Training for Peritoneal Dialysis

The last time I saw my nephrologist Dr. A., I mentioned this blog. He asked if I'd done a post about the training for PD, because for many kidney patients, that's a big unknown. I remember that initial uncertainty about the challenge involved, but having done it, I can report that it's honestly not so bad. I'm sure that for all those new to the possibility of PD, you can definitely learn how to do it!

Granted, it does take several training sessions spread out over a couple of weeks or so. I also recommend a good dose of patience to absorb all the little procedures. But, just like when you didn't know how to drive a car, got trained how to do that, and were eventually confident enough to take your driver's test and pass, you will get trained on PD and eventually get the hang of it all.

I got my training from the great nurses at Satellite Wellbound in Mountain View, and really appreciated how thoroughly they went through the steps with me. They were very supportive, and didn't push me beyond what I was ready for at each training session. Once, my nurse noticed that I was really fatigued and not able to keep my eyes open, so we ended the session early. The effects of all those toxins still swimming in my system, before I was getting regular dialysis, were taking their toll on my energy. Anyway, I appreciated her looking out for me like that.

Sketching the waiting room at Satellite Wellbound. 

As well, the training includes a binder with step-by-step instructions that you take home, so you don't have to memorize all the steps. When you're starting out, it's definitely best to refer to the binder. And, if you have any questions at all, definitely don't hesitate to contact your 24/7 on-call PD nurse for assistance.

Before I started PD, I visited Satellite Wellbound and spoke in person to a patient of theirs. After asking him some questions I had about PD, that put me more at ease with the whole thing.