PD Question

[angellady07]

I've been on in center hemo since January. I'm strongly considering PD because of the negative effects of hemo. I know quitting dialysis is not an option although I don't know how much longer I can handle hemo.  Please , I've been searching for threads on this topic. I know it's been discussed before. Also, anyone who is on PD I would appreciate hearing your experiences. Thanks.

[flip]

What are your problems with hemo? I've never really had any other than lost time.

[kitkatz]

The threads on PD are in this area of the board. http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?board=25.0 Happy reading.

[angellady07]

Low BP, cramps and generally feeling like I've gone too many rounds in a boxing match. I'm usually sick for a few hours after I get home. I've read that PD is much easier on the body and has less side effects. Flip I'm glad hemo is working for you. Thanks for your question. Thanks for the link kitkatz.

[Meinuk]

Angellady, it really does sound like they are taking off too much fluid.  Especially during the summer months, we lose fluid via sweat.  You shouldn't be that uncomfortable.

Now, that being said, Adam W has just made the switch to PD, and has written about it.  There are a lot of good resources here to get you started.  Speak frankly with your nephrologist.  Does your unit have a home PD program? If not, Home Dialysis Central has a good unit locater and also some forums on PD.  (there are a lot of familiar IHD names over there too - just remember though - IHD is where all of the cool kids come to rant!)

http://www.homedialysis.org/


You are doing what is best for you, and that means that you are in control of your medical care.  I hope that you are feeling better soon! 

[Adam_W]

Like Meinuk said, I just switched from daily hemo to PD, and so far I really like it. At first it feels kind of bad when you have the PD fluid in your body (bloated, full feeling), but even after less then a week, I barely notice it. There is also some cramping at the end of the drain, but again, I'm already getting used to it. There are fewer fluid and diet restrictions, and you can do your exchanges according to your schedule, and since you are dialyzing everyday, you won't have all the nasty "ups and downs" that you get with 3x/wk in-centre hemo. There are no needles the size of railroad spikes going into your arm, and there is no blood outside your body. PD is extremely simple to do, and it only took me a total of six days to learn how to do it. Well, if you have any more questions, we're here to help. I sure can relate to wanting to get away from in-centre hemo. Two simple words: IT SUCKS! (at least for me it did).

Adam

[monrein]

Perhaps PD is for you Angellady but whatever you decide, until you make the switch, ask the unit to increase your dry weight and not take off so much fluid.  Those symptoms you describe sound exactly like that is the problem.

[terry3004]

Perhaps PD is for you Angellady but whatever you decide, until you make the switch, ask the unit to increase your dry weight and not take off so much fluid.  Those symptoms you describe sound exactly like that is the problem.

Don't Ask...TELL THEM to raise your dry weight.  From what I've heard with most dialysis centers the people there think they know everything (fortunately mine wasn't that way when I was in center).

You are definitely being "dried out" too much.  When I adjust my dry weight, I usually go in 0.5 increments.  When they setup your machine, make sure they tell you what they are doing and they also show you the settings on the machine.  This way they can't just say they are making the change and not actually make the change.

If the tech at your center states that they have to talk with your doctor before they can change your dry weight, tell them that you have every right to make the change...it is called patient choice.  I'm sure that your Neph would agree anyways as they would agree that too much fluid is being taken off.  Your dry weight is a very thin line that will adjust from time to time.

I am on home hemo, and I have adjusted my dry weight three times in the past two weeks, just depending on how I have felt and my starting weight.

Again, most importantly, you are in charge of your treatment.  The people there at the dialysis center have to honor your requests.  They may make you sign an AMA (Against Medical Advice) form for wanting to change your dry weight (I doubt it, though), however your transplant center shouldn't care as long as you stay for your full treatment time.

[circleNthedrain]

Only you can decide which method is best for you.  I was on PD for 9+ years and it worked very well for me.  The only persistant problem I had were exit site infections.  PD allowed me to travel by car all over the U.S.A.  Whatever you choose, I hope it works well for you.  Best of luck!

[thegrammalady]

my dry weight is nonexistent. i've lost 25 pounds since january (yea) i keep a log of my weight, what i weigh when i come in and what i weigh when i leave. the amount taken off is based on exactly how much i've gained with a bit added for rinse back. if i've gained 1.2 i will have them take off 1.5 to 1.75.  you get to make the decisions.

[kitkatz]

I found your 25 pounds.  Do you want them back?