New Member Introduction

[benniem778]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a caregiver for my husband, who has been on hemodialysis for the past 3 years and will be transitioning to peritoneal dialysis soon.  We are both retired and are looking forward to having a little more freedom.  I joined IHD to learn about the experiences of other pd dialysis patients and caregivers that might give us insight into this new phase in my husband dialysis care.   I probably will not be posting much, but just hanging out reading others posts. 

[kickingandscreaming]

Welcome, Benniems778.  There is lots of PD information to be had here.  But you are asking in a vague and open ended way so it's hard to "answer." I would suggest beginning by dong a Search of the forum for "PD" and read what comes up.  Then if you have specific issues, ask away.  I have been doing PD for 2 years and would be happy to answer them.

[LorinnPKD]

Welcome!

[Paul]

 

Hello benniem778. Welcome to the site.

[cassandra]

Welcome to the site benniem778


   


Take care, Cas

[iolaire]

Welcome to the group.  I hope the PD transition goes well. 

Well on in center HD keep in mind that you do have some level of freedom of location with advanced planning.  i.e. visiting friends or family in other decent sized cities.   

Prior to my transplant I did lots of travel within the US and internationally receiving HD treatments in center at each location.  If you are US based your US center should be able to help you setup visits to other centers, international is more work.   Medicare will only pay for treatments in the US. Otherwise if UK/EU based its possible to travel within the EU and receive treatments under the EU heath plan.

[Charlie B53]

Welcome to our IHD 'Family'.

I did PD at home for 3 1/2 years and did quite well.  The freedom to eat and drink whatever I wanted kept my life as close to 'Normal' as any renal patient can be.

After 3 1/2 years I much have become too complacent, rushing to set up my Cycler and start my nightly run I had to have made the slightest error, TOUCHED one of the fitting while making connections of the bags.  I didn't even know that I had done it.  But I must have as during the night my belly became painful.  I first thought it was a minor drain pain that would go away as soon as I started my Fill.  NOT!    I just kept becoming worse.  Until it became so bad that I could barely breath in.  I've NEVER had pain this bad and I have broken multiple bones before.

Long story short, after months of antibiotics the infection still would not die.  The cath had to come out and I have now been on Hemo already a year and a half.

STAY Careful!   ALWAYS.   With EVERY Connection.    Infection control is your MOST important consideration.

Don't make my mistake.

Take Care,

Charlie B53