Dialysis: The Options Available to Me

I thought the next logical step was for me to outline the options I am considering in terms of dialysis. As I’ve said in my previous articles, this should not be viewed as medical advice of any kind. Also, if you are sensitive to reading about medical conditions, please simply skip this article as well.
As I understand it, there are two main forms of dialysis open to me. They are haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal Dialysis (PD).

To explain the basic differences, again as I understand them, haemodialysis will require me to travel to a dialysis clinic three times a week for treatment. Each treatment will take between three and five hours. HD uses an external machine to filter the blood Through vein, a graft, or a catheter, , in effect replacing the functions of the kidneys. It will obviously impact my schedule and what I’m able to do on the days I receive treatment, though the exact impact will only become clear depending on my individual response.

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity to help absorb waste from the blood, by introducing a sterile solution into a catheter in the abdominal cavity and subsequently draining it. It is done either four to six times a day, or overnight at home, work or wherever one happens to be when the treatment is to be done. The process can either take place manually during the day, or automatically by machine overnight. For me, the main disadvantage is that I will require sighted assistance each time I require dialysis, which is not possible with my current lifestyle.

While I have not yet reached a final decision, I am tending strongly towards haemodialysis. I feel uncomfortable with the implications of peritoneal dialysis as it will require the permanent insertion of a pipe into my abdomen, and I have been told this can impact on your choice of clothing, as it can interfere with the waistband of trousers, jeans and skirts. I will also require significant sighted assistance to ensure the process of PD could be kept sterile, as so much of my actions are driven by feeling things with my hands. I feel the need of multiple treatments each day will also have a significant impact on my life if done during the day. And I fear that with the overnight automatic process it will be difficult to avoid the pipe being bumped by our overenthusiastic dogs.
Yes, haemodialysis will require me to travel to a dialysis centre three times a week, regardless of whether I am at home or on holiday, but my treatment would be under medical supervision at all times, which I find reassuring. If I need to visit a dialysis centre at another city while I’m travelling, I will simply need to plan ahead of time to ensure I can be accommodated.
This is where my research has currently led me. Thankfully, my medical team supports my decision. But and I cannot say this strongly enough, it is only my opinion and for someone else the best decision may be different. Also, any decision should be made together with your own medical team, who should be consulted at all times.
Next time I’m going to discuss the dietary changes I’ve already started making to support the dialysis when I eventually begin the treatments. I’m making those changes now so that they are already part of my lifestyle when I have to experience the big lifestyle change that the treatments will create At least there will be one aspect of my life that should be only slightly affected. More on that next time.