The ups and downs of dialysis. Where do I start?

[Chicken_Jorge]

Well on Valentine's Day 2014 I was diagnosed with ESRD.

Did peritoneal dialysis at home. Enjoyed the convenience, only had one infection and I'm not downplaying the infection, but it wasn't contracted via not following procedure on my part.

I started with a machine and eventually went to hanging bags.

However, my infection which came from diverticulitis which in turn infected my peritoneal cavity, did something to my peritoneal cavity and the exchanges became less and less effective.

I think it's called scarring.

So the V.A. put me in a perma catheter and I went to hemodialysis

I was personally against hemodialysis for personal reasons, but got to say in all honesty after ONE hemodialysis session I felt like a new man.

My creatinine is 4 and my urea is usually 48.

Dialysis like anything else is 100% psychological because in the dialysis center it doesn't matter if you are Black or White, Male or Female, Gay or Straight, Rich or Poor. During those 4 hours we are ALL the same.

[Frankie24]

I am glad that it is working out for you. I started out on hemo and felt great at first but now have had nothing but problems. I am hoping to start peritoneal dialysis after having a catheter placed this week, if they are able to place it, my kidney's are quite large from polysistic kidney disease. I hate going to the center even though the staff is good for the most part. I am looking forward to doing it at home and if that doesn't work then I will try to find a partner to do hemodialysis at home. Wishing you continued feelings of well being ! Do you still work. I work and find going to center for dialysis quite inconvenient even though my work has been excellent surrounding the whole situation. I also look forward to spending those four hours not including travel time doing other things along with work.

[TaffyTwoshoes27 in reply to Frankie24]

I was told that there is a method by which you can do hemodialysis at home without a partner. You may want to look into that since you already have a fistula. Ask your nephrologist about it.

I suggest you follow Mr_Kidney and ask him about it. He said that hone PD would be his preferred method of doing dialysis, although I believe is not on dialysis. He has done a great deal of research and is quite knowledgeable about the subject.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

I'm so glad you have a great attitude about HD - it does matter! I've been doing it for 2 years and 4 months and I have met the nicest people, patients and staff alike. i do encourage you to think about getting a fistula, since it will free you to be able to shower and swim and lead a more normal life, as well as to prevent infections that having a port will do. Look forward to seeing how you do with going to the center!

[Chicken_Jorge in reply to cs65]

No I'm not going to do a fistula. I live outside the United States and Florida has a law wherein even if not on the list, I can come in and bump to the top of the list barring any other comorbid problems, because of my time on dialysis, which is over 5 years.

I still go to the gym, try and stay active. I don't care for public pools, just a phobia regardless and those baths beat a shower anyday.😂

Yes catheters are prone to infection, but I swear I treat this thing like a newborn baby.

I have to. It's my lifeline.

Anyway God Bless you all and keep your heads up.