16 yrs CKD, 1 yr PD dialysis and 3 yrs HHD Home Hemodialysis

[ShmrckKidney]

My name is Bill Murray, but not the famous one, and I reside in Wilmington, Delaware. I was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy in 1996, which is a Nephrotic syndrome. Given five years until start of dialysis, made it 16 years. Plenty of experience across the board from CKD to ESRD 5D, PD dialysis, HHD Home Hemodialysis, to getting listed for transplant including multiple centers and maintaining your listing. Ask questions, I know I can help.

[SharaiG_NKF Partner]

Hi Bill! Welcome to the NKF Dialysis Community. Your experience and support will be very appreciated here.

[CNeb]

Bill, Chris here. I’ve had CKD for 20 years, but recently dropped to ESRD floating around 10% function. I will be starting dialysis soon, but I had some questions and wondered if you could help. What tips could you share in regards to home hemodialysis? Also in regards to being on multiple lists, what are the benefits and the potential pitfalls? My wife and I are considering listing me with UMPC in Pittsburgh in addition to my current listing here in the D.C. region. I’ve been on my current listing for close to a year and a half. Thank you for any help you can provide, and I’m sure I’ll think of more questions if that’s ok.

[ShmrckKidney in reply to CNeb]

Well let's start with listing. If you are listed in DC, closest option would be either Hopkins or UMMC in Baltimore. Then up to the Philadelphia metro. Right outside of there is Our Lady of Lourdes or Cooper in Camden and then Pittsburgh. That way you can cover 5 OPO (organ procurement organization). And as far as Home Hemodialysis. I feel much safer with my health and safety in my hands and not in someone that gets paid minimum wage and is under corporate guidelines to move people through regardless if their treatment is complete. PD is another option for home treatment. Any specific questions, just reply.

Best of luck.