Making the right decision
You may find it reassuring to be well informed in advance; however, we cannot replace talking to your physician. Every decision needs to be made together with your physician. And always remember: Your dialysis team is there for you if you get stuck and need more support.
Tips that may support choosing the right therapy
With these tips we would like to support you on your path to finding the right therapy
Tip 1: Ask questions
Therapy will have a huge impact on your life. Do some research on therapy options, e.g., on this website as well as others and ask physicians, nurses, relatives, ... questions
Tip 2: Involve your loved ones along the way
Your therapy will also affect your loved ones as well. Take them with you to physician's visits or patient meetings. Talk with your loved ones about the challenges of therapy and share your feelings.
Tip 3: Exchange ideas with your physician
Your physician is the first point of contact when choosing your therapy modality. Take advantage of the time you have with your physician and ask questions.
Tip 4: Exchange ideas with your care team
Your dialysis team in the dialysis center has already gained a lot of experience with the therapies. Use this knowledge and exchange ideas. A talk with an experienced nurse may provide you with valuable insights.
Tip 5: Talk to people who are already being treated
People who are already being treated with kidney replacement therapy have already gained experience. They can share lot of information about each therapy. Ask your physician or dialysis team for a contact.
Tip 6: Take notes about what is important to you
Every therapy has advantages and disadvantages. Take notes about each therapy option and use them to help you decide. Your notes can be the basis for a discussion with your physician. Then talk to your physician about your therapy options and their advantages and disadvantages in a shared decision-making process.
Comparing different options
| CAPD | APD | Home hemodialysis (HHD) | In-center hemodialysis (HD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less but regular visits | Less but regular visits | Less but regular visits | Regular visits required, usually three times a week |
| CAPD | APD | Home hemodialysis (HHD) | In-center hemodialysis (HD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| CAPD | APD | Home hemodialysis (HHD) | In-center hemodialysis (HD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| If the hygienic requirements are met, the bag exchange can also be carried out at the workplace or at a hotel room | May have less impact on your work during the day since treatments are mainly performed at night |
|
|
| CAPD | APD | Home hemodialysis (HHD) | In-center hemodialysis (HD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| CAPD | APD | Home hemodialysis (HHD) | In-center hemodialysis (HD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| CAPD | APD | Home hemodialysis (HHD) | In-center hemodialysis (HD) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typically not needed, as dialysis takes place via the peritoneal catheter. | Typically, two needle insertions per treatment of access via fistula/ graft or via a catheter. |
|
||
Staying fit on dialysis
| Peritoneal dialysis | Home hemodialysis | Hemodialysis |
|---|---|---|
| If hygienic requirements are met, bag exchanges can also be performed at your workplace. APD allows for treatment overnight, enabling you to work during the day. PD procedures offer a comparatively high degree of flexibility. | If you perform hemodialysis independently at home, you can decide for yourself when to perform the dialysis sessions. As a result, you are more flexible in the way you practice your profession, even when doing dialysis. | If your hemodialysis treatment takes place at a centre, you would be expected to attend the appointments there. As a result, you can only do your job before or after your dialysis sessions. |
Facts about the different treatment options
Find some answers to further questions related to your treatment options in the next section.