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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.

Appointments at the clinic

It is advisable to talk to your employer about your dialysis schedule in the clinic in advance. Outline how often and how long you have to be there for your treatment. If you inform your employer openly and have a transparent exchange, misunderstandings can be avoided in advance. You can also talk to a member of the human resources department, the disability officer or someone you trust.

 

Facts about the different treatment options

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Facts about Dialysis

Peritonial Dialysis (PD)

Continuous Ambulatory PD (CAPD)
  • Travel to a dialysis center is only required for check-up visits.
  • You have a certain flexibility on the timing of fluid exchanges.
  • No needle insertions involved.
  • Storage space is needed at home, mostly for fluids.
  • Patient training usually takes a few weeks.
  • Special requirements for hygiene.
  • Some exchanges have to be done during the day.
Automated PD (APD)
  • Travel to a dialysis center is only required for check-up visits.
  • As it is typically done during night-time, you are free to decide on your plans for the day.
  • No needle insertions involved.
  • Storage space for a machine and fluids is needed at home.
  • Electrical outlets may need to be modified for the cycler.
  • Patient training usually takes a few weeks.
  • Special requirements for hygiene.

Hemodialysis (HD)

Hemodialysis (HD)
  • The treatment will be done for you by an experienced care team.
  • Continuous surveillance during the treatment.
  • No storage at home required.
  • Significant amount of time spent at the center and travelling to the center.
  • Limited flexibility and freedom during the treatment.
  • Needle insertions are typically necessary for blood access.
Home HD (HHD)
  • More flexible and convenient treatment possible in a familiar environment.
  • Better control of your plans for the day since you can decide when to dialyse.
  • Travel to a dialysis center is only required for check-up visits.
  • Storage at home required for machine and equipment.
  • Infrastructural adaptions in your home might be required (water systems and electricity access); energy and water consumption will increase.
  • Needle insertions are typically necessary.
Facts about Transplantation
  • A successful kidney transplantation is close to natural kidney function and is considered the most effective treatment for ESRD.
  • Fewer restrictions on your diet.
  • The waiting time for a kidney transplant typically takes several years.
  • Continuous intake of anti-rejection medication is necessary.
  • If the new kidney fails, dialysis can still become necessary.
Facts about Conservative treatment
  • Kidney function is not replaced and your kidneys will eventually stop working, leading to natural death.
  • Focus lies on maintaining quality of life (not extending life) and treating symptoms.
  • The decision to choose conservative treatment should be made with careful consideration and involve your treating physician and loved ones.

Find some answers to further questions related to your treatment options in the next section.