Starting dialysis: What I wish I had known

If you’re on dialysis, or have been, what did you wish you’d known at the start? :backhand_index_pointing_down:

I am Stage 5 and my EGFR is 14. I have discussed PT dialysis with my renal doctor and am opting for manual. My doctor thinks I have approximately 18 months before dialysis might be considered but obviously this differs for each patient. I would be very interested to read any replies relating to this topic. Information and personal experience is so useful especially coming from those of you already going down this pathway. I look forward to hearing from you. All information will be very gratefully received. Keep well :heart:

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Hi SaraJ, similar for me, my last egfr was 14 in April but dropping every 2 months currently, so might be on dialysis sooner.

I’m also getting to the “it’s all getting a bit real now” but I found that seeking peer support is good for getting experience from those who are, or have, been through what we are coming up to, and it can give you reassurance, or might make you change your mind, on what dialysis you will choose.

Peer support is available through various kidney charities I believe

Good luck with the journey :slightly_smiling_face:

Hi Sara , am stage 5 and my egfr is 10 and has been around this for about a year. Im not on dialysis as I am feeling relatively well. My consultant says she goes by how the patient is feeling not just on blood tests. I exercise regularly and dont have any ankle swelling. I know it wont be too long before I need dialysis and I am active on the transplant list.
I think every person is different but my advice is not to worry too much about figures and try and keep as well as you can. Take care with your diet and exer as much as you are able to.

Thanks so much for your advice. I do try to keep to a very sensible low potassium, low salt diet and exercise when I can but do find this very difficult as my stamina is very poor and I tire extremely easily. It helps so much getting support and advice from fellow kidney patients. Thanks again and keep well yourself.

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