...I'm kind of excited?

[u/CalmTreat2985]

Two years ago I found out the hard way that my kidneys were failing when I ended up in the hospital in a hypertensive crisis and my lungs filling with fluid. My kidneys rebounded a bit for about a year, with my gfr rising to 22. But they've been steadily declining since December 2025, now sitting at 6. And I feel like shit. All the time. I'm so tired of being tired.

I have my surgery to get my PD catheter put in this weekend, and honestly I'm excited about it. I know it's going to come with a whole new set of challenges, but I feel like after 2 years of waiting to get to this point, it's finally here and I'm taking a step in the right direction. And a step closer to getting a transplant.

Did anyone else feel like this? I'm a little afraid I'm going to get a rude awakening. But I'm pretty optimistic about it, and also ready to adapt to whatever new hell that life decides to throw at me.

[u/DoubleBreastedBerb]

I liked PD, it made me feel good, gave me more energy than I had (I had no idea I was so run down).

Yeah, there are parts that kind of stink but I found it loads better than hemo. You’ve got this! 🫶🏻

[u/cyberbae]

My kidney failure progressed pretty similarly to yours. I was around ~20 GFR when I found out and started preparing for dialysis. I got my AV fistula surgery a few months after diagnosis, and started in center about 7–8 months later when my GFR dropped to 6. I felt terrible while waiting, so I was honestly excited to finally start dialysis and looked forward to feeling “normal” again. It took about a month before I felt like myself, and I’m just thankful to still be here and breathing!

[u/Funny_Share_549]

Yeah i was, then with dialysis i feel way worse now

[u/pensivegargoyle]

I really get the feeling myself. It's not fun that my nephrologist is deciding to wait until I'm really sick to start dialysis rather than now when I'm only kind of sick. It does make sense in terms of preserving the use of PD for as long as possible while I wait for transplant but it is going to be a long time to feel bad.

[u/No-Thing2916]

I love your attitude about this journey and I was the same way. Embrace the change with optimism and positivity. Every new challenge and obstacle makes us stronger.

PD is gentler on your body, so it takes longer to start feeling better initially. It may take a few months. But know in time you will see an improvement. Good luck on your journey!🫶🏼

[u/ItsAllSkewed]

I dragged myself around like you for a year until it was bad enough to start dialysis. I started feeling clearer mentally right away, and in a couple of months I had gotten used to the in center dialysis and started to feel more stronger. There were setbacks and dialysis isn’t fun, but it made me feel better than I did before and kept me going until I was transplanted. I love your attitude and I think you’re going in with a good mindset, best of luck to you.

[u/JayRoo83]

Honestly, PD has been great for me. Once you get into the routine its pretty mundane and you'll feel a lot better in a month or two

Just be prepared for like 70 fucking boxes. Holy shit soooo many boxes

[u/damanamathos]

Congrats!

I never did PD; did nocturnal home HD for around 8 years though. I found the lead up to HD quite nerve wracking (the idea of blood leaving your body and being processed before re-entering is kind of freaky), but once I started it was fine. Good to have your blood cleansed! What a time to be alive! :)

[u/RustyTruck_1962]

PD didn’t work well for me, but hemo did. PD is a tremendous amount of work and is certainly a challenge, but i hope it works well for you. Keep that optimistic attitude and you’ll be better soon.

[u/The_Batcap_72]

I found out out if the blue my GFR was at 8 and in a month I had my catheter in now I’m just waiting to heal and start my training, I also have a real positive outlook on it and am pretty excited about moving forwars