From Mayo Clinic's website, here is information on hemodialysis, which uses our blood to clean the wastes out of our bodies that our failing kidneys cannot do: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemodialysis/about/pac-20384824

The other type of dialysis is peritoneal dialysis, where a catheter is surgically inserted into our abdomen, and the peritoneal cavity is used to transfer toxins out: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/peritoneal-dialysis/about/pac-20384725

And here is my story: I have been on peritoneal dialysis since September 2022, and do it manually, without the use of a machine to fill and drain fluids. I live about 40 miles from the closest dialysis clinic if I had to choose hemodialysis. I personally find the peritoneal dialysis to be easier on my body overall, and yes, it is done 7 days a week. "Like having a part time job" as a friend tells me. The reason for my kidney disease is a rare autoimmune condition. I am also a blood cancer patient, and for this reason I cannot be considered for a transplant.

Has it been easy to get in to this routine? I won't lie and tell you, "yes, piece of cake". But that said, it is not a death sentence. Yes, i had to make some accommodations, but it is a challenge I accepted. As a home dialysis patient, I make decisions daily on when my session will be, if I need to change the strength of my dialysate solution, add heparin, etc., all while handling all the fluids and supplies myself, hooking up to the unit myself and having total authority on doing it all. My PD nurse is but a phone call away if I need her. For me, having my blood cleaned everyday means my energy stays more even, and I have more flexibility with my fluid intake [always a major concern for us kidney patients, right!?] Diet is still a major concern, and good protein is critical.

Please feel free to ask me any questions, or to relate your own experience as a fellow patient or family member or spouse of a dialysis patient.
Ginger