This post is about a change in dialysis methods for William. There are two types of home peritoneal dialysis: automated and manual. When William began his dialysis journey, he was on the automated kind. The previous method used a machine called a "cycler" that filled and emptied dialysis solution into and out of William's body automatically while he slept. William can sleep through the fluid exchanges, but he was tethered for 8 to 10 hours. The dialysis solution collects waste products from blood vessels in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. The fluid resides within the stomach and absorbs waste and excess fluid from the body. The solution and waste are then emptied from the belly into the empty red gas container. In the morning, the used solution is disposed of in a toilet or tub. The container is then cleaned with bleach and prepared for use in the evening. This YouTube video illustrates his previous nightly and morning routine: https://youtu.be/mYC5pnxOHiU Unfortunately for William, the automated machine method was unsuccessful. Despite following all of the manufacturer's and the renal clinic's instructions, the machine would beep multiple times during the night, waking both of us up. It was challenging to get a good night's sleep. Because getting a good night's sleep is important for one's quality of life, the renal clinic switched his dialysis method from automatic to manual. This means that instead of a machine exchanging fluid once a day, manual peritoneal dialysis employs gravity to deliver and drain fluid. In a 24-hour period, William's prescription requires him to perform three exchanges: morning, afternoon, and before bedtime. An exchange has three steps using an IV pole: STEP 1: Drain The catheter is used to drain the saturated solution from the abdomen. This solution contains waste and excess fluid. STEP 2: Fill After the old solution is drained from the abdomen, the peritoneal cavity gets refilled with a new dialysis solution via the same catheter in the belly. STEP 3: Dwell Once the new solution has been emptied into your abdomen, William can go about his daily activities. During this time, the dialysis fluid remains in the peritoneal cavity. This is when and where dialysis takes place. The waste and extra fluid from his body via osmosis are collected by the clean dialysis solution. The cycler machine was replaced with a Solution Warmer device, shaped like a small suitcase. This is intended to provide patients with a simple and efficient warming method for their dialysis solution before it gets delivered into their bodies. Because it's lightweight and portable, it's much easier to travel with than a cycler. William needs to plan his days around this schedule. ‐–-------‐‐---------------
Myth: Only one volunteer is required to become a living kidney donor. There are strict health criteria for volunteers. It is necessary to have multiple volunteers. Not everyone who fills out a form will be a suitable kidney donor
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