How will my life change on PD?

[Cabrilla]

I just found out that I'll be starting peritoneal dialysis in 2 weeks. When I went to the initial orientation several months ago the RN suggested that walking should be my only exercise. I typically walk, run, hike, kayak, snowboard, and cross-country ski during the different seasons of the year. I also have an ongoing landscaping project in my yard that I am doing independently, this involves a lot of shoveling and pushing a wheelbarrow. I am worried that I will become depressed if I cannot become active (I have a history of that, especially in winter months). I also typically spend 3-4 nights away from home each month (my partner lives in another town, all of my siblings live 2 hours away) and worry about the difficulty of staying away from home once I start in-home PD.

Can others who are currently doing PD share how this has impacted their ability to travel and be active, please?

[Eyak1971]

i was on pd for 5 years. It was somewhat restrictive when it came to travel. Packing up the fluid and machine was a hassle but necessary. Then being tied to it every night limited mobility at home. Also keeping the catheter free from infection become imperative. However as time went by it just became part of my life. The original hassles seemed insignificant. I could function and felt ok. It was my knew normal to the point I felt that if I did not get a transplant that was OK. However, after 5 years I did and I had to face other issues, but that too eventually felt normal. Take care and realize that no matter the situation you will adapt because life is a journey that others have taken and survived. You are not alone. Note- your active life will change so be prepared to set priorities and create a support system to help you handle the change. Accepting your disease is hard for everyone no matter the disease.

[Seanthesheep]

Hi Cabrilla .Firstly well done for choosing pd. I had two years on pd. I felt well, ate normally, played golf, went on holidays and my life was quite normal. I found the year I had on Heamo dialysis very difficult. I am now two years post transplant and my life is great. I am now 71 years old. Just go with the flow, agree to everything and before you know it you will have your life back. Good luck and best wishes for the future. Sean

[Darlenia]

My hubby went on PD at the urging of our transplant center since that doesn't involve blood and blood vessels - keeping the vascular system in good form for transplant. PD actually went well - we managed to travel locally and so on. Some prefer to simply do manuals when traveling and not rely on a cycler at all. However, my hubby didn't like doing manuals; he simply loaded up the cycler and the necessary supplies in our car. If you can, try to get the Amia or similar small-sized modern cycler that is lighter and smaller than the older ones. It also instructs, talks, and displays the steps better than the older ones and will transmit information too. Insist on those "assists" if they say no. We later moved to a house with bedrooms on the main floor. That was also a wonderful improvement - my hubby could make it into the kitchen, bathroom, family room etc. at night. He interacted with others at anytime - even late at night. If possible, ask for a cord extension to allow greater range. Our center balked because insurance wouldn't pay. But we insisted, and they gave in and covered the cost out of their own budget. Dialysis was a big improvement for my hubby - he looked and felt much better. And he later received a transplant. Hope things turn out well for you too.

[Porter20]

Hey,

I personally believe the best is manual bags using only gravity or drip. I looked at it like going to the bathroom. It took me 30-35 minutes x4 a day but I just scheduled it like clock work. I traveled, I have a place 3.5 hours away. I went all the time. I just took PD bags with me. It is much easier on your body too to do manual bags. Cleanliness is the key to staying healthy doing PDD.

You cannot do too much excursion due to the port, as you don’t want to create an issue. I did elliptical and walked. Hopefully, a transplant will be in your future. Do not let it control you, scheduling is key. Put a timer on your watch for bathroom breaks so to speak. I was on PDD for 16 months prior to transplant. Keep your chin up!

Best of Luck & prayers!🙏🏻🍀

[horsie63]

I just started PD in Feb and it's been an adjustment. I have 3 exchanges during the day as I am still doing manuals, I am getting the cycler at the end of the month though. I hope then I can just do the exchanges at night and get back to going into the office, going places. Because there's no 'clean' area at work I'm working from home.

As for walking, I have a treadmill but haven't the energy to walk on it any. I used to do ultramarathons but I'm afraid those days are over. But I'd like to at least do 30 min a day walking. You can probably keep doing your activities once you get into it.

As for traveling, haven't done that yet but work requires some travel and I want to visit my mom in May and my daughter in Sept so we'll see how that goes. Already I know it'll take a lot of preplanning. If you fly make sure you check into the airline first and see what the requirements are.

Lastly cleanliness is vitally important to avoid infection. If you garden wear gloves. Other than that good luck, it's certainly doable.