Peritoneal dialysis?!
Question: My mom found out thursday that she will have to start dialysis, we don't know when or how soon, but she has chose to do the noctornial (sp) peritoneal dialysis. Is there anyone on here that does the PD? maybe yall could tell me something good about it.
A lil about my mom: she is 42; does not have diabetes or HBP; all of her other blood work is good except for her creatinean, it is at a 4.9 now and her GFR is 12!
Thanks to all who respond!!
Answers: My mom found out thursday that she will have to start dialysis, we don't know when or how soon, but she has chose to do the noctornial (sp) peritoneal dialysis. Is there anyone on here that does the PD? maybe yall could tell me something good about it.
A lil about my mom: she is 42; does not have diabetes or HBP; all of her other blood work is good except for her creatinean, it is at a 4.9 now and her GFR is 12!
Thanks to all who respond!!
So you want to hear something good about nocturnal PD.
-Well, there are no needles!
-One's diet and fluid are not restricted as much as in-centre hemodialysis because it is being performed on a daily basis.
-BUN, serum creatinine are kept more at a constant level (less stressful on the body), rather than the wide range that can occur with dialysis three times a week. Also, if someone can't control their fluid intake, removing a lot of fluid over a few hours on hemodialysis can be painful/very uncomfortable for some people.
-Travelling is half and half. For longer holidays, you don't have to find a clinic and make appointments ahead of time, but you still have to plan things ahead of time. Supplies can be shipped ahead of time so that they are there waiting for you when you arrive. For shorter or weekend getaways, I just bring supplies with me.
I could continue about the disadvantages, but there are advantages and disadvantages with all dialysis types so each person has to make up their own mind as to which treatment would be best for them.
As an aside, I thought it was strange that your Mom has a GFR of 12 and she hasn't started yet? When was her last round of bloodwork? What was her GFR then? Usually they like to start dialysis when GFR has fallen to 15 (at least here in Canada). Has she already had the PD catheter implanted? It takes about 3-6 weeks before it can be used.
Hope this helps!
PD is great because it is much easier on the body than hemodialysis which is done three times a week.
There are no needles involved (that is a huge plus)
Just be careful about infection control because infections are common and dangerous with PD.
Good Luck to you and your mother! :)