Home Dialysis

[mickey1406]

Well I’m going to do home dialysis. After 3 years of drudgery, going to the center every other day I’ve decided to go for it. Me and my wife start training April 4, it’s got to be better. After beating cancer 3 times and quadruple heart bypass, failure is not an option. I’ll make 71 next month and thought, why bother them I found out the benefits of doing it in the comfort of my own home, doing it when I want every day and the ability to TRAVEL. I’LL let y’all know how it goes and if I can truly recommend it.

[Dixidude39]

I'm not on dialysis yet. With one remaining kidney, I have a eGFR of 27-30. However, cancer could strike my remaining kidney at any time (OK at the 18-month point). I have visited a DaVita center. I'm 78. Was the distance from home to the center an issue? How about how you were treated as a patient (professionally or not)? My wife and I are 78 and in good health for our age. When your wife can no longer assist in the process, would you then return to hemodialsis?

[LoisDuncan in reply to Dixidude39]

I live an hour away from my center it may make some challenges yet if you keep a schedule on the treatment days it's a nice routine.

[mickey1406]

Distance wasn’t a problem for me since I was only 2 miles from my clinic but if you are more than an hour away it can certainly be a factor. If for some reason your wife can’t stay as your partner you can always return to the clinic. I personally used Fresminus, the staff was always great, always friendly and professional , for me it was the restrictions of which days and times which limited my activities because I was on their schedule and I suppose the main reason was being able to travel without having to be somewhere on a particular day at a particular time. Hopefully your remaining kidney last and you’ll never need dialysis. I’ll keep you posted on how this journey progresses.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

I've been doing nocturnal/extended dialysis 4-6 times per week for over 15 years and love it. It will take a bit to get into a routine but its well worth it IMHO. You may not need to do it everyday. I don't use the NxStage system, but I still travel and do in-center when out of town. Be empowered! Blessings

[LoisDuncan]

Congratulations on your new freedom, I did Parotoneal dialysis and loved it at home now on in center Hemodialysis and thankful it's working.

[mickey1406 in reply to LoisDuncan]

Thanks for encouragement

[KelliC_NKF]

Good luck to you! Are you doing home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis?

[mickey1406 in reply to KelliC_NKF]

I’m doing hemodialysis and can’t wait.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

A couple people who used to go to our center do home hemodialysis, too. I understand you have to have friend or family member to help you with it.

[mickey1406 in reply to cs65]

Yes that’s correct, partner is a must.

[wolfmom94 in reply to cs65]

I'm relatively new to this site & reading thru posts. There ARE people who do it by themselves, it probably depends on the machine used. I home hemodialyze my son on a NxStage machine which can be done alone. We do 2 1/2 hrs, 5days/week but we can go longer per day & do 4 days per week. Yes, it is portable, but it's 70 pounds & the "bags" (of dialysate) arent that light either. As I said, it probably depends on the machine used. Hope that helps

[wolfmom94]

So, are you at home yet? What type of machine are you on? How are you feeling on it? Hopefully you're doing better! There hasnt been an update so I'm really hoping you are alright! Please let us know how you are?!

[gilgar76]

Hello sir. It’s the best way to go at Home PD. I started recently and it’s so routine as you get used to it. I was worried about the travel of the machine and all the equipment. Sure, it’s lot to take in at first. But like everyday you get used to tying your shoes, you don’t even think about it anymore. PD at home is like that. The traveling part was kind of worrisome for me (like if I forget something important). Fret not always looks for the nearest dialysis center to get a supply you forget. And make sure to plan with your center the travel destination and you can always take the machine with you. The airline was very accommodating and helpful with my travel needs. I also brought along my dog! It’s jist one more luggage that you carry on. Best of luck to you sir! Healthywise and always yours!