4 years ago major back surgery and poor core body strength Need input on PD tx

[SKS]

4 years ago my husband had about every procedure possible with lower back surgery.  Due to foot drop (from nerve damage), back pain, knee problems core body strength has gone to pot.  only been on dialysis since June 30, 2016 but first fistula shut down, when to Catheter which has been replaced twice, 2nd Fistula has been a slow start.  We are snow birds and didn't realize what a blessing the DaVita, Georgesville Rd, Columbus Ohio was UNTIL we had to deal with the center in Leesburg, Fl .  Ohio everyone was upbeat, concerned, pleasant, considering all the difficulty.  You knew they cared and were empathetic and well trained, (Ohio requires training, testing, continuing education etc)  in Fl you can walk in off the street and be trained.   OK - sorry off topic Due to the mess - (yes I've talked to guest services after speaking with Nurse Admin, etc etc, nothing will change here - they think they are wonderful .   We want to go to home treatment

[Charlie B53]

I broke a disc years ago.  Lots of soft tissue damage and resulting scarring that still continue to cause occasional problems if I exert myself wrong.  And there is no telling exactly what movement causes it to flare again. 

Regular movement helps.  I wake up in pain from laying in bed.  I have to get up and move, more or less force the muscles to move and limber up, allowing blood to flow.

Gentle range of motion, easy walks, seem to help me the most.

Sitting for long periods tend to make me 'lock u', I got to get up and move a bit to keep things working well.


I hope he fonds what works best for him.

[smartcookie]

Has your husband had any abdominal surgery?  I know with my back surgery they went in through my side, so my stomach does not have any scarring.  Generally, the major concern with placing a PD cath is abdominal surgery.  It is always worth a try to ask your nephrologist if your husband is a candidate for PD.  Also, physical therapy can help with the core strength.  I had a fusion at L3-4 and I am a lot less sore when I do my physical therapy exercises. 

[SKS]

He has a ten inch incision down center of back with pins and screws the calcification had damaged the spinal cord   needing extendsive repair.  Only appendectomy abdominal surgery maybe 40 years ago  hoping to hear from someone who has been successful with PD and his issues  currently he has been told water therapy for building core body strength but still has the catheter for likely another month or so as Fistula is still early   our goal is to get out of the center in Leesburg that is where we had to go in winter

[smartcookie]

I think he should be okay for PD.  He can still do his water exercises in certain conditions with the catheter, but ask his doctor about what restrictions to use in water.  It is worth a shot!!    Please let us know how he does!

[cassandra]

Hi SKS, I had a bilateral nephrectomy through my belly. Incision from breastbone to pubic bone. But PD went fine for 5 years. The peritoneum tearing caused by infection in cerebral drain that went to peritoneum, so nout to do with previous op.
The core strength will weaken further with PD though.
On the other hand there's a lot more exercises for core strengthening that don't involve water.

And is home hemo not an option?

Love, luck and strength, Cas

[Charlie B53]

Some clinics train you do NOT get the PD cath site wet except for cleaning.

No pools, hot tubs, etc..  Except salt water is OK as salt water inhibits most bacterial growth.

I had a 'tunneled' PD cath.  I tunneled under the skin and the exit site was even with my breasts (nipples). almost a palms width to the left of center.  This worked out well for me as I could easily see the site, with or without a mirror.

Summer weather the PD Belt was too hot for me.  I either taped or cut a small hole in the backside of my T-shirt, sticking the cath through and coiling it inside the breast pocket.  That worked out just fine.

I could sit in a bath tub and not worry about soaking the site.