What can I do once on pd dialysis?

[Erika1212]

Hi everyone, I have a couple questions for the vets on this site. I just got my PD catheter placed and there's questions I have but don't want to ask my doctor or nurse. First question. Can I drink and occasional glass of wine or have a couple margaritas? Can I work out and sweat or  will I never really be able to wash around this catheter?

[kickingandscreaming]

I don't have the answer around the alcohol--I'm not a drinker.

As for the catheter, daily showering is suggested.  My nurse tells me to let my cath. hang out when in the shower and let the water wash over it.  I was told to wash everything but the catheter area first, and then to go back and wash around the catheter-- so all the dirty water has passed by and you are left with a clean cath. region.  I don't use a washcloth for that part of my shower.  I use what are called "cover sponges."  They aren't sterile, but they're clean.  They are part of my Baxter order. I often use Hibiclenz to wash that area, and then dry around the cath. with a 4" gauze pad.  I'm sure there are a million different answers to this.  This is just the way I do it that works for me.

[sahern]

After my PD cath heeled up I took showers and was told to wash around the cath.  As for drinking I can't answer that one.  I was one who could never have just a couple of drinks so I would not be able to trust myself with just one.

[Charlie B53]

 Two questions.

Are you diabetic, yet?

Has your Neph set fluid restrictions?  As in daily volume?

Both NO.   One of the great things about PD is we are not as restricted in daily fluid intake as those on Hemp.  They are unable to get rid of that fluid until their dialysis day so this can add up quickly for them.   PD'r's dialysing every day/night take off excess fluid intake much quicker so are not always given those restrictions.

Diabetics are cautioned on alcohol use as it drives the blood sugar quickly and can cause problems if used in much quantity.   Many on PD have developed diabetus within their first year of PD.  I did, but my Diabetic Dr tells me I would have even without starting PD.   My sugars in the years prior had not been the best, just not bad enough for them to order medication.

Alcohol is a personal decision.  Use it wisely.   Blah,  Blah,  Blah.   you have heard it all before.    Alcohol is metabolized through the liver.  The kidneys removed the water included in the drink.   It should not harm any residual kidney function.

[Deanne]

I was only on PD for 6 months before transplant, but I lived a "normal" life. I showered every day, carefully cleaning around the catheter and then putting a fresh bandage over the entry area. I walked a lot for exercise, just as I did before starting dialysis. I gardened, did housework, took care of my pets, worked full time. I drank what I wanted since I didn't yet have fluid restrictions.

Dialysis became just another part of my daily routine. It didn't stop me from living.

[Erika1212]

Thank you this info is very useful. So far I feel no real difference from this catheter besides having to be careful cause it is still fresh.

[stayingalive]

Charlie is right...different for PD than hemo.....I shower as instructed from clinic....so sweating and working out if you can handle it is ok.  I also drink 3-4 beers everyday this is of course after having some water and working all day.  My labs have come back perfect the last 4 months (well besides stupid protein being a little low last month)  I also still produce urine which I am sure helps me a lot.  You still need to live and enjoy life.  Do things as you are told by your neph/nurses for a bit and adjust.  I found that some things they restrict I can have once in awhile in moderation.  BUT when I get a craving for something I eat it...usually last 2 or three days then it over.  Starting second year on PD June 5 and things are going fine with me.  Of course I only have PKD with the high blood pressure that comes along with it.  If you are having any other health issues it could be different for you. 

[Simon Dog]

You can do just a about everything except swim in fresh water.

[stayingalive]

excellent reminder Simon Dog.....

[Erika1212]

Great!! I'm happy to hear that things will be pretty normal. I am not diabetic, I am healthy besides the PKD.

[Simon Dog]

I am not diabetic, I am healthy besides the PKD.

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?

[Charlie B53]

You can do just a about everything except swim in fresh water.

That's it, I'm moving back near the Ocean!         Maybe not Seattle again, the water is pretty chilly.      How about Panama, I hear it is warm year round?

[beckums70]

PD For three years.  I do pretty much every thing I want to do.

I wash the exit site with antibacterial soap daily using just the palm of my hand in circular motions. This was how my PD nurse taught me to wash it.  Mine is healed quite nicely and I don't wear bandages anymore unless it somehow gets tugged a little and starts to scab, which does happen now and then.

You just shouldn't sit in a bath, since you'd be soaking in bacteria filled water.  Showers only.

As for drinking, I say go for it as long as you aren't an alcoholic.  I have a beer once in a while and even have had some liquor and one night a long time ago, over-did it with some saki while out to dinner with friends.  I am not one to get drunk but I do enjoy a beer with some wings once in a while.  Remember to take phosphate binders when you have beer or your phosphate will be through the roof for a few days.  My doctors know I drink socially once in a blue moon and have no problem with it.

[myporkchop]

Hi all, my mum is hopefully going to get the ok to start pd. She loves swimming at the pools and having a spa. Will that b a no no once she starts pd? Thanks

[Charlie B53]

There are still differing opinions about pools.   Hot tubs are generally OUT.   The increased temp increases risk of bacteria.   Unless perfectly managed and chemicals maintained  with a high chlorine level I would think it not so good an idea.   Pretty much the same with public pools.   Private pools depend on how strict the owner is maintaining the chemicals and chlorine.   It IS a risk.

Yet it is said salt water is much safer as the salt reduces bacteria.   Except in those areas that have 'Red Tide' warnings, when the water temps get high enough the salt alone isn't enough.

Knowing this, why don't we see many 'salt water' pools?

[beckums70]

Hi all, my mum is hopefully going to get the ok to start pd. She loves swimming at the pools and having a spa. Will that b a no no once she starts pd? Thanks

I swim every summer and have never had an infection.  However, I am cautious around public pools.  If the water is even the least bit cloudy I do not get in.  I don't have a pool at home or know anyone with a private pool but I have swum in public pools every summer.  I did get in a hot tub once, but it reeked of chlorine and I showered and used Except immediately after. 

As a general rule she should take Except to the pool with her at all times and douse the exit site with it when she gets out.  Stay out of lakes and rivers as well.  I have been in the river a few times, but not for long and I immediately cleanse with Except when I get out.

I think if you're cautious about where you swim you can do it with no problem.

I do swim in the ocean every summer too and it feels good to get in the water there without worrying about getting an infection! Also, my son and I like to camp at a local KOA that has a salt water pool that's lots of fun.  Tons of kids in there but the water is crystal clear and it's never been a problem.

[myporkchop]

Thanks charlie and beckums70