Home Dialysis Central update
[Vol.3, No.8, August 25, 2006]
We've sent out more than 37,000 FREE POSTCARD HANDOUTS. Order yours today and share Home Dialysis Central with your fellow patients and coworkers!
Wondering about the buttonhole technique? See it for yourself!
Intrepid home dialyzor Bill Peckham has shared video with us of his experience using the Buttonhole Technique—a way to reuse the same holes in a fistula, creating a pierced earring-like tunnel. People who use this technique say it's easier, faster, and more comfortable. Watch the video.
Home hemodialysis entry in Wikipedia
An extensive entry in Wikipedia outlines the history of home hemodialysis, the various types, and the benefits—and even lists Home Dialysis Central as a reference and an outside link. Check it out!
Pre-dialysis education increases use of home therapies
In a randomized, controlled study done in Canada, of the patients who were assigned to see a 15-minute video on self-care dialysis, read booklets, and attend a 90-minute small group session, 82.1% chose a home dialysis option. Among the "usual care" group, only 50% did. (So, even usual care in Canada far surpasses what we do in the US!). Read the abstract.
Topic of the month—PD catheter placement: what to expect
PD is quick to learn, easy to do, and puts you in charge. Getting a catheter placed can be the most alarming thing about it. Knowing what to expect—and what to ask for—can help make it easier on you. Learn about it here.
Erich found that daily home hemo puts less of a burden on his wife
Spartans fan Erich Ditschman lost his kidney function to FSGS in 2001, and his wife ran his home hemo treatments on a Fresenius machine 5 days a week. Now, the NxStage System One lets him do nearly all of his dialysis himself—and gives him more time and energy for his two active young children. Read his story!
How can i get my peritoneal catheter surgery paid for?
Click here to learn the answers to this & other questions about Medicare payment for PD and home hemo.
Read all about it!
Review home dialysis-related news, courtesy of Nephrology News & Issues. This week's stories include:
- New WellBound self-care dialysis center opens in CA
- New kidney patient group establishes website
- Medicare Part D premium glitch affects 230,000
- Vernalis begins trial of drug for diabetic pain
Featured link: Fistula First education tools
The Community Education work group of Fistula First has assembled a detailed list of tools to help people with kidney disease learn about fistulas. Download the brand new grid today!
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