What type of dialysis are you using?

[Lindatmm]

I am on the list and have not started dialysis yet. My dr thinks i should do the at home while I’m sleeping. How did you decide how and where to receive your dialysis? Due to another physical condition i am currently struggling with inconsistent and wake every two hours to use the bathroom. How is that handled with at home dialysis? Can i “unplug” serval Times a night to use the restroom? Is there anyone using dialysis at home that can tell me how it is going and what issues they have had?

Thanks Linda

[ILMA54]

I am at a similar place with where you are. I just went for orientation last and met with a surgeon last week. I am opting for PD since I still work and am still active. Once I start dialysis, I will be trained to perform Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) so that I know how to do this should I use electricity.

Depending on how my many exchanges I will need a day, which is measured by your adequacy (which is a measure of how effectively you are removing urea and is independent of GFR), I may switch to automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).

You can unhook at night if you need to use the restroom, but having only seen a video on this, others will be better able to address that question.

As a side note, I started using a CPAP last fall for mild sleep apnea, and I rarely have to get up to go to the bathroom at night unless I have something to drink later in the evening.

[Arih]

Hi. It depends how far the restroom is. The tube attached was big enough for my husband to use the restroom, so he didn't have to unhook it.

it's been 3 years so I don't know the measurements, but if you ask at your dialysis center they can tell you the measurements.

[MIKidney]

I switched from hemo to pd at the recommendations of my hemo staff. The tube was long enough to reach the bathroom without unplugging. When I started the process the pd staff had me physically measure the distance to the bathroom, the height of my bed and the nightstand. All this is taken into consideration before setting up for overnight pd. Daytime pd does not require this rather is done with gravity. I used it as a great reason not to have to wash dishes, sorry I have to do an exchange which was four times a day. Pd is much easier on the body. Talk with your dialysis staff and work out what is best for you. Remember there are no stupid or dumb questions - this is what will keep you going until a transplant is found.

[blackkat2]

I decided on PD because I couldn't afford clinic time with my (self-employed) work situation. You have to be very regimented with all the details per your training. They will discourage you from unplugging too often due to the very real risk of infection. Be sure to turn off fans and close windows long before you disconnect (your training nurse will go over this). I used a bottle during the night. There's also home hemo now. When you do daily dialysis, you feel a little better I'm told, and have some additional dietary freedom. Good luck.

[Hidden]

Hi Lindtmm, I did PD the first year I started dialysis; it was great and felt good. Once you are hooked up for your home treatment you are hooked up, the PD treatment may have changed a little since it has been many years since I was on dialysis. When self-treating that what home treatment is; You must be very precise, and clean when doing your treatments. You are treating your self, so take care of your self. God bless you.

[NeedingAdonor]

I am sorry to hear you have to go on dialysis. My husband does at home and has been for 22 months. He is so tired today for example we couldn't even go to church. However, its all exhausting. He still amazingly works full time. It seems to get worse over time. WE NEED A DONOR BADLY

[gipzroshop]

I did pd at home before my transplant.Going to the bathroom was not a problem because I used extensions just so I could reach the bathroom during the night. It was never an issue that I needed to disconnect.

[nosillap]

Hi. I was on PD dialysis for 2 years before my transplant. It was never a problem for me & I had a long enough line that I could reach the bathroom with no problems. You cannot just “disconnect”. I even went on a cruise while on PD. MUCH better than hemo dialysis in the center & felt much better. Hope this helps & good luck.