Finding Time

[murf]

I need some advice from experienced PD patients. I find that some of the activities that I used to do whilst on hemo, I can no longer do. If I want to go out for the day with my friends is impossible as I must be back within six hours for my next exchange. That means I can't go out traveling, go to the cricket for the day or say overnight with friends. At least on hemo, I had four days a week to do these things. Is there a way around this dilemma or is it the price we pay for better dialysis at home?

[george40]

Hi murf, Ive been on pd for about 1.5 years. I was doing 4 manual exchanges which made getting out and about easier. Recently they bumped me to five exchanges and I have been literally doing pd all day it seems. But, I do go for overnight trips often. I have a little travel kit I put together and purchased one of those mini portable IV poles. I think it is important to let your friends know the deal so that if you do go away for a trip they will know that you have to break away every six hours or so to do an exchange. Also push comes to shove, there have been times when I have gone 8 hours between exchanges and when I do this I keep my eye my fluid intake. So, the things you did on hemo you maybe can still do, you just have to do a little more planning.