Personal stories about choosing a type of dialysis

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Personal stories about choosing a type of dialysis

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Kristeen, age 26: I have had kidney problems ever since I was born. So really, I have grown up knowing how to do peritoneal dialysis. I like it because I can do most of my exchanges overnight and go to college during the day.

Saul, age 69: I never really considered hemodialysis. It just wouldn't work for me. I live way out—it's an hour's drive to the nearest clinic—and I can't spend all that time on the road and away. I've got a farm to run. Oh, at first I was a little bit dazed by what you have to do with peritoneal dialysis—putting on the gloves and the mask, dealing with the catheter, all that. But you get used to it, and then it's pretty easy.

Georgia, age 34: I am on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. In the meantime, I chose peritoneal dialysis so I could be home with my kids as much as possible. I like taking care of the treatments myself. It makes me feel less like a patient all the time.

Ed, age 58: I have been on hemodialysis for about 3 years now. I've gotten used to the schedule, and in fact, I have some friends who are at the center at the same time. The people who work there are really nice and helpful, and I feel I'm getting the best care out there.

Marita, age 76: I haven't worked a regular job in a long time, but I am able to use my time at the dialysis center to piece quilts that my daughter puts together and sells for me. Another woman who comes there knits, so we sit and chat while we have our dialysis.

Luis, age 45: Besides having kidney failure, I have inflammatory bowel disease, so peritoneal dialysis wasn't an option for me. I am lucky to have a wife who got trained in hemodialysis, so she does my treatments. I like the freedom it gives me to have my treatments in the comfort of my own home.

Credits

Last updated:	November 17, 2005
Author:	Lila Havens
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Michele Cronen