Peritoneal Dialysis 101

Thursday, September 25, 2008

PD is going great this time, i guess third times the charm!! I love being at home and not having to sit in that chair for 12 hours a week. Ahhh, love it!

I thought i would let you know how it works, it is a lot easier on my body b/c it is working continuously just like healthy kidneys instead of just 12 hours a week, so it is less intense. It works with fluid and not blood so that helps with the fatigue and headaches i was having too! I have a tube in my stomach (sewn in place this time so that it doesnt move out of position again). the end of the tube comes out about 16 inches, i usually tuck the end into my pants to hide it, but this is what it looks like un-tucked.

I have a bag full of solution and a drain bag. The full bag gets put up on an IV pole and slowly drips into my stomach (peritoneal cavity) through the tube. Its 1500 cc's or about 3 pounds of fluid that goes in (so i got a little tummy bloat going on!). that fluid sits in there for about 4-5 hours during which it draws toxins out of my body and then i drain it out using the same tube into the drain bag and start all over again by putting another bag of solution right back in.


bag of solution


drain bag
I do that process 4 times a day and it takes about 20 minutes. Pretty simple concept, but i think it is all pretty amazing how that works. but there was a lot to learn. And it takes a lot of planning. I always have to make sure i am home on time to do a treatment. But its WAY better than going to the dialysis center.
So there you have it. Do you feel smarter now that you know all about PD? Hopefully it is all useless knowledge to you and you never have to use it though!

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Thank you for all of your sweet comment on sweet brenham's video, they mean so much to us. He is so special to us and we are touched that he is to you too!

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8 Responses to “ Peritoneal Dialysis 101 ”

Anonymous said...

SO glad the PD is going well for you!! Yay for a step forward!!

Keren said...

That is wonderful news that all is going according to plan...finally!! You deserve a break! :) I was going to comment yesterday but time slipped away from me...Brenhams video was beautiful...you need to post a *Kleenex disclaimer* though :)

Anonymous said...

Katie - New blog layout is great, glad you can enjoy it too.

Your pictures today of how the whole process works just reminded me of how my sin each day is inside of me and what do I have to do to get it out? It will build up if I don't confess it and lay it before the foot of the cross.

Thanks for being a blessing and praying for complete healing.

LJFredricks said...

I am so glad it is going well for you this time!! BTW I loved the video. Still praying for you!

Anonymous said...

Wow what a process, but that is so awesome you can do it from home now. What a relief. So glad it's working well!

Racine said...

Katie,

I found your blog through a friend's blog quite a while back and have been following your story...I finally felt compelled to let you know how much reading your blog has touched me. Your son has moved so many, and I thought you may want to hear from someone else on whom he has had an impact. I have a five week old son, and Brenham is a reminder to me to cherish every moment with my son and always to revere him as the precious gift that he is. I pray frequently for you, I am glad to read that the Peritoneal Dialysis is working now, I hope that continues and will continue praying that God makes you a mommy sooner than later because you were born to be a mother! God Bless, and thank you!

Abby Perdok said...

Katie-
I don't know if you remember me or not but you were a few years behind me at Hamilton (I graduated in 01) and you did some of my bridesmaids hair at Shear Style for my wedding...anyway..I stumbled upon your blog and I have been sitting here for the past two hours reading every one of your entries. Wow..what a journey you have been on in the past year. I am amazed at your strength and what you are dealing with! Your faith is an example to me and to all that are reading. God is working in your life through hurt and heartache...you can see how he is working. I pray that you will have success with a transplant..and with dealing with your grief... Again...I am amazed at your faith and strength. Keep living for HIM!
Abby (Loew) Perdok

Unknown said...

I am so glad to hear things are going well. I don't post much, but I always keep up with your blog with great hopes for you! And I loved your slideshow/video of Brenham, it was beautiful.