PD Manual to Machine

[fleo]

I've gone from ESRD to access surgery to training and have now been on PD dialysis for over a month. Next week I start on training for PD on the cycler. I look forward to the ability to have dialysis at night so my days are free from the exchanges. Anyone have any advice on what to expect making the transition from manual to automated exchanges? Any issues being attached to the machine during the night? I'll be using the Fresenius Liberty machine.

Thanks,

Fleo

[Kalyn]

Hey fleo,

I would say the transition from manual to machine is pretty smooth. I was on it for about a year and a half. I thought the drain cycle can be a little annoying at times. It feels like it keeps pulling even when there is no more solution in you. It's not painful, just annoying. During the night I would advise to try and avoid laying on the side where your catheter is just so the cord doesn't kink up causing the machine to alarm. Other than that I had no issues. Best of luck to you!

[fleo in reply to Kalyn]

Kalyn,

Thanks for your input. I've finished my training on the cycler and my first treatment is set for tonight. I'm optimistic and looking forward to the additional available time I will have during the day. The issue of the catheter extension is on my mind but I'll just tape it up good and see how it goes.

Thanks,

Fleo

[fleo in reply to Kalyn]

Kalyn, last night was my first night on the cycler, it went very smoothly and no issues other than some "machine noise" during the night. I was surprised that my UF of 1,600 on a volume of 14,000 ml with 2 2.5% and 1 1.5% solution when I was getting around 2,000 UF on a volume of 10,000 ml, 4 exchanges, same solution mix with manual exchanges. Did you have a similar drop in UF going from manual to machine?

Fleo

[Kalyn in reply to fleo]

Fleo, I'm happy to hear your first night went well. The machine noises can be bothersome at first, but you should get used to them. They almost became soothing for me after a while as crazy as that sounds. I did notice a drop in my UF when I started the machine. It was weird as I was used to taking off a lot during manuals. I think that just may be a common thing that happens. I hope everything continues to go well for you and I'm glad that you now have more free time during the day

[fleo in reply to Kalyn]

Thanks Kalyn, so your UF on the cycler remained lower than with manual exchanges, even over time? I don't feel any different so it must not matter, maybe the fluid pulled out is lower but the actual dialysis is just as good. Time will tell.

Thanks again,

Fleo

[Kalyn in reply to fleo]

Yes, sometimes my UF on the machine would only be 1100 or 1200. I was still getting clean though. I never felt any different than usual during those times. I think if you do start feeling anything, I would definitely talk to your nurse.