Starting Dialysis: What You Need to Know

[cassandra]

My docs are watching my function and keep saying that I had to have the fistula (which clotted twice and I had to have additional procedures) but are now putting the breaks on actual dialysis. What can I do to get them to either move me to dialysis or fighting to just get me on the transplant list?

Hi bionicci is your fistula working now? And maybe introduce yourself in the introduction section so more members get to read your post.

Love, Cas

[smartcookie]

Hi, bionikki!  There are several things to look at when going on dialysis.  First of all, what is your GFR?  If it is under 20, in the United States at least, you can go on the transplant list.  Typically, is better to wait to go on dialysis, but not for everyone.  What sort of symptoms are you having? 

[Simon Dog]

Typically, is better to wait to go on dialysis, but not for everyone.  What sort of symptoms are you having?

Starting PD before you really, really need D can preserve residual function a bit longer.  If you are considering PD, discuss this issue with your neph.

When I started PD, I was told "Now is a good time to start PD; if you were going on HD we would wait a bit longer".

[irvinsen5]

Great info!

[Charlie B53]

While my kineys were still at 20%, NO sickness at all, but my legs had already been massively swelling every day, leaking clear fluid from my shins, running down soaking my socks and shoes.  I would occasionally get a terrible infection in either leg at the leaky site(s) which would turn the whole leg bright red, run my temp up to 104 and land me in the hospital.

Dr's kept telling me I had to quit work, stay at home with my legs raised. I was forced to go on disability.

Almost a year later I asked my Neph if Dialysis would reduce the swelling.  He told me it would, so I started PD.  Lost 40 pounds of water weight within that first week.  My legs began to look near normal sized once again.  Haven't leaked again.

Vegetarian isn't the only survival diet.  Google 'Renal Diet' and check out both Fresenius and DaVita as both companies have series of cookbooks on their websites for renal patients.  Literally whole libraries of low phosphorus and low potassium foods catering to those with kidney problems. Here at IHD we have a food forum with recipes you can follow and/or give you ideas on how to modify those things you prepare to make them more renal friendly.

Take Care,

Charlie B53