Dialysis: Different Types for Different Patients

Hamilton, Canada, January 20, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Dialysis treatments are not easy, either in a medical setting or at home. There are different types of dialysis -- hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis -- and not everyone is a suitable candidate for both. Some patients prefer one over the other because they find it easier to do, more comfortable, or more convenient.

Dr. Catherine Clase, a Nephrologist with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and an Associate Professor of Nephrology at McMaster University, will begin a discussion about dialysis by explaining the similarities and the differences between the types.

"I’m delighted to have this opportunity to talk about different dialysis options," Dr. Clase said. "No-one ever wants to go on dialysis, but if your kidney function is too low to stay well, and there isn’t a transplant immediately available, it will keep you going. Knowing what the options are and working with the medical team is the best way to ensure that you stay as healthy as you can and that the treatment gets in the way of living as little as possible."

Following Dr. Clase's presentation at 2pm in Classroom B on the 2nd floor of the Juravinski Innovation Tower at 50 Charlton Ave. East, a recent organ transplant recipient, and a patient who is currently doing at-home hemodialysis, will talk about their personal experiences on dialysis.

"My transition to life on dialysis happened at the same time as my transition into parenthood," said Arie Pekar, who received a kidney from a live donor last year.

"All the while, I focused on being a new dad, keeping my business running successfully and advocating to find a living kidney donor. I learned how to dialyze at home to give me more time with my family and more flexibility for my work schedule."

"It can be difficult to be learning about dialysis once your kidney function has declined to the point where dialysis or a kidney transplant are your only choices in order to stay alive," said the Hamilton Chapter Coordinator for the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation of Canada.

"Hopefully, our support meeting will be helpful for people who may be undergoing dialysis in the future, as well as for patients who want to find out more about the kind of dialysis that's preferable for them now."

Dr. Clase’s research includes: optimizing management and transition to dialysis in patients with advanced chronic renal insufficiency; symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic renal insufficiency or on dialysis. Dr. Clase is Co-Chair of the Canadian Society of Nephrology Commentary Committee for Chronic Kidney Disease, and Deputy Editor of the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and a Member of the International Society of Nephrology, among others.

This public presentation is part of an ongoing series of free 2-hour informational support meetings hosted by the Hamilton Chapter of the PKD Foundation of Canada. Registration is not required.

PKD affects an estimated 1 in 500 people worldwide. More information is available on the PKD Foundation of Canada website, www.endpkd.ca.