Types of Dialysis

Shortly after the nephrologist decided it was time to start dialysis, hubby and I went to a class on different types of dialysis. We had gone to the class with the decision that hubby was going to do In-center Hemodialysis. After hearing about the three options...

In-center Hemodialysis
At-home Hemodialysis
Peritoneal Dialysis

we decided to go with Peritoneal Dialysis. Peritoneal Dialysis, also called PD, is done at home every day. Why did we change our minds? One big reason. The port that is placed for hemodialysis can never be removed, even after transplant. Hubby is only 34 years old, I didn't want him to have restrictions on his left arm for the rest of his life because of a port. With PD they will insert a catheter into his abdomen and once he has had a successful transplant, it will be removed. Other advantages we learned about PD, it helps maintain what function your kidneys have left and because it is every day it is more like your natural kidney function. When the weather is bad and you don't want to venture out, PD is an easier option than driving to a center. Even if you lose power, you can still do PD. There are some disadvantages, the long hours (between 8 and 12 hours a day to do PD), the storing of all the supplies, and rearranging your home to allow for the equipment to move around easily. Overall we feel the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The biggest advantage? He gets to be home with us and spend time with his children, something he can't do at a center.

Picture courtesy of the Mayo Clinic



*Disclaimer - I am not a doctor, nurse, or any type of healthcare provider. I'm a wife who wants to share her experiences to help others. Everything I share is my opinion and experience, NOT advice or suggestions for you and your loved ones. Speak with your healthcare providers about all decisions and choices you make, so that they are right for you.