Solutions advise on peritoneal dialysis.

[Annandale1]

My Husband started peritoneal dialysis a month ago and is feeling great. Any advise on the solutions..Difference with 1.5% and 2.5%. When to use?

[Ladybug_05]

Hello! I've been on PD for just over a year now! I'm glad that your husband is feeling great, and this is a good question to ask.

1.5% solution is your everyday solution.

Usually, you use it if your blood pressure and weight is in your normal range. If your blood pressure goes up and your weight goes up (depends on the person, mine is when my bp is above 135/90 and my weight is above 130) for a number of days (again, depends on the person, mine usually is between 3-4 days) AND you have been having regular bowel movements, then you go up to a 2.5% solution, or a blend of the 2. You also look for swelling in your hands/ankles to gauge this. I personally talk to my nurse before switching to ensure that I don't take off too much fluid and become dehydrated.

Just letting you know, if someone becomes too dehydrated, they may need to skip a treatment to replenish their body of fluids. If your husband notices his weight dropping, his blood pressure being low and his heart rate is elevated, upping his sodium intake (eating popcorn or chips- my favorite snack is lays classic potato chips with water melon), pushing fluids and drinking warm fluids (tea, room temp water) will help and prevent the need for skipping an exchange or full day of treatment. Do not give him powerade or gatorade! They have phosphates in them. At the same token, if his weight and bp are up, make sure that he isn't taking in too much sodium. Wait 48 hours before changing bags to let your body naturally give off the fluid and get rid of sodium. Upping potassium (bananas, oranges, avocados, potatoes) helps to eliminate sodium as well. Stress is also a factor to consider, so covering anything that could cause bp and heart rate to be elevated is important when deciding when to switch solutions.

I hope this helps you both! Good luck!

[Annandale1 in reply to Ladybug_05]

Thank you for the advise.

[Bunkin in reply to Ladybug_05]

Ladybug you are just awesome !!

[LadyLuv]

Good Morning!!!!!

1.5 is the best solution. That said. At times he might have to use 2.5 is because of blood pressure, that's what I use it for.

4.25 is the one he never wants to use. To tell you the truth, I hate getting that box. I've been on peritoneal for 3 years and praise GOD, I haven't used it.

Be blessed!!!!!

[Annandale1 in reply to LadyLuv]

Thank you all for the advise. This is so helpful for me. Blood pressure is a bit on the high side.He is small built. No swelling..He came down with a severe chest cold and coughing and will be seeing the family doctor today.

[LadyLuv in reply to Annandale1]

If bp stays up and he has a 2.5, heat 1 bag and see what his bp is. Sometimes you might have to repeat the process

[mhawk123]

Your doctor and PD nurse will be a good source of information for you as they decide which solution to use on a given day....I hope your husband is also on the transplant list.....Be safe....

[Balaji1981]

Please follow the Ladybug advise and my father is 67 years old and he is under PD for the last 2 years.... Ensure to keep the PD room very clean and provide a hygiene environment... Get in touch with nutrition to provide him with healthy diet as well...