Husband Considering PD

[2_DallasCowboys]

Hi,
Hubbie Les is thinking about it.  We have talked
to friends, a few who have been dialysis nurses, and
they all say it is the way to go.  He is doing very well
on hemo at the unit, but I think this would be more
natural, and even tho the unit is very close, no more
worries about snowstorms on D. Days!
One question- if you switch to PD can you change or
pick a different neph? Neither he nor I like (to put it
mildly) the group at this unit and to change now would
mean a long drive to the next county for dialysis.
If and when we decide to do this, be ready - I will be
haunting you guys a lot!

Anne

[Black]

Many here are on PD and like it very much so I'm sure you get lots of good information.   As I have no experience with PD I can't comment but I would think just getting away from the needles would be enough for some people t try it.

In my opinion, if you do not really like your neph then I think you should change that at least.  Once you're on PD, how often would you have to make the drive to the one farther away?  If it's only once a month, it may be worth it to get a neph you like.

Have you considered home hemo with the NxStage?  He already has a hemo access.  If he switches to PD he will likely lose that after a time.  IF he has to switch back to HD he'll have to have another access put in, most likely in another place - either further up the arm or the other arm.

[Ken Shelmerdine]

Many people who switch from haemo to PD say how liberating it is and and the fact that it gives you complete independance. Also the fluid and dietary restrictions  are less limited. I use a baxter cycler so I can honestly say that none of my free daytime is taken up with dialysis as it all takes place while you sleep.

 I do hope Les will be able to take up this option although it hasn't suited everybody who has tried it. The most common problem seems to be mild to severe pain during filling and draining, particularly draining. This is usually temporary and with most people eases after a couple of weeks. For some though, it never goes and they have to stop PD.

 But don't let that stop you giving it a go because even if you do get this problem, remember , for most people it's temporary. I used to get mild to severe abdominal pain for about 2 weeks when I started PD and then it stopped. My PD causes me no pain whatsoever now.
Good Luck

[goofynina]

When i switched from Hemo to PD, i also switched nephs, but you have to make sure that the neph goes to that particular unit to see patients (at least that is what they told me)  Switching to PD was the absolute best choice i ever made (i wish i would've switched sooner)   Please do not hesitate to ask any further questions, that is what we are here for.   
Another thing is if you do decide to switch, make sure you have an area designated for all the solution, it can come up to 75 boxes at a time (depending on your treatment)  that seems to be another reason why so many people are against PD, they dont want to turn their homes into a unit.  I have a spare room so we are good to go over here    Looking forward to hearing more from you, good luck. 

[KICKSTART]

Here we have two different teams PD and Hemo ,so we dont see the same doctor as a hemo person would do .

[2_DallasCowboys]

Hi,

We have been told about all the supplies that you
need to have room for, and don't think that will
be a problem (have a laundry room that is pretty big
and also a garage)
As far as the Drs go, I don't know for sure yet, but
if it means seeing them monthly at their office I really
would like to switch.
The ones we have leave MUCH to be desired for sure

anne

[KT0930]

I'm sorry I can't help you with the question about switching nephs, as I've only ever switched within a practice, unless it was when I moved, and then I wasn't on dialysis.

As for PD, though, as long as you're prepared for storing the supplies, it's worth trying! Like Ken mentioned, some have pain particularly with filling and draining. I am one of those, and I've been on PD for over a year and it has not gone away. However, I use a cycler and sleep through most fills and drains so I never notice them. If you two decide that PD is the way to go, feel free to ask all the questions you need, that's why we're all here!

[Psim]

I spent a year and a half wondering whether to switch nephs -- the one I had was a nice guy but he didn't seem to be really paying attention. I finally took the plunge and saw someone new, and now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long. It makes such a difference to have confidence in your doctor.

[rimbo74]

I was on PD for only 8 months and I felt it was the best choice for my lifestyle.  My neph I've had since I was 16, I'm 33 now.  He does is job and he knows me and about Alport's Syndrome which is what I have but I wouldn't say he is the best Dr I've had.  His office is 50 miles away from me, I live in the Dallas/Ft Worth metroplex, I live in Plano and his office is in downtown Fort Worth.

I picked the going into an office once a month instead of 3 times a week.  Also, most of the time was spent with the PD Dialysis Nurse anyways which she was great.

[MelissaJean]

I spent a year and a half wondering whether to switch nephs -- the one I had was a nice guy but he didn't seem to be really paying attention. I finally took the plunge and saw someone new, and now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long. It makes such a difference to have confidence in your doctor.

I agree 100%   Having a doctor you like and feel comfortable with is sooo important!  Good luck with your husband's choice... once you get a good routine down for PD is is very time liberating.   

[River]

I just had my first day of PD training today, and am full right now. I have done three exchanges on my own so far already, two supervised by the PD nurse and one here at home on my own. It will take a bit of getting used to, but it didn't hurt me once I learned what to "feel for" right at the point when I'm drained, so that I don't get a cramp. It's something I can live with (at least until I get a transplant, which is the real goal). Tell your husband to go ahead.

[rookiegirl]

I started PD in Oct. 2007.  I tried CCPD (cycler) at night for 5 days and did not do so good as others did.  I've been on CAPD (manual) since then and I'm loving it.  My diet is not restricted and I still work full time as an Analyst (Mon-Fri 8-5).  I'm only doing 2 exchanges per day.  One at night before bed and one in the morning when I wake up.

As for the supplies, depends on delivery.  Baxter delivers monthly for me.  My CCPD supplies for 1 month was over 30 boxes.  Now, my CAPD supplies monthly is only 10-12 boxes.

I did change Neph's but this was before I went on dialysis.  My former Neph is the one who referred me to the one a currently see.  He is well known in the nation.  The unfortunate thing is, I live an 1hr away from where he is and also the dialysis clinic.  But, it doesn't bother me.  It's all worth it because I really love my Neph.

Hope all goes well with your decision.

Best of Luck