Peritoneal Dialysis Information
Peritoneal dialysis uses the thin lining of the belly (peritoneum) and a fluid called dialysate to remove wastes, salt, and extra water from the blood. This is done in sessions, which are called exchanges.
Dialysis is a procedure that does some of the work healthy kidneys do.
There are two kinds of peritoneal dialysis:
- Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). In this type, a machine (cycler) fills and drains your belly while you sleep.
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This type is done up to 5 times a day. Each exchange takes about 30–40 minutes. You may do your normal activities between exchanges.
In some cases, you may have a combination of CCPD and CAPD.
Follow these instructions at home:
Eating and drinking
- Follow instructions from your doctor about eating and drinking.
You should follow a diet plan that includes:
- Vitamins.
- High-quality proteins. This includes meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. You may need to eat a high-protein diet.
- Counseling with a dietitian.
General instructions
- Take steps to prevent problems when pooping (constipation):
- Eat foods that are high in fiber. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
- Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars. This includes fried and sweet foods.
- Be active.
- Go to the bathroom when you need to. Do not hold it in.
- Take medicines such as laxatives only if your doctor tells you to.
- Keep a strict schedule. Dialysis must be done every day. Do not skip a day or an exchange. Make time for each exchange.
- Keep supplies in a cool, clean, and dry place.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
- Weigh yourself every day. Sudden weight gain may be a sign of a problem.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.
Contact a doctor if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
- You throw up (vomit).
- You have watery poop (diarrhea).
- You have problems with an exchange.
- Your blood pressure goes up.
- You suddenly gain weight.
- You suddenly feel short of breath.
- The tube in your belly seems loose or feels like it is coming out.
- The fluid from your belly is pinkish or reddish. Women having their period do not need to get help if the fluid is only a little pink or red.
- There are white strands in the dialysate that are large enough to get stuck in your tubing.
Get help right away if:
- The area around the tube in your belly swells or gets red, tender, or painful.
- There is pus coming from the area around the tube in your belly.
- The fluid from your belly is cloudy.
- You have more belly pain or discomfort.
Summary
- Peritoneal dialysis does some of the work healthy kidneys do. It is done in sessions, which are called exchanges.
- CAPD and CCPD are the two kinds. Your doctor will help you decide which kind is best for you.