I remember learning how to do peritoneal dialysis. This type of dialysis is best explained by Wikipedia because I’m damned if I still understand the magical process to this day
‘Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment that uses the lining of your abdomen (belly area), called your peritoneum, and a cleaning solution called dialysate to clean your blood. Dialysate absorbs waste and fluid from your blood, using your peritoneum as a filter.’
It worked splendidly for me. No massive headaches. No boiling blood. Just bags of clear fluid on a hatstand. It also involved a three minute hand wash before you touched any of the instruments required as you were using a direct route into your belly.
It was a shame the nurse who changed my dressing after I’d had the tube first inserted forgot how very long three minutes is. I don’t blame her. She was rushed off her feet and very young. But peritonitis is a nasty, painful, roll on the bed in a ball sort of thing. Killed by large doses of antibi’s.
But yes three minutes is a long time to wash your hands. Think about it next time you clean your teeth for three. Or one.
