Peritoneal dialysis is apparently not so well known as hemodialysis, but in my experience, it is much preferable, as the patient has the treatment in their own hands and can vary the times for exchange of the solutions to suit their daily changing routines. The danger of infection appears to me to be much less the danger of the catheter becoming infected at the entry point to the abdomen, but keeping the connector free from infection. This is not difficult but requires attention to details when connecting and disconnecting. I recommend the manual exchange, though given good drainage times, the cycler has benefits, as the exchange can be intensified, and it is run during sleep. The main problem with CAPD is the storage of the solutions and other materials, as this takes up quite some space and has to be carried to the treatment area (10 kg per box). However, if the patient can accommodate the materials and is willing to do the work, the patient is much more independent and can take holidays wherever desired. Published: October 08 ::

I've been on peritoneal dialysis for almost three years. My initial experience was not great; I had an infection at the site of the catheter insertion that developed while I was still bandaged and had several bouts of peritonitis over the next few months. However, once that was resolved, I have been free to continue to work, to travel, and to spend time with friends. I use the cycler overnight -- two large bags of fluid -- and supplement with a manual exchange with a smaller bag during the early evening as required. I find that you just have to get your mind right; that this dialysis thing is what you need to do to live. Published: May 17 ::

I am 68 years old and have been on dialysis for nine weeks. I drive myself to the center. I go Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Because my Kt/V was great, my dialysis is cut 15 minutes each session. Yay! I listen to audio books, read, watch TV. The nurses and techs are very nice. I have met some nice people -- the patients and their families. They talk about how they have adjusted to renal failure and dialysis. I write a Blog about the Big D to my friends every three to four weeks. It makes it real. The best thing is that when it's over, the next day I feel great. Published: April 23 ::

I started dialysis two months ago. At first, I was very ill since December 2008 with vomiting and diarrhea. I have a catheter still, which I have had to have replaced three times because it didn't work. As of today, I am feeling much better and have more energy. Now I want to get out of the house, whereas before, all I wanted to do was stay in bed. I just hate having to go to dialysis three times a week for three hours each time as it is a pain in the butt. But I make myself go as I know it is helping me feel better. Published: March 16 ::

There are days that I feel no better than when I went in. My shunt is puffing out and that makes me feel like there is something that is not working in the cleaning of my blood. Doubt is the biggest worry I have. You can’t feel good when there is a doubt in your mind about your treatment. Published: November 16 ::

I have been on dialysis for a year and a half it sure is a life changer. The only thing I have to do is watch what I drink. The more fluids they take off the more strain it is on the heart. That is the hard part. I am on the machine for 4 hours which is difficult to handle sometimes, but you have to do it. I bring my Ipod, or watch TV. I don't recommend it. It really sucks. Published: August 17 ::

I just turned 32. I started dialysis in February. I did not know I had that problem. The day I found out it turned my life completely around. I was so scared, but you have to do what you have to do. I have to live my life for my kids. I do hate going 3 x’s a week for 3 hours, but I know it will make me feel better. Published: July 01 ::

I've been on dialysis just over a year now. I was being evaluated for a kidney transplant and on the CT scan they found that I had renal cell carcinoma (I'd had that before in both kidneys) and in March the doctors did a radical nephrectomy. So now I have to be cancer free for a year. The only problem I have with dialysis is being cold. They had adjusted the temp of the blood flow and I'm still cold. I dress like I'm going to the north pole when I go to treatment. Published: July 01 ::