Fresenius Kidney Care

Home-Based Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

Several years ago, Helen Conklin, of Warwick, R.I., began in-center hemodialysis at Fresenius Medical Care Warwick. Then, she saw a nurse showing how to do home-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) and her life changed. For the past year and a half, Helen has been doing great with peritoneal dialysis.

Now at age 97, Helen uses a cycler to do her PD at night. She can set-up the machine herself and hooks up her catheter before going to bed. By the time she wakes up, she is all done dialyzing.

Due to failing eyesight, Helen stopped driving. She used to worry about getting rides to the dialysis center three times a week. Now she has her days free, more energy, and only has to visit the clinic twice a month. And her supplies are delivered by Fresenius once a month.

Helen says she doesn't get around as much as she used to. But, she still takes care of her own house with help from her daughter who lives nearby.

"I can still do pretty much everything I want," Helen said. "I don't do as much walking these days, but am still active with my senior club, and enjoy going out to lunch with friends." She also enjoys going to the local theaters, reading, watching TV, playing with her cat, and talking with her friends in Warwick and around the country. She checks in regularly with her care team at Fresenius Medical Care Warwick, and appreciates all the support they give her.

The staff at her clinic praises her upbeat attitude and dedication to her PD treatments. They appreciate her willingness to encourage others by sharing her experience.

Helen says her positive attitude has helped make her PD experience a success. "I've had ups and downs all my life, but I've always looked on the good side of things!"

When she is at the clinic, she inspires other patients with her experience with peritoneal dialysis. "I tell them how easy it is," and she reminds them that she lives alone. "Being able to do it from home has made me feel better." Helen jokes, "I've become the poster child."