WHAT IS IT?
Dialysis is required when the body’s kidneys can no longer do their job of removing the wastes and fluid from the blood. Peritoneal dialysis is a way to clean your blood when your kidneys aren’t working anymore. It uses a special solution (dialysate) and your own peritoneal membrane—the lining of your abdomen—as the filter to clean the blood and remove excess fluids. Like your regular kidneys, this type of dialysis continuously removes fluid inside your body. A PD catheter is placed in the abdomen by your doctor, in Montreal, and is used to access the peritoneal membrane to allow for dialysis.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Peritoneal dialysis is for patients whose kidneys have stopped working properly, who need regular treatments to stay alive, and who have been evaluated by the nephrologist as able to receive PD. To be a good candidate you need to be invested in your care.
WHERE IS IT OFFERED?
Peritoneal dialysis training is currently offered in Montreal, but patients can return home to their community once they are autonomous.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
With PD, your body does the work and each patient is different. The fluid in your body needs to be exchanged every day.
WHAT other options do i have?
Home hemodialysis à https://creehealth.org/health-tips/homehemodialysis
In-centre hemodialysis à https://creehealth.org/health_tip/in-centrehemodialysis
Kidney transplant à https://creehealth.org/health-tips/kidney-transplant
Some people also choose to not undergo any treatment and maintain conservative care à [Link to conservative care page]
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
Ask your nurse or your nephrologist for more info.
