuff anywhere with us we used to have a lot of breaks he briefly tried APD still PD with the overnight machine but didnt like it he hates the HD said its so boring & lots of problems with the fistulas! if your reasonably dexterous & eye site not bad & you dont mind medical stuff about PD is worth a try either way it is life saving a fellow patient we used to meet in clinic also did PD & he was 82 did it for 5 years & sadly passed away from something else good luck with whatever you choose its all very daunting but very quickly you seem to fall in to the routine of it all xxx

[Bunkin]

I'm in the same boat as you! Nearing dialysis. Please stay in touch and keep us informed. I think we can help each other by sharing. You are in my prayers. God can do anything😀😀

[judystuddard in reply to Bunkin]

Yes HE can!!!!!

[Hidden]

You need to aim for the kind of dialysis that fits in with you best.

Go over this: it should help a bit:

davita.com/treatmentevaluator/

Also kidneypatientguide.org.uk/t...

I'm aiming for long term home heamo...