I'd like some honest opinions

[Wayne]

Just wanted to hear what some of you had to say....and I at least know I will hear the truth from my buddies on IHD.     I had mentioned in another post that we will probably be making a decision on which type of d to start next week.  Early in the year my neph ruled out pd because I had been hospitalized several times over a few months because I was getting sick then dehydrated.  The problem in my opinion was because my co-workers kept getting sick, and of course because the different meds I am on my immune system doesn't fight off much anymore.  Anyway, so we did the fistula surgery.  I quit working back in April and haven't been sick since...yah!     At my last visit, I told my neph I really wanted to try pd first because through research, and IHD threads, it seems as though it is much easier to work around.  Of course, I do realize that depends on if you are doing home hemo, in center, etc.  He said since I hadn't been sick that it might not be a bad idea.  Here is my question....for those of you who have done both, what would you recommend?  I know that pd seems to have more freedom, which would be great, but I think I am at the point that I just want to do whatever would give me more energy and make me feel better.  I would love to hear what you think.

[mikey07840]

I started with in-center hemo and hated it. The plan was for me to do PD from the beginning, but I was so sick that they had to start hemo first. Some people do well in center. I did not. I left every treatment feeling like crap. Almost every treatment included a lovely crash at the end. I like PD. It is gentle and constant (every day.) It allows me the freedom to be taking care of it myself.

Be aware that PD will require commitment on your part. You are responsible for your care and need to do work every day. Also, you must have some space for all of the boxes of supplies.

If you have any questions feel free to post them or personal message me.

Good luck with whichever treatment plan you come up with.

[peleroja]

I also started in center hemo because my kidneys failed so fast.  Although I tried desperately to keep an open mind, I really never liked it.  I got the general impression that the techs didn't care about us at all.  I still have scars from where the nurse used to RIP the dressing from around my permacath, in spite of the many times I asked her to do it gently and slowly.  When I switched to PD I was so much happier.  I travel everywhere with it (gonna go to Hawaii in November), and I like being 100% in control of my care.  I'll be happy to answer any other questions you have about PD.

[jbeany]

PD wasn't an option for me because of my brittle diabetes.  I'm on home hemo with a NxStage.  Compared to in-center, being in charge of my own care is sooooooooo much better.  If I'd had the option, I'd have gone for PD, too.  I'm spending a week on in-center because of my partner's schedule at work this week, and it's just serving as a reminder of how much home D has improved my life.  If you are looking for more freedom and self-control, try PD or home hemo.

Also, do remember that you don't have to stay with whichever option you choose.  You can switch if you want.

[Rerun]

I've done it ALL and if I were you I'd start with PD.  "no needles with PD".....

[Wayne]

Thanks for your input...

I've done it ALL and if I were you I'd start with PD. "no needles with PD".....

I can't say that I have a fear of needles, but listening to everyone's horror stories and how big the needles are, I might develop one!

[Wallyz]

The best mortality, health and quality of life outcomes, as well as the least restrictive diet, are with daily home hemo dialysis.  Preferably nocturnal

[flip]

I'm the oddball who like in center hemo. It takes the least amount of time and I don't have to stock supplies and clean up after myself. I feel really good after dialysis and it doesn't cross my mind until two later. The only problem is the travel and I sometimes skip Saturdays if I want to travel.

[boxman55]

I have been in-center for just over 2 years. I am with flip on this. so far...Boxman

[petey]

Marvin has tried in-center (12 1/2 years), PD (just a couple of months), and daily home hemo (14 months).  He's on home hemo now and loves it compared to in-center hemo.  If he could have gotten those two PD caths to work and not gotten peritonitis, he probably would have stayed with PD.