cindi
Hi! Don't worry, I went on peritoneal dialysis last new years eve, with only 10 percent kidney function in both kidneys, I was so sick , before the dialysis, I couldn't get out of bed and when I did it seamed I lived in the bathroom with the runs and cramps from all the poisons in my system, I was so tired. The surgery site were they put in the cathater took about 3 weeks to heal, you have to keep your hands off of it and clean with peroxide or beatadine a couple times a day till it heals . It will be uncomfortable for about a month doing the exchanges while your body gets used to holding all that fluid. But after that it will be a part of your life , and you will learn to make peace with the whole deal . At first I was angry at the world and felt sorry for myself, I was sad because I had a big belly in place of my slim waist line, I just felt down , like life would never be the same, but I got over it , now I'm feeling great , my labs are great, the doctors are amazed at how well I'm doing , when people I know see me they don't understand how my kidneys can be shut down , but yet I look so healthy. I like that !!Here are some helpful hints from someone that lives it . Eat lean meat!!You will really need it , the dialysis takes out alot of protien from your body. Be very careful when you do your fluid exchanges. I wash my hands and wrists with antibacterial soap (always wear your mask) I spray my room with lysol about five minutes befor, just in case.NEVER let anything touch the ends you are connecting, and make sure no one else is in the room with you unless they are masked and not stiring the air about. I've never had peritonitis... hopefully you wont if your very careful. Take nephrovite RX, its the best viatimin available , and very , very important for you, your body needs every bit of it to help keep you healthy. I guess I've gone on enough, I 'll be glad to answer any of your questions you have with an honest answer . I have the best labs of all the patients on PD in my area , so I must be doing it right.. Good Luck , and God bless you , everything will be fine!!!!