dialysis

[Struppp]

I have to decide between HD and PD as my kidney function is falling fast and I need help in choosing. I need to travel to Europe frequently for family commitments. I would be very grateful for any advice and experiences you can give me..Also delivery of dialysis fluid to Europe Many thanks

[Badger2024]

kidney.org/kidney-topics/tr...

Have a read of this from The National Kidney Foundation. Lots of things to consider

[Badger2024]

the first link I sent from the National Kidney Foundation was about travelling when on dialysis. This one is about helping you choose between HD and PD but not necessarily for people who are regularly travelling

kidney.org/kidney-topics/ch...

[Talmidcacham]

I have been on HD for almost a year. It is a life-changer.

I have raised the possibility of PD - My nephrologist has agreed that this is a path worth exploring.

At face value - this made a lot of sense - but the niggling thought in the back of my mind was why this was not presented to me as an equal possible option in dealing with my kidney shutdown. Went looking for the downside - asked the surgeon, my Nephrologist, my GP - consensus from all that nowadays both HD and PD get the job done.

PD seems to be draining on the body - gives you more freedom along with many other benefits. One year on after transitioning to PD, I might be singing a different tune when the unintended consequences ( of which I have not been able to identify) manifest themselves

In reseaching PD - I would highly recommend

youtube.com/@kidneykeeping/...

[Talmidcacham in reply to Talmidcacham]

sorry PD seems to be less draining on the body

[Pkd1958]

I have to say I felt so much better on PD. Just imagine removing 2-3 days waste in 3.5 hours on HD vs 1 days waste in 8 hours( overnight). Its just so much more gentle on you body regardless to being at home or traveling

[Darlenia]

This is an excellent site for explaining the various types of dialysis: lifeoptions.org/living-with... and it incorporates a personal planning tool for yourself which, depending on your answers and interests, decides the best one for you. The PD cycler is smaller and easier to transport than the HD cycler. (Some on PD don't bother using a cycler at all.) The HD cycler can also be transported but it's larger. My husband, who was on in-center HD at the time, quickly decided on PD on the recommendation of his transplant center. Because he's a diabetic, the vessels are at greater risk of calcification and the centers didn't want him accessing his blood stream and risking the arteries for transplant. So there are lots of considerations. Thankfully, he did get his transplant. If you can, try to get on the transplant list if possible. The ideal thing is to skip dialysis all together.

[MToQ]

I highly recommend PD. Definitely gentler on your body. Easier to travel. You can do it manually if you want to break down your exchanges throughout the day or with your machine overnight. Usually you can bring dialysis supplies on a plane as luggage free of charge. But check the carrier/s you fly with most. Also, no fluid restrictions on PD. No need to count every possible liquid entering your body like HD.

It should be possible to order supplies for Europe. You will need to check with the supplier, I had Baxter, and make sure to prep well ahead of time. Often it takes time to set up. Many months.

The one thing with PD is that you need to make sure you follow all the instructions EVERY TIME. No skipping. Keep a print out and check off as you go. Even if you think you know all the steps by heart. Even after a year, two or more years. Make sure you mask up, wash up, glove up every single time and the environment is relatively clean. That will keep the infections away. If you don't think you can be that diligent, then you might want to consider HD.

Every infection will reduce the function you have left of your kidney.

And get on the transplant list!

Good luck!