Home Dialysis

The First PD Treatment

July 2023: I've performed my first PD (Peritoneal Dialysis) treatment independently. Slowly but surely, I've become more confident with each exchange. My world expanded as I realized that home dialysis offered me renewed freedom to pursue my passions and maintain a sense of normalcy in my life. I hadn't realized how poorly I was feeling until after I had done Dialysis for about two full nights. Everyone has been commenting on how good my complexion looks (Was it that bad before?)

Everyone has been commenting on how good my complexion looks. (Was it that bad before?)

There are still more practical steps that I'm learning, like monthly visits in the Home PD Clinic to have blood tests and check ins with the doctor and PD team.

The machine I'm using, the Baxter Homechoice Claria Cycler, is pretty simple to operate. Connecting nightly adds another 30 minutes to my normal routine and then about 20 more minutes in the mornings when I disconnect.

I'm hoping to do a little traveling in October. I may start with just a weekend out by the coast. Then see if I can plan a few weeks with my family later. I'm told that if I travel for more than a week that all my supplies can be shipped ahead to my destination. I just need to bring a few things and my cycler.

I'm still able to continue my volunteer work with Rogue Food Unites and Donate Life NW. For this I am truly grateful.