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night time dialysis

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 12:43 pm
by AL. UK
Hi All

Thanks for all the advice on travelling and coping with bag exchanges.
I went on holiday for a week and took the bags in the car with me.No hitches and the car was lighter on the way home!!!!!
I may have the chance to go on night dialysis using a machine but would be grateful for advice on the merits and downsides of this type of dialysis.
(How do you cope with 10 hrs in bed and manage to go to bed at "an adult" time when you need to be up for work in the morning?)
I have yet to talk to my neph. but I get more straight talk from you guys.


Al UK

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 4:39 am
by Anne in Va
Hi Al,

Congratulations on your first PD travel! It can be a little scary the first time but the first victory leads to many more adventures as you gain in confidence. So enjoy!

I did CAPD so I know virtually nothing about using the machine. However I remember snippets from machine users. Some would do the first fill then disconnect during the dwell time. Go about their business then reconnect for the drain. Others would put the cycler on a cart with wheels and use an extension cord. They were then free to wheel the cart into a different room or to a different area of the bedroom. Useful if, for example, the computer was set up there. Of course these suggestions depend on each individual's circumstances. I am sure the real experts - cycler users - will be able to give you more help and ideas.

Best Wishes, Anne

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:05 pm
by Hal
Hi Al,

I use the machine overnight (APD), for 9 hours, which can be a bit of drag.

What you should be able to do is the beginning of the treatment earlier in the evening, disconnect for a few hours and then reconnect when you go to to bed (for a couple of hours less than the normal treatment perhaps).

I am using Baxter's HomeChoice Pro machine and this is called Opti Choice, although I'm sure it has other names for different companies.

Regards,

Hal.

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 4:15 pm
by wing
I too am hoping to start this type of dialysis in the near future.
How successful is it? Does the machine not "object"if you roll over? Is it uncomfortable in any way, as I understand that it is essentially a pump system?9 hours in bed sounds great to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 7:36 pm
by Hal
wing wrote:I too am hoping to start this type of dialysis in the near future.
How successful is it? Does the machine not "object"if you roll over? Is it uncomfortable in any way, as I understand that it is essentially a pump system?9 hours in bed sounds great to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Wing,

The machine is very successful for me now i have got used to it. At first I used to rollover a lot and it alarmed sometimes. Even if it does alarm usually you can just turn over and the machine will carry on nicely.

After 6 months on the machine, I now very rarely have any alarms in a night.

I don't find the machine uncomfortable when it fills up and drains out. Occasionally at the end of a drain I feel it pulling on me, so I hit Bypass. Usually it does not wake me up though. It is essentially a pump system but very clever so it nows how much it has put into you and how much it has taken out, so it will never overload you.

Best Wishes,

Hal