Help me with your experience of dialysis.

[Irelandy]

Hi there, I'm about to start dialysis and I'm in a quandary as to which type to choose. I would like to hear from members of the community with their comments and experience.

Thanks in advance.

Andy

[MsTrice]

Hello, I would say chose a dialysis that matches your lifestyle since you have a choice. I personally didn't starting out but when I finally did i chose PD. The main reason was convenience. The thought of no longer sitting in that dialysis chair with all these people for about 5 hours every other day did it for me. Hemo was VERY DRAINING. The thought of short recovery and overall less stress on my body. Also to have a catheter easier to hide in clothing. Overall there is no great or easy dialysis but look at your lifestyle and needs to decide. I am young and still needed to work full time and raise a child so it was better for me for many reason. Best to you and your health journey! 😊

[Irelandy in reply to MsTrice]

Thank you for your reply and for sharing your experience. I was at the hospital yesterday and met with my low clearance team. I had my veins and arteries scanned and that went well.I got new results today and the egfr has gone up 1 to 15 so hopefully dialysis will be a while yet.

Once again many thanks,

Andy.

[LRow]

Hi Irelandy. Nice name by the way. So I have started on Peritaneal Dialysis and had a bad experience with it. I was on it for 9 months, I didn't have the clearance o should have had on it and ended up with a 10 day hospital stay. I started Hemo dialysis and have " normal" since then. I have energy and strength, and aside from the treatments themselves life is pretty normal for me. I prefer to do my treatments in center because the supplies for PD and home hemo invaded my home space. I figured I had at least 45 boxes of solution as well as several other larger boxes of additional supplies. It can take over and be a bit much. With that being said these types of dialysis work differently for everyone. You'll find proponents for PD, Home Hemo and Clinical dialysis. I hope this gives you a little insight, and I hope you stay as healthy as you can.

Leo

[Irelandy in reply to LRow]

Thanks for sharing your experience with me Leo. I met with my low clearance team yesterday and they left me feeling well supported and overloaded with information. They did a vein and artery scan and said they were in good shape for a fistula. Also I got very good advice from their dietician. My bloods came back today and efgr had gone back up to 15 so I reckon I have about a year before dialysis and a lot to weigh up.Good luck with your journey and thanks again, best wishes Andy.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Check this out

mydialysischoice.org/

Also

Kidneyschool.org

[Irelandy in reply to KidneyCoach]

Excellent stuff on there, many thanks,Andy.

[Darlenia]

It's great you're arming yourself with information now - dialysis can occur in-center or at home and all have pluses and minuses. Ultimately, the final decision will come from your nephrologist in consultation with you as s/he submits the order. Simply be aware that if you're interested in a transplant, most centers prefer that patients be on peritoneal dialysis since it doesn't involve accessing blood which can be hard on the vascular system. Our nephrologist mentioned this fact and our transplant center confirmed it. So keep an eye on your long-range goals. Wishing you well in your decision-making!

[Irelandy]

Thank you for your help Darlenia. I have just come back from my pre dialysis preparation session and your point about of PD v HD is very important.They are hoping to get a living donor and took bloods for compatability criteria.

They also did a vein and artery scan for a fistula. I won't have to choose for a while, but,as you say best to be armed with as muck info as possible.

Thanks again and best wishes to you,

Andy.

[07gmctruck]

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[07gmctruck]

I will be starting my 6th yr. in Sept,i do hemodialysis.I have to admit it was a little scary not knowing what to expect.I go to a fresenious clinic in my city.I have great drs.who truly care and a great staff who take good care of us . They are like my family now.I live alone so i chose to do hemodialysis.Dialysis effects everyone differently.Most patients i believe are diabetics,I have lupus and have 0 kidney function and go for 4 hrs ,3x's a week.A good support system is very important.Do not be afraid to ask questions.I can't say enough good about NKF.good luck.you will be ok