Question

[kimmie0409]

I was wondering what you think your GFR needs
To be before you start diaylsis ? I have been in
And out of the hospital with complications ex
Swelling , anemia and the doctors keep saying
Diaylsis will help . I'm on transplant list and have
A possible living donor but still keeping in the
Back of my mind that she may not be a match .
My GFR has been staying steady for the past
Few months at 16. My neph has talked with
Me about pd and I was just thinking about scheduling
The cath placement just I'm case my donor is
Not a match .
Is this too soon? Should I wait?

[Simon Dog]

Rule of thumb is 10 for diabetics; 15 for non diabetics - but you really need to have your neph fine tune how close you fall to that rule.  If starting HD, the literature suggests waiting until you need it is better, whereas with PD, you can preserve a bit more residual function by starting early.  The complexities of this sort of thing are why nephs get paid so much.  Well, that and a very good union.

[Alex C.]

Gee, my GFR is 8 or 9 (depending on the test), and I'm still not on dialysis.

[kimmie0409]

I am diabetic and hypertension. My neph
Did mention pd.

[jeannea]

I think it should be an overall discussion. GFR is ne thing. Also, the symptoms you are having, how you function in daily life, your chances at a transplant, etc. if you are feeling very badly, it may be better to start dialysis so that you'll be stronger for the transplant surgery. You need a candid talk with your doc.

[kimmie0409]

Thanks, I see the transplant place tom. Have to have
My labs, chest X-ray etc done and my possible
Donor goes april 21. I do feel like crap all the
Time and I'm hoping that dialysis will maybe make me
Feel better. I don't go back to my neph til the 17th.

[Sammiegrl]

Hi Kimmie!  I think alot of it has to do with how you feel.  I was terrified of going on dialysis and put it off as long as I could.   I thought life as I knew it would be over.  Though my nephrologist constantly encouraged me to start dialysis, he was very supportive of me and my reluctance, assuring me that I'll know when it's time.  I finally caved in after 5 months of feeling sick all day, every day.  I  am  now on PD (Baxter cycler at night) and I couldn't be happier.  I feel good and my life hasn't really changed at all.  The  great thing about PD is that because you do it every day, extra fluid is removed, there are few dietary/fluid restrictions and you can work (and play) pretty much like you would have before PD.  Good luck!