More peritoneal questions

Posted by devineone @devineone, Sep 6, 2018

My husband who is on hemodialysis wants to switch to PD. We were just told if the stomach has too much fluid it is not recommended. He has AL Amyloidsis and hemo cannot pull enough fluid. As his BP drops too low. Any information would be appreciated

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@devineone

Thank you so much he is currently on SLED dialysis which is sustained low efficiency dialysis it is done on a gurney for 7-8 hours in a hospital right now 3 days MWF and maybe next week also this Puts much less stress on a he heart and keeps the blood pressure in check his BP h has hypotension with a systolic reading around 75-85 When it hits 90+ we are thrilled. This is mostly due for o the AL Amy. We are waiting for the PD catheter to heal. In the meantime the fistula can no longer be used and they put the only in a chest catheter. The AL Amy treatments going on to the 6th week so 6 more weeks before we know the if there is any improvement. Prayers needed and welcome

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@devineone, Thanks for explaining the SLED dialysis to me. I am not very well versed in the dialysis vocabulary, and many folks are surprised because I spent some time on dialysis before my transplant. I was 60 yrs old at that time. I began with an emergency line in my neck that was referred to as "rabbit ears". Then when that began shutting down, I had a more permanent line in my chest. My nurses made sure that it was secure and stayed out of my way, and sterile. That is my only experience with dialysis.

I can relate to the low BP readings. I hope that you will be seeing some 90's in the near future. I can imagine, from my experience, that your husband is very weak at this point. Probably sleeping a lot? I want to tell you that even if you think he is asleep, that he does feel your presence when you are with him. My husband would sit quietly by my bedside, and when I opened my eyes and saw him for a brief moment, my heart was filled with love and comfort. And I felt some happiness when he left my presence to take a break (for his own self care) He had to be real careful about touching me because that hurt me so much, too. It was hard for him, as it must be for you. But I assure you that you are the best 'medicine' that he needs right now. You and the good care that you have described are his blessing.

Waiting for answers and uncertain futures make it feel as if time is standing still. You are now 1/2 way thru this particular waiting period. I continue to say prayers on your behalf. That is what I believe, and what I have learned matters the most.
Are you currently near your home? Do you have family or friends to support you and be with you?
-from Rosemary with hugs, hope and prayers.

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