Experiences with PD

Hi everyone, I got my catheter fitted at the end of November and started dialysis 1.5 weeks later. Got rushed into hospital with suspected sepsis and was very poorly so they had to start me on PD. Got my machine etc delivered 1.5 weeks before Christmas so got out of hospital and have been on it ever since. Had the usual teething problems like not losing much UF or initial drain quite low but due at hospital next week to get the membrane where the catheter is fitted checked out and hopefully the program adjusted. Biggest problem I have is still got water retention on ankles and lower legs but I'm assured the PD will sort this and I'll be able to get back to work at some point. On a fluid restriction of about 1-1.5 litres per day too. What's everyone else's experiences with PD?

[arcefam]

My name is Rich and I’ve been on PD for 8 months and love it wouldn’t change a thing and still live a normal life. And PD will take care of the swelling don’t worry you’ll be fine. Any ? Just message me.

[Hidden in reply to arcefam]

Thanks

[mhawk123]

I am sorry for your rocky course but I have found the PD process to be good if you follow the good instructions. The swelling will abate as your PD is adjusted to your dry weight. Good luck with the process!

[Hidden in reply to mhawk123]

Thanks, it'll take time I guess.

[LRow]

Hi Kitman1, I had a similar event happen, not quite as serious as yours but, I had my PD cath inserted and blew up like a balloon a week after from fluid retention. I had to star PD 1 week after insertion. It took 7 months for all of my fluid to be resolved. I was on a 1 liter per day fluid restriction. Ultimately, I had to be put on Hemodialysis due to the fact that the fluid was coming off fine but I was not filtrating. My BUN/Creatine level continued to rise over the months. I had some sleep issues, high phosphorus levels that led to intense itching. The phosphorus binders did help a great deal with that though. I hope the PD works well for you, as I'm told it works very well for some people. Best wishes to you!

[Hidden in reply to LRow]

Thanks, fingers crossed

[AnneEG in reply to LRow]

Do you have a fistula?

[AnneEG]

Do you have a fistula? What's hemo like?

[LRow in reply to AnneEG]

Anne, I have a perma cath placed emergently post ER trip.

I had a fistula placed 3 weeks ago and it has to mature for 3 months before it can be used. Hemo is really good for me right now in comparison to PD. It's not that PD is bad, it just wasn't working for me, i feel energetic and alive. When I was on PD I felt drained every day. Aside taking a nap or two during Hemo, I cant complain.

[AnneEG in reply to LRow]

Can I ask if you had your fistula fitted with a local anaesthetic. I'm terrified of being put to sleep.

[LRow in reply to AnneEG]

AnnEG, I actually had general anesthesia for both procedures. I'm not sure if you will find a surgeon who will use a local for that procedure. I hope you do though,

Best wishes.

[Hidden]

I'm on Peritoneal dialysis so I have a catheter fitted