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Dialysis: What type of dialysis are you on?
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: Feb 10 3:10pm | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
@ldrlaw Kidney disease, as you know, can sneak up on us, or suddenly appear on our doorstep. Typically, once a person's eGFR is about 20%, our doctor may start discussing the possibility of dialysis. There are several factors involved in the decision for what method to use, and speaking with the doctor will help answer specific questions to make a selection easier. I have added a link to what the National Kidney Foundation has to say about dialysis as a treatment for CKD. Of course, I will answer any questions you pose to me, as best I can!
In my case, I had a arterial venous fistula placed in my wrist in December 2021, as back-up access if there is a problem, and had a peritoneal catheter placed 8/1/2022. Next week I start PD dialysis. I live 2 hours away, each way, from my dialysis center. My goal is to do dialysis at home. I will be honest with you, home dialysis is not for everyone, regardless whether it is peritoneal or hemodialysis. The patient is responsible for a lot, and frankly, not everyone wants to be in that position. Having a care partner helps. My husband was on home dialysis but at that time lived in a very populated area, with medical facilities nearby. Driving distance/available ambulance service is definitely a factor if you choose to go it at home. A couple who lives nearby chose to move down into a much bigger city due to his dialysis, so they wouldn't be heading in to town three times a week in the winter.
As I researched dialysis options, for my situation, it was clear that being able to do peritoneal dialysis would be best for keeping my body on the most even keel possible, and mimicing what natural kidneys do, filtering toxins everyday. I am also on chemo for a blood cancer, and my oncologist agrees daily dialysis is best for me.
You say you have a little place in Arizona, but are currently in Wisconsin? Do you winter in Arizona, or are you moving there?
Replies to "@ldrlaw Kidney disease, as you know, can sneak up on us, or suddenly appear on our..."
Hello, you sound very knowable. My brother has been told out of the blue, he is stage 5. We will have an appointment on Feb 27. He is so afraid as I am that he won't make it in time. His fear 8: We are trying to get an earlier appointment, but there isn't anything so far. I am venting, and I am so worried.
Thank you for listening and for any advice. would be so appreciated
Kindly Sally Catalana
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Hi Ginger - thanks for sharing this information. Our little home in AZ ("the bunker") is off-grid, 4 1/2 miles from pavement. We rely on solar with backup generator. I'm not mechanically inclined and there always seems to be something that needs tweeking. I have been telling my husband for years that when we got frailer, we'd have to be out of there. We have a big, beautiful home in WI with all of the conveniences but he likes the desert and doesn't want to leave. I know at some point soon I'm going to have to put my foot down and am dreading it. I'm glad I found a psychologist that I really like - think it helps.
My husband commented on my memory so many times I went through Mayo's 3 hour dementia testing - so now I know I'm good there. Because I owned/ran/was a caregiver at a small group home for the frail elderly, I think I'll be able to handle being a dialysis partner though it feels like I'm facing a long prison sentence as we won't be able to travel and do some of the things I want to do in my own remaining years.