I started my PD training today!

[MyRenalRomance]

Congratulations on your pd training! 
I have been on pd just since 10-31-07.  I was on hemo for the 7 months before that.  Needed to change to pd because my veins were too small (3 surgeries on my arm w/ no luck), and the doc did not want to continue using the temporary catheter in my chest for too long.

I am really enjoying pd.  I like being home, and the convenience of adjusting my schedule if I need to. 

Originally, my nephrologist told me I would look 6 months pregant on pd.  That was enough to scare me away and choose the hemo (silly, vain me!).  The hemo was ok, but I would come home tired and drained the 3 days i went to the dialysis center.

On pd, I only look a little larger in the belly.  I was underweight to begin with, so it wasn't too big a deal to have my abdomen increase a little. I did need to buy some new jeans, but just 1 size bigger.

I have more energy, my diet is not as restricted - hurray - and I'm told I look better these days, compared to when I was on hemo.

Good luck to you with your new pd!  Hope it goes well for you, and that you like it!

[mariannas]

Alright!  I saw my neph today and he told me that I am a high transporter.  So, for right now I can continue doing 2 exchanges per day for 4 hours each (8 hours total) and be empty the rest of the time.  I know I've got it good for the time being so I am going to enjoy it while I can.  My numbers look great and he said it's definitely something to be happy about!

[KT0930]

Wow, only 2 exchanges a day? I'm totally jealous! Definately enjoy it for the rest of us! Glad to hear your numbers are good, too.

[angela515]

Alright!  I saw my neph today and he told me that I am a high transporter.  So, for right now I can continue doing 2 exchanges per day for 4 hours each (8 hours total) and be empty the rest of the time.  I know I've got it good for the time being so I am going to enjoy it while I can.  My numbers look great and he said it's definitely something to be happy about!

Do you retain any of the fluid after dwelling for 4 hours? I would, because I was a high transporter as well, and high transporter means shorter dwelling times b/c you absorb the fluid faster. Glad your numbers are great, keep up the great work. 

[mariannas]

I usually absorb about 200 ml of 1.5% solution, but when I drain my 2.5%, 1200 ml usually comes out (I only do 1 liter dwells, not 2).  I also still have normal urine output so whatever I am absorbing is being peed out.  I haven't had any swelling and my bp is nice and normal (even a bit low right now) so everything is going swimmingly.  It's nice to feel sort of healthy again.  It's hard to believe that I was so miserable only 2 months ago now. 

[angela515]

Ah, normal urine output makes a big difference. I am so glad your feeling good, always a great thing to hear when someone is on dialysis. 

[goofynina]

Sounds like your doing good Mariannas, keep up the great work my friend