Dialysis treatment options

[Blackgal357]

I got CKD stage 5. I would like to know more about in home treatment options. Any suggestions?

[horsie63]

Well if you are in the US there is PD or peritoneal dialysis. Typically done with a cycler overnight. Or there is Home Hemo. I've not done the home hemo (I go in center) but BassetMommer does it so you can look at her posts.

[Blackgal357 in reply to horsie63]

Ok, thanks

[RhenDutchess123 in reply to Blackgal357]

I do PD at home on a Cycler while I sleep...works great for me

[Blackgal357 in reply to RhenDutchess123]

Ok thank for responding

[Kidmenot]

I do pd and sleep all night. Works great for me

[MagicNoon]

I have just completed 8 months of computer assisted peritoneal dialysis. It is not as easy as is suggested by my care team. Dialysis is relentless and you can not stop. You might have an evening off, but tomorrow you have to do it again. It is not a cure but a treatment. I wake up every hour and forty-five minutes for the drain cycle. I am awake for the drain cycle and need to be in the correct position to drain. If not draining adequately, alarms happen and continue until the computer is satisfied. This can be a frustrating situation at 3am when the alarms just will not quit, but it is better than not treating. I have more energy during the day. I am retired so I can nap in the afternoon if it is needed. I am stable on the prescription I am using for now. Training was intense and took full concentration. There are no short-cuts. Showering is a challenge to prevent infection. Each treatment choice is not a piece of cake, and each has benefits as well as side effects. Choose wisely for your situation. Everyone has different requirements and levels of care. Also, be aware of depression which accompanies the diagnosis of kidney failure. Sometimes, any treatment option is a burden, due to the helplessness of depression. Good luck and I know you have the strength to seek the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your situation.

[Escabeche in reply to MagicNoon]

You’re right about the stage 5 diagnosis and depression. I have been so blown away by the realisation (in my own time) of what is happening to my husband, and by extension to me, that I’m hardly able to cope. As his carer the shame and guilt compound the problem. This needs to be considered - explicitly - as part and parcel of any dialysis treatment.

[Pungo68 in reply to Escabeche]

Your response really resonated with me. My husband was diagnosed with ESKD in June of this year, started in center dialysis 3 days a week that month. There are bad and good days, some days I start feeling a little tired and depressed but I remember to do my best to not let it show to my husband or family and friends. It’s ok almost like I feel guilty for feeling bad. This is definitely an important issue that should be considered more for caregivers. God bless you and your family.

On another note I also noted that my very patient husband has become very distracted and impatient with me and others when he’s actually having a good day and we are out running errands or eating out. Has anyone noticed this?

Thank you all, y’all are a valuable blessing.

[PDcaretaker]

My husband is currently transitioning to at home PD and his team requires a month of manual exchanges before they will allow the "cycler machine" that does it at night. Manual exchanges are 4 times a day; with prep and clean up, it is an hour of your time 4 times a day. Additionally he is carrying this fluid in his belly areas 24/7 and it is not the most comfortable thing when trying to do any daytime activities. We were not mentally prepared for the drain on our time and the limitations it places on him getting out anywhere. However once he moves to the machine, we expect a better time. I know everyone's situation is different so you must take all our info with that in consideration. I agree with the possibility of depression coming on and we scheduled appointments with doctors to address that as soon as he went on hemodialysis at the center. As a care giver I feel neither shame nor guilt so not sure what that is about. It is stressful on me sometimes, but as a spouse that is part of life and I would not expect to do anything different. If you do not have a partner who can go through this with you, I would think it would be a bit scary. My husband knows I have his back; we double check each other with this dialysis procedure all the time. I believe that everyone needs someone to walk this path with them .... at least until they feel comfortable doing it alone. Be it family, close friend or partner, have someone you can talk to & that help you through this. Think of it like rehab; a helping sponsor who understands your situation is definitely a positive.

[Brininja0329]

I’m a 29 year old female I just switched from in center dialysis to home hemo. I’ve been doing home hemo for 2 weeks now. Once I got over the fear of cannulating myself it was a lot easier. I definitely recommend hhd or pd, I know that hhd is a lot more gentle on the body. I don’t have much experience with pd but I’ve heard good things about it. Hope this helps!

[Darlenia]

Hi! So sorry to hear that you're facing this situation. Below is great website explaining the various forms of dialysis. It also has a questionnaire that you fill out and determines right type of dialysis for you based on your interests. My husband started with emergency hemodialysis but then switched to peritoneal dialysis on the recommendation of a transplant center to prevent atherosclerosis of the arteries (a problem for diabetics) needed for transplantation. All forms of dialysis have plusses and minuses. Hubby did manage to receive a transplant at age 71 after a year on dialysis. If you're not already on a transplant list, please consider doing that now. Some manage to get a "preemptive transplant" and skip dialysis entirely. Once one is listed, then one can often double-list at the busier centers. A transplant has given my husband an amazing life. Wishing you all the best as you plan your steps ahead.

lifeoptions.org/living-with... (dialysis descriptions)

mykidneylifeplan.org/#eyy (decision aid)