Outset Medical
An Appreciation for Life, Family and Travel on Home Hemodialysis
Bob, an accomplished clinical psychologist, author, artist and sailor, is enjoying what he appreciates most, quality time with family and friends, while managing his hemodialysis at home with Tablo.
For most end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, one of the major drawbacks of going on dialysis is the limitations it can place on lifestyle and activities. Bob and his family show that it doesn't have to be that way.
At 93, Bob is very much appreciating his life, and actively enjoying sailing excursions with his large, close-knit family—an activity they have enjoyed together for more than 40 years. And, since starting home dialysis on the Tablo® Hemodialysis System this past June, coordinated by his dialysis clinic, Spectrum Dialysis, nephrologist and Outset Medical, he has been enjoying the flexibility of fitting treatment around their lifestyle.
“Our sailing has always been the focus of the family,” says Steve, Bob's oldest son out of 12 children. “Every summer and winter, we spend months aboard. It's a blessing for our extended family to get to share this much time with him, as we can be with him during treatment.”
Bob's story shows that the need for life-sustaining dialysis doesn't have to mean a life restricted by an in-center schedule, because with Tablo he has the flexibility to treat when and where he wants.
In-Center “D-Day”
Bob first discovered that his kidney function was declining about five years ago. In September of last year, after a couple of hospital visits, his nephrologist told Bob his kidney function had declined to the point where regular dialysis treatment was needed. He started dialysis in the hospital with a chest catheter.
After Bob was back home, he began treatments three days a week
in-center in Santa Barbara, where he lives with his wife, Tamsen, and
family. He also had fistula surgery in his arm. The
nine months he spent in-center were very difficult and disruptive for
Bob and his family.
“All of us used to dread dialysis days, which we called D-Day,” says
Steve. “Now since he's able to have Tablo treatments here with us, we
have so much more flexibility, and we don't lose those days of not being
able to be together.”
Tamsen also says that Bob's quality of life wasn't as good during his
time in-center. “He was out of commission for at least a day,” she
says.
Freedom at Home
Steve started researching alternatives, and discovered Outset Medical and Tablo online. Bob's nephrologist had also talked to Bob and his family about the possibility of having his hemodialysis at home, as he thought he would be an excellent candidate.
“Before this, we didn't even think it was possible to do dialysis at home,” says
Tamsen.
The family attended a Tablo demonstration with the Outset and Spectrum
Dialysis teams in early May.
“I'll be honest, at first, I was concerned that it wouldn't work. I
didn't think it would be safe, or easy,” says Tamsen. “I see now that
it's very doable.”
“The decision coincided with our summer vacation on the boat, so we decided to start there, and it's working out very well,” says Steve. “I was very impressed with the technology. With Tablo, we have much more freedom.”
Bob's Nurse Offers Her Perspective
Ada is a home hemodialysis training nurse who is handling Bob's
treatments three times a week.
“I like using Tablo with a patient at home because it's user-friendly,
and the patient has flexibility. When I'm running Bob's dialysis,
usually starting around 2 in the afternoon, he can eat snacks, spend
time with his family watching TV or having a conversation, or singing to
some music,” she says.
Flexibility and Family
The ability to treat on a flexible schedule at home allows Bob to enjoy
time with his children, many grandchildren and friends. Steve says home
dialysis has contributed greatly to his father's well-being.
“The big difference we've noticed is that it seems to take a lot less
out of him,” he says. “More importantly, we're not losing a whole day
having to go to a center. Now, we can all be together. That's been a
really big change, a better quality of life during the time he's having
treatment.”
“Tablo here at home is much less of an intrusion into Bob's and our
lives,” adds Tamsen. “I've noticed also that there's not a difference
between how he feels before and after treatment. And we can change his
treatment times, say if we're leaving on a trip. We're already planning
our upcoming vacation season,” adds Tamsen.
Read Bob's Full Story Here
Note: Excerpted from Outset Medical Doc #1970-V1
Important Safety Information
Indication Statement:
The Tablo® Hemodialysis System is indicated for use in patients with acute and/or chronic renal failure, with or without ultrafiltration, in an acute or chronic care facility. Treatments must be administered under physician's prescription and observed by a trained individual who is considered competent in the use of the device. The Tablo Hemodialysis System is also indicated for use in the home. Treatment types available include Intermittent Hemodialysis (IHD), Sustained Low Efficiency Dialysis (SLED/ SLEDD), Prolonged Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy (PIRRT), and Isolated Ultrafiltration.
Caution statement:
This device is not indicated for continuous renal replacement
therapy (CRRT) and is cleared for use for up to 24 hours. The dialysate
generated by this device is not sterile and should not be used for
intravenous (IV) infusion.
Treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Patients should always discuss the potential risks, complications, and benefits of this product with a healthcare professional, prior to receiving treatment, and should rely on their physician's judgment. Please review the product user manual prior to use for detailed instructions, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and disclosures, or call 1-844-MY TABLO (1-844-698-2254).