My experiences of PD and HD

Uncategorised
1

These are my own personal experiences of being on APD (for over 4 years) and in centre HD (for 4 months so far). I’m thinking they might help someone who is currently wondering which one to try.

PD - I felt alone despite having access to online support groups
HD - I don’t feel alone as I share a ward with 9 other patients each session

PD - I had to do everything - setting the machine up daily, disconnecting daily, ordering supplies, troubleshooting when the alarm went off etc
HD - everything is done for me

PD - you have to phone for outside help when needed
HD - help is in the same room

PD - pain on and off all night long, mainly during drains
HD - slight pain when the numbing injection goes in but not when the dialysis needles go in. Slight pain when the needles come out and they press the bandage against it

PD - you have to do it every single night
HD - you only have to do it 2 or 3 times a week

PD - you have to take your machine and supplies everywhere you go
HD - you just have to go to a local hospital for treatment so don’t need to take any supplies

PD - can be done from the comfort of your own home and while you sleep
HD - it’s inconvenient having to keep travelling to the hospital and back

PD - up to 10 hours per session (or 14 hours per session in hospital if you’re unlucky like me and end up with high potassium)
HD - up to 4 hours at a time per session

PD - removes less potassium and you’re more bloated
HD - removes more potassium and bloating disappears

PD - higher blood pressure
HD - lower blood pressure. I’m no longer on high blood pressure medication

PD - more brain fog
HD - less brain fog

PD - used to take off approx 300ml fluid per session
HD - takes off approx 2L fluid per session

PD - have to go to the hospital every 3 months to see the nephrologist and every month for blood tests
HD - the nephrologist visits you every 2 months during your session and blood tests are done once a week during your session

PD - injections and blood tests are done normally
HD - blood tests and injections are done through the fistula

PD - when the machine is set up, you can connect straight away
HD - when the machine is set up, you have to wait to be connected

PD - online support from other patients
HD - offline support from other patients

PD - always waiting for alarms / problems
HD - can sit back, relax and rest for 4 hours

PD - I looked heavily pregnant 24/7 and felt it too
HD - I don’t

PD - you need to take laxatives daily usually
HD - you don’t need to

PD - you have to visit the renal ward every 3 months for dialysis tests
HD - any test is done in centre

PD - can’t leave the area near your machine
HD - stuck in a chair for 4 hours

PD - high risk of peritonitis
HD - no risk of peritonitis My experiences of PD and HD

2 Likes
4

That’s a very comprehensive comparison, Lola, which I’m sure will be of great interest to those having to make the decision. :slightly_smiling_face:

Maureen

5

Thanks Lola. You have answered many of the questions that I had thought of. Peritonitis is not something that had occurred to me and is a concern. I must admit to have favoured the PD approach as I travel , with my wife , quite extensively in our campervan and the idea of something portable was encouraging. I guss that when the time comes to make a decision every case must, to some extent , be subject to the personal circumstances and the health of each individual This is the first time that I have seen a comparison like this and appreciate your efforts.

Best wishes B

1 Like
6

Thank you very helpful comparison. I am awaiting PD starting and slightly worried that I will feel alone, but getting into our local hospital is through nightmare traffic which I could not face on a regular basis. Pam

1 Like
7

And also the £10 parking fee each time will soon rack up to serious money. Best wishes B

8

At my hospital, the parking is free

9

Not at mine. The N & N was a private government partnership when built, so it can cost me up to £10 each visit. Somebody is getting a good return for their outlay!