To round out our FAQ posts, we want to answer some questions about the home modality we offer, peritoneal dialysis (PD).
Q: Will I be tired on treatment days?
A: While on PD, you should feel well consistently since the machine will be filtering/cleaning your blood on a daily basis, just as your kidneys would. It is important to listen to your body and rest as needed after dialysis. It is also important to note that you keep up with all other aspects of your healthcare too as they play a role in your overall health.
Q: How do deliveries work?
A: Deliveries are scheduled by the supply company, not the patient or the clinic. The clinic will place the order based on what the patient already has on hand. Someone must be there to accept the delivery. The number of boxes will vary from delivery to delivery based on the supplies needed.
Q: Do I need someone to be with me during treatment?
A: PD can be done independently and does not require a care partner. However, it is recommended that one be trained in the instance that the patient is unable to dialyze themselves or has a medical emergency while dialyzing.
Q: Will someone be available to help me while I dialyze or if I have equipment issues?
A: Your dialysis nurse will be available during business hours and there is a number for the manufacturer on the machine that can be used outside of business hours. The machine should walk you through each step of the process, so, if done carefully and correctly, there should be no issues. If a medical emergency occurs, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Q: What storage is necessary for the supplies and equipment?
A: It is recommended that there be enough storage for at least one month’s supply. A spare bedroom is a great place to store supplies so they are out of the way of your living space. Do not store your PD supplies in the garage or outdoor sheds.
Q: What are signs of distress or that something is wrong?
A: For PD patients, during your training, you will learn the signs of peritonitis, the swelling or redness occurring in the peritoneum, the lining of your belly. Common symptoms are cloudy or discolored dialysis fluid, abdominal pain, and difficulty getting fluid in or out. If you experience shortness of breath or chest pain, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Q: How often will I be monitored by my care team?
A: You will have monthly appointments with your nephrologist and care team. Depending on your labs and treatments, you may have additional appointments with your dialysis nurse as needed throughout each month.
Q: If there is a storm and I lose power, what are the protocols and procedures?
A: All protocols and procedures will be outlined in the Patient Handbook given at the beginning of your time at DialySuites. Your team will also review these protocols with you annually. Additionally, your team will keep you informed as any imminent storm approaches as to how to proceed. For home dialysis patients, it is generally recommended that you have a month’s worth of supplies on hand in the event of an emergency.
Q: How is my diet going to change?
A: Because dialysis is done daily, the diet for peritoneal dialysis is not as strict as the diet for in-center hemodialysis.
Q: What lifestyle restrictions will I have now?
A: Peritoneal dialysis allows patients to live their lives with as few restrictions as possible since most exchanges are done at night while the patient sleeps. However, there are a few restrictions that must be adhered to strictly. PD patients are not permitted to go into public pools, hot tubs, or saltwater pools. The ocean and private, well-maintained, chlorinated pools are generally okay, but still not recommended. It is best practice to avoid submerging your catheter altogether. If you are to go into the ocean or a chlorinated pool, follow the below listed steps to reduce risk of infection:
- Cover your catheter well with a dressing and tape
- When done in the water, immediately remove the soiled dressing, wash with soap and water, and cover with a clean dressing.
Q: How does bathing/showering work?
A: Due to the catheter that is in your belly, baths can no longer be taken. However, showers are permitted. It is recommended that you clean the shower head weekly with bleach to reduce the risk of infection.
Q: Do I need to dialyze at the same time every day?
A: Treatments will need to be done on a daily basis. So long as they are done within the 24 hour period and before midnight, there should be no issues. If you have questions about timing, please contact your care team to discuss.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding dialysis and your treatment path, please feel free to contact our clinic for more information. As always, stay safe and healthy!