Just Found Out I have To Start Dialysis.

[DAF1234]

So I had an appointment yesterday and was told Creatinine is now 5.3 and EGFR is 9. I wasn’t surprised when Dr said it time to prepare for dialysis. I will meet with surgeon in two days Monday and have peritoneal tube inserted the following day Tuesday. I would like to hear from group. Is this a painful process? How long of a recovery time? I asked my Dr and his answer was “of course it’s going to be painful what do you think”. I was tempted to say was I think is it’s time for a new Dr. one with a little more understanding.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Oh Daf,

You deserve better treatment. If any of my providers said that to me, I would report them. You deserve to be given a clear description of the procedure without sarcasm. I have not had the procedure, but as having a clinical background, I would have replied to that question with the truth. Pain is relevant. Each person will experience it differently. I would then say, "during the procedure, we will do everything we can to make you comfortable."

Good luck and find a new doctor. There was no excuse for that.

[DAF1234 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you, you’re so right.

[fleo]

DAF,

I am a few months ahead of you in the dialysis process. I had PD catheter surgery on Jan 7 and started PD at home on Feb 10, had a GFR of 6, creatinine of 10.2. The PD catheter placement wasn't very difficult or painful. I was in and out of the hospital in five hours. They gave pain medication that I only need for a couple of day and feel I could have managed on Tylenol. I took 5 days off work to recover, which may be overkill but better to be safe Try to stay complaint to not lift anything over 10lbs or whatever your doctors says. You shouldn't worry about the surgery, just follow the pre-surgery guidelines from your Vascular surgeon or his nurse. Make sure they get the pants line right so your catheter is properly placed. Good luck, you will do great. After your surgery, I'd would be happy to tell you about my positive and challenging aspects of PD dialysis. I'm happy with my decision to choose PD dialysis.

Fleo

[DAF1234 in reply to fleo]

Fleo, thank you for your response. Very relieved.

[horsie63 in reply to fleo]

If, when I have to do dialysis PD is my choice cause I want to keep working.

[Kbressler NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

Has anyone talked to you about seeking a living donor transplant? If they haven’t I would sure look into it ASAP. Callous behavior should never be tolerated. Transplant althoughnot a cure offers the best long term living outcomes.

[DAF1234 in reply to Kbressler]

I have a sister but according to my Dr. I am to far gon for replacement surgery. Maybe sometime Dow the line.

[CalimariBabe in reply to DAF1234]

Another reason to seek another doctor.

[itzmich]

Sometimes Drs are so insensitive. Yes a would get a different one. I know this is an uncertain time for you. Prayers for strength and healing. Thinking of you.

[DAF1234 in reply to itzmich]

Thank you. I had surgery today and they placed the port so I’m almost ready to stat.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I know I sure wouldn't appreciate the doctor's sarcasm. I would definitely be looking for a new nephrologist.....one with understanding and is willing to explain things to you. Remember this is not just your health, but your life. Things will come up during this "kidney journey" and you need a doctor you can trust and will listen to you.

I don't know anything about PD dialysis as I had hemo before my transplant (1999).

Best of luck with dialysis and your search for a new & better doctor! Can find reviews of doctor's on healthgrades.com

[DAF1234 in reply to WYOAnne]

I agree. I am going to ask someone else in the practice.

[3Kidneys]

You Probably won’t even remember this surgery they will give you a twilight sleep. I only missed one day of work after having my PD catheter placed, Not a lot of pain involved with it. The most important thing to know about PD is cleanliness - everything in your room must be kept clean all times, you cannot afford to have an infection from a dirty hands or a dirty countertop, it will cause peritonitis which I understand is very painful but fortunately have never had. I’ve had hemodialysis, and a transplant, and I’m currently on peritoneal dialysis so if you have any questions feel free to ask and see if I can help answer them for you.

[DAF1234 in reply to 3Kidneys]

Thank for your reply, very helpful.

[RhenDutchess123]

To be "dismissed" by a Medical Professional ...especially when you need them the most...is unexcusable...but unfortunatley it happens alot..Hang in there and keep us posted

[DAF1234 in reply to RhenDutchess123]

You are so right.

[JimVanHorn]

I had a fistula put into my left wrist on 9/11/18, because my creatinin was up to 5.1 and increasing. Then I changed my diet, medications, and increased water and my creatinin is 3.8 now. I may not need my fistula, but so what! It was no big deal. My nephrologist is a wonderful kind intelligent man who knows about all my diseases, kidney, heart, and diabetes. He is open to anything I tell him and I trust his decisions. I wish this kind of relationship for you as well. Life is too short to not have the best!

[DAF1234 in reply to JimVanHorn]

Good luck to you. Very positive. I love the practice, just have to find a new Dr.

[TaffyTwoshoes27]

What came to my mind when I read your post was: 'Does it hurt as much as my fist in your nose, doctor?'

Why a doctor would take advantage of your vulnerability at that moment, I cannot imagine. I have the nicest, most patient and caring Nephrologist and I feel blessed that I was referred to him.

I don't recall pain or any problem with the catheter insertion surgery. I'm sorry I missed your message by a few days because I would have suggested you do what I did: I took a "selfie" of my tummy prior to the catheter surgery to document how it once looked! Silly, perhaps.

I hope all went well. Keep everything clean but don't be OCD about it. I wash my hands a lot and keep my "exit site" clean.

Good luck with your PD training!!

[DAF1234 in reply to TaffyTwoshoes27]

Lol lol I should have said that . I just had surgery for catheter placement. It’ wasn’t bad at all. Thank you for the tips.