| What's good about PD |
What's bad about PD |
| Dialysis takes place all or much of the time, so there are fewer limits on food and fluid. You feel much the same all the time, with no "ups and downs". |
Carrying a liter or two of fluid around can mean looking a little bloated all the time. PD dialysate has sugar in it, and can change diabetes control. Extra protein may be needed in the diet. |
| You do the treatments yourself. You're in charge (with a clinic to call if there are problems). Even blind patients have done PD. |
Each exchange must be done carefully to avoid peritonitis (infection of the peritoneum). |
| You decide the schedule and can fit PD in around your day. This can help you to work full-time. |
With treatments each day, it's hard to ever be away from dialysis. |
| No needles are used for PD. |
The catheter is always part of your body. It makes some people feel self-conscious about their bodies. |
| PD treatments should be painless. |
Some people do have pain, but it can almost always be helped. |
| Your blood doesn't need to go outside your body to be cleaned. |
PD may work better for smaller people. Some people may need more blood cleaning than PD can give them. |
| You can do PD at home, at work, on a trip, or even in the car. |
Storing PD supplies takes a lot of space, the boxes are heavy, and deliveries may not come at times that work for you. |
| PD supply companies can ship supplies to your travel site, so it's easier to travel. |
Even on a trip, you still need to do your exchanges each day. |
| You can take part in most of your activities, including work and sex. |
It's vital to avoid infection of the PD catheter. Some pastimes, like swimming in lakes or ponds, may be restricted, or may need special precautions (like a waterproof covering for the catheter). |
| PD is gentle on the heart. |
PD can cause weight gain due to sugar in the PD fluid. |
