What to Ask Your Heathcare Team Print out this chart, and bring it along on your next doctor's visit. Ask your doctor if there are any other treatment pros and cons you should consider.
Hemodialysis
Positives
Possible Negatives
Staff performs treatment (center)
Requires travel to a center
Regular contact with people in the center
Fixed treatment schedule
Three times per week
Requires a partner for home hemodialysis
No external access required
Permanent internal access
No equipment/supplies at home
Two needle sticks for each treatment
Travel not required for home hemodialysis
Diet and fluid restricted
Some risk of infection
Peritoneal Dialysis
Positives
Possible Negatives
Patient involved in self-care
Four exchanges per day
Control over schedule/freedom
Permanent external catheter
Once a month clinic visits
Some risk of infection
No needles
Potential weight gain
More steady physical condition
Supplies stored at home
Less restricted diet
Body image change
Benefit
In -center Hemodialysis
Peritoneal dialysis
Can have dialysis sessions at the best time for you each week
NOT ALWAYS
YES
Can easily get to know other patients and see them on a regular basis at centers
YES
NO
Can do treatment at home
NO
YES
Easy to do dialysis while traveling
NOT ALWAYS
YES
Suits someone with this attitude: "I'm independent. I preferred to learn about my treatment and be responsible for it myself."
NO
YES
Suits someone with this attitude:"When it comes to my treatment, I'm more comfortable if someone else is responsible for everything."
YES
NO
Requires a special diet and a special fluid allowance
YES
YES
Can participate in most sports and activities, except for contact sports
