kt/v

[Lillupie]

Im not trying to complain, but I guess I am. I am on PD and I am so sick and tired of doing Kt/v 4 times a year. I mean I really  think it is over doing it. I have been on dialysis for 3 years now and I dont have any more kidney function. Things are not going to get any better. I mean it is not like I am going to get any kidney function back. It is so stupid for me to have to do this stupid test 4 times a year.

I ask do the rest of you have to do this 4 times a year if you are on PD??

THey say the government is making the clinics do this so that they know each patient is getting enough dialysis. I dont know I just dont like doing it.

Lisa

[Marina]

Hi  Lisa,

I know  what you  mean.  I  hate  doing  a  24hr  collection. But  when I  do   I  try  to  look  at  it in  a  more  positive  light.       The  fact  that  we  can  still collect  urine is  a good  sign,  our  kidneys  are  still working  even  if it's  a little  bit.

The  reason  this  Kt/V  is  done  4x/yr  is  because  medicare  wants  to make  sure  we're  getting  adequate  dialysis.    Medicare  does  pay  for  80%  of our  treatment.   Medicare  wants  to  make  sure  the  $ paid  to  dialysis  units  is  being used  wisely.           
 You  might  pass  with  flying colors,  but  there  are  patients  who  aren't  doing  as  well.  Nurses  need  to  know where  we're  at  and  any  adjustments  need to  be  made  to our  treatment.     I  see  it  as  good  thing. I'd  rather  do  the  collection  4x/yr  and  know  where  I  stand.  Also  like to  know  if  I  need  more  dialysis  or  doing  okay  with  4 daily   exchanges.

Take  care!