Peritoneal Dialysis

Each and every part of our body must work together in order for us to maintain a healthy balance and go about our day to day life.  If there is ever a part of our body that begins to function improperly, the other parts must pitch in and work harder to make up the differences for us to maintain our health.  However, sometimes the inadequate functioning may become too much to compensate for, which could lead to organ failure. 

Our kidneys can suffer from injury and/or failure, and we simply cannot survive without function of at least one of them.  In the case of kidney failure, you may have the option to participate in peritoneal dialysis for your treatment.  Dialysis simply rids the body of excess fluid and electrolytes that may be playing a role in why your kidneys are suffering.  By getting rid of excess fluid and electrolytes, acid-base balance is achieved which will allow for more normal functioning and repair to occur.  Dialysis also eliminates any waste products that also could be causing problems, but it does not replace the normal hormonal functions of the kidneys. 

It is important to remember that the process of dialysis can sustain life for you if you have either acute or chronic renal failure.  There are two types of dialysis you or your loved one may be involved in at some point in your life, they include hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.  Our focus is going to be on peritoneal dialysis because it is the type that is more frequently carried out in the home setting.

The process of peritoneal dialysis is completed entirely through your abdominal wall and into your peritoneal cavity, no vascular access is needed, which means you will not be poked with needles.  The peritoneal cavity is the fluid-filled gap that is between the walls of your abdomen and the organs that are present there.  With this type of dialysis you will have access that remains in your abdominal area, so it can be easily accessed each time peritoneal dialysis is carried out.   When the process begins a hypertonic dialysate solution is allowed to enter the peritoneal cavity where it dwells, or stays in the cavity for a short time, to gather up excess fluids and waste products.  What does hypertonic mean and what does the solution do?  Well, when the solution enters into the peritoneal cavity it will pull wastes and excess fluid out with it, because being “hyper,” it is stronger than your blood and other fluids in your body.  After the dwell period is over and once the solution is drained out of your body, you will then be rid of most of the extra stuff that was causing your kidney function to be compromised.

Following are indications that prove you are most likely to be a candidate for peritoneal dialysis:

·         Treatment of choice for the older adult.

·         If you are unable to tolerate taking anticoagulant medications.

·         If there is difficulty getting vascular access for hemodialysis, you will have to resort to having abdominal/peritoneal access placed instead.

·         If your condition is unstable or you have chronic infections.

It is highly important that this procedure is carried out in a sterile manner because whenever there is an opening in the body to the outside, if anything enters that shouldn’t, it could cause big problems.  Total Home Health has a program that is right for you to fit all your peritoneal dialysis needs.  Our professional nursing staff have gone that extra mile to be trained for this condition so they can provide you with the best care possible.  The highly skilled staff will educate you on how to correctly perform each step of this important task in your home, and in a sterile manner.  However, we feel like we should share the following important pieces of information with you ahead of time so you can be more prepared about what to expect, and become familiar with some options your provider may suggest for you.  This information includes:

·         You may experience a feeling of fullness when the dialysate solution is dwelling.

·         There may be initial discomfort when the solution begins to enter your body.

·         Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a certain type of dialysis that is usually done 7 days per week for 4 to 8 hours, and during CAPD you can go about your normal activities.

·         Continuous-cycle peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) is a 24-hr dialysis.  This exchange will occur at night while you are sleeping and the final exchange will be left in your peritoneal cavity to dwell during the day.

·         Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is a 30 minute exchange repeated over 8 to 10 hours while you are sleeping.

·         When the dialysate solution comes out after dwelling it should be clear or light yellow in color, and the amount should equal or be more than what was put in.

·         ALWAYS report any abnormalities, even the slightest things, to our Total Home Health staff or your provider as it could indicate infection or other problems.

With Total Home Health we understand what inconvenience the process of peritoneal dialysis may impose on you and your loved ones.  We will be there to help you in every way possible, while also providing support to you and your family day in and day out.  This process can be overwhelming at first, but with our talented nurses you will learn in no time and it will become easier and easier each time.  Ultimately, we are in this for you and will do whatever we can so you can maintain the greatest independence and most normal life possible.