Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a type of dialysis that allows you to choose a format and schedule that fits your lifestyle. All types of PD use the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneum, to filter your blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do this job effectively. (Check out our previous post for more information on how peritoneal dialysis works.)

The two main PD types for home dialysis treatments are continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD), also called automated peritoneal dialysis. The main difference between these two types is the schedule of exchanges and level of automation. 

When your kidneys are no longer able to effectively remove waste products from your body, your nephrologist may recommend dialysis as part of your treatment plan.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is one type of dialysis that can be performed at home or on the go. PD has several advantages over traditional hemodialysis, such as a more flexible diet and lifestyle. (Read more about the benefits of PD in our previous post.)

As you and your doctor are evaluating which dialysis type might be best for you, here are a few things to know about how peritoneal dialysis works to filter your blood. 

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is one type of blood-filtering treatment you can perform yourself at home, work, or on the go. PD uses a different method of filtering the blood than hemodialysis, but still serves the purpose of removing waste products from your kidneys.

Here are a few benefits of choosing peritoneal dialysis over traditional hemodialysis.

As COVID-19 has made it extremely risky for dialysis patients to do in-person activities, many are turning their attention toward home dialysis. Interest in home dialysis has been trending upward in the last few years, but the pandemic has highlighted the need for home treatments more than ever. For those who are newly considering home dialysis, here are a few things you should know.

Preparing for peritoneal dialysis (PD) training might feel overwhelming at first, but learning how to perform the exchanges on your own isn’t as difficult as you’d think. With a little practice and preparation, you’ll be ready to take dialysis into your own hands in no time.

If you have chronic kidney disease, there are several types of dialysis that may be right for you. In general, dialysis is designed to perform similar functions that your kidney can no longer do effectively on its own. This means removing toxins and wastes from your bloodstream, maintaining your body’s chemical balance, and preventing extra water from accumulating in your body.

There are two main types of home dialysis treatment: home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Holidays are a great time to hit the road, visit friends and family, and get away for the long weekend. One of the best benefits of home dialysis treatment for many patients is the ability to travel. At Cincinnati Home Dialysis, we encourage you to live the life you want, but it’s important to plan accordingly and stay safe while you travel.

1. Let your care team know in advance when and where you intend to travel. Your care team will be able to evaluate whether traveling is in the best interest of your health and can provide advice specific to your condition.
2. Locate a dialysis center where you’ll be staying in the event of an emergency. Write down the name, address, and phone number of this center and keep this in an easily accessible place when you travel.
3. Bring your medical info. If you do need to visit a dialysis center while traveling, they’ll likely need information about your dialysis access type, insurance, special needs or requirements, medical history and medications, any recent lab results, and contact information.
4. Staying with family? Let them know your needs. Have them prepare a space for you to perform dialysis so your stay can go smoothly and comfortably.
5. Pack enough supplies for your entire trip. And maybe even a little extra. It doesn’t hurt to have more than enough dialysis supplies on hand for your trip in case you end up staying longer than planned.
6. Traveling by plane? Make arrangements ahead of time. When you book your flight, you can request dialysis-friendly meals and boarding priority to maximize comfort during your trip.
7. Talk to your insurer about expenses. Some providers will actually cover a portion of your travel costs.
8. Think ahead. Plan as many meals as you can in advance. Research the menus of restaurants you want to check out and pack or pick up dialysis-friendly snacks along the way.

Have questions about preparing for your trip? We’re here to help. Call us at 513-791-2137.