PD timing

[BigSteve]

Happy New Year. Still pre-dialysis and still trying to decide on method. How flexible are PD times?
Would I be able to be out longer and then do PD as long as I did it the required number of times?
I am getting mentally used to the idea that that my daily timetable will be determined by
something other than my own wishes, but I still don't like it. Steve

[Ginger]

Happy New Year. I have been on PD for over 2yrs now and it is fairly flexible, as long as you get the total volume in during the day and your dwells are a reasonable amount of time. I use a Baxter cycler at night and am supposed to be on it for 8Hrs. I usually go on about 10:30 PM and come off whenever I wake up after the 8 hrs. On the days I work--I work 3PM-midnight--I often do not get on the machine until 2AM, but still put in my 8Hrs. So if I want to stay out late, I just start a bit later knowing that I will also have to stay in bed late. On the other end of things, if I need to get up extra early for something I have to plan on going on the machine earlier so that I still get in my 8Hrs.
Manual exchanges are usually 4X/day, on average. Early AM, Noonish, early PM and around bedtime. The amount of hours between exchanges will vary from day to day depending on your activities unless you have a very steady schedule.  PD is much more flexible than Hemo as on hemo you have to stick to the units schedule while on PD you set your own schedule to fit your activities.

[goofynina]

I agree with Ginger, if you like your days free then i would recommend the cycler,  i was on exchanges and it got a little rough when i needed to go to the store during the day cuz i needed to make sure i was back within the dwell period so i can prepare to drain, whereas the cycler, you just hook up at night and go to sleep and when you wake up, its all done with,  good luck and keep us posted on what you decide 

[BigSteve]

Thanks for the replies. I am retired so my schedule is somewhat flexible. What I'm
concerned about is being able to do things like going to dinner and a movie with my
wife without feeling anxiety about the length of time between PD treatments.
I don't know if I am ready for home cyclers. Steve

[anja]

Hello, BigSteve,    I understand your concerns, but once you  have a cycler (if that is what you choose)  you will be amazed by the flexibility you will have with your schedule.  I am on for 9 hours a night, no matter when I hook up, I do have 1500cc. dwelling during the day, so that is added filtering time.  I celebrated with my family at my parents home for New Year's Eve and we were up past 1 AM~ just meant I would need to be at home until at least 10 AM.  I don't even stay in bed, get up, have breakfast, get on the computer, or read~ not a bad way to start the day, unhurried and unstressed.  Best of luck!